From Lake Ohrid to the Ionian Coast: Cycling Through Southern Albania
Cycle through Southern Albania on a 10-day guided journey linking Lake Ohrid, mountain valleys, historic towns and the Ionian coast. The route travels from the Lake Ohrid region through Pogradec and Korçë, across the Grammoz Mountains and into the Vjosa River valley, before reaching Gjirokastër, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint and the Albanian Riviera. The final stages follow the coast through Porto Palermo and Himarë before climbing towards Llogara National Park and continuing to Vlorë.
A Guided Cycling Tour to Discover Southern Albania
A guided cycling tour offers a structured way to experience the changing landscapes and heritage of Southern Albania, with a guide and support van accompanying the journey. The itinerary combines prepared cycling stages with visits to places such as Gjirokastër and Butrint, while the support vehicle provides assistance along the route. With 8 cycling days and 485 km of total cycling distance, the tour is designed for riders looking for a moderate to challenging road cycling experience across Southern Albania.
Prefer to travel independently? This itinerary can also be arranged as a self-guided cycling tour. Just choose your preferred dates and let us know, and we’ll tailor the trip to your plans.
ROUTE
Cycle from Lake Ohrid to the Albanian Riviera, crossing the Grammoz Mountains and Vjosa River valley before reaching historic Gjirokastër and the UNESCO site of Butrint. The route continues along the Ionian coast through Porto Palermo and Himarë, finishing with the climb through Llogara National Park to Vlorë.
With a guide and support van, you can enjoy the changing landscapes of Southern Albania while cycling at your own pace. Along the way, the journey combines mountain and coastal scenery with local food and regional specialties.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Tirana
Arrive in Tirana and meet the guide for the tour briefing. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner before receiving your panniers and maps with information for the cycling days.
Day 2 — Lin – Pogradec
39 km / 24 mi
After a transfer from Tirana, start cycling near Lake Ohrid. Follow the lakeshore towards Pogradec, with a stop for lunch in Drilon National Park. Continue towards St Naum before finishing in Pogradec.
Day 3 — Pogradec – Korçë
52 km / 32 mi
Leave Lake Ohrid and cycle towards the plateau around Korçë, passing through a gorge and a broad agricultural plain. After arriving in Korçë, explore the old market and historic centre on foot.
Day 4 — Korçë – Sotirë
72 km / 45 mi
Climb into the Grammoz Mountains and continue towards Barmash Pass at 1,159 m. Stop for lunch in Ersekë before continuing to Sotirë, where you stay at a family farm in a peaceful valley.
Day 5 — Sotirë – Bënjë
52 km / 32 mi
Ride through a pine-covered plateau to the source of the Vjosa River. Descend through the river gorge towards Leskovik and continue along the Vjosa valley to Përmet. The day ends near the Langarica thermal pools and canyon.
Day 6 — Bënjë – Gjirokastër
70 km / 43 mi
Follow the valley towards Këlcyrë and through the surrounding gorges before reaching the Drinos valley. Continue to Gjirokastër for a guided visit of its cobbled streets and traditional houses.
Day 7 — Gjirokastër – Sarandë
70 km / 43 mi
Transfer to the top of Muzina Pass before cycling down towards Sarandë. Continue by ferry to Butrint for a guided visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, then follow the coast towards Sarandë.
Day 8 — Sarandë – Himarë
51 km / 32 mi
Cycle from Sarandë across a rocky plateau, with climbs and descents towards the bays and headlands of the Albanian Riviera. Visit Porto Palermo Castle before continuing to Himarë.
Day 9 — Himarë – Vlorë
50 km / 31 mi
The most demanding cycling day climbs from the coast towards Llogara National Park, through forests, gorges and hairpin bends. After lunch in the national park, descend towards Vlorë and the Ionian coast.
Day 8 — Departure in Tirana
The cycling tour ends in After breakfast,. Individual departure or onward journey.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Tirana (Departure Point)
By Plane: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA), approximately 30 minutes by car from the departure point in Tirana.
Return Journey
From Vlorë, Tirana International Airport (TIA) is the most convenient airport for onward travel.
Arrival airport shuttle and departure transfer available on request.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 90 days before tour departure.
Included
- 9 nights’ accommodation
- Hybrid bike hire
- All breakfasts
- 8 lunches
- 7 dinners
- Support van and cycling guide
- Panniers for the cycling stages
- Maps with information about the cycling routes
NOT Included
- Single room supplement
- E-bike hire
- Road bike hire
- Two dinners
- Drinks with meals
- Arrival airport shuttle service
- Any services not specifically mentioned as included
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room 2027.
April to October 2027, on selected departure dates.
Regular Season
2027
From
1390€
Options & Supplements
✓
Single Room on request*
*Single accommodation is available on request, subject to availability at the guesthouses in Germenj and Benje.
Accommodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
HOTELS
A combination of carefully selected 3- and 4-star hotels and guesthouses, offering comfortable accommodation while experiencing the different landscapes and destinations of southern Albania.
BIKES
Below you’ll find the essential information about bicycle rentals.
Hybrid Bike
0€
E-Bike
200€
Road Bike
100€