Albanian Coastal Trail – Hiking in South Albania
Exklusive Partner Offer
Hike along the Albanian Coastal Trail on the Albanian Riviera and in Llogara National Park. Discover hidden beaches, olive groves, and spend the night in small hilltop villages.
The Southern Coastal Trail Albania
Highlights:
- In spring and fall, you can enjoy the mountains and bays all to yourself, ideally combined in this hiking vacation.
- Hike along secluded shepherd’s paths, through citrus and olive groves, from one picturesque stone village to the next
- Swim in sparkling, crystal-clear water on secluded beaches, breathe in the herb-scented mountain air every day
- Hike at your own pace and without worries, while we take care of your accommodation and daily transfers
- Tirana – a city in transition between the past and a new beginning
The hiking trails along the Albanian Riviera and in the Ceraunian coastal mountains partly follow natural paths and shepherds‘ trails, which are often narrow, uneven, and sometimes steep and rocky. Even though this is a coastal hike, this route should not be confused with an easy, well-maintained hiking trail. It is the most moderate route in our program, but it is still a medium hike.
Testimonials:
From the first contact to the last day of our vacation, Zbulo provided perfect organization and logistical support. Communication by email was great; we made a few adjustments to our vacation plans and Zbulo helped us with that. All of the staff, whether drivers or people at headquarters, were very courteous and responded quickly. All of us in the group, six friends, would recommend Zbulo without reservation.
Coastal Trail Hiking Tour Albania – 8 Days
The coastal hiking trail takes you along the beautiful south coast of Albania. Although the coast is best known for its beaches, it also has a rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions to offer, which you can experience on this multi-day hike from village to village.
As you hike along sandy and pebble beaches, rocky goat paths, through olive groves, and along the narrow cobblestone streets of charming villages, the view of the seemingly endless blue sea contrasts with the backdrop of dramatic mountain ranges.
What makes it special: You get to experience the Albanian Riviera before the crowds arrive in midsummer. In places that are otherwise overcrowded, you can enjoy peace and quiet, and on the hikes you have small beaches to yourself and experience stone villages in their original state.
We offer two options for your adventure: Self-guided, i.e. on your own. Or Guided, i.e. in a small group with a local hiking guide.
What’s Included?
- Accommodation in a private rooms in 3* hotels
- All meals as detailed in the itinerary
- All transfers as specified in the itinerary, including airport transfer on arrival/departure
- Luggage transport (1 piece per person, maximum 20 kg)
- (GPS device and route description in the self-guided version)
- (English-speaking tour guide in the guided version)
Not included:
Drinks, flights
Accommodation
We are offering this hiking tour together with our partner agency with offices in Tirana, Albania, with whom we have entered into a co-operation to keep the prices as attractive as possible for you. The agency offers guided and self-guided hikes in the border triangle and is led by a German.
You can use the booking form below to make a reservation. Select a tour with „Select trip“ and follow the instructions on the form. We will then contact you by email. Payment will be made by bank transfer, no credit card needed.
If you should have questions beyond what is answered already here and in the extensive FAQ section at the bottom of the page, you can contact us via WhatsApp as well.
What hikers say:
Secure your spot:
+49 176 66893313
Trail Information
Difficulty
Discover the Albanian Riviera and the Ceraunian coastal mountains at your own pace. Moderate day hikes of 3 to 5 hours, most of which can be shortened or extended as desired. The routes along the coast, in the hinterland, and in the Alps follow rocky and poorly defined shepherd’s paths and old field trails. Those who are more confident can climb the second-highest peak in the coastal mountains.
Weather
In spring and fall, the climate is mild with pleasant temperatures. Enjoy the landscape and flowers in spring or the warm Ionian Sea in fall. Note that Llogara National Park has an alpine microclimate with strong winds. At sea level and lower altitudes, summer temperatures of 35–40 °C are too hot for most activities. The intense sunshine and high temperatures make the weather from mid-June to the end of August unsuitable for activities and hiking.
Transfers
Airport transfers are provided in private vehicles.
Accommodation
For five nights, a family-run beach hotel on the Albanian Riviera will be your home. After that, you will stay in a cozy mountain hut in Llogara National Park. The trip ends in a centrally located hotel in Tirana. All rooms have private bathrooms.
For five consecutive days, you will stay in a family-run 3-star hotel in Potami Bay in Himare, on or near the beach (maximum 250 m walk). The view from the rooms varies and can be sea or mountain view; we have no influence on room allocation. The rooms with sea views are located on a busy street, while the rooms with mountain views are quieter.
Food & Water
The food in this part of the world will be something you look forward to at the end of each day. The dishes are freshly prepared in the traditional way and feature a mix of Balkan, Turkish, and European influences. A variety of fresh dishes are served, as well as homemade bread with locally grown vegetables, dairy products, and eggs. Dinner includes traditional soups, fish and meat dishes, vegetables, and cakes.
Vegetarians and special diets are no problem, as the vegetarian alternatives are offered. However, the selection is sometimes simpler and somewhat limited.
Bring your own water bottle to fill up on the hike. You can get water from mountain streams or tap water in the hotels, both of which are safe to drink. If you have concerns about drinking untreated water, we recommend bringing water purification tablets. You should carry 2-3 liters with you on each stage.
Additional nights
Additional nights in Tirana before or after the tour can be arranged. You can add this directly in the booking form here on the page under “Add-ons.” You can also ask any further questions there. You will receive the most important general travel information and route description later on anyway.
Language & communication
Albanian. In large cities and coastal towns, many people speak English, but this is not always the case in very remote areas.
Power outlets & electricity
220V, 50 Hz, two-pin round plugs (as in the US). In most villages, guesthouses have solar panels, which provide hot water and allow electrical devices to be charged. In some villages or in the mountains, there is also cell phone reception. Especially in Valbona and Theth, you can expect very good network coverage.
Money & currency
Lek in Albania, but euros are also often accepted. ATMs are available in Tirana, Permet, and Gjirokastra.
Visa requirements
German, Swiss, and Austrian citizens can enter Albania without a visa. All you need is an ID card or passport that is valid for at least 3 months.
Packing list
- Sturdy (ankle-high) hiking boots
- A comfortable second pair of shoes or sandals
- Hat or other form of sun protection, in addition to sunscreen and sunglasses
- Lightweight rain gear just in case (95% of the rain falls in winter)
- 2l water equipment
- Daypack 20-35l
- Swimwear/shorts
Booking and cancellation policy
Following your reservation, a deposit of 25% of the booking price is due by bank transfer, with the remaining amount payable up to 4 weeks before the start of your tour. In the event of cancellation, the deposit is non-refundable.
