Looking for a memorable walking holiday in Albania?
Step off the beaten path and into a land where history, nature, and culture converge in spectacular fashion. This fully guided walking holiday in Albania is your invitation to explore a country still largely undiscovered by mainstream tourism. Over the course of seven unforgettable days, you’ll meander through charming wine villages, uncover ancient castles, and enjoy panoramic coastal hikes – all with the comfort of expert local guidance, quality accommodation, and seamless logistics throughout.
Your adventure begins in Tirana, Albania’s lively and colourful capital. Once a modest Ottoman outpost, Tirana has blossomed into a thriving European city full of contrast and charm. A guided walking tour leads you through its fascinating layers of history – from the elegant Italianate boulevards to relics of its communist past, like the thought-provoking Bunk’Art 2 museum. You’ll also enjoy highlights such as Skanderbeg Square, the Ethem Bey Mosque, and the National Opera House. There’s time to relax and soak up the vibrant café culture before your walking journey continues deeper into the countryside.
From Tirana, you’ll be whisked away to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously known as “the town of a thousand windows.” Picture-perfect Ottoman houses stacked on the hillside create a dramatic setting for your visit. But the true highlight lies just beyond: Roshnik, a traditional wine village surrounded by olive groves and rolling vineyards. Here, you’ll take a gentle hike beginning at the renowned Alpeta Winery, where terraced hillsides offer breathtaking views over the valley. The walk culminates with a tasting of delicious organic wines, making it a standout experience for those who appreciate local flavour and hospitality.
The journey continues to Vlora, your base for several days of scenic walking and cultural discovery. This coastal city sits where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet and is the gateway to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Albania. From here, you’ll embark on a coastal drive along the Albanian Riviera, stopping to explore Porto Palermo Castle – a Venetian-era fortress surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Optional swims and fresh seafood lunches offer the perfect balance to your walking itinerary.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted by two more standout hikes. First, you’ll take on the Maja e Qorres trail in Llogara National Park, ascending forested ridges to reach sweeping alpine views of the Ionian coast. Then, experience the rugged beauty of Gjipe Bay, a secluded beach reached by a one-hour scenic walk. Though the return hike is more challenging, the reward is total serenity and a refreshing dip in crystal-clear water, well worth the effort.
Your holiday concludes with a ride on the Dajti Express cable car, climbing high above Tirana to reach tranquil trails through oak forests and mountain passes. You’ll follow the path to Tujani Peak, taking in dramatic views of Lake Bovilla and the remote highlands that frame the city. It’s a peaceful and inspiring final walk to end your Albanian adventure.
Throughout your trip, you’ll enjoy easy to moderate daily walks, a relaxed pace, and the company of like-minded travellers. With all logistics taken care of – including comfortable transport, knowledgeable guides, and well-located accommodation – you’re free to simply enjoy the beauty of Albania, one step at a time.
If you’re looking for a new kind of walking holiday – one filled with warm hospitality, cultural richness, and unspoiled landscapes – Albania might just surprise you. This walking holiday in Albania is more than a trip, it’s a journey into one of Europe’s best-kept secrets!
Holiday Highlights
- Three nights half board at the 4 star Green House Hotel in Tirana
- Four nights half board in Vlora
- Local knowledgeable walking guides
- Walking tour of Tirana the Albanian Capital
- Three guided walks
- Wine tasting in Roshnik
- Flights included from your local airport
Itinerary
Day One – Arrival Day
Flight to Tirana , transfer to your hotel the 4 star Green House Hotel for two nights half board accommodation.
Day Two – Walking tour of Tirana
You’ll explore the historic and architectural evolution of Tirana, which features a dynamic and rich history as it moved from a small rural and trade centre in the 17th century into the main capital of Albania, the cultural hub with traces of ancient ruins, Ottoman, Italian, communist and modern buildings and traditions. The walking tour will start from Scanderbeg Square and your guide will lead you to see Tirana City Hall, the Statue of Scanderbeg, Ethem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, National Library, the Opera House and the mosaic “Albanians” on top of the entrance of the National Historical Museum, reaching the main Italian boulevard, with the view of the Art Gallery and the distinguished Italian buildings.
Day Three – Walk 1 & Wine Tasting
3 MILES – 250M ASCENT/DESCENT After breakfast you will transfer to Berat (approximately 2.5hrs) where there will be the opportunity to take pictures of the town of a thousand windows, a UNESCO Heritage site. You will then proceed to Roshnik, a charming wine village nestled in the rolling hills of southern Albania, near the city of Berat. Known for its lush vineyards, traditional architecture, and scenic landscapes, Roshnik offers a peaceful escape. A short hike starting at Alpeta Winery, the village’s renowned winemaking establishment, allows you to explore this picturesque region. The hike provides a perfect opportunity to appreciate the blend of history, nature and wine making that defines Roshnik. After your walk, return to Alpeta Winery to enjoy a tasting of their organic wines. You will then transfer to the popular 4 star Hotel Partner in Vlora, where you well spend the next four evenings half board.
