Are you ready to step into the unknown? Far removed from the world you know? The Hammock Trail Southern Albania cuts across remote mountain ranges, shepherd valleys, and hidden villages that feel untouched by time. A place where horses run freely, an unimaginable world.
Your adventure begins inland, hiking towards Përmet, where the Vjosa, the last wild river of Europe, carves its way through cliff walls and farmland. To get there, the trail climbs steadily toward the highlands, moving through ancient footpaths, local homes, and mountains shaped through centuries, where herders let their sheep roam in the fields.
This is a 9-day journey is crafted for those who crave wild freedom and real challenge. Long days on the trail. Nights lying in a hammock beneath the stars. A rhythm that shifts from rafting the Vjosa to hiking in unfamiliar landscapes, to tasting mountain dishes made in homes where tradition hasn't changed in generations.
The trip finishes at the edge of the Ionian horizon, on Mountain Qorre, one of the most dramatic coastal viewpoints in Albania. It's rugged, remote, and unforgettable. By the time you stand at the final summit for your picnic lunch, the country will have left a mark on you: the people, the food, the mountains, the quiet, the coastline glowing in the distance. This is Southern Albania as very few travellers ever experience it.
A day by day breakdown of your adventure in Southern Albania.
Your journey begins in Tirana, the vibrant heart of Albania. After transferring to your hotel, take a moment to explore the city's unique character. If time allows, wander through Skanderbeg Square, visit the historic Et'hem Bey Mosque, and admire the colorful government buildings that define the capital's skyline before heading to the mountains.
After an early breakfast, travel south to the village of Peshtan. Begin your first hike through ancient lands, stone-built villages, and wide-open mountain views. The trail offers a quiet introduction to peaceful valleys and the slow rhythm of rural Albania before arriving at your guesthouse for traditional food and local hospitality.
Start the morning hiking through meadows and forest paths, including a stop for a waterfall lunch. The trail leads toward the village of Hoshtevë, followed by a brief transfer to Sheper. Here, you will experience the unique stay of hammock camping in the heart of the forest, accompanied by a hearty traditional dinner.
Today the trail climbs steeply into the high country. Follow old shepherd routes past scattered stone huts, open grasslands, and panoramic views stretching across the Përmet region. Experience Southern Albania's rugged beauty in this remote landscape as you hike toward Lipë to set up your hammock camp along the way.
A shift in pace begins with a morning rafting adventure on the Vjosa, the last wild river in Europe. Navigate turquoise water between towering canyon walls and untouched landscapes. After the river adventure, transfer toward Vranisht to set up your hammocks in the forest, surrounded by the deep mountain silence.
Waking up in the forest, you will hike to Terbaç, refilling water at natural springs before climbing rocky paths up to the pass. Be rewarded with one of the most incredible sunsets overlooking pine-lined trails that open into vast, peaceful high country. Tonight's hammock camp sits high in the mountains, far from civilization.
After a short hike down into Dukat, a brief transfer brings you to Llogara National Park. From here, hike through Qafa e Thellë, one of Southern Albania's classic high passes. Panoramic views open toward the Ionian Sea—blue, endless, and stretching impossibly far below.
Experience one of the most spectacular mountain days in Southern Albania. Begin your ascent across ridgelines and technical sections until the summit of Mountain Qorrë comes into view. Take in the wind, silence, and depth of the coastline from the peak. Celebrate with a picnic lunch at the top before descending and transferring back to Tirana for the night.
After a final Albanian breakfast, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Tirana Airport for your departure. Take with you the memories of the high peaks and wild rivers as you begin your journey home.
Note: This itinerary provides the route for the trip. Daily schedules, pace, and campsites are subject to change due to weather, safety concerns, or logistics, as is necessary in a wilderness environment.
When you book The Hammock Trail: Southern Albania, we take care of the essentials to ensure a seamless and memorable adventure. Here's what's included:
While we take care of the hammock camping gear, there are a few personal items to bring:
A more detailed list of things you'll need to bring can be found in the pack list or you can read What to bring for The Hammock Trail: Southern Albania.
View Packing ChecklistSome of the things you need to bring yourself are also available as add-on.
If you plan on taking a heavy backpack these might help you carry the load a little better. Lightweight and adjustable, these trekking poles provide extra stability and support on any terrain.
If you don't have one or like to keep your backpack compact when traveling you can add our Sleeping Bag to your trip. Lightweight, warm, and ready for the adventure, it ensures you stay comfortable in any weather.
We had a fantastic trip! If you are considering joining one of the trips, I would highly recommend doing so! For me, sleeping in a hammock was a new experience and it did not disappoint. It was clear that Hammock Haven has a lot of experience with hammocking and hiking because all the little details were very well designed. The hammocks were very comfortable and easy to set up, pack and carry. The guides were two brothers with a great sense of humour that managed to always keep a great atmosphere in the group, even on the day with a lot of rain. They were also very knowledgeable and willing to help when setting up our hammocks for the night. They even brought a set of birthday decorations because they noticed one of us would have a birthday during the trip! The route was both challenging and beginner friendly with great scenery. It was designed with some potential shortcuts, so on the rainy day we could cut a bit off our hiking day to get to the next campsite. You are advised to use trekking poles though, since some parts can be very slippery without them. The foodpacks were very well thought out and every meal was a pleasant surprise. I have been hiking for 7 years and never had such a tasty and diverse set of meals on my trips. An absolute must add-on!
Peter
This is dependent on a few factors. In short, your physical fitness, the weather, and your hiking experience. The one we can't is the weather but we can prepare for this.
The better your physical condition is the more you can enjoy your adventure.
Some practice beforehand is recommended. Fill up your backpack with the required load (around 15-20 kg depending on what you bring) and walk around your town, with friends or family. This way you build a good base.
The clothing you bring is important. Multiple layers are key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable. Always bring rain gear since the weather can be unpredictable.
For sun protection, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Still can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to us at [email protected].
