Albania, Europe's Last Secrets. by La Tierra

Anthony Dendauw

Special thanks to my friends Skarrie, Bert, Ilir, Dorian, my wife Laura and my son Vasco to help me discovering this amazing beautifull last secrets in Europe. Thank you Albania for your love and generosity, we will meet again! Anthony Dendauw

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www.latierra.be | Anthony Dendauw | Roeselare - Belgium | info@latierra.be

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. Speak instead to those who have been, and the associations with the country’s name become infinitely more positive – you’ll hear of rippling mountains, Ottoman architecture, pristine beaches and endlessly hospitable locals. Following decades of isolationist rule, this rugged land still doesn’t seem to fit into the grand continental jigsaw, with distinctly exotic notes emanating from its language, customs and cuisine. Pay a visit to this beguiling corner of Europe now, before it garners the popularity it deserves.

01 02 03

06 CAPITAL AND LARGEST CITY

Tirana

41°19′N 19°49′E OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Albanian

TOTAL AREA

28,748 km2 11,100 sq mi WATER 4.7%

13 18 19

16 POPULATION 2016

2,886,026 VISUAL TRAVEL GUIDES

DENSITY

98/km2 254/sq mi

THETH VALBONA 05

PESHKOPI

KIR VALLEY

TIRANA

LAKE OHRID

BERATI

VLÖRE SARANDË 17

PERMËT

SHKODËR

GJIROKASTËR

THE BLUE EYE

KOMANI LAKE

DIVJAKË

GRAMSCH

011

VOSKOPOJË

GJIROKASTËR FESTIVAL

KORCË

LESKOVIC

BUTRINT

MIXED GALLERY

Theth - Valbona A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

The Kir Valley A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Shkodër A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Komani Lake A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Peshkopi A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tirana A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Divjakë A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Gramsch A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Lake Ohrid A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Berati A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Voskopojë A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Korcë A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Vlöre to Sarandë A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Gjirokastër A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Gjirokastër Festival A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Leskovic A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Permët A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

The Blue Eye A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Butrint A magnificient valley on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.

Tell your friends or family that you’re off to Albania, and you’ll likely receive a stock response: “Isn’t it dangerous?”, “Isn’t there a war going on there?”, and “Is that even in Europe?” are some of the most common. The transnational “Peaks of the Balkans Trail” leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2,300 metres above sea level and leads through wild mountain scenery, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, waterfalls, rivers and remote picturesque mountain villages, in which time seems to have stopped. All in all a “hidden treasure” for nature lovers and hikers. Until twenty years ago, the region had been almost inaccessible for visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience and adventure to hike across the three mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The region of the Dinaric Alps counts as one of the least known areas in South East Europe. Until now, this mountainous region of Albania has remained virtually untouched and is only sparsely inhabited It has preserved its fascination and authentic character.