KORÇA Bike
©DANIEL DERVISHI
If you want to leave behind the chaotic mess of cities, the oppressive mid-summer heat, or the dreary monotony of winter; if you love nature, forests, mountains and lakes; if you are captivated by the old and the new; if you are looking to have unique urban, culinary and cultural experiences, then you definitely need to visit Korça! Here the intertwining of east and west has created a region rich with ancient history, renowned for its wonderful climate, amazing scenery and highly educated, smart and hard-working people. Unique in the region and in the world, Korça is without a doubt one of the best destinations in Albania. The city is located in the southeast of the country, at the foot of Mount Morava on a rich, fertile plain at an elevation of 825 meters above sea level. Located at the intersection of the Mediterranean and Continental zones, Korça is blessed with a rich and varied topograhy— mountains, hills, and the plain they encircle. Here the morning sun rises over the mountain range of Morava, behind which you can find Devoll. The south is defined by Gramoz and Kolonja and on the west we have Vithkuq, Voskopoja, Opar and Gora. The north is characterized by the refreshing airs off of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. All of the above and more are what make this region one of the most attractive destinations in Albania, offering rich cultural and urban life coupled with active recreation in rugged and unspoiled nature. Riding a bike is one of the best ways to see Korça. Now is the time to discover Korça’s magic with 19 suggested itineraries covering 864 kilometers of biking through the city, cultivated plains, amazing lakesides, breathtaking mountain peaks and eye-catching scenery that you will never forget. You can pass through mountain peaks, valleys, forests, rivers and hidden streams that are waiting for you to be discovered. You can stop by quaint villages where you may give in to the temptation of trying some local specialties of wine or mulberry raki while you satisfy your hunger with the best local cuisine that the region is famous for. Needless to say, you might want to keep this discovery to yourself, but please tell your friends and colleagues—they also deserve to know about Korça, the gem of Albania! In this booklet you will find an overview map of all the itineraries as well as individual maps for each route. Also included are descriptions and information about points of interest in the regions along the chosen itineraries, as well as vertical and longitudinal profiles of each itinerary. Scanning the QR code at the bottom of each page will open that map right on your smartphone, so that you can navigate along the route effortlessly using GPS. Maybe your next great adventure waits for you along the way! What are you waiting for? 6 ::
19 ITINERARIES 864 Km
Historically, the cycling tour of Albania was third in Europe, aยฅer the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia. It was first organized officially on September, 1925 and covered more than1300 km.
General map
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8-9
Itineraries
: : 10-47
Rules for cycling
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50
Signaling
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51
Bicycle types
: : 52-54
How to get to Korรงa
: : 56-57 :: 7
Tirana
M Pogradec
Gramsh
Sovjan Maliq Brozdovec Voskopoja
ร orovoda
Korรง
Vithkuq
Erseka
Macedonia
Pustec
n Pojan
Greece Bilisht
รงa Boboshtica Dardha Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones
©foto xhimi
01
Tour around Mt. Morava The tour around Mt. Morava starts with a challenging climb from Boboshtica to Dardha, before descending continually along the way towards Sinica and the Devoll Valley. Along this itinerary you will find the beautiful villages of Boboshtica, Dardha, and Sinica that offer rare natural landscape in addition to services for tourists and many points of interest. Dardha, in particular, is known as a village of culture and tradition. This village is situated 16 km away from the center of Korça city, and is reached by a road that winds through foothills which give way to rugged mountains covered in lush greenery. Be sure to stop along the way to enjoy the wildflowers or fall colors, and the dramatic plunging cliff of Autumn Rock. From Dardha, you continue down to Sinica through a dirt road that leads to Miras. The route then continues through the Valley of Devoll on a paved road with panoramic views of the east side of Morava that bring us to Bilisht before circling back to Korça. Along this itinerary you will find a number of restaurants, hotels and traditional hostels that promote the traditional culture of the region. 80% of the route is paved. The elevation of this track varies from 832 m to 1595.2 m above sea level. We recommend you cycle through this track using a mountain or street bike.
