The mountain villages of northern Albania offer more than just landscapes: they hide ancient histories, living traditions and a true summer magic that is not found everywhere. Leaving behind busy roads and overcrowded beaches, this itinerary starts through the pebbles of Theth, where the forces of nature and the generosity of the locals are manifested at the foot of high cliffs. The characteristic houses with dry pebbles and wooden roofs create an unforgettable image, while the echo of the waters in the Grunas canyon invites you to long walks, far from any urban noise. The special thing about Theth lies in the harmony between the dance of the sheep and the melodies of the lute, which resembles a song of rain on stone.
Following the river that bursts from the mountain peaks, the road takes us through the Valbona canyon, “the pearl of the Albanian Alps”. The crystal-clear lake with its deep green color reflects the imposing peaks and dense forests that surround it. In the presence of this often photographed world, the fact that Valbona is still isolated from mass tourism makes the experience even more authentic. The day begins with strong coffee in the local tower, followed by steps on the path that climbs to the camp, where the sun burns gently in the summer, while the night is adorned with hundreds of stars visible to the naked eye.
A little further, the secrets of the Black River reveal to the traveler wild, diverse and unexpectedly large valleys. Also called the “Unknown River”, this area defies conventional notions of beauty – from its dark waters that slowly slide through the vegetation, to villages where time stands still, and where ancient traditions of tobacco drying or carpet weaving are still kept alive in stone houses. The old path, immersed in the shadows of the mountains, offers views that seem to tell countless stories, while the inhabitants welcome guests with feasts of smoked meats and sugar-tooth cakes that bring back sweet childhood memories.
Every step through these villages is like a step back in time, where the rhythm of life is measured by the heartbeat of the mountain. Although the mountain roads require patience and armbands, the hospitable services and traditional constructions make the journey calm and safe. Accommodation in wooden houses, still filled with the aroma of a fire on the spit, immerses you in a deeply relaxing tranquility. And according to custom, every morning you can start with an organic meal with thick northern cheese and regional honey, embracing the warmth of small welcoming quantities.
When the sun sets behind the peaks, the traveler's footsteps bring the magic of a completely different summer: no crowds, no rush, only the sounds of nature and the old words of legends that spread along the cobblestone streets. This concise itinerary – Thethi for adventure, Valbona for free grandeur, Luma e Zi for the mystery of preserved lives – is the call for those seeking the true Albanian summer, untainted by mass curiosity, and for those who want to experience mountain villages as magical destinations, forgotten by time.
