If you would like to discover and download the best off-road trails in Albania, you are in the right place. Here, I present a ready-made guide that can be used at any time. It’s a great recipe for an adventure-filled trip without the costs of an organizer.
Discover and download the Offroad Guide for Albania!
It’s a simple recipe for an unforgettable adventure! Dozens of crews have already used it. You can get it within a few moments!
Why Albania?
In the rankings of the best-rated countries by off-road enthusiasts, Albania holds a high position. The best off-road trails in Albania are also among the most attractive in all of Europe. This is primarily due to the incredibly diverse terrain.
Here, high mountains rise straight from the sea, and beautiful postcard-like landscapes emerge from almost every turn. You will see rugged, rocky peaks shrouded in clouds, mountain streams, waterfalls, and lakes. You will tackle steep climbs, narrow gorges, and tight paths along rocky ledges above precipices. You will rest on beautiful beaches with warm seas.
The warm sea and Mediterranean climate are also great advantages of Albania. They make off-road trips possible almost all year round. In summer, you can expect temperatures from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Winters are mild, especially on the coast. In the interior of the country, in mountainous regions, winters can be colder, adding charm to the snow-covered landscapes.
Albania also boasts numerous ancient monuments from Roman times and the period of Turkish power. It is characterized by a distinct Balkan culture and customs, rooted in the ethnic and religious diversity of its inhabitants, still marked by the recent socialist dictatorship..
The diversity and intersection of Balkan and Turkish influences are reflected in the delicious cuisine based on fresh, unprocessed local products. Particularly tasty are the sun-ripened vegetables and fruits. Local wines and plum brandy are also favorites among many.
However, the greatest assets are the freedom to travel through the wilderness and the ability to camp wild.
And certainly not insignificant are the significantly lower prices (including in hotels and restaurants), which make traveling in Albania much cheaper than, for example, in nearby Greece or Croatia.
See the photos:
Why are these the best off-road trails in Albania?
The offered trails are based on years of experience gained during individual trips and commercial expeditions. They are designed for off-road vehicles. These routes are of a touristic nature, filled with amazing views, and many sections, especially along rocky ledges above precipices, will satisfy even the most experienced crews.
They include all the most well-known places and tourist attractions in Albania:
Lake Ohrid, the resort town of Pogradec, the Roman-era mountain town of Voskopoje, the Lumia River Gorge, Langarica Canyon, the rocky ledge road to the village of Frasher, the historic town of Gjirokastra, the Blue Eye, the Butrint Cape with the ruins of the Roman city, the seaside resorts of Ksamil and Saranda, wild beaches, the fortress of Ali Pasha, the historic Berat (’the town of a thousand windows’), the spa town of Preskopi, the Albanian Alps (Accursed Mountains), the Valbona Valley, a ferry cruise through Lake Koman, Lake Shkodra, Shkodra – the second largest city in Albania, Theth National Park…
Another advantage is the beautiful camping spots designated for overnight stays, in the mountains, by rivers, on wild beaches by the sea, and at neat campsites by lakes. And in the cities, comfortable hotels and guesthouses are much cheaper than in other European countries.
The best off-road trails in Albania on the map:
The route is designed for factory off-road vehicles. It is 1470 km long and divided into fourteen stages. Each stage requires no more than six hours of driving. I recommend one stage per day of the trip. This way, you will have plenty of time for sightseeing, beaching, tasting local cuisine and drinks, and relaxing at beautiful camping spots.
The offered Offroad Guide consists of a PDF file for printing and KML and GPX files for GPS navigation.
What will you find in the PDF file?
In the general information, I present the requirements for travelers in Albania. You will learn about the necessary equipment and the documents needed for your vehicle and crew members. You will get to know the rules for drivers.
I have also included basic historical data, statistics, and information about local customs, as well as practical recommendations on how to behave in various situations.
In the detailed descriptions of the individual stages, I provide information on their length, the nature of the roads and difficulties, applicable or potential restrictions and dangers. I present the attractions to visit, suggest where to shop, eat, or refuel. I indicate places for overnight stays.
You will also find an invitation to participate in the Never Ending Rally.
Join the largest amateur off-road car competition in Europe. The winner is the crew that completes the most of our routes. You can ride whenever you want! More information is available on this website.
How to use GPS navigation files?
You can use GPX files on GARMIN devices. However, I recommend using KML files and the free and very simple MAPS.ME application. It works works online and offline on smartphones, tablets, etc. with Android and iOS systems.
Start by installing this application on your device. Then simply send the KML files by email to the mailbox on the device with MAPS.ME and open them. Android immediately installs the route and it is visible on the screen. The system for Apple mobile devices (iOS) requires opening the file (an incomprehensible text will appear) and clicking on the “share” icon in the upper right corner. On the displayed list, select the Maps.Me program.
The MAPS.ME application is compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto. This means that if you connect your phone to a car radio with a display that supports these systems, your route will also be visible on the car screen.
You will receive detailed instructions in an email after purchase, along with a link to download the files. I provide assistance if needed.
Looking for reviews and more information?
Visit the Facebook group or feel free to write.
Best regards,
Wojciech Bednarczyk,
e-mail: w.bednarczyk@polskioffroad.com