10 : :
Tour around Mt. Morava – Distance 69 km (Korça - Boboshtica - Dardha - Sinica - Bilisht - Cangonj - Korça)
1595.2 m 1500 m
DARDHË
1400 m 1300 m 1200 m
SINICË
1100 m
BOBOSHTICË BOBOSHTICË
BILISHT
1000 m
KORÇË 60 km
40 km
30 km
20 km
50 km
CANGONJ
KORÇË 10 km
832 m
0 km
900 m
69 km
Tour around Mt. Morava Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones
: : 11
ŠDANIEL DERVISHI
02
Tour to Voskopoja 18 km (one way) The level of difficulty is medium to hard, with elevation varying from 832.1 m to 1253.5 m above sea level, and a paved road. This itinerary starts on the road from Korça to Voskop through level terrain lined by countless apple orchards. A steep incline starts once leaving Voskop towards Voskopoja. At the top of the incline, surrounded by mountains and set amongst rolling hills covered in evergreens you will find the village of Voskopoja. This famed medieval city is known for its churches, academics, library and the printing press that date back to the 1700s. You will be able to visit the numerous churches and monasteries in this village as well as enjoy relaxing nature and tourist-friendly services. Voskopoja is a living museum for writers, students and historians alike and continues to be an important cultural asset for Albania and a prime example of village and cultural tourism: in short, a truly memorable stop. The return trip to Korça is an easy descent, with sweeping views of the city of Korca, its rich plain, and the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Morava. Any kind of bicycle is appropriate for this route. 12 : :
Tour to Voskopoja - Distance 18 km (Korça - Turan - Voskop - Voskopoja) 1253.m 1200 m
VOSKOPOJË
1100 m
1000 m
VOSKOP
900 m
KORÇË
TURAN 16 km
14 km
12 km
10 km
8 km
6 km
4 km
2 km
0 km
832.1 m
18 km
Tour to Voskopoja
Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 13
ŠDANIEL DERVISHI
03
Tour of Prespa The elevation of the Tour of Prespa varies from 825 m to 1142.3 m above sea level. The route goes to the northeast end of the Korça Valley where it climbs up toward the National Park of Prespa, gaining a ridge that provides stunning views of Great Lake Prespa below. A paved road takes you to Zaroshka, by the lakeside, before continuing up a rough mountain incline in Cerje, eventually getting to Rakicka on the other side of the ridgeline. The descent starts above Smaller Lake Prespa and it ends beside the entrance of the Treni Cave, well known for its ancient history. The winding route through the pristine Prespa Lakes shows off one of the most attractive tourist regions of the Balkans that is known for its rich flora and fauna and extraordinary natural beauty. There are over 1500 types of plants and 40 mammalian species endemic to this zone; among which are the brown bear, the wolf, the curly pelican and other rare species. It is the highest lake in Albania at 853 m above sea level and is one of the most interesting natural water systems in the world, full of appealing elements that assure your ride is going to be unique. A mountain bike is recommended for this trail, or at a minimum riding with a group, since over 20 percent of the route is comprised of challenging mountain roads. 14 : :
Tour of Prespa - Distanca 72 km (Korça - Plasa - Zvezda - Pustec - Zaroshka - Rakica - Tren - Cangonj - Korça) 1142 m RAKICKË
1100 m
1050 m
950 m
900 m
850 m
KORÇË PLASË
PUSTEC ZVEZDË
KORÇË
TREN CANGONJ
ZAROSHKË
60 km
50 km
40 km
30 km
20 km
0 km
825.6 m
72 km
Tour of Prespa Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 15
©DANIEL DERVISHI
04
Tour of Muzaka The Tour of Muzaka is one of the hardest routes due to its rugged elevation profile with many climbs and descents. The length of this itinerary is 100 km and the elevation varies from 545.8 m to 1733.1 m above sea level. Lush greenery and panoramic views accompany you throughout this route, which stretches through mountainous terrain that includes hidden valleys, hills, natural springs, rivers, dense forests and mountain peaks around every turn. The way begins on the national road toward Erseka, continuing past Mollaj, Kamenicë and Floq before it climbs toward Ujëbardhës. This first incline of medium difficulty takes you alongside the picturesque Gjançi Lake, the village of Leshnja, and the Great Bridge of Osum, before you reach the beautiful village of Vithkuq that offers not just magnificent scenery but also well-preserved Byzantine churches and monasteries. Going past the Church of St. Milli and its Baptismal Grave, you start the climb through the Rripa e Keqe towards Shtylla then past Çemerica and the alpine peaks of Ostrovica towards Opar before descending towards the Valley of Devoll in the Gora region. The road is partially paved but keep in mind that the main segment of Vithkuq-Lozhan incorporates a mountainous stretch that is easily passable only during the dry season of spring and summer. This itinerary cannot be cycled in the course of one day, so we recommend you organize groups, camp along the trail or arrange for accommodations in the villages. We advise that you use a mountain bike for this route.
