Albania UNESCO Cycling Tour

You’ll start your journey in the vibrant atmosphere of Struga in North Macedonia. Nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid and divided by the scenic Black Drim River, it is famous for its tranquil Drilon Springs on one hand and vibrant Old Bazaar on the other. You can enjoy the charming lakeside scenery, which stretches into Albania and will serve as your gateway to the country tomorrow.

Today, you will cycle along the Ohrid Lake, entering Albania just after 15 kilometers of your ride. Today’s short stage will finish in Pogradec, where you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the lake shores. The town stands out for its stunning lakeside promenade, beautiful sandy beaches, and the nearby Drilon National Park.

Your day will begin with an ascent to another plateau surrounded by mountains. You will follow the gorge until it widens, revealing a vast and open plain, reaching Korçë, another UNESCO site of this tour. The town is famous for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and traditional architecture. You can visit its impressive Orthodox Cathedral and the bustling Old Bazaar, filled with charming cafes and local crafts.

You will leave Korçë heading southeast, quickly leaving the city behind as the road begins a steady climb toward the Morava mountains. The ascent is consistent but manageable, with light traffic. The final stretch will include some steeper sections before reaching Dardhë, a picturesque mountain village known for its stone houses and alpine atmosphere. The stage ends in a cooler, forested setting, offering a sharp contrast to the lowlands below.

Departing from Dardhë, you'll descend through forested mountains and narrow valleys, enjoying continuous views over the Morava region. The terrain will gradually soften as you will ride through quiet rural areas and into the wide Vjosa River valley, with a mix of rolling and flat sections. Before reaching Përmet, a short detour offers the chance to visit the Benja Thermal Baths near Lengarica Canyon. The stage ends in the center of Përmet, a town known for its natural beauty, gliko sweets, and riverside charm.

Today, you will continue along the valley towards Këlcyrë and further to the confluence of the Drinos River, where another stunning gorge gradually opens into a wide plain. Perched high above it lies the town of Gjirokastër, a UNESCO site dubbed the "City of a Thousand Steps" with its beautifully preserved Ottoman houses. You can take some time to wander its narrow, cobbled alleys and explore its famous architecture.

You will leave the hilly terrain and ride to the coastline, reaching the gateway to southern Albania. Along the Ionian Coast, sandwiched between the high mountains and the sea, you will reach Sarandë and Butrint. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint is one of the country's most important archaeological sites, tracing its origins to the Greeks and Romans.

The journey will continue up the coast, ascending from Sarandë to a rocky plateau. Afterward, the route will wind over cols, revealing hidden bays. With stunning mountain scenery to your right and the shimmering sea to your left, you will descend toward the expansive beach and the bay of Himarë. You can relax on its crystal-clear beaches and stunning coastal sceneries. 

Your last cycling day will also be the most spectacular one. After gradually ascending from the sea level up through forests, gorges, and hairpin bends, you will reach Llogara National Park. Breathtaking views of the stunning coastline will accompany you until the final descent to the coastal town of Vlorë, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. 

Before ending your Balkan adventure, you can explore the city, known as the birthplace of Albanian independence, marked by the iconic Independence Monument in Flag Square. Moreover, you can take a ferry ride to the Karaburun Peninsula or Sazan Island, perfect for a final dose of coastal beauty and adventure.