Hiking in southern Albania – Hidden Zagoria Valley (7 Day Tour)

Day 01: Arrive in Tirana. Transfer to Peshtan

Upon your arrival at Tirana Airport, a private group transfer will be organised to pick you up and take you to the charming village of Peshtan in southern Albania. Peshtan, which nestles on a gentle mountainside, is a village steeped in history. It witnessed an important battle during the Greco-Italian War and also contains remains from the Second World War.

We will stay in a welcoming guesthouse and your local hosts, Mira and her husband, who are also teachers in the village, will provide you with a fascinating guided tour of the first battle and the axes lost in the Second World War.

Day 02: Hike Peshtan – Limare

We start today with a shorter hike from Peshtan to Limara. We begin on a trail that leads through open woodland to a pass, where you can enjoy great panoramic views of the valley flanked by mountains on both sides.

Along the way, you will pass the magnificent stone bridge over the Deshnica River, built in the 19th century by the famous Albanian leader Ali Pasha of Tepelena. During the hike, enjoy the breathtaking views of the river valley and the majestic summit of Strakavec, which rises over 2000 metres above the landscape. After about five to six hours of hiking, including a final ascent, you will reach the welcoming village of Limara, where Nol, the village teacher, will accommodate you in his guesthouse.

Limara offers a glimpse into the past with its timeless atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. Exploring the village, you will be mesmerised by the three imposing peaks of Hormova and Sheshi Malit, which form a breathtaking backdrop. The village is adorned with stone houses and an Orthodox church. The buildings bear witness to the struggle for religious freedom in the early 20th century, which was characterised by their conversion from places of worship to cattle farms under communist rule. Limara is also home to hundreds of sheep and goats, which graze on the local mountains and provide organic food for the village and valley.

Day 03: Hike from Limare to Hoshteve. Transfer to Sheper

On your hike from Limara to Hoshteve, you will be immersed in the beauty of beech and oak forests and meadows full of colourful flowers. As you continue, you will leave the Strakavec peak behind you and see the Dhembeli massif on your left, which resembles a row of tooth-like peaks. Take a refreshing break by dipping your feet in the cool stream while you enjoy your picnic.

The trail will take you through the almost abandoned village of Deshnice, which is often considered one of the most remote villages in Europe. Your journey ends in Hoshteve, a village known for its large church and remarkable icons. In Hoshteva, you will then take a transfer to the village of Sheper. Sheper is the largest village along the hike in southern Albania and is located at an altitude of 800 metres, making it the highest village in the region.

Day 04: Hike Sheper – Permet

Today’s hike follows a trail that many consider to be the most beautiful in the region. It connects two valleys and passes through Dhembel at an altitude of 1468 metres. As you ascend to 660 metres, you will come across wide meadows full of flora and fauna that have fed sheep and goats for centuries.

When you reach the pass, a spectacular panoramic view of Permet, the Vjosa River and the Zagori Valley awaits you. After enjoying the view and the wonderful, peaceful atmosphere, the longer descent to Permet begins. The rocky path along the descent offers an extraordinary panorama. On the way, the village of Leuse offers an ideal stopover to visit another Orthodox church, adorned with ancient frescoes.

Day 05: Hike Petran – Lipivan-Trepozishte – Ogdunan – Benje thermal springs

The day begins with a transfer on a scenic road from Permet along the magical, emerald-coloured Vjosa River, a natural park that has already attracted the attention of superstars like Leonardo DiCaprio, who campaigned for its preservation. The Vjosa River is known as one of the last wild rivers in Europe.

The onward journey takes us up a still-used donkey trail to an altitude of 800 metres, with great views of the Vjosa valley and the north face of Mount Nemercka. From the summit, a new perspective opens up to us, allowing us a first glimpse of Ogdunan, Mount Fir in the Hotova National Park, and the distant Mount Gramos, which proudly claims the title of highest peak in southern Albania. From here we descend towards the impressive Lengarica Gorge and finally reach a graceful Ottoman stone bridge and the famous thermal springs of Benje.

Day 06: Transfer from Permet to Sopoti Waterfall. Visit Benje and Langarica Gorge. Transfer to Gjirokaster

The view alone is worth the 45-minute drive to today’s starting point of the hike. The blue waters of the Vjosa have carved deep into the rocks below us, while the rugged Nemercka mountain range rises above the river. On your way back from today’s hike, another unique natural wonder awaits you at the neighbouring entrance to the Langarica Gorge.

The warm thermal baths of Benje are said to have healing properties for various ailments. They offer us a wonderful change after the last few days of hiking and allow you to relax in their sulphurous waters. Alternatively, you can venture a little into the river gorge.

Day 07: Day tour in Gjirokaster. Transfer to Tirana

Gjirokaster – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as the Ottoman Rock City in Albania. You can see old houses and admire their beautiful facades made of old wood and stone roofs. Gjirokaster is also the birthplace of Ismail Kadare (an internationally renowned Albanian writer) and Enver Hoxha (the infamous communist dictator). Having survived various historical periods, the city can seem a little controversial. Visitors describe the view of the city as ‘fairytale-like’. Afterwards, a transfer will take you to Tirana.