16 : :
Tour of Muzaka - Distance 100 km (Korça - Bellovoda - Gjanç - Vithkuq - Shtylla - Lekas - Karbanjoz- Lozhan Maliq - Korça)
1733 m
1600 m
SHTYLLË
1400 m
GJANÇ VITHKUQ
1200 m
1000 m
KORÇË
LEKAS
BELLOVODË
KORÇË
KARBANJOZ LOZHAN
MALIQ
800 m 600 m 80 km
60 km
40 km
20 km
0 km
545.8 m
100 km
Tour of Muzaka
Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones
: : 17
©DANIEL DERVISHI
05
Autumn Tour The Autumn Tour is an easy ride that starts and finishes in Korça, making a loop through the surrounding Korça valley. Along the way, you will see fertile lands with a large variety of agricultural products and fruit trees. The route snakes through the farms fed by the waters of River Devoll and has ample shade from the lines of poplar trees that accompany most of the route. This path is 34 km long and goes through the Korça Valley with elevation that varies from 810.9 m to 872.1 m above sea level. The segment from Korçë to Plasë is 8 km long and, as part of the national road through Korça, has relatively high traffic. The next segment goes through a valley characterized by agriculture and livestock. A day on this route will leave you relaxed due to the tranquil surroundings and the easy paved roads. Along the way you will see the Fazan Forest that is close to the Village of Drithas. This forest stands as the only living witness to what once was the Lake of Maliq, drained for farmland 70 years ago. There are a variety of trees in this forest including poplar, willow, linden, pine and fir trees. All the different elements of the forest fuse to create a unique environment for nature and science lovers. This route has a low level of difficulty, appropriate for any kind of bicycle.
18 : :
Autumn Tour - Distance 34 km (Korça - Plasa - Pendavinj - Rëmbec - Maliq - Lumalas - Korça) 872 m 870 m
KORÇË
860 m
850 m
KORÇË PLASË
840 m
LUMALAS 830 m
PENDAVINJ
MALIQ
RËMBEC
820 m
30 km
25 km
20 km
15 km
10 km
5 km
0 km
810.9 m
34 km
Autumn Tour
Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 19
©DANIEL DERVISHI
06
Tour of the Korça Valley The tour through the Korça Valley is an easy route, but with considerable distance of 58 km. The roads are paved and the elevation varies from 810.3 m to 895.4 m above sea level. This route takes you along the geographic borders of the Korça Valley, giving you the complete perspective of this beautiful valley from every angle. Along the way you can admire the great escarpment of Dry Mountain (Mali Thatë) to the northeast. This segment also offers you the best view of that area that was once covered by Maliq Lake, which was intentionally drained in the late 1940s. We recommend you use any kind of bicycle for this route since it is a completely paved and leveled road. The route crosses many other roads and villages along the way, so it is easily personalized. However, take note that a significant portion of this route runs along the major national road, so caution should be exercised with traffic.
20 : :
Tour of the Korça Valley - Distance 58 km (Korça - Plasa - Zvezda - Podgorie - Sovjan - Libonik - Korça) 895 m PODGORIE
890 m
880 m
870 m
KORÇË
860 m
850 m
KORÇË
840 m
SOVJAN
ZVEZDË PLASË
830 m
LIBONIK 820 m
50 km
40 km
30 km
20 km
10 km
0 km
810.3 m
58 km
Tour of the Korça Valley Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones
: : 21
©DANIEL DERVISHI
07
Apple Tour The Apple Tour is an easy 22 km route and has an elevation ranging from 832 m to 903 m above sea level. It is mostly flat, through rich agricultural lands and the apple orchards that the region is famous for. The route starts in Korça and follows the national road towards Erseka, before veering to the right and into the cultivated lands west of the city. The route then passes through the villages of Qatrom to Polenë, offering a picturesque view of the entire Korça valley before passing back through Voskop, Goskovë, Turan, and Ravonik. This is a low difficulty route since the terrain is flat, with paved roads. The itinerary is ideal for different age groups and perfect for the whole family, as it does not require any expertise or specific training. The apple and cherry trees provide beautiful flowers in the spring, generous shade and cherries in the summer, and crisp apples in the fall. You can choose to take a break in Polena or in one of the many coffee bars in Voskop to relax and strike up a conversation with the friendly locals before going back to Korça.
