Hiker with a backpack stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking a vast forested mountain valley under a clear blue sky in Albania

Up in the Albanian Alps

Bite-sized trip

  • Travelife
  • ABTOT
  • ATOL
    • Itinerary:
      Theth
    • Duration:
      3 days / 2 nights
    • Price:
      From £169 per person (excluding flights)

    The tiny village of Theth has easily got one of the most dramatic settings in the whole of Albania. Surrounded by the snowy peaks of rugged mountains and linked to Valbona valley by the iconic trail this place is a must visit for any avid hiker or nature lover.

    Stone church with a bell tower and wooden shingle roof stands in a grassy field surrounded by lush green mountains under a cloudy sky in Albania

    Rugged mountains rise above a dense green forest and grassy slopes in Albania

    Day 1 – Journey with a view

    Getting to Theth is a magical experience in itself. Think winding roads, hairpin bends and breath-taking scenery all around. So much so that reaching your destination is likely going to take you twice the time. Not only because of the lack of pavement (expect a real country road closer to Theth), but mostly because at every turn you'd want to make a stop to take in the views! Or have a picnic at one of the viewpoints.

    As you descend into the valley you'll see the rooftops of the village nestled in its very heart. This picture-perfect spot is your home for the next few days, and here you'll lead a true mountainous life staying in a simple local family-run hut where guests are treated like family. Welcome to the Albanian Alps!

    Day 2 – Wander around Theth

    Today is free for you to explore Theth and the valley surrounding you. Adopt the local slow pace of life, breath in fresh air, unwind and enjoy just being in this very moment - something we often forget to do when life takes over.

    If you're after some action, set out on a hike to the Blue Eye. This bright turquoise pool of water fed by a waterfall and surrounded by the green forests appears straight from a fairy-tale and is one of the main sites in the area. When you return back to Theth, your hosts will welcome you with a hearty meal.

    Man sits on rocks by a turquoise lake with a waterfall and lush forest in Albania
    Four brown chickens on green grass in front of rustic wooden buildings with mountains behind in Albania

    Day 3 – The end of your adventures in Theth

    Today after breakfast it's time to part with the peaceful life you've adopted in the past few days. Say your goodbyes to your hosts, hop in the car and head to your next destination. The next adventure awaits!

    Accommodation

    Rural village with stone houses and a church in a green valley with high mountains in Theth in Albania
    Attic room in a wooden guesthouse in Albania, with exposed beams, skylight, and large bed.
    Cozy guesthouse in Theth, Albania, surrounded by green mountains.

    For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options

    1Add to my trip

    Up in the Albanian Alps - with Valbona Pass trek

    • Price:
      From £549 per person (excluding flights)
    • Included:
      Accommodation in Valbone and Theth, all meals, transfers, guide.

    Hike the iconic Valbona Pass for the ultimate Albanian Alps experience. There's nothing like that feeling of absolute freedom when you're up in the mountains, surrounded by raw nature and dramatic landscapes. During this trip you'll have the opportunity to explore Valbona valley as well as tackle one of the most famous trails in Albania. You'll sleep in local guesthouses, simple but welcoming, eat hearty home-cooked meals and listen to your guide's tales as you go along. You will cover 14.7km (around 9 miles), which should take between 6-9 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and experience. Speak to your travel specialist for more information.

    This bite-sized trip combines well with