Cycling Albania: A Bike Ride Through History, Culture, and Landscapes

A beautiful spot in Albania near Sotire

I recently returned from a cycling Albania tour, joining the young, passionate guides who will be leading the Mediterras travelers through this fascinating country. Each of these guides manifests the welcoming spirit of Albania, eager to share their homeland’s beauty, culture, and stories with visitors.

The result of this exploration is our tour, A Taste of Albania Bike Tour, available in both self-guided and guided options.

This bike tour in Albania is a journey through landscapes, vibrant cities, and quiet rural villages. Ancient UNESCO sites, and the stunning Adriatic coast.

The arrival day is in Tirana, the capital. Once met the Guides, I had the chance to explore Tirana’s rich contrasts. Just decades ago, this city was locked behind an isolated regime, but today it’s alive with a mix of history and contemporary culture. We strolled through Scanderbeg Square, a pedestrian hub lined with historic buildings designed by Italian architects during the fascist regime and contrasted by post-communist spirit. Nearby is the iconic Block Area, once an elite quarter for communist leaders and now a hotspot for trendy cafes, bars, and shops. This dynamic energy is the perfect introduction to Albania, and our guides made every story feel personal.

Hybrid bikes during a tour in Albania

The cycling tour begins on the second day, where we head towards Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the mountains. A scenic transfer brings us to Qafë Thanë pass, where our support van awaits with our bikes ready. Descending from the pass to the shores of Lake Ohrid was so nice! The lake itself, one of Europe’s oldest, is renowned for its unique ecosystem and clear waters. We cross the border into Macedonia briefly to visit the St. Naum Monastery, an Orthodox site dating back to the 10th century, surrounded by gardens and panoramic lake views. The day wraps up in Pogradec with lakeside views and a well-deserved local meal.

From Pogradec, this bike tour of Albania goes through the agricultural heartlands to Korçë, often called the “Paris of Albania.” Cycling through fields and vineyards, we pass small villages where traditional farming remains a way of life. In Korçë, the first Albanian school and grand Orthodox Cathedral stand as reminders of the city’s importance in cultural history. Here, I was guided through the old bazaar, savoring the ambiance of this welcoming city.

The wild nature of Albania during a bike tour

The next day takes us further south to Sotirë, cycling through remote areas and along the border with Greece. The landscape changes dramatically, with farmlands giving way to high mountain views. We stop for lunch in Ersekë, Albania’s highest town, surrounded by the Gramoz Mountains. Here a challenge uphill starts as we climb toward the Barmash Pass, where snow-capped peaks and lush valleys create a sense of untouched wilderness. Arriving at Sotirë, we’re treated to a trout farm dinner and local wine, a perfect reward after a full day’s ride.

Our route from Sotirë to Benje leads us through pine forests and expansive plains, followed by a funny 14 km descent on newly paved roads. Here, we catch the Vjosa River with crystal-clear waters, our mate for the next two days.

I stopped at a Guesthouse in Benje, and in the afternoon I enjoyed the natural hot springs, nestled under an Ottoman bridge. This was a very relaxed end of the ride. Some of the group did a hike at the nearby Langarica Canyon. They come back happy for the view they had.

One of the highlights of this bike tour in Albania is the UNESCO-protected town of Gjirokastër. I was transported back in time by their slate-roofed houses and cobblestone streets. Gjirokastër is sitting on a hillside, with the fortress at the top, where we took in views of the entire valley below.

We explored the bazaar and visited a traditional Ottoman-era home, understanding the daily life in this well-preserved historic town.

Leaving Gjirokastër, we pedal towards the coast. After a brief transfer to the Muzinë Pass, we begin a long descent, reaching sea level near Saranda, the first coastal stop on our route. A detour takes us to Butrint National Park, another UNESCO site, where the Greco-Roman ruins tell a story of Albania’s ancient past. After crossing the Vivari Canal on a wooden ferry, we arrive at Butrint and spend the afternoon exploring its ancient amphitheater, temples, and fortifications. Back on our bikes, we continue toward Saranda, riding along the coastline with views of Corfu just across the water.

Our ride along Albania’s “Riviera Road” from Saranda to Himarë is truly unforgettable. This route is known for its rugged mountains, Venetian castles, and turquoise beaches. The road weaves between coastal villages, each with its own charm, and we stop in Porto Palermo, where an old Venetian castle overlooks the sea. Himarë, an ancient fishing village, is our stop for the night, and the atmosphere is relaxed as we wander the sandy beaches and enjoy local ice cream.

The final leg of this cycling tour is from Himarë to Rradhimë. It’s both challenging and rewarding. We climb through forested gorges and pass through villages where life remains untouched by the hustle of tourism. Our route takes us past the famous beaches of Jale and Dhërmi before we reach the iconic Llogara Pass. The ascent is gradual but challenging, with the Ionian Sea visible in the distance, and the views from the summit are truly worth every pedal. Descending into Llogara National Park, we finally arrive in Rradhimë, where the ride ends by the water’s edge. Here, we relax, take in the sunset over the Karaburun Peninsula, and celebrate our adventure with a final toast.

Under shadow during a bike tour in Albania

This cycling Albania experience is not just a tour—it’s a deep dive into a land of contrasts, guided by locals who bring the country’s soul to life. From ancient ruins to modern Tirana, mountain passes to coastal roads, each day on this route showcases the unfiltered beauty of Albania, made possible by a great support team, well-maintained bikes, and the thrill of exploring somewhere off the beaten path.

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