Albanian Alps

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 or the Accursed Mountains, home to country’s highest peaks (Korabi, 2752m and Jezerca 2694m) in the north of the country are among the most spectacular sites to see in the Balkans, with Thethi, Valbona and Kelmendi national parks being a perfect destination! Make sure you take the route from Koman to Fierza, offering terrific views and landscapes, maybe some of the most beautiful in Europe. Or

See below our selection of the most beautiful mountains and mountain villages across all sides for the country to plan your escape.

Valbonë Valley

The Valbona river valley is a gorgeous place surrounded by mountain peaks and sits within one of the most important national parks of Albania home to magnificent springs, canyons, picturesque villages with Alpine-style houses, wild animals and, of course, the crystal clear waters of the Valbona River. The Valbonë valley and its breath-taking panoramas, the colors of spring and the snow covering the steep peaks, will "plunge" you into a surreal world, a fairy tale that every visitor to Albania must experience at least once in their life.

This region offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including skiing, climbing, fishing, excursions and hiking. For adventurers and mountain lovers, Valbonë can also serve as a starting point for climbing Mount Jezerca, Albania's second highest peak.

Don’t miss the beautiful villages of Dragobi and Rrogam resplendent with colour during your visit.

Vermosh

Hidden in the north of Albania, near the Montenegrin border, Vermosh is the northernmost village in the country 1100m above sea level. This mountain hamlet lies in one of the most spectacular valleys of the Accursed Mountain, a mountain range in Northern Albania that extends to Montenegro and Kosovo, famous for its glaciers and stunning landscapes. On the way to Vermosh, your attention will be drawn to the crystal-clear waters of the Cemi River, which create a beautiful contrast with the surrounding landscape.

Thethi

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. The mountain village of Theth is undoubtedly the most charming mountain hamlet in Albania and maybe one of the best of the Balkan. With its sublime mountain views, you will understand why it has been named the gem of the Albanian Alps: located in a dramatic scenery, a green valley surrounded by high peaks and stunning landscapes, it is just amazing. The highlight here is a lovely Catholic church situated in the heart of the village.

This region is incredibly beautiful, do not miss the Grunas waterfall (30 m high), the Okol cold springs, the Birrat me Rrathë caves (round holes) and Mount Arapi.


Mali i Dajtit, 1,613 m above sea level shades the Albanian capital of Tirana from the east. The quickest and easiest way up the mountain is by cable car. Transporting cabins lift visitors into a high mountain base very close to the peak. From here, you’ll get the perfect aerial view of Tirana, its plain and surrounding region.Dajti Mountain is part of a vast and mountainous Natural Park covering a surface of 292 km² (29,200 ha) home to species like wild boar, red fox, European hare, Eurasian wolf, brown bear, and different wildcats.

Mount Ostrovice: Mount Ostrovicë (2,383m) is part of a 14km long summit ridge. From all the peaks south of Albania, Ostrovica is one of the most remote, challenging, and beautiful. From the top, one has a clear view of Mount Tomorri, the mountains of Gramosh, and the peak of Nëmërçka. On the lower parts, the area is perfect for pasture. Flocks come from other regions to graze during warm periods.

Tomorri Mountain: (2,417m) near the UNESCO-protected city of Berat in south-central Albania is one of the most famous mountains in the country. The mountain is part of Tomorri National Park, an area that covers a surface of 40 km² (4,000 ha), full of natural wonders, cultural sites, and other attractions. Climbing Tomorri to reach its highest peak “Cuka e Partizanit” may prove a challenging venture

Gramoz is one of Albania's three highest mountains (2523 m). It is located in the south-eastern part of the country, in Kolonjë. Gramoz is the highest mountain across southern Albania with a base that spreads in both Albania and Greece. The mountain is part of the Pindus Mountain Range.

Mount Nemërçka is located in the southern part of Albania and rises to 2,485 m above sea level. It’s the next highest peak in the southern part of the country after Gramoz.

Mount Shebenik is the highest mountain in the Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park. At an altitude of 2,253 m, 14 glacial lakes and 3 artificial lakes can be found on Shebenik Mountain. The peak of Shebenik is the crown jewel of the National Park Shebenik-Jabllanicë in eastern Albania. It’s the highest peak among many others of the same mountain range. The national park covering a surface of 33,927 ha includes the famous forests of Rrajca, a worldwide natural treasure protected by UNCESCO.

Mount Cika (2,045m) lies on the coast between the Ionian Sea to the west and the Shushica Valley to the east. It is the highest peak of the Ceraunian Range. The mountain seems higher than it actually is, since it begins at sea level. The northern side of the mountain is part of the Llogara National Park. On the foot of Çika’s western side there are some of the best beaches of Albanian Southern Riviera. From the peak, there is a beautiful panorama of the northern Ionian islands, Sazan, and Apulian coast.