MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS IN THE MYSTERIOUS SOUTH HIMARË
B AN
IA
AL
3
04
Himara Municipality
08
Overview Map
10
The Most Scenic Trails “Beach to rock and back” “The secret submarine bunker” “Between heaven and sea” “In the shadow of Mount Cikës” “Away from the hustle, and back in time” “Down to the coast and vlimbing back to Himara” “One of the best” “The hidden circle” “In two days from the mountains hospitalityo the easy going of the seaside” “The hidden village in the valley”
50
Guest House Information
4
HIMARA MUNICIPALITY
“THE RIVIERA” Himara Municipality, or “the Riviera,” as it is also known, is mentioned in ancient manuscripts by Herodotus and Thucydides. Roman legions came down on the coast, commanded by Julius Caesar, whose name has remained in this area to this day—in the “Coast of Caesar” or “Gorge of Caesar,” for example. Historical sources from Byzantine authors Procopius, Cantacuzino, Anna Komnene, and others, as well as Ottoman authors from the beginning of the fourteenth century, indicate that the Province of Himare originally consisted of fifty-three villages and its boundaries laid within the Vlora-Tepelena-Butrint triangle. According to the Ottoman cadastral registry from 1432, the Himara coastal area was dense with settlements, many of which have disappeared due to wars, epidemics, and changing political fortunes. These settlements varied in size from a meager ten to twelve dwellings in Kamati, to Himara village, which at its peak had 134 homes. According to another historic register, the villages of Dukati, Palas, Vuno, Himara, Pilur, Kudhes, Qeparo, Borsh, Kokni, and Lukova, have all existed since the thirteenth century, if not earlier.
5
A major factor in the difficulty of identifying the histories of these villages is how often they were burned. The village of St. Basil burned in 1693, as did Nivice, at the hands of the Ottomans. Over the centuries is evident that the people of Himara have been outspoken in their attempts for freedom and independence from foreign control. There are many documents that recount the continuity of their resistance over the centuries, from the early fifteenth century until the declaration of independence in 1912. Himara Municipality lies along the coastline of Ionian Sea, starting from Llogora in the north up to Nivice village, near Saranda. It is 50 km off Sarande city and 70 km away from Vlore city. Himare is one of the Albanian regions that together with Mirdite and Sule areas, near Ionian shores, have never been in the hands of any foreign invaders, in the course of entire history. Himare city and its 2400 year old castle is a symbol of resistance in the Laberia region.
6
HIMARA MUNICIPALITY
Municipality of Himara, or “the Riviera,” as it is also known, is mentioned in ancient manuscripts by Herodotus and Thucydides. Roman legions came down on the coast, commanded by Julius Caesar, whose name has remained in this area to this day—in the “Coast of Caesar” or “Gorge of Caesar,” for example. Historical sources from Byzantine authors Procopius, Cantacuzino, Anna Komnene, and others, as well as Ottoman authors from the beginning of the fourteenth century, indicate that the Province of Himare originally consisted of fifty-three villages and its boundaries laid within the Vlora-Tepelena-Butrint triangle. According to the Ottoman cadastral registry from 1432, the Himara coastal area was dense with settlements, many of which have disappeared due to wars, epidemics, and changing political fortunes. These settlements varied in size from a meager ten to twelve dwellings in Kamati, to Himara village, which at its peak had 134 homes. According to another historic register, the villages of Dukati, Palas, Vuno, Himara, Pilur, Kudhes, Qeparo, Borsh, Kokni, and Lukova, have all existed since the thirteenth century, if not earlier.