22 : :
Apple Tour - Distance 22 km (Korça - Qatrom - Polenë - Voskop - Turan - Ravonik - Korça) 903 m 900 m
VOSKOP
890 m
880 m
KORÇË KORÇË
QATROM
870 m
POLENË
860 m
RAVONIK 850 m
TURAN
840 m
20 km
15 km
10 km
5 km
0 km
832.8 m
22 km
Apple Tour Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 23
©DANIEL DERVISHI
08
Tour of Kolonja The Tour of Kolonja is 43 km long and its elevation ranges from 876.4 m to 1174 m above sea level. Along this route you can visit the Burial Mound of Kamenica and its accompanying archaeological museum, one of the largest and most well-known bronze-age burial mounds in the region. More than 400 graves, the skeletal remains of 430 individuals and 3500 objects have been discovered at the site, many of which are on display at the museum. The hardest segment of this route is on the incline to Qarri Pass (Qafë Qarri), which provides memorable scenery as the road snakes between forests and meadows as you approach the plateau of Kolonja, all under the towering peak of Mount Gramoz, the highest mountain in Southern Albania with a height of 25223 m. Upon reaching Erseka, try to visit Rehova, one of the most beautiful villages of the Korça region. This is a village that seems frozen in time, steeped in a glorious history and custom that locals maintain with fierce pride. This route is of high difficulty due to the combination of considerable distance and the climb over Qarri Pass. The road is paved, so any kind of bicycle is considered appropriate. This is not a very busy road but it is quite narrow (6.5 m), so we recommend you exercise caution with traffic.
24 : :
Tour of Kolonja - Distance 43 km (Korça - Mollaj - Kamenica - Qarr - Mollas - Selenicë - Erseka) 1174 m 1150 m
1100 m
SELENICË
1050 m
ERSEKË
1000 m
QARR MOLLAS
950 m
900 m
KORÇË
MOLLAJ
KAMENICË 40 km
30 km
20 km
10 km
0 km
876.4 m
43 km
Tour of Kolonja Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 25
©DANIEL DERVISHI
09
Tour of Osum The Tour of Osum is 54 km long and has a medium/high difficulty level. There is a lot of variation in elevation throughout this route, with the biggest climb occurring as you climb over Qarrit pass. In all, the elevation varies between 834.4 m to 1174.3 m. As you travel away from Korça, the road veers to the le toward Gjançi Lake as you start the climb towards Vithkuq. A er 3 kilometers, you leave the lake behind to enter a black pine forest. Continuing through the woods, you will find yourself suddenly in the Lubonja Valley. To this point, the road is partially paved. A good portion of this stretch runs alongside the main tributary to the Osum River which originates close by, moves northwest through deep canyons, and continues on to Berat. Note that the segment of the route from Rehovë to Boshanj is not paved. Throughout, the terrain is hilly and mountainous, and offers a variety of panoramic resting spots kilometer a er kilometer. Along the way, you can visit the Burial Mound of Kamenica, various villages, religious sites of interest, and Gjanci Lake. We advise you to use a mountain bike or hybrid bicycle since parts of this trail are unpaved and slightly damaged. 26 : :
Tour of Osum - Distance 54 km (Korça - Bellovoda - Gjanç - Lubonja - Mollas - Qarr - Bellovoda)
1174 m
REZ. I GJANCIT
1150 m
QARR
1100 m
BELOVODË
1050 m
BELLOVODË
1000 m 950 m
LUBONJË
KORÇË
900 m
50 km
40 km
30 km
20 km
DVORAN 10 km
0 km
876.4 m
54 km
Tour of Osum Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 27
©DANIEL DERVISHI
10
Tour beyond the Red Mountain This is a highly challenging route due to the mountainous terrain, climbing to a maximum elevation of 1801 meters. We recommend most to attempt this route between May and September, though to those extreme adventure seekers the icy and majestic peaks and plateaus in fall or early spring would be magical. The length of this route is 31 km long, though fitness junkies looking for a challenge can lengthen it somewhat by starting in the City of Korça. For those wanting to conserve their energy for the off-road climb, the route begins in Biglla. The route follows the old military path of the border detachment of Red Mountain where you can still see the communist-era ruins. To the right your constant companion is the southwestern part of the Korça Valley and the surrounding villages, while to the le you see Mount Gramoz and your view extends all the way beyond the Greek border. The path follows the side of the mountain and continues up to Kozel just where you start a pleasant descent towards the alpine pastures that lead to Kazan Pass (Qafë e Kazanit) and Çezmë me Gozhdë, until you make it at last it to Gramoz. It is recommended to stop here for a rest before you start heading towards Nikolica, through trails