The enchanting mountain village of Theth in Albania feels like you’ve walked into a painting. Hidden in the heart of the Albanian Alps, you’ll find this cozy village located in the Theth National Park. Surrounded by the mountain peaks of the Accursed Mountains and meadows full of wildflowers and horses, this is a hidden gem in the Balkans. Life goes slow here, traditional crafts are still practiced and you can enjoy the many beautiful walks. Find out all you need to know before visiting the mountain village of Theth in Albania!
5 best things to do in Theth in Albania
The mountain village of Theth in Albania is known for its beautiful landscapes. From the meadows of cows and wildflowers to the impressive peaks of the Accursed Mountains all around. Although Theth consists of only a few streets, there is still a lot to do and we recommend spending at least one night here! Find out here what are the 5 best things to do in Theth and why it should definitely not be missed during your tour of Albania.
1) Theth to Valbona hike
One of the best things to do in Theth in Albania is the hike to Valbona! This 17 km hike starts in Theth and takes you over the Valbona Pass to the mountain village of Valbona. The hike requires some climbing and good fitness, but is well worth it! Along the way you will be treated to beautiful views of the Albanian Alps. If you only have one day, you can hike from Theth to the Valbona peak and back. Along the way you will also pass a cozy cafe where you can take a break, enjoy the view and taste a delicious piece of Byrek (Albanian cake).
If you have more time, we recommend doing the three-day hike from Valbona to Theth (or vice versa)! This is the most beautiful hike in Albania and an experience you won’t soon forget. This travel guide tells you everything you need to know about this three-day hike, what to bring and how to get there.
2) Blue Eye of Theth
The Blue Eye of Theth (Syri i Kälter in Albanian) is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena we have already seen. It is a deep pool in limestone rock that is intensely blue in the middle and changes to azure and turquoise colors toward the edge. This hue makes it look like an eye, hence the name. You first come to a stream with clear water where you cross a small suspension bridge. After the suspension bridge, hike a little further and arrive at the Blue Eye itself. Here you will also see a small waterfall that emerges into the Blue Eye.
You can reach the Blue Eye via a 17 km round trip hike from Theth. The walk itself is relatively easy and flat, taking about 6 to 7 hours in total. Only the last bit is a bit of a climb, but there you also have a café where you can take a break if you like with stunning views of the waterfall jutting into the Blue Eye. You can also swim there if you like, but keep in mind that the water is freezing cold!
TRAVEL TIP: Don’t feel like hiking? Then take a cab from Theth to the village of Nderlysaj. From there, it is only a 40-minute walk to the Blue Eye.
3) Grunasi waterfall
Another, beautiful hike to do in Theth is the hike to the Grunasi waterfall. This 25-meter-high waterfall, also known as the Theth waterfall, has been declared a natural monument since 2002. From Theth you reach this waterfall via an easy 45-minute hike through beautiful Albanian nature. The last bit does require some rock climbing until you emerge at the bottom of the waterfall. Bring your lunch and eat it here while enjoying the impressive waterfall. Afterwards you can take a refreshing dip if you like! You can also combine this hike with the hike to the Blue Eye in one day.
4) The photogenic little church
On the outskirts the village of Theth you will find what may be the most photogenic church you have ever seen. This simple, slate church stands in the middle of a green meadow full of wildflowers. In the background, the mountain peaks of the Albanian Alps rise high above the little church. The result is a beautiful view that looks like a postcard. Try to come at sunrise, then you can enjoy this picture undisturbed and see the orange glow on the mountains behind the church from the rising sun.
5) Enjoy local life
That you can do all kinds of wonderful hiking around Theth is now clear. But Theth in Albania is also an ideal place to unwind. Despite increasing tourism, everyday Albanian life here goes its slow way. Farmers still herd their cows and sheep in the surrounding pastures. And at local guest houses you can sample homemade cheese, jams or honey. Stroll around the village, chat with locals or enjoy the beautiful scenery with a good book.
Where to stay in Theth
Theth is not very large, yet you will find numerous traditional and cozy guest houses. Often included in the price is breakfast, consisting of all kinds of freshly made local produce! There are also some campsites in Theth where you can stay if you are traveling around with an RV.
Our favorite guesthouses in Theth in Albania:
- Gurra Family Guesthouse: cozy guesthouse with a beautiful garden to enjoy the surroundings.
- Guest House Flodisa: well-kept rooms including a delicious breakfast with fresh and local products.
- Bujtina Tinari Theth: in the heart of Theth where the friendly owners will pamper you.
How to visit Theth
From the capital Tirana you can easily reach Theth by car in 3 to 4 hours. The roads in Albania are in good condition, and the road to Theth has also been fully paved for several years, making it easy to drive yourself to this mountain village. From Shköder it is about a 1.5-hour drive to Theth.
Another option for getting to Theth is by shuttle. Minibuses run daily between Shköder and Theth. This can be easily arranged through your accommodation in Shköder or Theth and costs 1100 LEK (€10) per person.
Best Travel Time Theth, Albania
The best travel time to visit Theth in Albania is from late May to late October, with the best (but also busiest) period being from late June to early September. In the months of May and June, there may still be snow and ice on the hiking trails, making not everything accessible. In the winter months, Theth is often inaccessible due to a lot of snow on the roads towards the mountain village. Theth is located in the mountains, so keep in mind that it can be very cool at night.
Have you visited Theth in Albania yet? Let us know in the comments what you thought of it! Still have questions about Albania or looking for more information for your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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