7
Radhimë
8
Mazhar cë shi hu l. S
GJIRI I DUKATIT
s
m . VAL-DERRIT # 982
Orikum
Izvo ri
m . SKILLAVIKUT # 1485
Dukat Fushe J 8 Du
Dukat Fshat J 8
ti
ka
m . KOLLOVOÇKES # 1227
Tragjas
I LI MA NG LU ES AR
PASHA LIMANI
Gumenicë
D l. a uk tit
Pirg 8
m . SHENDELLIUT # 1499
J 8
m . ÇIK
#2
Palasë
D J 8
D
E
T I
Overview Map 0
1
2
4
6
8 Kilometers
J O
N
Ploçë
Matohasanaj
ë
Vermik m . KENDREVICES # 2122
Shales
nç
a
M l. h ad
KES
ica
Shush
s
Salari
Bë
Brataj
në thi ok
E ET S AL E M RIB G
Matogjin Bashaj kth Ramicë Smo ina m l. S
gu J Tërbaç 8
Dhëmblan
m . TURTURIT # 1971
Velçë
Lepenicë
s l. josë V
Vajzë
Gjorm
Lap Vjos 9 a Martalloz
Sinanaj
Bolenë
Vranisht
J 8
Nivicë Kozica
Gusmar
m . MUREVE # 1700
Kallarat J 8
2045 m . THATE #
Kuç J 8
ë
r Ço
Br od
an i
Ilias Vuno J 8
e
r
Pilur J 8
L ug
Fterrë adha Lang
i
GJIRI I SPILES
Kudhës J 8
Kudhës
Himarë
Ma dia
u
Çorraj l. Qepar oit
Dhërmi
m . PAPADHISE # 1481
m . MBLERZES # 1096
m . VRRIUT # 540
GJIRI I PALERMOS
Qeparo Borsh JFushë J 8 8 a er Ft
Qazim Pali m . LUGJIT
1048 #
The Most Scenic Trails
10
“Beach to rock and back”
(Himare- Monastery ruin east - Himare fshat - Himare)
Starting from the center of Himare this circle-tour follows first some short asphalt road into the valley behind Himare. When the road changes into a 4x4 dirt track it crosses an often dried out riverbed, and starts to climb through curvy and increasingly rocky terrain towards the mountains. Along the track some old bunkers guard the valley, and who turns the head back gets rewarded with a combined view of the valley, Himare, the Ioninan sea and some greek islands. Once the highest point of this tour is reached, the biker finds the ruins of a church as well as a beautiful old house. After that the tour descends again on a 4x4 track all downhill with some stunning views of the sea and the village of Himare nestled on a hilltop. Once arrived in old Himare (worth a visit) it’s a straightforward and speedy asphalt finish down to modern Himare and the sea.
10 km
9 km
8 km
7 km
6 km
5 km
4 km
1 km
Gravel Road
3 km
Elevation
0 km
2 km
Asphalt
376 m 300 m 200 m 100 m 1.7 m
Distance
m.Skularit # 517
30 0
Jali 100
0
kepi Lerës
±
Hima 300 150 0
300
600
900 Meters
11
TOTAL TIME
TOTAL DISTANCE
TOTAL CLIMB
1.5H
11Km
410m
DIFFICULTY EASY
Thematic groups: CULTURAL MONUMENTS, COMMUNIST LEGACY, SCENIC VIEWS
arë
Kostane
q.Kishes
D
5 00
¬ 1
J 8
Pilur
616
fusha e Vanovës
# m.Gones 700
20 0
# m.Klushit 703
600
#
# m.Radulit
400
1 Maji fusha e Vumlosë
Sera !
k.Cakoit
#
12
“Beach to rock and back”
13
14
The Most Scenic Trails
“The secret submarine bunker” (Himare - Palermo military zone – Himare)
This easy tour combines some highly interesting communist legacy with beautiful views of the Ionian sea. It starts in village of Himare and leads over the modern asphalt road southwards along the coast. After some kilometers it reaches the peninsula of “Porto Palermo”, which was a restricted military zone with a naval base during the communist period. Today widely accessible, a gravel road leads all around the peninsula and back to the asphalt road towards Himare. At the beginning peninsula there`s a small detour to the left worth doing: It leads you to the limits of the naval base in a secluded bay, and to the entrance of a huge former submarine bunker under the peninsula. Back to the main track around the peninsula with great views of the sea & its islands, you reach the seaside entrance of the submarine bunker. Leave your bike and go the final meters to explore this highly interesting piece of history. Back on the bike the gravel climbs the hill and comes back to the asphalt, where the modern road takes you back to Himare. !
Thematic groups: COMMUNIST LEGACY, SCENIC VIEWS
¬ 2
Himarë
Polam
k.Ulliri i Hollë !
k.Ulliri i Hollë
kepi Masunit
±
200
0
200
400
600 Meters
!
