Albania is one of the lands fit to benefit from the lifting of the past negative biases about second-world countries. Caught between the Adriatic Sea and the Accursed Mountains, its landscapes are as diverse and beautiful as they are yet vastly undiscovered.
The main reason for the latter is that an average tourist might find it inconvenient. And that's not untrue. Albania is a destination best suited to adventurous travelers, while those who prefer to travel in style might feel less inclined to visit.
Still, Albanians take care of their national treasures, like the Theth National Park in the Albanian Alps. Compared to other parts of the country, the tourist infrastructure is abundant and reliable here – from buses and ferries to accommodation, including mountain huts, guesthouses, and hotels.
The landscape surrounding the valleys of Theth and Valbonë offers endless hiking opportunities, including the Peaks of the Balkans long-distance trail, which also crosses into Montenegro.
The terrain is comparable to the Alps, comprising steep, rocky, and uneven paths with significant climbs to mountain passes and remote valleys.
These lands remain largely untouched and crowd-free, permitting the privilege to enjoy nature in its most pristine form.
As you might expect, the hiking season is during summer – from June to September. And with the help of a hiking agency, visiting Albania won't be as intimidating and unpredictable as it might've been otherwise.