cycling in southern albania – unique trails and landscapes

Price From

POA

Duration

6 Days

Category

Cycling

Support Level

Self-Guided

Destinations

Southern Albania

Start/Finish

Tirana

Why join this tour?

  • Pedal through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and mountain passes to serene beaches and wild river valleys.
  • Discover Korça’s vibrant market, Ali Pasha Tepelena’s Aqueduct, and the ruins of Porto Palermo Fortress.
  • Unwind at thermal baths, enjoy the tranquillity of your hotels and guesthouses, and savour the charm of coastal villages.
  • Set your own pace on a self-guided journey, supported by expertly crafted routes and detailed maps for a stress-free experience.

The right tour for you?

  • This is a self-guided cycling tour. We will provide you with all the necessary information to safely perform it.
  • This tour has been rated as moderate, so a certain level of fitness is required
  • This tour starts and ends in Tirana. We will take care of your transfers from Tirana to the starting point of the cycling tour on day 1, and from the ending point of the tour back to Tirana, on day 6.
Day 1: Cycling Across the Korça Plateau

Cycling: 34km, 3h, ↑150m, ↓150m

This tour starts with a transfer to Pogradec, where you can enjoy the tranquillity of the lake promenade. We will drop you off at the Korça Plateau, where your bike ride through flat, scenic terrain begins. Pass through villages on your way to Korça, a city steeped in cultural and historical significance. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the traditional market and marvel at the striking Cathedral of “Christ Resurrection”. Rest and recharge with an overnight stay in Korça, a city that promises warmth and wonder.”

The price includes:
  • Private transfer from Tirana to the starting point of the ride
  • Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Korça
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 2: From Korça to Gërmenj: A Scenic Cycling Adventure

Cycling: 68km, 6h, ↑1200m, ↓1100m

After breakfast, embark on a scenic bike ride through the enchanting landscapes of southeastern Albania. Pedal through lush forests, where the dappled sunlight filters through towering trees, and the gentle rustle of leaves accompanies your journey. Feel a sense of freedom and connection with nature as you navigate the winding trails. Along the way, stop to admire panoramic views of rolling hills and pristine countryside. The day concludes with a warm welcome at your cozy guesthouse, offering the perfect retreat after your day of adventure.

The price includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation in a guesthouse in Gërmenj
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 3: Cycling to the Vjosa Valley’s Wild Beauty

Cycling: 65km, 5h, ↑600m, ↓1300m

Begin your ride directly from the accommodation, cycling south on a gentle incline to a forest plateau. The route continues with minor elevation changes for 15 kilometres, leading to Leskovik, a peaceful mountain town. From there, the ride becomes a downhill adventure toward the Greek border, before veering sharply and continuing along the breathtaking Vjosa River Valley. The Vjosa River, one of the last wild rivers in Europe, flows untamed through the valley, offering a rare glimpse into nature’s unspoiled beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, rolling hills, and lush fields, the scenery offers unforgettable views. Conclude the day with accommodation in Përmet.

The price includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation in a 4-Star hotel in Përmet
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 4: Benjë’s Thermal Baths and the Vjosa River Valley

Cycling: 57km, 5h, ↑500m, ↓600m

After breakfast, you will have time to relax at the natural thermal baths of Benjë’s, located only a short ride from your hotel in Përmet. The six thermal pools, nestled along the Langarica River, offer a perfect retreat after two demanding days. Once refreshed, hop on your bike for a leisurely ride along the picturesque Vjosa River Valley. With little altitude changes, today’s route provides a tranquil journey to your accommodation near Tepelena.

The price includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation in a guesthouse in the surroundings of Tepelena.
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 5: From Mountain Trails to Seaside Serenity

Cycling: 54km, 6h, ↑1300m, ↓1500m

Your day begins with a ride through the picturesque Bença River valley, known for its stunning karst landscapes, dramatic canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Pause to marvel at the historic stone Aqueduct of Ali Pasha Tepelena, a timeless structure still standing in quiet defiance of the years. The journey takes you through gentle flats for 8 kilometers before leading to breathtaking panoramic views at 1,030 meters. From there, the path flows smoothly downhill into Kuç, meandering through serene villages and rolling landscapes. The Ionian Coast awaits as your destination of the day, where the whitewashed shores and turquoise waters embrace you in their tranquil beauty. Your hotel offers a restful retreat, a perfect end to a day filled with discovery and wonder.

The price includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation in a 3-Star hotel in a coastal village
*Please see “Inclusions” section!

 

Day 6: Cycling along the Ionian Coast to Llogara

Cycling: 60km, 6h, ↑1600m, ↓1450m

Today’s ride takes you along the breathtaking Ionian Coast, celebrated for its natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. Along the way, stop at the Bay of Porto Palermo, historically significant as a Cold War military base. In the centre of the bay, visit the ruins of Ali Pasha’s Fortress, perched on a picturesque peninsula. Pass ancient and medieval villages scattered across mountain slopes, adding to the ride’s charm. The journey continues through the lush Llogara National Park, where the vehicle awaits to transfer you to Tirana, marking the end of your cycling adventure.

The price includes:
  • Breakfast
  • Private transfer from the ending point of the ride Tirana
*Please see “Inclusions” section!
The price includes:
  • Private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle (Days 1 and 6)
  • Bicycle transportation (Days 1 and 6)
  • 3 nights accommodation in hotels on a twin-share basis (Days 1, 3 and 5)
  • 2 night accommodation in a guesthouse on a twin-share basis (Days 2 and 4)
  • 5 x Breakfast
  • Detailed information and route descriptions in English
  • 24/7 emergency telephone support

 

The price does not include:

  • Transfers not listed under “The price includes”
  • Luggage transportation between the accommodations
  • Touring bike rental
  • Support with the bicycles during the tour
  • Entry tickets to museums, galleries, etc.
  • Meals not listed under “The price includes”
  • Any beverages
  • Any type of insurance
  • Other services not listed under “The price includes”

Low Season:

01 April 2025 – 31 May 2025

01 October 2025 – 30 November 2025

High Season:

01 June 2025 – 30 September 2025

Traveling with a group larger than four or seeking customized accommodations? Contact us here.

Riding time:
Estimated riding times are given for each day. These times do vary, however, according to the day’s weather conditions, and the fitness levels of the tour participants. These times do not include times taken for meals and breaks.

 

Equipment:

Rental of touring bicycles is not possible for self-guided tours. You will have to bring your own touring bike and necessary spare parts and will be responsible for its maintenance.

 

Technical Difficulty:

This trip has been rated as Moderate.
This trip is designed for cyclists of average fitness able to cover around 60km (average) per day on back-to-back days. There are sections of smooth tarmac on deserted roads, and sections of older tarmac in between, with a lower surface level quality.
You will be riding on public roads, that are shared with other road users. Please be careful and courteous towards them. All relevant traffic laws need to be followed at all time.
No technical skill is required.

 

Orientation:

Most of the roads are well signed. We will provide you with a detailed information package to help your navigation. Eventual bad weather can make navigation difficult. Good navigation skills are necessary.

 

Luggage transportation:

During this tour you will have to carry your own luggage. Please pack carefully and lightly.
We will take care for the transportation of your luggage only during the transfers on days 1 and day 6.

 

You can find more detailed information by clicking here.

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