# 15
TOTAL DISTANCE
TOTAL CLIMB
1.5h
16km
330m
Distance 400
300
m
200
100
0
gj i r q.Leres D
l
l
g a
j
¬ 2
i
¬ 2
i n r a
m
124
i i t
¬ 2
iip a le rm o
s
15.3 km
14 km
# 541
10 km
8 km
0
6 km
2 km
50
Gravel Road
4 km
Asphalt
m m m m m m 0 km
Elevation
100 90 70 50 30 10
DIFFICULTY EASY
12 km
#
TOTAL TIME
16
“The secret submarine bunker”
17
The Most Scenic Trails
18
“Between heaven and sea”
(Himare- Pilur - back via offroad on upper section to Himare)
22 km
10 km
Distance
20 km
Gravel Road
15 km
Asphalt
m m m m m
5 km
700 500 300 100 0
0 km
Elevation
This trail brings you from Himare up to the traditional mountain village of Pilur, nestling between heaven and earth, or at least sea and mountains. The modern asphalt road takes you south out of Himare, and then a signposted turnoff to the left starts the road up the mountain. Over a mix of broken asphalt and dirt road the climb takes you up to the village of Pilur. Here a scenic view of both mountains and sea, peaceful village life, various sights (Monastery in a small forest, Communist monument) and a bar with the occasional fresh food await you. Once you’re ready to leave Pilur, an alternative road on the upper half back down to Himare follows some great offroad sections.
Himarë k.Cakoit
0
!
1 Maji
Sera 10 0
200
kepi Masunit
300
k.Ulliri i Hollë !
k.Ulliri i Hollë !
±
400
200
0
400 Polam
800
1,200 Meters
400
19
TOTAL TIME TOTAL DISTANCE 2.75h
TOTAL CLIMB 950m
22km
DIFFICULTY Medium
Thematic groups: COMMUNIST LEGACY, SCENIC VIEWS
J 8
#
11 0 0
Pilur
# m.Çipit 10
7 00
00
900
800
s fu ha e n Va ë ov s
m.Klushit # 703
# m.Gones
50 0
¬ 3 #
m.Radulit 600
ha
s fu e m Vu lo
# m.Pinaçes
q.Kishes D
616
së
20
“Between heaven and sea”
21
The Most Scenic Trails
22
“In the shadow of mount Cikës” (Vranisht-Terbac-Lapidar-Vranisht)
From the village of Vranisht this very diverse and relaxing tour brings you in a circle back to your starting point. Always #above you lingers the majestic peak of Mount Cikes. The tour starts out of the village and first takes you over an old path – part 4x4 part foot-trail, including some rocky sections – to the village of Terbac, which clings to the slopes of the high mountains in its back. On the way the path lead you through wooded areas and via a bridge over a small canyon with deep-blue water, but now we follow the road from Terbac down to the main valley. There you soon pass a so called “Lapidari” located in a small park, one of the thousands of monuments erected in communist times all over the country, often in scenic locations. This one is actually one of the biggest in whole Albania. After the Lapidari #the valleys main old asphalt road – in adventurous condition, just as we like it for biking – brings you back to Vranisht. Thematic groups: CULTURAL MONUMENTS, SCENIC VIEW, COMMUNIST LEGACY Shu shic a
Sinovakaj
Ledhe
# m.Kusareve 297 B
200
q.Pellumbit D
Brataj
331
r
