Are you considering adding Theth to your Albania itinerary? If so, I’m here to tell you that you are going to fall in love with this Albanian Alps village. It’s truly like something out a movie. Lots of people say that it reminds them of The Sound of Music because of the nature and slower pace of living found in Theth. If you love hiking, slow travel, or lesser visited destinations, Theth is a great place to visit.
How to Get to Theth
Getting to Theth from Tirana by Bus
Reaching Theth is much easier than many travel guides make it seem. From Tirana, take a bus from the main terminal to Shkodër. Tickets cost around 500 LEK, and the ride takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Buses run hourly throughout the day and generally don’t require advance booking — just arrive a little early to secure your seat.
Getting from Shkodër to Theth by Minivan
From Shkodër, the only direct public transport option to Theth is by minivan. These vans usually depart once daily around 7:00 a.m., and seats fill quickly — especially during peak season — so it’s best to book through your guesthouse or hotel in advance. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours along a scenic, winding mountain road with breathtaking views of the Albanian Alps as you climb toward the remote village of Theth.
Renting a Car to Drive to Theth
If you prefer flexibility, renting a car in Tirana or Shkodër is another great option. The road to Theth is fully paved and significantly improved in recent years, making it much more accessible than it once was. Having your own car allows you to travel on your own schedule, stop for photos along the dramatic mountain pass, and easily reach guesthouses located higher up in the valley. Just be prepared for narrow, winding roads and sharp turns — drive slowly and confidently, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most stunning scenery in northern Albania.
Should I Drive to Theth?
That really depends on a few things. Will you be staying at a hotel in the city center of Theth or will you be staying at a cozy AirBnB in the mountains? If staying in the city center you’ll be in walking distance of restaurants and bus stops. But if you stay in the mountains ( which has th best views in my opinion) you’ll need to call a taxi to visit most places. There aren’t many restaurants of shops in walking distance. But to be fair, most AirBnBs provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a cost.
Are you an adventurous driver?
If you get queasy during long car rides or have a fear of windy roads, I would not recommend driving to Theth. The roads were a bit scary with lots of sharp turns and narrow streets. That being said, my friend and I survived the drive (although I was mostly a passenger princess).
The Best Time to Visit Theth
The best time to visit Theth is from late May to early October, when the weather is warm, the hiking trails are open, and the roads are fully accessible. During the colder months, heavy snowfall often makes the mountain roads and trails impassable, and many of the guesthouses close for the season.
In fact, the owner of our guesthouse told us that most locals leave Theth for Tirana or nearby towns during winter, as the village becomes largely cut off from the rest of Albania. Visiting during the warmer months ensures you’ll experience Theth at its most vibrant — with spring flowers, flowing waterfalls, and clear alpine skies perfect for exploring the Albanian Alps.
Where to Stay in the Albanian Alps
When it comes to where to stay, Villa Davisol is a beautiful option if you have a car. It’s tucked higher up in the mountains, so the drive is worth it for the sweeping views over the Theth Alps. Mornings here feel magical—think an incredible homemade breakfast with fresh bread, local cheeses, eggs, and mountain honey, all enjoyed while overlooking the peaks.
The rooms are intimate in size but cozy and thoughtfully done, and at under $70 per night, it’s an incredible value for the setting. If you’d rather stay closer to the village center (especially if you’re not renting a car), Gurra Family Guesthouse is a wonderful choice. It’s within walking distance to major trailheads and landmarks, making it easy to explore on foot. Guests love the warm family hospitality, hearty traditional Albanian dinners, and relaxed communal atmosphere after long hiking days.
How Long to Stay in Theth
Ideally, plan for 3-4 nights. That gives you enough time to hike to the iconic Blue Eye of Theth, explore Grunas Waterfall, and soak in the dramatic peaks of the Albanian Alps without feeling rushed. If you’re doing the famous Valbona Pass hike toward Valbona Valley National Park, you may want to add an extra day to rest your legs and savor the scenery. I needed a rest day after exploring the Blue Eye.
