Albania - North to South Cycling Holiday

With 70% of the country adorned by majestic mountains, cyclists will traverse spectacular landscapes unfolding like a hidden masterpiece. Along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, pristine coastlines beckon, offering an untouched sanctuary for an unforgettable cycling experience. Albania's wealth of national parks and numerous World Heritage Sites adds cultural depth, ensuring a journey seamlessly blending breathtaking scenery with historical richness.

Albania offers exciting and relatively uncharted cycle routes with temperate weather conditions, boasting a Mediterranean climate in the lowlands that rivals Spain's annual sunshine quotas. While cycling through unparalleled natural panoramas, immerse yourself in traditional Albanian hospitality, relish wonderful cuisine, experience a colorful blend of eastern and western influences, and seize opportunities to discover the country's rich history and culture. The popularity of Albania as a cycling destination is rapidly growing, making it the perfect time to visit.

Redspokes' fourteen-day cycling adventure through Albania begins in the lively capital city of Tirana. From there, the route heads north into the mountains, following the historic Via Publica, an ancient Roman trade road, en route to Peshkopi. Cyclists traverse dramatic gorges and pass by cascading waterfalls as they journey southward. The tour includes a stop in Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site in North Macedonia, famously known as the "City of Lights." The ride continues along the shores of Lake Ohrid toward Pogradec, then climbs back into the Albanian highlands en route to Korçë. Nestled near the Greek border, Korçë—Albania’s cultural heart—boasts Illyrian and Ottoman heritage, a vibrant traditional bazaar, and a renowned museum of medieval art.

Cycling up into the Gramoz Mountains, with snow-capped peaks in the distance, participants traverse the Bramash pass and descend into a picturesque valley for a night in remote and beautiful accommodations amidst verdant forested surroundings. Continuing the journey, the tour stops at the hot springs in Benje before reaching the majestic world heritage town of Gjirokaster. Built by wealthy landowners, Gjirokaster is a beautifully preserved Ottoman town with steep cobbled streets, a 4th-century castle, and holds significance as the birthplace of Albania's former communist leader, Enver Hoxha.

Crossing countryside and more mountains to the Ionian coastline, cyclists follow the Albanian Riviera northward, savoring stunning sea views and white sandy beaches. The cycling holiday concludes in the small coastal town of Orikum, with a transfer back to Tirana for your journey home.