a fus m ys ha hn e je s
Bramysh 60 0
Likudhe
800
Gryka
900
10 00
m.Rrethi I
1300
# Papadhise 471
¬ 4
3 00
120 0
0
110
8
J Tërbaç Lekaj
5 00
±
Pirgu 700500
250
0
500
1,000
1,500 Meters
¬ 4
23
#
TOTAL TIME
TOTAL DISTANCE
TOTAL CLIMB
19km
450m
Asphalt
m m m m m m
#
Gravel Road
331
19.3 km
18 km
Shushica
16 km
14 km
12 km
10 km
Distance
Hor q.Limita D
8 km
6 km
4 km
#
2 km
404 380 340 300 260 221.6
#
0 km
Elevation
2.75h
DIFFICULTY Medium
Hor
# # #
# m.Qores
Sheshe
¬ 4 Lenga Vurgjith
# m.Gjate 380
Vranisht J 8
400
24
“In the shadow of mount Cikës”
25
The Most Scenic Trails
26
“Away from the hustle, and back in time” (Himare - Pilur – Kuc - Corraj – Borsh – Himare)
# m.Çukës
Rad
58.7 km
# 1480
0 1 40
r Ço
re
q.Derrases
D
40 km
30 km
Distance
50 km bregu Shkulkesë
1 500
10 km
20 km
726 m 600 m 400 m 200 m 2m
0 km
Elevation
This long day tour (or alternatively relaxed two day-tour) starts from the seaside town of Himare. After climbing to the mountain village of Pilur, a wild 4x4 road takes you into the valley behind the coastline mountains. Here in the Vlora-valley, also called valley “Shushice” after the river which flows through it, you find yourself in a world very diverse to the coastline. It’s a world of tradition, of life rooted strongly in nature, and great hospitality. If the tour is split into two days, for the night the village of Kuc is recommended, which offers various home-stays with local families. After Kuc a long rocky 4x4 downhill road takes you back to the coastline and the village of Borsh with its olive groves. From there it’s a relaxing ride over a perfect modern asphalt all along the coast back to Himare. Asphalt Gravel Road
616
100 0 130
Sh
arat e gjata
5 Brati ¬
400
Grabova
# m.Çipit m.Lepjetes
# 1199
# m.Mullirit Pajame
0
D
# m.Kalilodherit
1
2
3 Km
#
sheshi i vajit
# 414
0.5
fa q ja it Bu n a
q.Mixores m.Gjashtës
m.Shtrunga e Bitrit
616
# m.G
Pilur
D
# m.Nikziut 640 q.Gjonitaves Bletes
1
q.Kishes
640
D
D
q.Shkalles Sheshi i Lumas Rrethit
fusha e Vanovës
Kunjova
±
6 00
Fushe
# m.Helliut #
Bodovishta
q.Mbretes 640
Hekal
Zelishta
616
D
m.Gunese # 542
D
q.Groshezit
Rreza-Borshe Millokopi
m.Mehmetit
#
us hi
ca
# m.Valthit
8
#
Kuç J
0
m.Shëndëllis
640
5 J ¬ 8
Kostane
27
TOTAL TIME TOTAL DISTANCE 7h
60km
TOTAL CLIMB DIFFICULTY Medium Difficult 2550m
Thematic groups: NATURE, TRADITION, FOOD, SCENIC VIEWS 5 ¬
far
bregu i Gravilit
së
300
it aq
far
90 0
10
it
11 00 1 200
30
h ors
a J
e ka gry
# m.Gjinikes 1397
8
Borsh
eB
Fte r
800
ha fus
700
Çorraj
# m.Gjorokullit
#
# m.Korbit # m.Gjivlashit 593
m.Çukës
Qeparo Fushë
Qeparo Fshat
500
# m.Karasit Kudhës
ae fush
J 8
Qep
aroit
8
J Kudhësi
5 ¬
100
0
# m.VRRIUT 547 # m.Pinaçes
# m.Palermos 103
#
i s iri gj rmo e l pa
# m.Gjembit 541
m.Qytezës
D
q.Leres Sera
Polam k.Ulliri i Hollë
1 Maji k.Cakoit
k.Ulliri i Hollë !
!
# m.Klushit 703
fusha e Vumlosë
#
kepi Masunit
124
124
0
200
m.Radulit
!