that demand ability, experience and stamina. We recommend that you train for this itinerary and organize excursions in groups since this path is extremely difficult and mountainous. We also advise you to use a good-quality mountain bike. An alternative to this trail branches through the village of Pepellash and goes a distance of 13.8 km with an elevation that varies from 1162.9 m to 1836.1 m above sea level. This alternative constitutes one of the most difficult routes in the region, given the terrain and quality of roads. However, in every case along this route, the difficulty pales in comparison to the scenery. From Qafa e Qarrit you can behold the amazing views of the Kolonja plateau, the majestic Mount Gramoz on one side and the lead-grey landscape of the peaks of Mount Zi on the other side. 28 : :
Tour beyond the Red Mountain - Distance 31 km (Skipista Dardhë - Llofkat - Red Mountain - Qafa e Kozelit - Nikolicë - Dardha) MAL I KUQ
1805.1 m 1800 m
SKI-PISTA DARDHË
QAFA E KOZELIT
1700 m
1600 m
LLOFKAT
1500 m
1400 m
DARDHË
1300 m
NIKOLICË 30 km
25 km
20 km
15 km
10 km
5 km
0 km
1210.4 m
31 km
Tour beyond the Red Mountain Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 29
©DANIEL DERVISHI
11
Tour of Çardhak The Tour of Çardhak is a high difficulty route with a vertical profile which ranges from 847.3 m to 1797.8 m above sea level. This itinerary snakes through the fir, beech and black pine forest of the National Forest of Fir in Drenova. This road is everything but dull, full of surprises starting with Fusha e Dytë where you can still find the ruins of an old mine. When arriving to Bozdovec you should definitely try the pure spring water of the famous Bozdovec spring. You can then start the climb toward the rock formations of Billygoat Rock (Guri i Capit) which offers a breathtaking view and surely deserves a brief stop to enjoy. Then you continue past Kroi i Plakës, Izvor and Çardhak where you can see the Korça Valley in the west and Devoll Valley to the east. You pass down Sopot and ride past Shën Marena, and then continue past the rapids and towards Dishnica where you can follow the national road back to Korça—only a few minutes away. This route passes through a number of cultural landmarks that have been very important in the past of old Korca society. Those who have been raised listening to stories from Korça and Korça Serenades will discover and live first hand some of these episodes along the way. Keep in mind you need to be physically fit and use a mountain bike for this itinerary. 30 : :
Tour of Çardhak - Distance 31 km (Korça - Drenova - Bozdovec - Guri i Capit - Çardhak - Dishnica - Korça)
1797.8 m
ÇARDHAK
1700 m 1600 m
GURI I CAPIT
1500 m 1400 m
BOZDOVEC
1300 m 1200 m 1100 m 1000 m
KORÇË
900 m
DRENOVË
DISHNICË
KORÇË 30 km
25 km
20 km
15 km
10 km
5 km
0 km
874.3 m
31 km
Tour of Çardhak Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 31
©FOTO XHIMI
12
A ernoon Tour The A ernoon Tour is a medium difficulty itinerary with a distance of 15 km and a completely paved road. It starts in the city of Korça and reaches a maximum elevation of 1305 m on the climb up Mount Morava. The route begins heading towards Erseka, before turning toward Drenova a er about 3 kilometers. The road takes you through the charming Village of Drenova and then loops back toward Korça and through the furthest neighborhoods of the Village of Mborje, before finally arriving at Ristoz Church, the oldest cultural monument in the Korça Region. From here, a steep climb gains the Kennedy hills, where you may choose to continue toward the top of Morava at the Shën'Dëllinë e Mborjes or return back down the hill to Korça. The first option offers the best views of the city and Korça Valley but it requires strong legs for the steep climb. The second option offers you a peaceful view of the sun setting out to the west, and an easy five minute coast down into the city 32 : :
A ernoon Tour - Distance 15 km (Korça - Drenova - Mborje - Shën Todër - Morava - Korça)
1300.5 m
MORAVË
1300 m
1200 m
SHËN TODËR
SHËN TODËR
1100 m
MBORJE
DRENOVË 1000 m 900 m
KORÇË
KORÇË
14 km
12 km
10 km
8 km
6 km
4 km
2 km
0 km
876.2 m
15 km
A ernoon Tour Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 33
©DANIEL DERVISHI
13
