Horseback Riding Tour in Southern Albania
Overview
€1,490 per person · 8 days · departs from Tirana or Tirana Airport or Durrës or Shkodër
An 8-day private horseback riding tour in southern Albania, designed for travelers seeking authenticity, nature, and adventure: it combines riding, culture, and relaxation in some of the country’s most untouched regions.
Tour facts
Highlights
- Six days on horseback from Farma Sotira through Kolonjë, Përmet and the Vjosa valley
- Swim in the Vjosa, Europe’s last wild river
- Bathe in the Benja thermal springs and the remote Sarandapor springs
- Explore the Langarica Canyon
- Ride through the pine and fir forests of Shelegur
- Nights in village guesthouses with home-cooked local food
This 8-day horseback riding tour explores southern Albania from the saddle. Six riding days take you from Farma Sotira, a family farm near Leskovik close to the Greek border, through the Vjosa valley and the villages around Përmet, and back again.
Along the way you bathe in the Benja thermal springs, swim in the Vjosa, Europe’s last wild river, explore the Langarica Canyon and reach the remote Sarandapor springs on the Albanian–Greek border, above the cave system that holds Lake Neuron, the largest known underground thermal lake in the world.
Nights are spent in village guesthouses, a traditional house and a local hotel, with dinners of local food: a slow, authentic way to see a corner of Albania that few travellers reach.
Itinerary
Pickup and transfer to our farmhouse, 4 hours of driving. Stop along the way at Ohrid Lake and Korça for photos and short visits. Welcoming dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Farma Sotira
The journey begins at Farma Sotira, riding toward the village of Delvinë. This approximately five-hour horseback ride takes place through open valleys, gentle hills, and scenic rural landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Albanian countryside. A lunch break is enjoyed midway through the ride, surrounded by nature. Arrival in Delvinë is in the afternoon, followed by time to care for the horses and relax. Dinner and overnight stay take place in a local guesthouse, providing a warm introduction to rural Albanian hospitality.
Overnight in Delvinë (local guesthouse)
After breakfast, the ride continues from Delvinë village, heading toward one of the region’s natural highlights. The route passes by the Benja Thermal Springs, where riders stop to bathe in the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters. Nearby lies the spectacular Langarica Canyon, a dramatic natural wonder with towering rock walls, narrow passages, and crystal-clear waters carved by the river over thousands of years. Time is dedicated to exploring the canyon, relaxing by the springs, and enjoying lunch in this unique setting. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Petran village. After settling the horses, the group visits Përmet by van, known for its charm and relaxed atmosphere. After a short walk around town, the group returns to Petran for dinner and an overnight stay in a guesthouse or local house.
Overnight in Petran (guesthouse or local house)
After breakfast, the tour continues from Petran to Çarshovë, riding alongside the Vjosa River, Europe’s last wild river. The mostly flat terrain allows for a comfortable and enjoyable ride, accompanied by wide river views and lush greenery. There is time to stop and swim in the refreshing waters of the Vjosa. Lunch is enjoyed during the ride, and arrival in Çarshovë is in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay are in a local guesthouse.
Overnight in Çarshovë (local guesthouse)
The day begins with a ride from Çarshovë toward the Sarandapor Springs, over terrain that is mostly flat and ideal for galloping. After lunch, the group reaches Sarandapor, a fascinating and remote location situated on the border between Albania and Greece, marked by the Sarandapor River. This mysterious area is home to Lake Neuron, the largest known underground thermal lake in the world and one of the most remarkable cave ecosystems ever discovered. The mineral-rich waters are known for their curative properties. The springs rise in the Vromoner gorge, about 10 km south of Leskovik, filling natural stone pools at around 29–40 °C. After exploring the area and bathing, the night is spent in a traditional Albanian village house.
Overnight in Sarandapor (traditional village house)
After preparing the horses, the journey continues toward Leskovik, passing near Çerçkë village, famous for its vineyards, wine production, and historic church. A short stop allows riders to experience the local character of the area. Upon arrival in Leskovik, the horses are settled and the town is explored. Leskovik is known for its peaceful coexistence, symbolized by a church and a mosque standing very close to each other. Dinner and overnight stay are at a local hotel.
Overnight in Leskovik (local hotel)
After breakfast, the final day begins with riding through open landscapes overlooking the Sarandapor Valley, followed by entry into the pine and fir forests of Shelegur, a protected natural monument of Kolonjë. Along the way, riders encounter remnants of old military posts from Albania’s communist era, now reclaimed by nature. The ride offers a final immersion into the region’s wild beauty. In the afternoon, the group returns to Farma Sotira, where the journey concludes with dinner and a farewell celebration.
Overnight in Farma Sotira
After breakfast, transfer to Tirana Airport or to your next destination.
What's included
- All transfers, including airport pickup and drop-off
- Accommodation for 7 nights in twin and triple rooms
- All meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners
- Soft drinks
- Guide
- Riding equipment, provided on site
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Flight tickets
Good to know
Photos from this tour
Questions travelers ask
Do I need riding experience?
Yes. The tour is suitable for riders with at least basic horseback riding experience. The minimum age is 12 and the maximum rider weight is 95 kg. Riding equipment is provided on site.
How many hours do we ride each day?
Between 3 and 6 hours of horseback riding on each of the six riding days.
Can I have a single room?
Yes. Accommodation is in twin and triple rooms; a single room is available for an extra €30 per night.
Where do we stay?
Seven nights: the farmhouse at Farma Sotira on the first and the last night, local guesthouses in Delvinë, Petran and Çarshovë, a traditional village house in Sarandapor and a local hotel in Leskovik.
Where can we bathe or swim?
In the Benja thermal springs (day 3), in the Vjosa River (day 4) and in the natural stone pools of the Sarandapor springs in the Vromoner gorge, at around 29–40 °C (day 5).
Can we see the underground thermal lake?
No. Lake Neuron lies about 127 m underground at the bottom of a cave abyss and is reached only by cave explorers; it was measured by Czech speleologists in 2024. On the tour you bathe in the thermal springs at the surface.
Where does the tour start?
We pick you up in Tirana, Durrës, Shkodër or at Tirana International Airport (Rinas); other pickup points are possible on request. From there it is about 4 hours of driving to the farmhouse (the total time depends on your flight times), with short stops at Lake Ohrid and Korça. On day 8 we take you to the airport or to your next destination.
Is it a group or a private tour?
It is a private tour for your own group, from a minimum of 3 participants, at €1,490 per person.
When does the tour run?
From April to November. Small adjustments to the route can be made depending on the weather.