Gones
#
m.Kolezës
124
D
D
q.Kukumit q.Suqes
28
“Away from the hustle, and back in time�
29
The Most Scenic Trails
30
“Down to the coast and vlimbing back to Himara” (Pilur - Kudhes – Qeparo – Pilur)
This round trip will bring you over all variations of terrain, from dirt to rocks to asphalt, and from mountains to sea and back again. Good fresh air always included! Starting from the village of Pilur the trail goes offroad and then on an old asphalt (so expect some bumps ;-) road to the village of Kudhes with its interesting sights. After that it gets wild over an old shepherds trail towards the village of upper Qeparo, so expect also some pushing sections. But the scenic view and peace of nature more than reward you for that. After the village of upper Qeparo – considered as one of the most beautiful in all Albania – a curvy road takes you down to sea and along the coast towards Himare. The final of this tour demands you again: Climbing up back to the starting point in Pilur with already some distance in your legs is rather sporty, but that’s what you want and it’s what makes you proud. Asphalt
Gravel Road
Elevation
711.3 m 600 m 400 m 200 m 8m
Bodovishta
Distance
37.6 km
30 km
20 km
10 km
arat e gjata
0 km
#
Kudhës
J 8
500
400
600
# m.Pinaçes
900
q.Kishes
D
640
# m.Çipit m.Lepjetes
D
q.Gjonitaves 640
1 000
110 0
faqja Buna i
# 1199
D
sheshi i vajit
±
# m.Gones
J 8
640
0.5 0.25 0
0.5
1
# m.Radulit
m.Klushit # 703
Pilur
t
q.Mixores
616
fusha e Vanovës
D
q.Shkalles
# m.Kolezës
00
1.5 Km
fusha e Vumlosë
8
700
# m.Qy
6 ¬ Sera
31
TOTAL TIME
TOTAL DISTANCE
TOTAL CLIMB
4.25h
42km
1700m
DIFFICULTY Medium
Thematic groups: CULTURAL MONUMENTS, NATURE, TRADITION #
# Qeparo Fshat
6 ¬
# m.Karasit
Qeparo Fushë 1 0 30
3 00
ae fush
aroit Qep
8
J Kudhësi
1 00
200
124
D
D
q.Kukumit q.Suqes 124
6 ¬
m.VRRIUT # 547
m.Palermos # 103 0
i s r i o i g j r m l e a p
m.Gjembit # 541
ytezës
D
q.Leres Polam
124
gjiri i lamanit
32
“Along the old main road through the backlands, and back along
the coast before the final climb‌�
33
The Most Scenic Trails
34
“One of the best” (Pilur-Kuc-Pilur)
#
D
Starting in Pilur, this great 4x4 track takes you into the coasts wild hinterland, the valley of the river “Shushice” and its remote mountain villages. Initially a rather rough and rocky road, it becomes increasingly a more diverse dirt track with great variations. A final part of old asphalt brings you to the mountain village of Kuc with its great view of valley & mountains. Enjoy a coffee or even a plate of local cheese outside the village bar! Back on the same trail as you came, about half the journey back to Pilur you can see far below the waters of the Mediterranean sea. Back in Pilur this very diverse and in all parts cycleable trail (although in some short steep & rocky parts non-experts will have to push the bike) comes to an end. Smile and get another coffee together with the friendly locals! Thematic groups: NATURE, FOOD, TRADITION
JKuç 8
D
q.Groshezit
hica
D
m.Gunese 542
Hekal 4 00
Fushe Brati
#
±
Rreza-Borshe
300
0
m.Helliut 300
616
q.Mbretes
#
Shu s
Grabova 600
900 Meters
7 ¬
640
#
#
#
35
TOTAL TIME
TOTAL DISTANCE
TOTAL CLIMB
3.5h
35km
1400m
Gravel Road
h Kud
30 km 31 km
Distance
300
25 km
Bodovishta
20 km
15 km
10 km
5 km
e at ar ta a gj
0 km
Elevation
726.4 m 600 m 500 m 400 m 336 m
DIFFICULTY Medium Difficult
200
ës i
#
t
500 60 0
7 ¬ D
616
900
m.Çipit
70
0
1
100
#
640
Pilur 100 0
#
D
0
m.Gones
e ha fus vës o Van
80
q.Shkalles
#
q.Kishes
m.Lepjetes 1199
J 8
36
“One of the best”
37
