Albania is without question one of Europe's best kept secrets. Ancient Roman history rubs shoulders with some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery you can imagine. Waterfalls and Blue Eye pools, charming mountain villages, a Mediterranean climate, delicious food and empty trails await.
Spending four core days running among the mountains and valleys of the Albanian Alps, we traverse the high peaks that run the natural border between Albania and neighbouring Montenegro. We run empty trails through lush alpine meadows past waterfalls, with impromptu stops to bathe in natural springs. Nightly accommodation is cosy mountain lodges with delicious Albanian cuisine and wine.
Alongside the Alps, we spend time in Tirana — one of Europe's most surprising and characterful capitals — for some urban running and cultural exploration among the communist-era sights.
We stay in one of the newest hotels in central Tirana — either the Oxford, Plaza or Boka. Spacious rooms, contemporary design and easy access for exploring the city on foot. Well-located in the heart of the downtown district with everything on the doorstep.
Alpine-style guesthouses surrounded by meadows, with the gentle sounds of streams and panoramic views of the Accursed Mountains from every room. Clean, charming and full of character — they serve up ample amounts of delicious Albanian cuisine and form the unforgettable backbone of the trip.
Every Pure Trails trip is led by guides who know the terrain intimately. Click to meet your team.
Chat directly with Charlie & the team — no pressure, no sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about whether Albania is the right trip for you.
Book Your Free Call →We specialise in arranging excellent trail running holidays but do not book international flights. There is a great variety of value flights departing from all over the world to Tirana International Airport (TIA).
We will discuss with you our trusted and recommended ways to book international flights through excellent ATOL-protected partners who offer great value, ease of service and flight protection.
British citizens can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in every 6-month period without a visa. We recommend checking the latest entry requirements for your nationality before booking.
Being a group of max. 10 runners with a mixture of ages and running abilities, we may decide to split into flexible groups — all of which will be supported by our Albanian running guides who travel with us throughout the trip.
Splitting the group allows everyone to move more fluidly, running at their own comfortable pace without feeling pressured.
Trail running in Albania is an absolute treat. The country is still well off the beaten path with very few travellers making it into the Albanian Alps — so expect the trails to be empty.
We'll travel through beech forests, lush meadows and open pastures, mostly on soft grass in the entry valleys, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains. At times we will cross from one valley to the next, climbing steeper paths with boulder and dry rock sections. Our maximum altitude reaches around 1,500m.
On days without vehicle access, large luggage will be transported by pack mules.
Albania enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Throughout the spring and early autumn we can expect temperatures in the early to mid 20s °C. The mountain air is refreshingly cool on clear days, with temperatures dropping to the high teens °C at night. The conditions are absolutely perfect for trail running.