6 Reasons to Cycle Albania

Our Highlights of Albania Bike Tour is a great way to soak up as much of this amazing country as possible, cycling a loop east from the capital Tirana to the south and back up the western coastline. We highly recommend you explore Albania before it hits the mainstream. The country is growing rapidly in popularity as a destination and our Highlights tour is currently our second most booked tour for 2023!

You'll have plenty of support along the way. Your English-speaking guide will be able to talk to you through an earpiece as you cycle, sharing great local insider knowledge of the culture and history of the places you visit. And if a climb becomes too challenging, a support vehicle is always available for tired legs.

If you need more convincing, read on for six reasons why Albania should be top of your list for a cycling holiday in 2023.

Tours are available from April 2023 onwards. To book, Enquire online or call us on +44 (0) 1273 224066 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5:30pm UK time).

If buzzing and energetic cities are your cup of tea then you'll love Tirana. Blessed with a great variety of food, entertainment, arts and nightlife, you'll never be short of things to do in Albania's fascinating capital. You’ll spend your first evening here as part of the tour, but we highly recommend adding another night or two to fully take in the city.

Immerse yourself in the country's past in the city's splendid museums, enjoy a buzzing nightlife, and discover a burgeoning local art scene - Bunk Art, an old communist bunker transformed into an underground art gallery, comes highly recommended by Andy! You'll also enjoy delicious, locally grown food in the city's stylish restaurants, and coffee-lovers will have no trouble staying caffeinated - Tirana has the most coffee houses per capita of any city in the world.

Albania's landscapes have incredible scenic variety - along the way, you'll cycle by soaring mountains, sparkling rivers and turquoise seas. The ride into the heart of the Grammoz Mountains is particularly spectacular, with its dramatic peaks, and rivers that wind below you along lush valley floors.

You'll need to be a confident cyclist with a good degree of fitness to tackle the ascents of the Albanian mountains, so be prepared to pedal for your photo opportunities! But once you've conquered the climbs, the views you'll get at the top will feel richly deserved.

Albania is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First up on the tour, you'll arrive on the shores of Lake Ohrid on the Macedonian border, with its picturesque church spires and idyllic lakeside cafes. You'll have the chance to soak in the views of the pristine blue waters as you stop for lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

On day six you'll visit the old town at Gjirokaster, known as the "city of a thousand steps". The humorous local name gives it away - whichever way you turn in this beautiful hillside fortress, you'll be making your way up or down. You'll also discover Albania's ancient history at the ruined Greek and Roman city of Butrint.

Just because you're on an active holiday doesn't mean you can't indulge in a bit of relaxation. Towards the end of the tour, you'll have some time for a sunbathe and a swim on the Albanian Riviera, with its long, sandy beaches and dreamy turquoise waters.

You'll stop off in the bright city of Sandare - like Monaco but without the prices! - one of the coast's major tourist attractions and a great opportunity to kick back and enjoy some nightlife. After leaving Sandare, you'll spend a day cycling over hills and into pretty bays before descending to the long beach at Himarë.  

Keep your eyes peeled for some fascinating wildlife as you pedal the hills and plains of Albania. The country is richly populated with bats, deer and migrating birds, and on the final day of the tour, there are even greater treasures in store.

On your last day of cycling, you'll ascend 1,000 metres above the Ionian Sea to Llogara National Park. As you ride past the black pines, look out for the Eurasian otter and golden eagle - the park is even home to wolves, but they tend to stay out of sight. If you're a nature lover, make sure you remember the binoculars and a good camera.

You may be more familiar with other European destinations, but acquaint yourself with Albania and you'll discover a rich cultural heritage. Its history has been influenced by a multitude of ancient and medieval people, traditions and religions. 

On day three of the tour, you'll visit Albania's cultural and intellectual capital, the city of Korcë. You can immerse yourself in the bustle of the city's markets, steep yourself in history in the excellent museums or just take a quiet stroll around the cobblestoned streets. And while you're there, make sure you try some Lakror, a traditional Albanian pie dish and local speciality - it must be good because they have an entire summer festival dedicated to it!