Albania II
Albania hit harder the second time.
Rain, storms, snow, heat.
Caribbean-like coasts and a city full of stories.
A national park that felt like another world.
We met Lea and Sandro—and for a while, we rode together.
A shared stretch, a growing bond.
They made this part of the journey unforgettable.
And I met someone—without knowing yet how much that meeting would mean.
We crossed back into Albania at Lake Ohrid –
and just five minutes later,
someone handed us fresh fruit as a gift.
It was a beautiful start to the day.
That night, we ended up in a honeymoon suite,
laughing at the contrast to our usual wild camping spots.
After a few days circling the lake,
we headed toward the inland hills and the coast.
Somewhere along the way,
we met a bikepacker
who would later play a bigger role in my journey.
When we reached Vlorë,
we found a lovely seaside town
with a real holiday vibe –
but again, the weather turned against us.
Rain for days.
And then, a mountain pass
that reminded us of Durmitor.
It was cold.
It was long.
And it led to our first big argument.
Frozen hands.
Endless climbing.
Silence, tension.
But on the other side –
we met Lea and Sandro,
two fellow bikepackers.
What started as a quick exchange
turned into a growing friendship.
Together, the four of us explored southern Albania:
hot springs, endless rain, the Butrint National Park,
and finally Gjirokastër –
a city rich in history, culture, and texture.
This second time,
Albania showed us a different face –
one we hadn’t expected.
And that made it all the more beautiful.
🚲 Travel Mode
Bicycle
📅 Date From: November 2023
📅 Date To: November 2023
📍 Points of Interest
🏖️ Vlore – A Caribbean-like coastal city, recommended by Lirim and Viola. We arrived during storms and rain, but even then, it had charm and great spots to explore. Definitely a place worth visiting in better weather.
🏔️ Saranda – A lively tourist town where you can swim in the sea and reach the mountains within minutes by car. A blend of beach life and mountain views, full of energy and contrast.
🏰 Gjirokaster – A beautiful hillside city rich in culture and history. Narrow streets, stone houses, and stunning views made it an unforgettable highlight of Albania. A true gem for every traveler.
✍️ Experience Snippet
Riding through the national park as a group of four,
we took in more than just the scenery.
A ferry across the river.
The scent of mandarins in the air.
And crates of discarded fruit,
from which we picked out the good ones.
We took so many with us –
laughing, hungry, grateful.
Albania has so much to offer.
Surprising. Varied.
Absolutely worth visiting.
👉 Want to see the full route?
Check out the route below.
🗺️ Route Legend
🔴 Red – Bicycle
🔵 Blue – Ferry
🟣 Purple – Hitchhiking
🟡 Yellow – Bus / Taxi
🟢 Green – Train
⚫ Black – Airplane
⚪ White – Planned Route
