Best Things to do in Theth, Albania 2024

Discover the beautiful village of Theth, nestled in the Albanian Alps. You can reach Theth by driving along a winding mountain road. The village has a few houses surrounded by tall peaks and green meadows filled with wildflowers. Enjoy the slow pace of village life, walk with cows on the hillsides, and go on amazing hikes. Want to visit Theth, Albania? Learn all you need to plan your trip to this scenic spot!

What you need to know and the top things to do!

Welcome to Theth, a charming mountain village and a top destination in Albania! The scenery here is reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, with majestic peaks of the Accursed Mountains overlooking the town and lush green fields dotted with cows and goats.

Tip : The villagers are friendly and eager to assist you with anything you need. If you don’t speak Albanian, don’t worry—Google Translate can be a handy tool (especially since Albania boasts the fastest internet in Europe!).

1. Life in Theth Village

In Theth, farmers still tend to sheep and cows along quiet roads. The village has one long street by the river, with charming houses, guesthouses, and campsites. At the town’s edge, there’s a beautiful church with amazing views.

Nowadays, getting to Theth is a breeze since the road has been freshly paved (reopened in 2022). Not long ago, Theth was only accessible by 4×4 due to the lack of a paved road.

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You can now reach the destination in a regular car, as the narrow road is completely safe and well-maintained. Throughout the journey, you’ll encounter breathtaking viewpoints, especially during the final hour from Shkodër.

Note : While the road to Theth isn’t extremely steep, it is winding. If you’re prone to travel sickness, consider taking anti-nausea tablets as a precaution.

2. Valbonë Pass Hike

Besides the lovely village, the Valbonë Pass hike is a highlight nearby. The hike is a lengthy journey through the mountains, with beautiful views throughout. You’ll walk through forests, grasslands, streams, and flower-filled meadows, making it a delightful part of any visit to Albania.

As you trek along, the only sounds you’ll hear are those of nature: birds chirping, crickets singing, and colorful butterflies fluttering about. We even had a pack of friendly dogs tagging along!

Tip : This hike is most enjoyable from May to October, when the weather is favorable. In winter, the trail may be inaccessible due to snow.

How far is the Valbonë Pass hike?

To reach Valbonë, it’s approximately a 17 km walk, taking 6-8 hours (depending on your speed/fitness level). We only hiked halfway (to the peak) which took about 4 hours up and the same coming down. We suggest this if you’re following our Albania itinerary.

To get to the peak (half-loop):

1. Walk past the mini market until you see white and red flag signs on your right.
2. Follow these signs and start climbing through the forest.
3. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the café near the top, where you can take a break.
4. Then, hike another 45 minutes to reach the peak.

The journey typically lasts about 4 hours. Once you reach the peak, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views!

Tip : Remember, you’ll hike on steep gravel paths, so wear sturdy footwear (closed trainers or hiking boots), layered clothing, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

If you’re up for the full hike to Valbonë, you can continue from here. Along the way, you’ll find about 4 cafes, each offering spring water, so bring a reusable water bottle to refill as you go.

To return from Valbonë after completing the full hike, prepare a daypack with spare clothes and leave your other belongings at your accommodation. It’s advisable to spend the night in Valbonë and then journey back to Theth the following day.

Read also: Renting a Car in Albania: The Complete Guide 2024

Here’s how you can make the return journey from Valbonë in four stages:

1. Take a minibus from Valbonë to the ferry (1 hour).
2. Hop on the ferry from Fierze to Koman across the lake (2.5 hours). This scenic boat ride will surely be a highlight of your Albania trip. The ferry company ‘Berisha’ offers convenient packages, including transfers on both sides of the ferry.
3. Arrange a minibus transfer from Koman to Shkoder (1.5 hours) through Berisha.
4. Finally, take a 1.5-hour transfer from Shkoder back to Theth on the newly paved road. You can arrange this transfer through your accommodation in Shkoder, typically for around 10 EUR.

For your trip back, secure your minibus and ferry transfers ahead of time. If you’re bringing your car, book well in advance, as ferry capacity for vehicles is limited. Another option is to join an organized tour to explore Valbonë. This simplifies your transfers, providing accommodation, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide for your mountain journey.

Tip : Alternatively, you can reverse the journey, beginning in Shkodër and concluding in Theth. This approach is favored by many as it’s preferable to tackle the longer journey at the outset. Moreover, starting from Valbonë is said to offer an easier beginning to the trail, allowing you to gradually acclimate to the hike.

3. How to Visit Theth Waterfall

Just 45 minutes from Theth village is Grunasi Waterfall. It’s a beautiful cascade, 25 meters tall, flowing from a limestone cliff. The walk to reach it takes 45 minutes each way. The path goes along rocky riverbanks and then through dense forests. You’ll see stunning views of the mountain peaks as you walk—nature at its best!

Read also: Best Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania (Guide 2024)

Once you reach the waterfall, you have the chance to take a dip in the pool beneath it. Just remember, the water is pretty chilly! If it’s summertime, don’t forget your swimsuit and embrace the cold water for a rejuvenating conclusion to your hike. And keep an eye out for rainbows created by the mist from the falls.

Tip : It’s best to head to Grunasi Waterfall in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a tranquil hike. This trail also marks the start of the journey to the Blue Eye.

