You are right; there are no Alps in Albania. However, many people refer to them that way because they look very similar. Nevertheless, my wife and I decided to visit. We live in Bulgaria and have a car, which allows us to travel to Albania more comfortably. We chose to go to Theth, a city nestled between mountains. Let me share some tips about our trip to the Albanian Alps around Theth, as they may be useful for others.
The View
Theth is a village, I suppose. It’s located between mountains. The closest biggest city is Shkoder. I guess the best way to make you want to go there is by showing you some photos. Here you go.
Entering Albania
I don’t think you would have any issues with entering the country if you have a common EU or similar passport. We traveled there by car with Bulgarian registration, but with a Ukrainian passport. It was easy to enter and live without any visa. However, I insist that you double-check whether you need a visa or not with your passport. Be careful with time frame limits. Probably in most cases, you could go in without a visa for a 90-day period.
Traveling to Theth Without a Car
If you’re planning to visit Theth without your own car, there are still options. Although my wife and I drove from Bulgaria through North Macedonia to Albania, many travelers take a taxi from Shkodër to Theth. It’s likely you can also find a bus or other transport from Tirana to Shkodër, then catch a taxi to Theth. The cost might even be cheaper than renting a car. However, if you prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle, just keep in mind that car insurance from the EU might not cover Albania. In case of any issues, you could end up paying out of pocket. Given the good condition of the paved roads to Theth, renting a car could still be a convenient option.
Road Conditions in Albania
The roads in Albania are generally okay, not like the smooth highways in Germany, but decent enough. There are some construction sites, so improvements are on the way. However, the traffic rules can be confusing, with speed limits changing rapidly. One moment it’s 30 km/h, then suddenly it’s 80, then back to 30 km/h. Many drivers don’t follow these limits and go much faster. It’s tricky to drive slowly when everyone else is speeding by. Another downside is the trash along the roads. Even in beautiful areas with nice views, it’s common to see garbage around, especially in spots where you can stop to enjoy the view. It’s a bit disappointing, but I understand that waste management might not be a top priority yet
First Impressions of Tirana
Tirana, the capital of Albania, has friendly people and finding a hotel or Airbnb is easy. Our host was very nice! However, I didn’t enjoy some parts of the city. There was a lot of trash on the streets, and the driving was chaotic. I even missed a traffic light because of the confusing traffic, and the police stopped me. Luckily, they were understanding and didn’t give me a fine. While it’s easy to find a place to stay, finding parking can be difficult, especially in the city center.
The Journey to Mountains
To get to Albanian Alps around Theth, you have to drive through some tricky mountain roads. The road was built fairly recently and is paved, so it’s drivable for most cars. However, it’s quite narrow. If your car is wider than usual, it might be tough to pass another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. About 80% of the journey from Tirana to Theth is on good roads, but once you pass Shkodër, the road gets narrower and more challenging. Locals tend to drive fast, especially around corners, so be careful. You’ll drive up and down mountains, with Theth nestled between them. If you read online that it’s an off-road track, that’s outdated information. A few years ago, they paved it, so in the warmer months, you can drive it without needing a 4×4.
What to Do in Theth
Theth is a small village, but it has plenty of restaurants where you can try local food. Since I’m from Bulgaria, I might be biased, but I loved the Albanian dishes. I recommend trying as much as you can; there’s something for every taste. In Theth, you can hike to a waterfall – Grunas, which is easy to find using Google Maps. Another must-see is the Blue Eye, a beautiful clear water spot that looks stunningly blue. It takes a bit more time to reach than the waterfall, so it’s best to drive closer and then hike up. The clear, cool water is worth the effort!
Our Stay between Albanian Alps
We stayed at a lovely house in Theth. Let me know in the comments if you want to get a link. The staff there were very welcoming, especially Alex, who showed us around and explained what we could use. We chose a more expensive house since it was my wife’s birthday, and we wanted to celebrate in style surrounded by beautiful mountains. The house had parking, and while it wasn’t right in the center of Theth, it was a short walk or drive to other restaurants. Breakfast was included, and you could also order dinner for an extra cost. The breakfast was tasty, but we skipped dinner to explore other dining options in Theth. Overall, it was a fantastic experience!
A Memorable Journey
Our trip to Albania was an unforgettable adventure. While Tirana wasn’t my favorite part, the journey to Theth and the beauty of the mountains made it all worthwhile. Driving through winding roads and exploring the stunning landscapes felt like a real escape from the usual. The people were kind, the food was delicious, and the mountain views around Theth were something I’ll always remember. It’s a place I’d recommend to anyone who loves nature and a bit of adventure.
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