Heritage Tour The medium/difficult Heritage Tour gives you the chance to visit Vithkuq and Voskopoja, two of the oldest and most important villages of the Korça Region. Vithkuq is a real treasure, unique among Albania as a mountain village rich with cultural and natural resources. The village boasts 100 springs, 3 ancient castles, 24 churches, 3 monasteries, forests, meadows, green rolling hills and springs with crystalline water. Voskopoja bears some similarity to Vithkuq, and is probably among the most historically well-known cities in Albania and even the Balkans. This important trading and cultural center had a school and a printing press when much of the region was a chaotic and dark place. Today it is a favorite tourism destination for locals and foreigners alike. The connecting road between Vithkuq and Voskopoja is particularly interesting as you ride from Vithkuq to Borisht and then through the Wolf’s Throat (Gryka e Ujkut) until you get to Kulat e Gjergjevicës, which finally offers a view of Voskopoja and its plateau. The panoramic views are your constant background for this itinerary that runs 60 km long, with elevation ranges from 832.1 m to 1497.5 m above sea level. We recommend use of mountain bike since there are some rough road segments along the way, and bear in mind that you may need to carry your bike for short segments of the route. An alternative to this route is to go towards Shtylla a er leaving Vithkuq. Once past the village of Shtylla, you can cycle up and down the rolling hills for just over 30 km to arrive in Voskopoja. This alternative is on an unpaved road, with an elevation that ranges from 1091.7 m to 1723 m and is considered of high difficulty. We recommend using a mountain bike for this route. 34 : :
Heritage Tour - Distance 60 km (Korça - Mollaj - Bellovoda - Vithkuq - Voskopoja - Voskop - Korça) 1497.5 m
1400 m
1300 m
VOSKOPOJË 1200 m
VITHKUQ 1100 m
BELLOVODË KORÇË
900 m
VOSKOP 50 km
40 km
30 km
0 km
832.1 m
20 km
MOLLAJ 10 km
1000 m
KORÇË
60 km
Heritage Tour Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 35
©DANIEL DERVISHI
14
Tour of the Mule The Tour of the Mule is a high-difficulty 65 km route over partial pavement. The terrain is mountainous, with elevation from 762 m to 1553 m above sea level. The route begins along the paved road from Korça to Voskop and continues to Voskopoja. From there, you continue toward Krushova where the paved road slowly gives way to walking trails. Once past Krushova, the route continues for considerable time beside Bakulli i Osojës, the largest forest complex in the southeast of Albania. Continuing past meadows, rolling mountains and springs, you arrive at the border with Gora, where the descent towards old Lozhan begins and continues on into the valley of the Devoll River. Here the road travels upstream all the way to Maliq. Since most of the road is mountainous, it is highly recommended you use a mountain bike. Along the way you will encounter a lot of other trails that are not part of the itinerary, so it is advised to closely follow the map or the GPS route linked with the QR code. As it is very hard to complete this route in one day, we recommend you camp along the way. Get ready to sleep under the brightest night sky you have ever seen!
36 : :
Tour of the Mule - Distance 65 km (Korça - Voskop - Voskopoja - Shipska - Lozhan - Maliq - Korça)
1553.4 m 1500 m
1400 m
SHIPSKË 1300 m
VOSKOPOJË
1200 m 1100 m
LOZHAN
1000 m
900 m
KORÇË
VOSKOP
MALIQ
KORÇË
800 m
60 km
50 km
40 km
30 km
20 km
10 km
0 km
726.2 m
65 km
Tour of the Mule Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 37
©ALBERT CMETA
15
Tour of Ohrid The Tour of Ohrid runs a distance of 38 km along mostly heavier traffic main roads. The route starts in Korça toward Pogradec, a city that can easily be visited year around with a bicycle. Surrounded by hills on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the city stands like a theater with steps that lead you right into the water. Pogradec offers a lot for tourists not just in summer, but in winter as well. In either direction from Pogradec, you can visit Drilon, where crystal clear water stems from Lake Prespa, or see the picturesque lake villages of Tushemisht and Lin. The west part of the lake goes parallel with the main driving road to Lin and keeps going past Thanë Pass (Qafë Thanë), towards Elbasan and further down to Tirana. The city’s promenade and the bike path along the lake will be a great way to enjoy one of the most beautiful lakesides in the world. This itinerary is of medium difficulty level, with elevation varying from 696.1 m to 888.2 m above sea level. This trail requires good training. Though a road bike would be optimal for this route, any bicycle type would be appropriate. 38 : :
Tour of Ohrid - Distance 38 km (Korça - Lumalas - Sovjan - Çërrava - Pogradec) 888.2 m 880 m 860 m
QAF PLLOÇË
KORÇË
840 m
SOVJAN
LUMALAS
820 m
ÇËRAVË
800 m 780 m 760 m 740 m
POGRADEC
720 m
30 km
20 km
10 km
0 km
700 m 696.1m
38 km
Tour of Ohrid Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 39
©DANIEL DERVISHI