4. Visit the Blue Eye of Theth

Sarande’s Blue Eye is famous, but Theth has its own stunning Blue Eye. It’s nestled in limestone rock, a deep water pool called the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër in Albanian). The water is vibrant blue in the center, fading into lighter blues and greens. The pool’s color and clarity come from its depth and lush surroundings. People can swim peacefully there. Also, a waterfall flows into the pool, adding to its beauty.

The Blue Eye near Theth sits high in the mountains, much higher than the one at Sarande, which makes it even chillier. Nonetheless, it’s worth it for a revitalizing swim (though we advise against swimming outside of summer). Also, aim to visit before 3 PM, as afterward, the sun dips behind the mountains, and it gets quite cold.

How to Visit Theth Blue Eye

The hike from Theth to the Blue Eye takes about 6-7 hours round trip, covering 17km. It’s a stunning and mostly flat route suitable for all hikers. The only steep part is near the end, as you climb to the Blue Eye. Along the way, you’ll find cafes where you can take breaks for drinks or food.

Driving to the Blue Eye

If you prefer not to take the long hike to the Blue Eye, consider driving to the village of Nderlysaj as an alternative starting point. From there, the hike is only 40 minutes one way, making it more manageable and leaving you with more time in the day for other activities in the area.

If you don’t have access to a car, you can take a taxi from Theth, though this may be costly as the driver will need to wait for a few hours. Alternatively, you can arrange for taxis for both legs of the journey, sometimes with shared options available to reduce costs. Another option is to visit the Blue Eye as part of a tour that includes return transportation.

Read also: Exploring Ksamil, Albania: Must-Do Activities in 2024

5. Visit the Church in Theth

The beautiful church in Theth looks like it’s from a fairytale. It sits in an open meadow surrounded by mountains and wildflowers. People originally came to Theth for peace and quiet to practice their faith, and it’s easy to see why!

The church was built in 1892 and has served various purposes over the years, including as a school and a health center during the communist regime. Today, it remains a place of worship for locals, recognizable by its rooftop cross that can be seen from afar.

Explore the church and capture stunning photos of the scenery nearby. Feel free to peek inside, but remember to be respectful since it’s still used as a place of worship by the villagers.

Top Cafes and Restaurants in Theth

While Albania’s cuisine leans heavily towards meat, there are a few vegetarian options available amidst the traditional dishes. However, Theth, being a small and remote village, has limited dining options, making it challenging to find vegetarian food compared to other places.

Nevertheless, in each guesthouse and hotel, there’s a cozy restaurant/cafe offering authentic Albanian cuisine (with plenty of veggie options). Whether you dine at your accommodation or hop between others in Theth, you’ll have the chance to discover your favorite spot.

If you’re craving a great cup of coffee, we highly recommend the coffee at Gurra Family Guesthouse, where we stayed. Additionally, there’s a small supermarket in Theth where you can grab snacks, perfect for hiking!

Tip : Tap water in Albania is safe to drink. Refill your reusable water bottle at your hotel to cut down on plastic waste!

Accommodation Options in Theth, Albania

Camping is very popular in Theth, Albania, due to its beautiful mountains. There are many campsites there and nearby, all with good amenities. If you prefer more comfort, Theth has charming guesthouses and hotels that fit well with the traditional mountain lifestyle.

How to Visit Theth

To get to Theth, many begin their trip in Tirana, the capital city. From there, you can drive or take the bus through Shkoder.

1. By car

The optimal way to reach Theth is by car. Previously, the final stretch of the road was unpaved, necessitating a 4×4 vehicle. However, the road has since been paved, allowing any car to traverse it. A more robust vehicle is only required beyond Theth town, such as when driving towards Lumi i Shale.

2. Travelling by minivan

If you lack your own vehicle, you can coordinate a transfer through your Theth guesthouse or arrange for pick-up via a shared bus through your hotel/guesthouse in Shkoder. Typically, pick-up occurs between 7 AM – 8 AM, with a travel time of around 3 hours to Theth. The cost is 1200 LEK (10 EUR) per person for a one-way transfer.

If you want to visit Theth, joining an organized tour is a convenient choice. These tours not only take you to Theth but also include nearby attractions, giving you a full experience. Plus, joining a tour lets you meet new people and learn from a local guide who knows a lot about the area.

Read also: Best things to do in Berat, Albania (2024 Guide)

Exploring Theth

While in Theth, your main activity will likely be hiking. If you have a car, it’s convenient for reaching places like the Blue Eye. But if not, don’t worry – your guesthouse can arrange a local taxi for you.

Budgeting for Theth

Prices in Theth are generally reasonable, though during summer, when it’s a hotspot for tourists, hotel rates may increase. Fortunately, enjoying the natural beauty comes at no cost! Since there are no ATMs nearby, make sure to bring enough cash for your entire stay.

Travel Expenses in Theth

For budget travelers, expect to spend between $230 and $280 USD per person weekly, while mid-range options range from $300 to $600 USD. High-end experiences can cost between $570 and $870 USD. Keep in mind that costs vary based on accommodation, transportation, and activities, excluding flights.

Best Time to Visit Theth, Albania

If you’re wondering how to visit Theth, the optimal period to explore falls between May and October, ideally for a stay of 2-3 nights to fully relish its attractions. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that snow and ice may linger on the roads and hiking trails until the end of May.

To avoid such weather challenges, consider planning your visit during the early or late summer months, particularly June and September. During these times, temperatures are still pleasantly warm (without the scorching heat of August), allowing you to partake in invigorating hikes and refreshing waterfall swims.

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