A lovely week in an undisturbed mountain environment. We hardly saw anyone else on our walks, and Yagodina village is completely calm. It feels such a healthy week – unspoilt and wholesome.
Hiking Albania
Hiking Tours in Albania
Top 5 Destinations on Hiking Tours in Albania
White Circle: The ‘White Circle’ has been given its name owing to the peaks in the Albania Alps which tower over 2,000 metres. Trekking high up in this region presents you with some of the most inspiring views in the country, which stretch out to Jezerca and Maja e Herurave. You’ll also enjoy panoramic vistas over the pretty valley below. Choose to either walk the full distance of the ‘White Circle’ or just hike to the imposing ridge before descending back down into the valley.
Komani Lake: Hugged on all sides by stunning mountain scenery, Komani Lake enjoys a beautiful setting close to the Valbona Valley National Park in northern Albania. The artificial lake was created in 1980 with a tall dam on one side and the three hydroelectric plants that have been built here produce around 70% of the country’s electricity. The backdrop to Komani Lake is out of this world and makes a wonderful destination for walking tours in Albania. Take a boat trip across the water to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective as you sail beneath imposing cliffs and mountains.
Berat: Sloping down to the shores of the Osum River, the town of Berat is known for its white Ottoman houses, hilltop castle and Byzantine churches. The old town is extremely picturesque, and a walking tour guides you among the cobbled streets lined with beautiful architecture, and to the 18th-century Ethnographic Museum and the King Mosque. Standing on the side of Mount Tomorr, Berat Castle is one of the main sites to visit and here you’ll discover the Red Mosque, the Onufri National Museum and the Byzantine churches wrapped inside the castle walls. Walk to the summit of Mount Tomorr for immense views over the town and countryside.
Shkodër: The city of Shkodër lies in the north of Albania and is a popular stopping place for walkers heading to the Albanian Alps or Komani Lake. As well as wandering around the local cafes and shops, it’s worth spending some time visiting the historical sites. Just a 30-minute walk from the centre of the city is the 14th-century Rozafa Castle, which has become one of Albania’s main attractions. As you explore the old stone walls, winding staircases and archways, you’ll learn about the legendary tales that surround the castle.
Tirana: A true Balkan gem, Tirana is the colourful capital of Albania but coursing through the walls of its pastel-coloured buildings is a turbulent history. The city is renowned for its showy Ottoman architecture and there are several significant landmarks worth visiting where you can learn more about Tirana’s fascinating past. Head to Skanderbeg Square to see the equestrian statue or visit the National History Museum to discover Albania’s history, from prehistoric times through to its communist era and the subsequent revolt of the anti-communists in the late 20th century.
Paul Masters Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains
Simon Guinn Mont Blanc HighlightsAn unbelievably beautiful part of the world, crossing corners of three countries each as beautiful as each other. Based in Les Houches, just 20 minutes outside Chamonix, we stayed in Chalet Chalupa, a modern, spacious comfortable chalet with all the amenities you would need and more. Big bedrooms, all with en-suite and most with a balcony. A hot tub outside for relaxing the aching bones after the walks just adds to the luxury.
Whilst we were a bit out of Chamonix, the public bus service was excellent, every 30 minutes promptly. Equally, there is plenty on offer in Les Houches if you want to stay local to the chalet.
Our hosts, Laura and Gonzalo, had treats to welcome us, provided breakfast, lunch (packed) and dinner of excellent standards every day (apart from the free day of course when breakfast is provided but not lunch or dinner). We didn’t go hungry!
Paul Adams Mont Blanc HighlightsI really loved the week. The walks were stunning, and it was great to be able to have to plan nothing, just be taken for amazing day walks. More solo walkers in the group than I had expected which was good for me being one myself (rather than being the odd one out amongst couples) and the group were really good company. I stayed in Chalet Chocolat, the location was great, a 20 min walk outside the lovely Chamonix, or a few mins on the train the station for which is just a couple of minutes away (and you are given a weeks ticket on arrival). The food provided was very tasty (many thanks Sol and Tomas), the bedrooms a bit basic but wasn’t staying for a luxury trip, rather for the walking so that was fine, and they were ensuite which is what matters for me. Highly recommended, I just wish I could do the week for the first time again.
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