Albania's Best Nature Secrets: From Accursed Mountains to Turquoise Springs
Albania is a country with endless incredible nature that most people don’t even know exists. It’s home to dramatic mountain peaks, insane canyons, crystal-clear natural springs, stunning beaches and turquoise waters.
If you’re tired of overcrowded tourist nature spots and want an adventure that truly feels raw then it’s time to take a trip to Albania. If you’re ready for some insane natural beauty then here are the 10 best nature things to do in Albania:
1 - Accursed Mountains
Located right in the north of the country, these dramatic, jagged mountain ridges that look like they’re from a movie.
Also known as the Albanian Alps, the mountain range is home to the iconic Valbona to Theth hike. A hike that takes you from the remote valley of Valbona over an insanely impressive mountain pass, at nearly 1800 meters, and down into the stunning valley of Theth. The views are breathtaking throughout the entire hike with a view insane viewpoint stops that offer impressive far-stretching landscape views.
The hike typically takes 6-7 hours of moderate hiking but if you get unlikely with the weather and have to absolutely pace it down to get out of a storm it can take as little as 4 hours.
Notes: The trail is seasonal and considered safest from June to September to avoid the snow. You don’t need a guide as the trail is well-marked. Book your guesthouses weeks or months in advance as they often sell-out over peak summer months.
Bonus: Once you reach Theth, relax and revive yourself before checking out the nearby Blue Eye Kaprre and Grunas Waterfall in the afternoon.
2 - Langarica Canyon & The Bënja Thermal Baths:
Natural hot springs located at the base of an insane, towering river gorge.
At the entrance to this insane natural beauty is a spectacular Ottoman-era stone bridge. As you head through the canyon, it’s lined with natural pools fed by geothermal springs deep underground.
Spend some time enjoying the thermal baths as well as walking through the canyon base. It’s one of the most phenomenal natural places I’ve ever experienced.
Note: The best things in life are free they say, and this is! However, it can get pretty crowded on summer weekends so if you can avoid this time then I’d recommend it.
3 - Komani Lake:
A peaceful, serene boat journey through towering canyons that connects Albania to its gorgeous mountains in the north.
Although the lake acts as a way of accessing the mountains, taking a ferry here should be considered more than just a mode of transport. It’s a spectacular three hour journey that becomes increasingly impressive with every bend.
Bonus: Incredibly, It’s possible to make this place even more special by taking a small boat detouring from the lake to Shala River. A spot that literally looks like it’s been photoshopped. Here you can enjoy swimming in clear, bright waters, zip-lining across the canyons or just relaxing in one of the world’s most beautiful places.
4 - Syri i Kaltër (The Blue Eye):
Tucked into forests between Gjirokastēr and Sarandë in the south, this natural deep-water spring pushes vibrant-blue water from a cave deep underground creating an eye-catching beauty.
The Blue Eye is a stunning natural phenomenon that is a popular spot for tourists. Due to the way the colours move and the depth of the inner section, when you look from above into this natural beauty you’ll understand why they call it The Blue Eye.
Divers have attempted to map the bottom by diving over 50 meters deep but the water pressure is too intense for the human body to go any further.
Safety Tip: As tempting as it can be on a hot day to jump into the water, it is very cold at around 10°c year-round. You’ll see many visitors jump in the water and swim around. However, it is banned for safety and conservation reasons so please enjoy the water from above only.
5 - Gjipe Canyon and Beach
A unique, deep jungle canyon that opens into a beautiful, secluded beach.
Enjoy a 30 minute hike down a dusty track, lined with old military bunkers, to the bottom where it transforms into a rock canyon with huge cliffs that open up directly onto a hidden beach.
This nature cross-over is super unique and offers a real hidden gem – literally. Spend a while enjoying the peacefulness of the beach and the stunning clear, blue waters before heading back through the canyon.
Note: Ensure you have plenty of water and snacks, there’s no real amenities on the beach beyond maybe a local with their cooler box.
6 - Bovilla Lake & Gamti Mountain
Hidden behind a stunning mountain is this gorgeous bright-turquoise reservoir.
The artificial lake acts as the main drinking water for the capital so swimming and boating is forbidden. However, a dirt track takes you up the side of Gamti Mountain to a short 20-minute trail which leads to a viewing platform at the cliff face where the views are unbelievable.
Safety Tip: The roads close to the lake are extremely potholed, unpaved gravel mountain tracks. Do not attempt to go via a standard rental car, I’d suggest booking a 4×4 taxi or booking a guided van tour.
