Cycling Southern Albania

Day 1. Arrival - Tirane
Upon landing at Tirana Airport, your adventure begins with a warm welcome from our driver, holding a sign with our logo or your name. A short 30-minute transfer takes you to your comfortable 3-star hotel in the heart of Tirana. Spend the day exploring this dynamic city at your own pace or join a donation-based walking tour. Stroll through the buzzing New Bazaar, delve into communist-era history, or soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Skanderbeg Square. In the evening, unwind with a cocktail in the trendy Blloku district - your journey is just getting started! (-/-/-)

Day 2. Tirane - Korca - Rehove
Begin your journey with a scenic transfer from Tirana to Korça, following the picturesque Shkumbin River and passing the stunning Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s deepest lakes. After arriving in Korça, embark on a cycling adventure through one of Albania’s most beautiful rural regions, with the towering Gramoz Mountain forming the perfect backdrop. Pedal through the fertile plains of Korça before entering remote villages along the green border with Greece.

Your route will take you to Ersekë, the highest city in Albania at 1,050 meters above sea level, before continuing to the charming village of Rehovë. Cobblestone paths, historic churches, and traditional houses characterize this peaceful village, offering a tranquil atmosphere to relax and enjoy after a day of cycling. (B/-/-)

(Total: 43km, ascent +780m, descent -500m; Transfer: 3h)  

Day 3. Rehove - Germenj
Today’s ride takes you on more rugged terrain, with old and broken asphalt, but the lack of traffic offers a peaceful atmosphere. From Barmash Pass, you’ll descend past refreshing roadside springs before tackling one final ascent through forested areas towards Shelegur.Eventually, the wooden bungalows of Sotira Farm appear nestled among the trees, marking your destination. Take a moment to unwind in this tranquil location, perhaps enjoying a hammock while watching the farm animals graze peacefully in the meadows. Sotira Farm prides itself on its organic produce, much of which comes directly from the farm itself, and its trout farm adds a unique touch to the experience. Enjoy a fresh, farm-to-table meal in this idyllic setting. (B/-/-)     

(Total: 38km, ascent +650m, descent -800m)

Day 4. Germenj - Leskovik - Benja - Gjirokaster
After a hearty farmhouse breakfast, set off towards Leskovik, where you will enjoy a scenic downhill ride that brings you closer to the Vjosa River, Europe’s last wild river. As you pedal through the valley, take in the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape, marked by dramatic mountains and lush greenery.
Upon reaching the village of Bënjë, take time to relax and rejuvenate in the curative thermal springs, known for their soothing waters and serene setting. It’s the perfect way to unwind after your ride.
Later, a convenient transfer will take you to the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastër, where you’ll check into a charming hotel in the heart of the old town. In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the town’s atmospheric local restaurants, surrounded by cobblestone streets and historic stone houses. Gjirokastër offers a rich cultural experience, with its blend of Ottoman and Albanian heritage, making it the perfect place to end a memorable day. (B/-/-)
(Total: 64km, ascent +650m, descent -1300m, Transfer: 1:45h)

Day 5. Gjirokaster - Qafe Muzine - Butrint - Saranda
After breakfast, the bikes are loaded onto a local car for a short drive to the Muzina pass. From here, enjoy a thrilling downhill ride towards the Ionian coast. Stop to visit the “Blue Eye,” a mesmerizing karst spring set in lush, jungle-like surroundings.

After a winding descent, the road flattens as you cycle alongside the Bistrica River. Continue through quiet farmland roads toward Butrint, with views of the lake and citrus groves. Cross the narrow channel to the UNESCO-listed site of Butrint by a rustic ferry, and explore this ancient city’s Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ruins. Enjoy a seafood lunch in Ksamil and take a swim to the nearby islands. Finally, cycle the last stretch o your hotel in the seaside town of Saranda. (B/-/-)
(Total: 67km, ascent +375m, descent -925m, Transfer: 30min)

Day 6. Saranda - Porto Palermo - Himare
Begin your ride heading away from the coast, with a challenging climb to the villages of Nivica and Shen Vasil, the most demanding part of the day. Once at the top, the remainder of the ride offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea, often visible to your left. Cycling along the Albanian Riviera, you'll be treated to dramatic scenery: shimmering beaches on one side, rugged coastal mountains on the other. The road winds through charming villages, olive groves, and citrus orchards, leading to Porto Palermo, famous for its submarine pens and the historic Ali Pasha Castle. Stop here for lunch, and take a short walk to the castle for panoramic coastal views. Arriving in Himare in the afternoon, unwind on the pebble beach just across from your hotel, then enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant along the promenade. (B/-/-)
(Total: 52km, ascent +1000m, descent -1000m)

Day 7. Himare - Tirane
After a week of cycling through the stunning Albanian landscapes, today is all about relaxation. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast and then spend the morning soaking up the sun on the picturesque beaches of Himara. Whether you prefer swimming in the crystal-clear waters, lounging on the beach, or taking a peaceful stroll along the shore, it’s the perfect way to unwind after your adventures.

In the afternoon, a 4 hour transfer will take you back to Tirana, bringing your cycling journey to a close. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and beautiful landscapes of Southern Albania as you return to the vibrant capital for your final evening. (B/-/-)
(Transfer: 3:30h)

Day 8. Tirane - TIA (Departure)
Time permitting, Tirana invites you to explore its streets and sights on a stroll. Sip an espresso in one of the charming bars, observe the busy morning flow and select special treats as edible souvenirs at the lively “New Bazaar”. Interested to learn more about the communist past? “Bunkart 2” and “The House of Leaves” provide insights and are only a 5 min walk away from Tirana’s main "Skanderbeg Square". Your multi-faceted journey in Albania ends with a 30 min transfer to the airport. (B/-/-)

Practical information: With nearly 260 kilometers over 5 cycling days, this holiday is perfect for regular weekend cyclists looking for a rewarding challenge. The itinerary balances shorter, easier days with minimal ascent and longer days featuring moderate climbs, with altitude gains generally between 500 and 1,000 meters. The longest ride covers 69 km, offering a satisfying but manageable distance. Rides are typically done after lunchtime, leaving shorter stretches to reach your next accommodation. You'll enjoy mostly quiet, well-surfaced roads, though a few mountain sections may be a bit rougher. The roads we use in this trip have generally little traffic and Albanian motorists are courteous, giving cyclists plenty of space, making the journey enjoyable and safe.

Weather: Spring and autumn experience moderate climate with pleasant temperatures. Enjoy the green landscape and colorfol flowers in spring or the warm Ionian Sea in autumn. The journey starts in the highlands where morning and night time temperatures can be cold and gradually descents to sea level. Summer temperatures of 35-40°C are unsuitable for all but the heat-resistant traveler.

Travel Insurance: Good travel insurance is mandatory on this tour. 

Helmet is mandatory: For safety reasons, all guests are required to wear a properly fitted cycling helmet whenever cycling as part of the trip. This is a partner safety requirement, irrespective of whether helmet use is required by local law. Helmets are considered personal equipment and are therefore not provided onsite by default. If you arrive without a helmet, we will make our best effort to source one locally in the required size. However, availability and suitable sizing cannot be guaranteed at short notice. If no suitable helmet can be obtained, you will not be able to cycle until appropriate equipment is available.