Ride Through Southern Albania (Long)

Your day starts with an 8:00 AM pickup and a three-hour transfer past Lake Ohrid into the Korça region. After a bike fitting, set off on a scenic ride through rolling farmland, where horse-drawn carts are common and friendly locals often wave as you pass. The route combines gentle terrain with vibrant rural views as it leads into Korça, a town rich in culture and history beneath the Morava Mountains.

On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon wandering the Old Bazaar, visiting the Museum of Medieval Art, or strolling along the lively boulevards while soaking in the town’s unique atmosphere. Finish the day with a traditional dinner accompanied by Korça’s famous live serenades.

Distance: 35-73 km
Climb: 160-525 meters
Overnight: Korca

You’ll start the day by leaving the Korça plateau behind and heading toward one of the tour’s most challenging yet fulfilling stages. The road gradually ascends to the Barmash Pass (1,159 m), offering one of Albania’s most scenic routes. As you ride through the Kolonja Highlands, the Greek border and the impressive Gramos Mountains (2,523 m) unfold beside you. The path continues through the Germenj-Shelegur Park, where colorful wildflowers cover the meadows. After the peaceful town of Erseka, the road becomes rougher but more serene, traffic fades, replaced by forest shade and cool mountain springs. Your day ends at a tranquil mountain retreat, where a fresh farm-to-table dinner and a quiet evening under the stars await.

Distance: 69 km
Climb: 1170 meters
Overnight: Germenj

You will start the day with a hearty farmhouse breakfast before heading downhill toward Leskovik, following a beautiful route that brings you closer to the Vjosa River — Europe’s last wild river. Soak up magnificent mountain views and lush greenery as you cycle through the valley. Upon reaching the village of Bënjë, you will have time to unwind in the natural thermal springs, where the warm, mineral-rich waters offer a soothing reward after your ride. Later, a comfortable transfer will take you to the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastër. You will check into a cozy hotel in the heart of the old town and enjoy dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Surrounded by cobbled streets and centuries-old stone houses, you will experience the charm of Gjirokastër — a town rich in history and culture, where Ottoman and Albanian heritage blend beautifully.

Distance: 64-68 km
Climb: 500-650 meters
Overnight: Gjirokaster

After breakfast, you’ll load the bikes onto a local vehicle and take a short transfer to the scenic Muzina Pass. From there, begin an exhilarating downhill ride all the way to the sparkling Ionian coast. Along the way, you’ll pause to visit the enchanting “Blue Eye,” a deep karst spring surrounded by lush, tropical-like vegetation. As the descent levels out, you’ll follow the gentle course of the Bistrica River through peaceful farmland, enjoying views of the lake and citrus groves. A rustic ferry will then carry you across the narrow channel to Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ruins reveal layers of history. After exploring, reward yourself with a delicious seafood lunch in Ksamil and a refreshing swim to the nearby islets. The final stretch of the ride takes you along the coast to the seaside town of Saranda, where you’ll settle in for a well-earned evening by the sea.

Distance: 28 - 44 - 69 km
Climb: 125 - 150 - 525 meters
Overnight: Saranda

Start your ride by leaving the coastline and taking on a challenging climb to the villages of Nivica and Shen Vasil — the toughest section of the day. Once you reach the summit, the rest of the journey rewards you with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, often stretching out to your left. As you continue along the Albanian Riviera, you’ll pass through spectacular landscapes — sparkling beaches on one side and rugged coastal mountains on the other. The route meanders through picturesque villages, olive groves, and citrus orchards before arriving at Porto Palermo, known for its submarine tunnels and the historic Ali Pasha Castle. Pause here for lunch and enjoy a short walk to the castle for sweeping views of the coast. Later in the afternoon, reach Himare, relax on the pebble beach near your hotel, and finish the day with dinner at a seaside restaurant along the promenade.

Distance: 37 - 52 km
Climb: 625 - 1075 meters
Overnight: Himare

After breakfast, take on the Queen’s Stage — the most demanding and rewarding climb along Albania’s coast. The road snakes upward through the dramatic switchbacks of the Llogara Pass, revealing breathtaking views with every turn. Before reaching the summit, pause at the panoramic viewpoint to admire the vast Ionian coastline stretching below. From there, a long and thrilling descent brings you into the peaceful coastal village of Radhime. A transfer then takes you back to Tirana, where you can unwind and celebrate your journey.

If you prefer a more leisurely day, skip the ride and spend a relaxing morning on Himare’s beach before joining the 3:00 PM transfer. In the evening, enjoy a well-earned dinner and a glass of wine in vibrant Tirana — the perfect way to end your unforgettable adventure through Southern Albania.

Distance: 60 km
Climb: 1550 meters
Overnight: Tirana

If time allows, take a final stroll through Tirana before your departure. Enjoy an espresso at a cozy café, watch the lively rhythm of the city, and pick up some local delicacies as souvenirs at the vibrant “New Bazaar.” For those curious about Albania’s communist past, the museums “Bunk’Art 2” and “The House of Leaves” are just a short walk from Skanderbeg Square and offer fascinating insights.

Your unforgettable cycling journey through Albania concludes with a 30-minute transfer from the city center to the airport.