7 Day South Albania Activity Holiday

Multi-centre

Locations

Gentle-Moderate

Activity Level

Age: 7+

Minimum Age

7 Day South Albania Activity Holiday: Coast to Coast – NEW for 2025!

“A fantastic week in Southern Albania – astounding scenery, friendly, welcoming people and delicious food. Undiscovered Balkans really know how to find the best places to show you the heart and soul of a country – uncrowded, off the beaten track, staying in beautiful local guesthouses, eating at small restaurants and in people’s homes!” Linda Davies, May 2025

2025 departure dates: May-October (Sunday to Sunday)

Following the successful launch of our North Albania holiday, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the enchanting south of this incredible country. Join us on an adventurous week that whisks you from the dazzling Ionian Sea to an alternative coast of pristine rivers and lakes, far from the tourist crowds.

Whether it’s sea-kayaking at Qeparo, chasing waterfalls near Gjirokastër, whitewater rafting the untamed Vjosa river, or exploring the beautiful twin lakes of Prespa and Ohrid – both UNESCO heritage sites – this carefully-crafted trip mixes nature, culture and adventure in a way that will thrill explorers of all ages.

Your accommodation will equally be a fascinating mixture of charming, family-run guesthouses that offer a window into the lives of the local people who run them. Throughout the week, our expert local tour leader will be with you to ensure an unforgettable and smooth-running week of exploration and enjoyment. Click on the itinerary tab for a day-by-day run-through.

Highlights

Sea kayaking in the crystal-clear Ionian Sea
4×4 Discovery Day from the Ottoman gem of Gjirokastër, with waterfalls and rock scrambling
Whitewater rafting (gentle in summer), thermal baths and river wade near Përmet
Exploring ancient sites, from Gjirokastër’s byzantine castle to 14th century hermit monk caves and ancient mosaics in Lin
Wild swimming in some of Europe’s clearest waters at Lake Ohrid
Breathtaking drives through mountain passes and into Albania’s Outback

Is This Trip For You?

Our South Albania holiday is best suited for active adventurers, couples, friends or families who are reasonably fit and enjoy full days. Activities are beginner-friendly and our recommended age is anywhere between 7 and 70 – but we can make exceptions for exceptional kids, or older adventurers. Please don’t hesitate to check with us if you think you or one of your party falls into this category! Click here to learn more about our activity levels.

Book to Give Back – every booking sparks a donation to our chosen local environmental and community causes!

All transport, accommodation and most meals are included, as well as a 24/7 adventure leader.

Your Country Experts:

Alfi’s enthusiasm for Albania is infectious. He has been working as a licensed guide in Albania since 2015, and is never happier than when exploring his country, in particular his home region of Tamarë, or jumping into water. Outdoor adventure is his passion, and it shows with every guest. Alfi speaks fluent English, as well as Albanian.

Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive into Tirana and immediate transfer down to the hillside village of Qeparo. Once settled into our accommodation we will enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by our expert local adventure leader.

Day 2 – Sea kayaking at Qeparo
Exploring the Ionian coastline by kayak is one of the best ways to enjoy this beautiful landscape, with caves, wild lagoons and marshes, brooding mountains, and pebbled beaches to discover. Starting at Qeparo beach, we start with a safety briefing and some brief tuition before paddling along the coast to see a pirate cave, and the beach and coves of Porto Palermo, otherwise known as “The Gods Garden” nominated as one of the pearls of the Albanian coastline. Packed lunches and barrels for your valuables are both provided. Dinner and overnight in Qeparo.

Day 3 – Snorkelling boat trip
The Ionian Sea provides crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, making it a great destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts! Discover beautiful beaches that can only be accessed by boat on this tour from Sarandë to the Cave of Turtles and beaches like Krorez, Solders, and Roidhe – all gear is provided! After we are finished we will transfer by car up to the charming hillside town of Gjirokaster to soak up the traditional Albanian vibes. Dinner and overnight in Gjirokaster.

Days 4 – Zagoria Explore & Discovery day
This 4×4 tour takes in the region of Zagoria, a valley only accessible by dirt road and completely untouched by mass-tourism. We will visit the Holy Apostles church in Hoshtëve, with breathtaking frescos inside, before lunch at a hilltop guesthouse, bursting with delicious local produce. After lunch we head towards the waterfall of Selcë, an unbelievable “swimming pool”, as our last stop for a day to remember. Dinner and overnight in Gjirokaster.

Day 5 – Transfer to Përmet via Langarica river wading
The scenic drive up into the mountains towards Përmet is worth it for the views alone! Before reaching the town itself we will stop off for a hike into the justly renowned Langarica Canyon, where we can dip into a selection of freshwater pools as we traverse the canyon floor. At the mouth of the canyon are a selection of “warm” pools, where thermal waters are collected into some natural and some man-made basins under a gorgeous Ottoman-era bridge – perfect for chilling and stretching out after the journey. Our destination for the evening is the gorgeous Traditional Guesthouse, set high in the hills overlooking the Vjosa river, where we will enjoy authentic local hospitality and dinner.

Day 6 – Rafting on the Vjosa river
In the morning, it’s time to go rafting! The Vjosa is one of the last remaining free-flowing rivers in the Balkans and the only one in Europe that’s designated a National Park. The amount of thrills on offer depends on the season, but with with fabulous clear water to jump into and nature all around, it’s heaps of fun even in quieter moments! Once the rafting is done, we will drive up into the mountains on another unbelievable scenic road to reach the last location on our itinerary – the bucolic village of Lin, tucked away on the Albanian shores of Lake Ohrid. Dinner & overnight in Lin.

Day 7 – Lake Ohrid kayaking and exploration
Lake Ohrid (shared with Macedonia) is easily one of the most beautiful in the Balkans, and still wonderfully under the radar for most Western travellers. After a cultural walk to see ancient Roman mosaics and stunning views at a Communist-era bunker from the top of the hill, we will get back on the water to kayak around the peninsula with loads of time for swimming in Lake Ohrid. This might just be the clearest freshwater we’ve ever dipped in (and we’re hard to impress!). Optional bike rides or visits to Prespa Lake are possible later in the afternoon if you want more action! Dinner and overnight in Lin.

Day 8 – Departure
Your South Albania adventure ends here. Transfers back to Tirana are included – otherwise we will happily help you arrange your transfer to your next travel point.

Prices are £ Sterling per person and include all transport, all activities, all accommodation, all breakfasts and lunches and 6 evening meals, all guiding and a book-to-give-back donation (drinks not included). Transfers included only to/from Tirana.

HOLIDAY	APRIL/OCTOBER	MAY/JUNE/SEPTEMBER	JULY/AUGUST
South Albania Activity week 7 nights	£1195	£1245	£1,295

On this holiday, accommodation is quirky, characterful and always locally-owned and operated. If for any reason the first-choice accommodation is not available, we will let you know about the alternatives of a similar standard in advance of your holiday.

PORTA QEPARO, HIMARË