Forget Croatia: why Albania is the new wild gem everyone will be after

For a long time off the beaten tourist path, Albania is opening today to travellers seeking authenticity and raw nature. This Balkan country, with its varied geography, reveals unsuspected natural treasures, from alpine peaks to coves along the Ionian coast. At Grand Angle, our passion is to help you discover these territories on foot or by bike, close to their essence. Albania, with its disarming hospitality and grandiose landscapes, is a destination that holds a special place in our hearts. Far from clichés, we invite you to a journey through five of its most beautiful panoramas, true invitations to adventure and contemplation. Prepare yourself to be surprised by the wild beauty of the “land of eagles”.

Top 5 of unforgettable Albanian landscapes!

• The Albanian Alps
• The Albanian Riviera and the Llogara Pass
• Lake Koman
• The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
• The Osum Canyons

The Albanian Alps

Often nicknamed the “Accursed Mountains” (Prokletije), the Albanian Alps, located in the north of the country, offer some of Europe’s most spectacular and least visited mountain landscapes. Imagine verdant valleys like those of Valbona and Theth, dominated by sharp limestone peaks and dense forests. It is a universe where time seems to have stopped, governed by pastoral life and the warm welcome of the inhabitants. Hiking reigns here, notably the famous trek connecting the villages of Theth to Valbona, an immersive experience across passes, waterfalls and isolated hamlets. The terrain is ideal for trekking enthusiasts seeking tranquillity and authentic alpine landscapes.

The Albanian Riviera and the Llogara Pass

Stretching from Vlora to Saranda, the Albanian Riviera is a succession of beaches with turquoise waters, secret coves and perched villages that remind you of neighbouring Greece, minus the crowds. The road that runs along it is one of Europe’s most beautiful, culminating at the Llogara Pass. Located at more than 1000 metres altitude within a national park, this pass offers a breathtaking panorama. On one side, the park’s pine forests, on the other, a vertiginous plunge towards the Ionian Sea. The sensation when reaching the summit is gripping: the infinite blue horizon unfolds, promising refreshing swims and moments of pure serenity. It is the perfect illustration of a journey between sea and mountain.

Lake Koman

Navigating Lake Koman is an experience in its own right, often compared to a cruise in Norwegian fjords. This artificial lake, created on the Drin river, winds for 34 km through narrow gorges and wooded mountains. The ferry journey from Koman to Fierzë is the only way to connect these remote northern valleys and is an essential stop to reach the Valbona valley. The spectacle is permanent: vertical cliffs plunging into waters of deep green, isolated farms clinging to slopes and omnipresent wild nature. This journey is not merely a transfer, it is an immersion in deep and secret Albania, a memorable adventure for any traveller.

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

Close to Saranda, the Blue Eye is a fascinating natural phenomenon. This karstic spring of still undetermined depth gushes from the bowels of the Earth with a powerful flow, forming a basin of striking colours. The centre of the spring, an intense midnight blue, evokes a pupil, whilst the edges, a brilliant turquoise, recall an iris. All this is nestled in a forest of oaks and sycamores that brings welcome coolness on hot summer days. Although the water is icy (around 10–13°C), the beauty of the place and its almost mystical ambiance make it an essential stop. It is a genuine geological curiosity that testifies to the wealth of Albanian landscapes.

The Osum Canyons

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Albania”, the Osum canyon, 26 kilometres long, is one of the country’s most impressive natural attractions. Carved over millions of years by the Osum river, it features vertiginous cliffs that can reach 80 metres in height, a unique ecosystem and numerous waterfalls, particularly active in spring. The site lends itself wonderfully to hiking along its edges, offering spectacular viewpoints. For the more adventurous, rafting or canyoning allow exploration along the water. Often visited from the neighbouring city of Berat, a UNESCO-listed site, this geological spectacle offers a plunge into the heart of nature’s power.

A land of adventure to discover

From the sharp peaks of the Alps to the gentleness of the Riviera, passing through geological wonders, Albania is a mosaic of landscapes waiting to be explored. Each path, each winding road reveals a new facet of this endearing country. At Grand Angle, we are convinced that hiking or cycling is the best way to soak in these unique atmospheres. If these landscapes have awakened your curiosity, do not hesitate to discover our #organized tours in Albania or to contact our experts to plan with you the adventure that suits you.