The Balkans have received a lot of attention recently. Not only because of the Transdinarica Route, which appeared in the LonelyPlanet ‘best experiences 2024’. But also because the COVID-19 crisis meant that people in general and cyclists in particular looked for less crowded holiday destinations. Areas that were previously skipped over became and continue to become popular all of a sudden. The relatively small country of Albania is one of them. Although Albania Not necessarily known for its excellent cycling infrastructure, that’s actually not the case. There is more than enough to do for every cyclist. Let’s take a moment to focus on the beautiful coastal town of Vlöre (or Vlora, as it is written/spoken in the local language). Albania lies at your feet here. Would you like to join us?
Eurovelo 8 along the coast
Vlorë is geographically located near Lecce in Italy. For some years now, the city has been part of the Eurovelo network. The Eurovelo 8 – Mediterranean Cycle Routee – runs from Andalusia All the way to Turkey, to Izmir, and even to Cyprus. Along the way you follow the Mediterranean coast, from Spain, via France, across Italy towards the Balkans. There you arrive in Albania and Vlöre awaits you as a beautiful stopover. It is one of the important economic centers in Albania and from here the boat also departs to Italy (Brindisi). You can drive part of this route, for example from Dürres to Igoemenitsa (in Greece) or even earlier from Tirana. The part along the Albanian Riviera (from Vlöre southwards) is perhaps the most beautiful.
Cycling destination Albania: beautiful climbs
That coastal route is by no means flat like in the Netherlands, that should be clear. From Vlöre you can therefore follow the EV8 and then you will soon come across a beautiful climb towards the south. The Llogara pass is one you should definitely include in your itinerary. With an average of 7% kilometers at 10 and some outliers reaching almost 10%, you have a wonderful challenge ahead. Many Alpencols can still improve on this climb. You can tackle it very well from Vlöre. You then drive up and down (and if you go for an extra challenge, you can drive on to Dhërmi for a break and then back up and down). But this is one of the more beautiful climbs in Albania. Note that the climb from Dhermi is somewhat longer and has an elevation gain of 13%.
Llogara Pass, Dukat and Ri, Albania
• Distance: 13.7 km, Elevation difference: 861 m, Average gradient: 6.5 %
Around the Region and around Brataj
You can also choose a longer adventure in the region and make a 400-kilometer round that passes through the Llogara pass towards Dhërmi and then goes back up via Sarande and Gjirokaster. Then you’ll get to experience all the highlights of the region. You can follow the coast for the first part, and then return via the interior. Of course, you can also do it the other way around. One of the other routes that are fun to do from Vlöre, according to Jared Fontaine who runs a local travel agency, is the following. A race bike route towards Brataj, which takes you into the interior. It’s hilly, so there’s plenty of elevation gain for a long day on the bike. Plus, there’s peace and space (and away from the coast).
Where to start
Cycling destination Albania, that sounds nice, but you do need to have a few tips before you go:
- You’ll be completely self-supported. You can get by with public transport, or you can, for example, follow a longer part of the EV8.
- Keep in mind that traveling by train in Albania is not a walk in the park. Your best option to get to Vlöyrä is probably by train to Brindisi (Italy) and from there the direct boat to Vlöyrä. Brindisi is anyway an important hub for boat traffic to Albania and various ports/islands in Greece
- Do you prefer more convenience? There is a new airport under development, which means a direct connection to Vlöre is possible. From 2025 onwards, this will be available (it will be in 2026 at the earliest..) Otherwise, you will have to rely on Tirana and then local transport.
- There are a number of parties that offer organized tours in the region. Among others:. Vlora Cycling Camp From Jared Fontaine offers a wide range of services, such as bike rental, support, complete trips, and more
- The number of bike shops in the region is not very high, but if you encounter any problems, you will find that the local people are happy to help you. Even behind the most shabby-looking doors, you can find a good workshop where your bike can be brought back to life.
- That said, don’t expect them to have the latest parts for things like Di2 or SRAM AXS in stock everywhere. If you’re going with your own bike, a few essentials might come in handy.
- There is NO visa requirement for residents of the Schengen area. Do you have a different passport? Check the Albania Tourism website for more information.
Want to know more about Albania and the cycling options? Then check out these articles about this region as well:
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.