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Tour of Rrungaja The tour of Rrungaja is a circular mountainous trail that starts in Vithkuq, heading towards Shtylla through Rripa e Keqe. Once past the village of Shtylla the route follows the road of Vakëfeve, turning le in Tolabe. Here, you can refresh with the brisk waters of Kroi i Hasan Shtyllës before climbing towards the meadows of Mount Rrungaja. Upon starting this route, you will immediately experience the particularly rare beauty of this region, alpine scenery embraced by granite cliffs, meadows and pastures all of which turn Vithkuq and Rrungaja into a painter’s dream. The road continues past a grove of beech trees as you start your descent to Stratobërdha, where abandoned buildings are overgrown by lush plants. Continuing, you can see Katundi and Treska below you to your right as they perch over the Osum river. The route continues towards Ballabanova, around the Ballabanova forest and next to the Kroi Mbret as you reach the meadows that lead St. Mitri. Here the paved road begins again, winding down toward Psari and Boshanj. At this point you may choose to head towards Lubonja and Gjançi or to go towards Qafzez and get to Mollas where it meets the national road from Korça to Erseka. Both alternatives are nice, but if you want to stay in the scenic mountains throughout the itinerary, we recommend going towards Lubonja, Rehova, and later Gjançi e Bellovodës. This is a very scenic route and we advise you enjoy it in a group setting. This route requires a mountain bike. 40 : :
Tour of Rrungaja - Distance 52 km (Gjanç - Vithkuq - Shtylla - Selenicë e Pishës - Lubonjë - Gjanç) 1624.4 m 1600 m
1500 m
SHTYLLË SELENICA E PISHËS
1400 m
1300 m
VITHKUQ 1200 m
GJANÇ
GJANÇ
1100 m
LUBONJË 1000 m
900 m 52 km
40 km
30 km
20 km
10 km
0 km
855.6 m
52 km
Tour of Rrungaja Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 41
©DANIEL DERVISHI
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Tour of St. Kostandin This tour highlights the Church of St. Kostandin of Bradvica, located in Bradvica village at the foot of the Morava mountains on the Devoll side. The church stands perched on the nearly vertical slopes of the mountain, a place surrounded with meadows and century-old trees. Every year in early June a festival is held where people travel to the church and camp out under the night sky. This is a must-see destination for mountain bike lovers. You will enjoy this route most by passing through Biglla, descending several hundred meters before leaving the road that goes to Dardha and heading le on a mountain road to the peak of Biglla. Continue along the remains the old military road through old and new beech groves, passing perfect destinations for camping during spring or summer. Your return trip ascends past the Billygoat Rock (Guri i Cjapit)—a difficult climb rewarded by the beautiful and unique rock formations. The descent towards Bozdovec and beyond to Drenova is easy and gives you the chance to enjoy the essence of the National Park of the Fir of Drenova. The itinerary is 31 km and elevation ranges from 876.4 m to 1692.6 m above sea level. Since it follows old military roads and walking trails this itinerary requires a mountain bike. 42 : :
Tour of St. Kostandin - Distance 31 km 1692.6 m
(Dardha - Bradvica - Guri i Cjapit - Bozdovec - Korça)
1600 m
GURI I CJAPIT
DARDHË
1500 m 1400 m
BOZDOVEC
1300 m
BRADVICË
1200 m
1100 m 1000 m
25 km
20 km
15 km
10 km
5 km
0 km
30 km
KORÇË
900 m 876.4 m
31 km
Tour of St. Kostandin Scan the QR code to view the route map in your smartphones : : 43
©DANIEL DERVISHI
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Farm Tour This easy Farm Tour will take you on a nice tour of the Korça Vallley, off the beaten path and away from the daily traffic and bustling city. All you will have to distract you are the charming pastoral views of farms stretching out around you. The route starts in Korça and turns towards Çiflig, where it leaves the main road to pass between farming plots planted mainly with root vegetables. The way continues on service roads through these plots and beside irrigation and drainage canals, accompanied at all times by the agricultural scenery that changes with the seasons: blossoms in spring, tall golden grains, watermelons and bright tomatoes in summer, and harvested fields with haystacks and larks in the fall. Continuing past these fields, the route passes by the villages of Bulgarec and Shamoll before returning to Korça from the north. Depending on the weather, this trip can be dusty or muddy, but regardless of the season it is sure to be a relaxing few hours of cycling meditation, getting lost in thought, or just catching up with good friends. It is best to choose a decent mountain bike for this route. Most important is to pack some water, and enjoy!