Day Four – Visit the Porto Palermo Castle & Monastery of Zvernec
Enjoy the scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera to Himara, Porto Palermo Bay where you will have the opportunity to take photos and have a refreshment or two (not included). Your first destination is a visit to Porto Palermo Castle, located in a picturesque bay in southern Albania, near the town of Himara. The castle is perched on a small peninsula, making it an ideal spot for exploring and enjoying stunning views of the Ionian Sea. The first thing that catches your eye is the castle’s well-preserved walls. Porto Palermo Castle was originally built by the Venetians in the 15th century, but it was later expanded and fortified by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, a powerful Albanian ruler, in the early 19th century. The thick stone walls, strong bastions and a large gate give it a fortress-like appearance. After your visit, take the opportunity to bath or swim in the blue waters of the Ionian Sea, or enjoy delicious fish dishes at a local restaurant. Your journey back is broken up by a visit to the historic Monastery of Zvernec marooned on an island in the Narta Lagoon. The tranquil Monastery is only accessible via a winding boardwalk that connects the island to the mainland.
Day Five – Walk 2
5.5 MILES – 130M ASCENT/DESCENT Maja e Qorres is a high mountain peak located in southern Albania, the mountain has an altitude of 2018 metres and is the second highest peak of the Ceraunian Mountains, after Çika peak. The starting point of this trail is in Llogara Pass, which is located in Llogara National Park. From there you will start ascending to the peak. The first kilometre of the trail is through a dense forest until you reach the ridge. Then, you will follow the ridge which leads you to another forest, continuing the ascent on the right side until you reach the Qorre Pass, which has an altitude of around 1850 m/alt. From there you can enjoy the magical view of the Çika peak and the Ionian Sea. After ascending to the Qorre Pass, you will climb the last hill which is less than 200m ascent in a 500m hike. When you reach the peak, the views are stunning and well worth the journey.
Day Six – Visit Gjipe Bay
You begin the day with a 1.5hr transfer to the point where you begin the 1 hour hike to the stunning Gjipe Bay, nestled along the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea. This unshaded trail offers beautiful coastal views, but be prepared for a more challenging return hike, especially under the hot sun. Enjoy the serenity of the beach before making your way back to the starting point. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection for a safe, memorable adventure!
Day Seven – Walk 3
4 MILES – 475M ASCENT/DESCENT After breakfast you will check out of your hotel and transfer back to the Capital Tirana for your final night’s accommodation. Your last walk starts with a relaxed trip up the mountain with the Dajti Express cable car gondolas, which offers a great view over Tirana and its surroundings. Once you arrive at the top, the trip hits a well-trodden trail that winds through the oak forest to the Cherry Pass, running between the two peaks of Dajti. The tour continues further along the trail with continuous views of the western lowlands of Albania and the Adriatic coast. Your guide will lead you to the peak of Tujani (1,580m), which is the highest point that can be reached by foot. From the peak the panorama broadens inland and you can enjoy the beautiful panorama of Lake Bovilla locked between the mountains and the remote highlands of Tirana, dominated by the St. Mary Miçek Mountain. After a snack break near the peak, we start walking back towards the cable car station for another quick ride to Tirana.
Day Eight – Departure Day
Transfer to Tirana Airport for your return flight home.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable and stylish stay on your walking holiday with three nights at the Hotel Green House 4 star in Tirana, a charming boutique hotel offering modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Albania’s vibrant capital. Then, unwind for four nights at the Hotel Partner 4 star in Vlora, a well-appointed hotel perfectly located for exploring the stunning Albanian Riviera, with easy access to the coastline and local cultural highlights.
Greenhouse Hotel – 4 Star
Tiranai – 3 Nights
TV, Free Wi-Fi, Hairdryer, Safe, Balcony or Terrace, Private bathroom, Lounge bar
Hotel Partner – 4 Star
Vlora- 4 Nights
TV, Free Wi-Fi, Hairdryer, Safe, Balcony or Terrace, Private bathroom, swimming pool, Spa centre, Kettle, Lounge bar
Hotel Features
Dates & Prices
No available dates at this time. Please try again later.
You might be interested in
Catalonia – Trails and Rails
Enjoy a relaxing and enriching stay at the brand-new Estival Maramar Hotel, nestled along the stunning Mediterranean coast.
Walking in Tuscany & Liguria
Walking in Cyprus
Cyprus is an ancient land of mystery, legend, beauty, and love. Aphrodite rose from the sea from near your resort of Paphos and took pity on Pygmalion by bringing to life his statue of the beautiful Galatea – their son was Paphos.