The Most Beautiful Mountain Villages in Albania

Holy Trinity Church at the Berat Citadel in Albania
Holy Trinity Church at the Berat Citadel in Albania | © Leonid Andronov / Alamy
Francesca Masotti

If you think that Albania has only gorgeous beaches to offer visitors, think again. One of the most beautiful things to do in the Land of the Eagles is to spend time relaxing, surrounded only by nature, in the country’s amazing mountains. The Albanian Alps are among the most spectacular sites to see in the Balkan trail, so if you hate crowds, warm temperature and tourists, avoid the Riviera and come to visit one of the wildest areas of Europe. Read our list of the most beautiful mountain villages to escape to in Albania.

Theth, Albania

Albania is brimming with archaeological appeal, agricultural heritage and cascading rivers. The Albanian Alps or Accursed Mountains feature an array of sun-kissed peaks that watch over the wooded patches as they come into their own. A pocket of uninterrupted peace, the micro mountain village of Theth holds the Tower of Nikoll Koçeku and sublime mountain views. Theth is undoubtedly the most charming mountain hamlet to be seen in Albania and maybe one of the best of the Balkans. Once here you’ll easily understand why Theth has been named the gem of the Albanian Alps: located in a dramatic scenery, a green valley surrounded by high peaks and stunning landscapes, this hamlet is just amazing. The highlight here is a lovely Catholic church situated in the heart of the village. If you want to live a unique and romantic experience, come to Theth and you will not be disappointed.

Vermosh

Fierza

Fierza itself doesn’t have so much to offer its visitors, but the road to get there could be one of the most beautiful things you will do in your entire life. You’ve probably heard of Shkodra before, the most important town in the north of Albania. Shkodra is the starting point to reach Koman, the hamlet from where the ferries leave for Fierza. The route from Koman to Fierza offers terrific views and landscapes, maybe some of the most beautiful in Europe.

Kukës

Kukës is a mountain village strategically located on the road that leads to Kosovo. Most of the visitors use it as base to explore the youngest country in Europe, but if you are looking for peace and quiet, you should consider spending few hours here surrounded by nature and admiring the gorgeous mountain views.

Valbona

Valbona isn’t actually a hamlet, more a mountain hub formed by guesthouses, restaurants and camping grounds. Usually most travelers spend one night here before going to Theth, but Valbona is worth a visit because is a gorgeous place surrounded by mountain peaks and sits within one of the most important national parks of Albania.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article