Best Places to Eat in Theth
When it comes to the best places to eat in Theth, you probably won’t need to leave your guesthouse. Theth guesthouses are famous for their hearty, home-cooked Albanian meals rather than trendy cafés. Farm-to-table dinners are the norm at the local bujtinas (guesthouses). My favorite was the fresh mountain cheese, baked breads, grilled meats, and fresh salads grown right in the valley. The experience is intimate and communal with set breakfast, lunch, and dinner times. Sometimes the breakfast is included in your lodging costs while dinner and lunch are paid separately. At dinner, we sat near hikers, lone slow travel explorers, and everything in between. Our tablemates shared stories over homemade raki (a local Albanian spirit).
Fun Things to do in Theth
Now Theth is nothing like Tirane. It’s a mountain town perfect for relaxing and disconnecting from all the noise. There are lots of hiking trails, waterfalls, and historical sites. If you’re looking for clubs, you may want to stick to Skhoder or Tirane. Here is my list of fun things to do in Theth.
Hike the Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter Theth)
Hiking the Blue Eye is one of the most popular things to do in Theth. It’s a steep but moderate hike to see the waterfalls. It took us about an hour to get to the waterfall and along the way we say beautiful blue springs. There’s also a small space to rest with amazing views. Please be warned that the water is outrageously cold. So cold that my body completely froze when I entered and I could barely swim back to shore. It does get crowded around noon, but its best to visit before it gets too dark.
Visit the Theth Church
Visiting the little stone church in Theth feels like stepping into The Sound of Music . The iconic Kisha e Thethit sits in an open meadow with lots of wildflowers. It was built in the late 19th century, with simple whitewashed walls and a wooden bell tower. What I loved most is how peaceful it feels. There weren’t a lot of crowds or noise, just mountain air and cows mooing through the valley. It’s an easy, flat walk from the village center, making it accessible even if you’re not up for a long hike. Whether you’re Christian or not, it’s one of those places that makes you pause, breathe deeper, and fully take in the magic of Theth.
Explore the Locktower : Learn about Albania’s Blood Fuels
Just a short walk from the village center stands the historic Lock Tower of Theth, a powerful reminder of Albania’s complex past. This stone tower was once used as a refuge for men involved in blood feuds, a tradition rooted in the ancient Albanian code known as the Kanun. Under this system, disputes between families could escalate into generational conflicts called gjakmarrja (blood feuds), forcing men to isolate themselves inside towers like this one for protection. Standing inside the dim, cool interior, it’s hard not to feel the weight of that history — the fear, the waiting, the tension that once filled these walls. Today, the tower serves as a small museum, offering visitors insight into how deeply honor and family were woven into northern Albanian culture. It’s a sobering but important stop that adds depth to your visit to Theth beyond the postcard-perfect mountain views.
Ride the Theth Zipline
f you’re even slightly adventurous, you have to add the Thethi Zipline to your Theth itinerary. As the first zipline in the area, this 1,200-meter ride sends you soaring high above the Albanian Alps with unreal views of dramatic mountain peaks, the winding Theth River, and the charming stone houses scattered below. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel small in the best way — suspended between sky and mountains, adrenaline rushing, camera rolling.
👉 Get your tickets to the Theth Zipline here
One of the best parts? You can ride side-by-side with a friend, making it equal parts thrill and shared memory. It’s quick, exciting, and absolutely worth it — the perfect way to add a little adventure to your slow, scenic days in Theth.
Should You Visit Theth? Is is Worth the Trip?
Yes! Theth is worth the drive. It’s such a different experience than most other popular Albanian cities like Berat, Gyrokaster, or Tirane. Theth is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. From hiking to the Blue Eye and visiting the charming Kisha e Thethit, to learning about Albania’s history inside the Lock Tower of Theth and soaring above the valley on the Thethi Zipline, this tiny mountain village offers so much more than just pretty views.
It’s raw, peaceful, a little rugged, and completely unforgettable. Come prepared for winding roads, limited WiFi, and simple accommodations — but also for breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and moments that feel almost unreal. If you’re craving nature, adventure, and a glimpse into traditional Albanian culture, Theth absolutely deserves a spot on your travel list.
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