7 - Shkodra Lake
The largest lake in Southern Europe, offering a peaceful environment for wildlife and lakeside villages.
The lake sits on the border of Albania and Montenegro, surrounded by nothing but a calm atmosphere. You can rent kayaks to enjoy everything it has to offer from right on the water. Alternatively, you can rent bicycles, like we did, and cycle around the perfectly paved lakeside edge.
Budget Tip: Rent bicycles in the city and head to Rozafa Castle, it’s further out of the city but near the lake entrance so makes for a perfect combined day. This way you don’t have to pay separately for transport to visit the stunning castle.
8 - Filikuri Trail and Beach
A rugged cove just south of Himarë which requires scaling the cliffside by a dodgy, loose rope to reach the beach.
Filikuri is off-the-beaten-path, literally. In fact, there is no path at all. You start your journey by heading through dirt tracks of thorny Mediterranean brush until you suddenly find the cliff edge. There is a steep, rocky, almost path that takes you down to the water but at points it’s too steep to even scramble down so you have to almost abseil with the ropes which are securely attached to dead trees and broken rocks. Sounds safe right!
Once you, fingers crossed, make it to the bottom in one piece you’ll find yourself in a stunning white-pebbled cove with outrageously gorgeous waters surrounded by towering coastal cliffs.
Safety Tip: As fun as it was, it is a dangerous endeavour to climb down via the ropes. It’s literally labelled on Google Maps as “dangerous trail”. I won’t discourage you because it’s absolutely worth it but please do take extra care if you decide to head to Filikuri Beach – wear secure shoes or none (no flip flops) and take your time.
Easy Alternative: If you don’t want an adrenaline rush or the chance of falling then you can kayak or hire a water taxi from the main beach of Himarë.
9 - Mount Dajti National Park:
An easy, gorgeous nature spot located right on the edge of the capital city, Tirana.
The Dajti Ekspres takes you by cable car straight from the city right up to over 1600 meters above the valley. The park is a refreshing pine forest, offering names the “lungs of Tirana”.
Be sure to head on a walk once you’re at the top, there’s trails that lead to some insane views with the city below on one side and lakes surrounded by mountains on the other side.
Budget Tip: Avoid pricey taxis and take the 40ALL local bus from behind the National Theatre to the base of the cable car.
10 - Osumi Canyon
Located near the historic town of Berat, Albania’s very own “Grand Canyon” is an impressive 26-kilometres long.
The canyon has been formed over millions of years by the Osumi river rushing through. At up to 150 meters high, the walls of the canyon are home to underground caves, waterfalls and hidden eco-systems.
Depending on the season, you can explore the canyon by a calm stroll through the water at the base or by extreme adventure of rafting fast-paced through. Either one if absolutely incredible and allows you to enjoy everything this stunning natural beauty has to offer.
Note: For high-energy rafting, spring time (March to May) when the mountain snow melts and fills the canyon is best. For a more peaceful exploration approach, the water drops too low for rafting by summer (June to September) so enjoy by walking, swimming and relaxing in the shallow waters.
Is Albania Europe's Best Nature Destination?
Unlike most of Europe, Albania offers endless impressive natural adventures without overcrowding and commercialisation. From the breath-taking landscapes of the Accursed Mountains down to the secret, rope-accessed beach of Filikuri, the country offers a rare type of raw natural beauty that is becoming increasingly hard to come across.
Enjoy peak summits, geothermal hot springs, turquoise waters at gorgeous beaches and so much more for a price unimaginable. Albania is one of my favourite countries for nature and adventure and I hope it is yours too!
Hi, I'm Kelly!
Welcome to The Untold Journeys, a travel blog with a focus on raw, authentic travels and finding those exciting hidden gems.
I’m here to share my experiences and stories to give you everything you need to explore the world and head on your own adventures.
Recent Posts
Blog Posts
Malaysia is an absolute gem for nature and wildlife so to help inspire your next adventure, I’ll share a guide to the best nature spots on Peninsular Malaysia.
Adam’s Peak isn’t just for the view, it’s to witness centuries old convergence of human faith. Here's everything you need to know to conquer Sri Lanka's most sacred mountain yourself.
If you’re considering a trip to Kasol or thinking of hiking to Grahan Village then I’m here to share my unfiltered experience and the reality of whether I think they’re worth your time or not - but also everything you might need to know if you still want to go.