The Most Scenic Trails
38
“The hidden circle”
(Kuc – Corraj - Borsh – Ftere – Kuc)
From the mountain village of Kuc this full day tour takes you through a secluded mountain valley down to the Mediterranean sea and back again. You will lose altitude, and you will ride it back up again… Joy and performance the same day. From Kuc this 4x4 dirt track takes you through the small village of Corraj down to the village of Borsh on the seaside. Enjoy some fresh fish and get energy for your climb back up to Kuc! Once on the road back, which follows the other side of the valley you came down, you will soon encounter the old castle of Borsh strategically located on a hilltop. Worth a short visit, the road later takes you up through the village of Ftere midway in the valley and over some rather # rocky sections back to Kuc. You made it, be proud and have a glass or two of local “Raki”! #
D
Thematic groups: CULTURAL MONUMENTS, NATURE, FOOD, SCENIC VIEWS 140 0
0
15 0
ha e Pogës
m.Gjashnikashit fus # 1511 t
Lugu
D
i zh q.Vejzes # ro D ali m 1200
Br o
ni
rre Ço
# m.Papadhise 1480
D
q.Derrases 616
70 0
80 0
8
J Kuç
90
0 1 00 0
# # m.G 139 # m.Shëndëllisë 11 00
0
1
ar at e gja ta
a hic us Sh
±
kuq
br e gu i Gr a vilit
# m.Çukës
1
li pyl
M
13 0 0
da
pylli pirgut
# m.Thomadheshit
bregu Shkulkesë
# m.Gjatë
pylli guri i cjapit
fusha e Papa dhise
# m.Kodrës
2
3 Km
39
TOTAL DISTANCE
TOTAL CLIMB
5.25h
41km
2200m Asphalt
D
q.Berdes 439 400
39 km
# m.Luftës q.Dar Plakes
D
# m.Gargullit 1215
Temikut faqja Bregu i
30 km
#
Fterrë
Langadh
1055
# m.Gostilës
8 ¬
a
ia
M ad
Ftera
Çirsa 2 00
Çorraj
Qazim Pa
ara arf ef qit
# m.Gjorokullit
# m.Çukës
m.Korbit
rs e Bo
1 00
a fush
J Borsh 8
30
ka gry
Gjinikes
# m.Gargullit
1055
Distance
500
q
97
D
m.Guri Çokës
300
Gravel Road
#
#
10 km
0 60#
DIFFICULTY Medium Difficult
#
20 km
642.8 m 600 m 400 m 200 m 30.4 m
0 km
Elevation
TOTAL TIME
40
“The hidden circle”
41
#
The Most Scenic Trails
42
D
“In two days from the mountains hospitality to the easy going of the seaside”
(Vranisht - Terbac - Kallarat - Kuc(sleep) - Pilur - Kudhes # Qeparo – Himare)
#
!
!
This two-day tour brings you from one world to another, both of # them very attractive. Starting in the remote mountain village of Vranisht, the trail first takes you offroad to the even more remote village of Terbac, before a longer section of old asphalt road – close to zero traffic – takes you all along this hinterland# valley to the village of Kuc. In this village with its great views of valley & mountains, tradition and hospitable home stays with families, we recommend the break for the night. Next day you follow the trail just a short section back, before a very diverse 4x4 road takes # # you to the village of Pilur, giving you fresh air & the first view of # the Mediterranean sea far below. A final detour over the villages of Kudhes and Qeparo take you to the small coastal town of Hi# # # mare, with its #relaxed seaside life. Welcome to the other world! D
D
Asphalt
#
Gravel Road
#
#
#
D
# #
q.Soses
m.Koços Rreza-Borshe
70 km
ve
gje
Kunjova
ip
Bolenë
a
es u nit
#
#
m.Markovës
pylli i
m.Konxheli
Hor q.Limita
am
# 297 y sh
D
Shushica #
9 ¬
331
Sheshi i Rrethit Lumas
m.Gjashtës 414
Kallarat
J 8
m.Kogit
# majat e Zeza #
q.Zeze
60 0
331
Sheshe
331
#
njes
#
m.Qores Lenga
Bramysh Likudhe
#
m.Drerave
Hor
q.Pellumbit m.Kusareve
Br
m.Bolenes 445
fusha e Mesaplik ut
D
Ledhe fu sh a e
m.Zogut
n
J 8
#
Lekaj
s pë i li
#
m.Fjerit
2
S
3 Km 1 600
E T E M0
SO
#
q.Lugat Panjes
ja faq nit ma A llo
90 0
331 # m.Mblerzes 1095 !