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Farm Tour - Distance 16 km (Korça - Çiflig - Bulgarec - Shamoll - Malavec - Dishnica - Korça) 864.7 m KORÇË
860 m
850 m
KORÇË
840 m
MALAVEC ÇIFLIG
830 m
BULGAREC
830 m
SHAMOLL
820 m 14 km
12 km
10 km
8 km
6 km
4 km
2 km
0 km
816.7 m
16 km
Farm Tour
Skano QR Code për të parë hartën e itinerarit në smartphon-in tuaj : : 45
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City Tour Korça city: where to start with your bike? Maybe from the center? How about the outskirts? Perhaps it is best to start in the valley and climb up the hill for a view, or is it better to start in the hills and ride down? Don’t overthink it! It’s best to start wherever you are—take the map and navigate through Korça’s lovely old streets—no matter which route you choose, you can’t go wrong! There is so much to see in Korça: bustling main streets, cobblestone alleys, old houses, stone doorsteps, windows, people, churches, mosques, museums, history, heroes, geography, parks, brewery, sun, snow, love. You have never seen anything like Korça before—it is simply unique. The city has paintings, songs and hymns dedicated to it, and while you can't experience them all from the seat of your bicycle, your bike can surely get you to them. Through the boulevards lined with linden trees, you can ride the Brewery and Beer Garden, the City Tower, back to the park, and then you can a cobblestone side street back to the Pedonale, down to the Old Market and then repeat, up and down, here and there. You can visit a museum, meet a friend, hear a church bell, gossip a bit, have a beer, sing serenades, sleep next to the moon, wake up next to the sun, stretch, get up, get tired, then rest. Korça is unlike any other... and looks beautiful from a bike! 46 : :
©KATERINA DELI
City Tour Skano QR Code për të parë hartën e itinerarit në smartphon-in tuaj : : 47
©DANIEL DERVISHI
Four fundamental cycling considerations: • Control your bicycle at all times and pay attention to your To maintain control of your bicycle, you first off need to make sure your bicycle fits your body correctly—if not, adjust it accordingly. A bicycle equipped and in well-maintained condition is easier to control, comfortable to ride and less tiring.
• Protect yourself and use a bicycling helmet at all times to help reduce head trauma.
Correct
Wrong
• Be vigilant and visible while cycling. Use hand signals before turning, changing lanes or simply to signal to the traffic around you.
Le
Right
Stop or Slow down
• Cycle in the same direction as traffic. Ride your bike in the same direction as the traffic, so that you become more visible and reduce risk along the road. On a one-way street you can cycle on the le as long as you are going in the same direction as the traffic. Keep away from parked cars since you might get hit when the doors open. 50 : :
Roadway Signs Main Roads
BIKE ROADS
Secondary Roads and side streets VOSKOPOJA
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
MOUNTAIN HOUSING
FOODS AND DRINKS
10km 300m
2km
1km
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Bicycle types Road bikes Road bikes are designed to go fast. They have slim tires and can be used for racing on roads. These types of bikes are usually lighter than others and are great to cycle on paved roads but become useless on unpaved trails. Most of the road bikes cannot carry heavy weight, but when used correctly these bikes are easier to control, more comfortable, and less tiring than alternatives.
Cyclocross bikes This unique type of road bike designed to go in a mixed terrain (paved roads, side streets, gravel roads and grass). The handlebar is lower and the tires are thicker than on a regular road bike. These bikes are used by many because they are fast and light, they have a modified breaking system that helps in rugged terrain, and they can carry some light weight.
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Bicycle types Touring bikes A touring bike is a special kind of road bike that is designed to go on paved roads but is more stable and comfortable over long distances. They are widely used because they offer a comfortable, stable ride and can carry heavy weights.
Road bikes with a straight handlebar These bikes have most of the advantages of the other road bikes. They have relatively narrow tires that are most efficient for paved roads. They usually have a straight handlebar and most of them can even ride on wider rims if you need to go on unpaved roads.
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Bicycle types Mountain bikes These bikes are designed for the off road trails. They have a low range of speeds and are great for trails with steep inclines. These types of bikes are o en equipped with front and/or rear suspension that is especially desirable for rough terrain rides.
Hybrid bikes These bikes were initially designed to combine the advantages of road and mountain bikes. They are perfect for paved roads, paved or unpaved trails but are not ideal for extremely mountainous trails.
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Šdaniel dervishi
56 : :
How to get to Korรงa Korรงa is situated in the southeast of Albania, with geographical coordinates of 40 37'N-20 46'E and an average elevation of 850 m above sea level. You can get to Korรงa from all directions. You can drive, fly or take a boat to the closest Albanian port or the surrounding counties as shown below.
Int Airport. Tirana's "Mother Teresa" - 185KM away, approximately 3 hours and 20 min. by car
Int Airport. Ohrid "St. Paul the Apostle" - 108km away, approximately 2 hours drive Int Airport. Skopje "Alexander The Great" - 236km away, approximately 3 hours and 25 min. by car Int Airport. Thessaloniki "Makedonia Airport" - 290 km away, approximately 3 hours and 5 min. by car Port of Durres - 204km away, approximately 3 hours and 30 min. by car The port of Vlora - 254km away, approximately 4 hours and 15 min. by car : : 57
MUNICIPALITY OF KORCA
REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA PREFECTURE OF KORCA REGION
Municipality of Korca