While millions of tourists choose Albania every year for the famous beaches of the Riviera or the lively atmosphere of Tirana, another side of the country still remains far from mass tourism.
Indeed, from spectacular canyons and hidden mountain villages to untouched coves and breathtaking northern landscapes, these destinations offer a more authentic experience for those who want to discover the real Albania. Moreover, an Italian media report by Latitudes highlights these places as hidden treasures best explored by car.
In fact, silence dominates the canyons, while time seems to have stopped in villages that remain unchanged for decades. At the same time, mountain lakes impress with crystal-clear waters that look almost unreal. However, these places do not connect easily to public transport.
For example, no bus reaches the Gjipe Canyon, and no ferry stops at Filikur. Therefore, the only real way to explore this side of Albania is to drive and follow the roads that often disappear into the map.
Consequently, travelers who visit only organized tours see just one part of the country, while the rest belongs to those who explore independently.
Just a short distance north of Himara along the Ionian Riviera lies the entrance to a narrow trail. After about 30 minutes of hiking between steep rock walls, Gjipe appears, one of the wildest and most spectacular beaches in Europe, where the canyon flows directly into the sea. Notably, there are no tourist facilities, no sunbeds, and no beach bars. Instead, visitors find white pebbles, emerald water, and rare silence.
However, reaching it requires a vehicle. A small parking area near the trailhead serves as the only access point. Without a car, visitors must rely on taxis, which are not always available. Therefore, renting a car offers more flexibility and freedom to explore without schedule limits.
Meanwhile, in northern Albania beyond Shkodra, the road climbs through pine forests and mountain curves until it opens into the Theth valley. There, the landscape feels like another era. Historically, Theth remained isolated for centuries, and according to tradition, Catholic communities founded it as a refuge during the Ottoman period. Even today, access remains difficult due to partially unpaved roads, although the journey rewards every effort.
Similarly, Lake Koman and the Valbona Valley offer turquoise waters framed by dramatic mountains. Although the lake is artificial, created in the 1970s, its scenery ranks among the most impressive in the Balkans. At the same time, ferries attract most visitors, while the surrounding road routes remain less explored due to limited public transport.
Between Himara and Saranda, the coast hides secluded beaches such as Filikur, the Mirror Beach near Ksamil, Porto Palermo Bay, Borsh, and Livadhi. However, none of them offer easy access without a vehicle, and taxis often charge high prices for remote routes.
Likewise, Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage city, stands about an hour and a half from Saranda. Its Ottoman architecture, stone-roofed houses, and historic bazaar preserve an authentic atmosphere. In addition, it serves as a starting point for exploring Albania’s communist-era bunkers, with more than 173,000 structures scattered across the country.
Overall, Albania continues to transform rapidly, with destinations like Ksamil, Tirana, and Saranda now highly popular. Nevertheless, just a short turn off the main routes reveals a different reality. There, hospitality feels genuine, prices remain affordable, and the sense of discovery stays intact.
The post “Latitudes”: Albania’s hidden treasures, from Theth to Filikur appeared first on RTSH English.