id py lli
1
1695
e faqja hit kus
1 0.5 0
JE FI
m.Mesimerit
D D
us
hk
py
ut
lli
1400 1 500
#
10 00
m.Melishtit
110 0 120 0 1 30 0
Dh im
±
#
Vranisht
A faqja e
# 380
m.Rrethi I Papadhise
8
#
m.Bogonices
# 1672
m.Gjate
# 471
m
Vurgjith
Gryka 3 00
Tërbaç J
#
m.Kodimes Fusha e Gjormit
D
#
#
Sinovakaj
m.Mehmetit m.Hel
Bletes
Mesaplik
m.Çerjes
#
Hundexhepe
#
#
m.Mullirit
fu G jo sha rm e it
m ark ovë s
4
Shales
Ballaban
#
Pajame 00
m.Smokthines
# 466
Zelishta
py lli
em
hin
aja
Distance
80 km 83 km
lla jës km 60 lu
m.Spilarit
50 km
#
40 km
Mogila
30 km
im pyll
10 km
m.Myrçevet
ok t Sm
20 km
pyll i gr o p a e bakës
#
m m m m m
0 km
D
Elevation
bo ara de t e rit
726 600 400 200 3
m.Ksillorakut
#
m.K
43
#
# # #
#
TOTAL DISTANCE
TOTAL CLIMB
2 days
86km
2700m
D
TOTAL TIME
#
DIFFICULTY Medium Difficult
D
D
# # Thematic groups: NATURE, FOOD, TRADITION, SCENIC VIEWS # D
D
# #
#
cja ri i
lli
br
eg
Fterrë
q.Kuarth
at
m.Shëndëllisë
ar
#
D
Çorraj
b G re g ra u i vil it
ja t a
#
eg
D
D
616
439
Lan gad ha
m.Gunese
Ft er a
m.Gjinikës m.Gjinikes
# 1397
Bodovishta
105
q.Berdes
ia Mad
q.Groshezit q.Mbretes 640
a
pylli kuq
# 542
Fushe Brati
Ka la s
#
D
D
616
Hekal
Grabova
#
p pir ylli gu t
Çorre
q.Derrases
lliut
#
py
hk uS
J
gu
ë es ulk
8
Kuç
m.Guri Çokës
a Buz qj a t f a Kup ri e
1480
u Lug
m.Papadhise
i dan Bro
#
pit
# #
Çirsa
q.Shkalles D
7 00 800
640
8
ës ov Va n
m.Gones
J Ku dhë si
m.Pinaçes
#
ha
e
#
fu s
Pilur
#
J 8
m.Radulit
#
#
m.Karasit
8
Borsh J
Vu
fu sh aeQ
ha
e
500
Kostane
fu s
#
oit
J 8
m.VRRIUT
m.Qytezës
Qeparo Fushë
30
e p ar
# 547
10
Sera q.Kukumit m.Gjembit
1 Maji
D
# 541
Kumjes
124
2 00
k.Cakoit
Himarë
k.Ulliri i Hollë !
m.Skularit
# 517
q.Suqes 124
10 0
q.Leres D
!
Polam
D
Jorgos
e ja faq oit Zig
Kokor
# 593 # m.Korbit
Qeparo Fshat
9 ¬
los
# 703
m.Çukës
m.Kolezës
ë
m.Klushit
m
D
ndrea
faqja
B u na it
t aji hi es sh
Kudhës
616
#
e farfa
q.Kishes
#
640
m.Gjorokullit
gryka
m.Lepjetes m.Çipit
# 1199
q.Mixores
m.Shtrunga e Bitrit
iv
#
640
D
q.Gjonitaves D
#
m.Nikziut
ra qit
#
m.Kalilodherit
124
gj pal iri i er m o s
0
#
m.Palermos 103
44
“In two days from the mountains hospitality
to the easy going of the seaside�
45
The Most Scenic Trails
46
“The hidden village in the valley” (Pilur – Kudhes Monument – Pilur)
This half-day tour brings you over a great dirt track and an old asphalt road – always with scenic views – from Pilur to the village of Kudhes. Isolated in a mountain valley and surrounded by olive trees, the village of Kudhes has a unique layout, with all the houses – many of them historical ones - built along the main street winding up towards the mountain. Towards the top of the village you find a renovated village square with great views of the valley and various memories of the village`s past, including an old mill stone and a house dedicated to one of the communist parties congresses of the 1960s. After a relaxing break in the village the same trail – with the exception of now staying on asphalt for the whole route – a rather long but scenic climb brings you back to your starting point, the village of Pilur. Gravel Road
500 m
±
s
25.4 km
20 km
Distance
Va n
ov ë
900
15 km
#
# m.Gones
ha
e
80 0
fu s
Pilur
# m.Pinaçes 700
# m.Radulit
J 8
60 0
#m m.Klushit
3 00
e
Vu m
lo
së
# 703
ha
5 00
fu s
fa Bu qja na it
1 0 00
D
80 m
10 km
300 m 5 km
#
0 km
Elevation
711.3 m
4 00
Sera 0.5
0.25
0
0.5
1
1.5 Km
47
# # #
TOTAL TIME
TOTAL DISTANCE
TOTAL CLIMB
2.75h
26km
1300m
DIFFICULTY Medium
Thematic groups: CULTURAL MONUMENTS, SCENIC VIEW, COMMUNIST LEGACY
farfa
ra qit
#
ae
Kudhës
gryk
J 8
# m.Çukës
m.Kolezës
100
K ud hë si
# m.Karasit
200
30
# m.Qytezës
1¬0
m.VRRIUT # 547
48
“The hidden village in the valley”
49
50
Guest House Information
Terbaรง Mehmet Bojkoj: 0692689809 Maksin Mehmetaj: 069 3023523 Kostandin Gjinaj: 068 34 25077 Adnan Bajramaj: 068 25 32 574 Lefter Fatbardha Kapo: 069 43 98457 Vranisht Teki Kanani: 068 27 91524 Bastri Limoj: 068 27 95752 Serian Hasanaj: 069 95 63 031 Gjolek Mataj: 068 20 02 303 Pajtim Shkuri: 0682590874 Lavdie Veizaj: 0697403908 Faut Labaj: 0682568389 Ferdi Sino: 0683572509 Karafil Limaj: 0682927705 Muhamet Tartari: 0672506454 Kallarat Bejo Xhaferraj: 0683103392 Blerim Xhaferraj: 0682738865 Ergest Hoxhaj: 0686933348 Agim & Elisabeta Lamaj: 0685742562 Kuc Gramoz Balilaj: 0682912362 Sabri Balilaj: 0682827577 Xhezo Balili: 0693751452 Vuno Vasil Collalli: 0692073113
51
Dukat Fshat Sehit Behluli: 0695669742 Musah Bodaj: 0699350943 Osman Lako: 0693711578 Fazli Merkohitaj: 0682258272 Katina Ibro: 0694708091 Dhermi Fshat Bledi Elmazi: 0692648035 Kozma Kosani: 0692320661 Andrea Stramarku: 0695371558 Thoma Jonila: 068 39 54 318 Qeparo Fshat Theodhori Foto: 069 58 25 305 Jorgo Pali: 069 72 23 416 Borsh Bashkim Mati: 069 26 70 549 Jani Mici: 069 20 61 879 Kudhes Janaq Tata: 0686262596 Viktor Çani: 0694648206 Drita Çani: 0685041730 Pilur Jorgo Bala: 0692661150 Pavllo Bala: 0697773441 Jani Kongjini+ Andon: 0695792552 Kiço Knogjini: 0699578283 Kiço Kreku: 0697933811 Vasil Lapa: 0692141076 Kristo Cipa: 0692610859
52
53
54
Imprint
55
Imprint
Published by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Registered offices Bonn and Eschborn, Germany ‘Integrated Sustainable Development of the Southern Coastal Region‘ Rr. “Skenderbej” 21/1 T +355 42 230 414 https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/294.html. February 2016 Printed by Gent Grafik Address: L.Ali Demi, Rr. Idriz Dollaku., Tiranë – Albania www.gentgrafik.al Design and layout Enid Mero Photo credits Armand Habazaj unless otherwise stated Copyright with GIZ Text Tobi Gessler Identification of the trails Tobi Gessler & Enid Mero GIZ is responsible for the content of this publication. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Alternatively: German Federal Foreign Office To get more information about Albania Please visit: www.albania.al Download GPS tracks of this publication at www.mtb.al