Albania Motorcycle Adventure: The Ultimate Balkan Ride (October 2025)
- Naama and Amit Cohen
- Dec 25, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 4
Albania is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting motorcycle destinations. Dramatic mountain roads, wild nature, minimal traffic, and breathtaking scenery make it a dream for adventure riders.
In October 2025, we set out on a multi-day motorcycle journey across Albania, crossing into North Macedonia and Montenegro, riding legendary roads like SH8, SH21, and SH20. What followed was one of the most intense and rewarding motorcycle adventures we’ve ever experienced.
This is our complete rider-focused guide.
Why Albania Is Perfect for Motorcycle Touring
Endless winding mountain roads
Coastal cliff highways along the Albanian Riviera
Minimal traffic outside major cities
Raw, untouched landscapes
Affordable accommodations and fuel
A true sense of adventure riding
If you are looking for a destination that still feels undiscovered, Albania delivers.
Day 1 – Arrival in Tirana | Preparing for the Ride
We landed in Tirana, Albania’s capital, and checked into Mulaj Hotel, ideally located near the Blloku district. This central location made it easy to explore the city on foot and prepare for the riding days ahead.
Blloku is lively, modern, and perfect for a relaxed first evening with good food, bars, and energy before hitting the road.
Day 2 – Tirana to Ksamil | SH8 and the Albanian Riviera
Motorcycles:Â 10 bikes Support:Â Riding guide + luggage support vehicle
We rented our motorcycles from a trusted operator based in Athens, with bikes delivered fully prepared for long-distance touring.
Heading south, we rode a long but spectacular day toward Ksamil, stopping for lunch in Vlora.
From Vlora onward, the ride transformed into something special. SH8 is one of Albania’s most iconic motorcycle roads: a ribbon of asphalt carved into cliffs above the Ionian Sea, with endless curves and panoramic views.
We stopped at Porto Palermo Castle for photos and a short break before continuing the ride into the evening light.
By dusk, we arrived in Ksamil and checked into Sondor Hotel, a rider-friendly place with easy motorcycle parking, clean rooms, and a quiet atmosphere.
Day 3 – Ksamil to Berat | Blue Eye, Gjirokastër, and History
The morning started with a short ride to Bora Bora Beach, followed by one of southern Albania’s highlights: the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër).
For a small fee, motorcycles can ride directly to the parking area. A short walk leads to crystal-clear turquoise water emerging from underground springs, one of the most photogenic stops in Albania.
From there, we rode to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed old town. We parked the bikes and explored the stone streets, bazaar, and cafés.
The afternoon ride took us north toward Berat, another UNESCO city. The climb up to Berat Castle is narrow and technical, but the views and atmosphere inside the fortress are worth every turn of the throttle.
We stayed at Beratinus1, a quirky boutique hotel where no two rooms are the same.
Day 4 – Berat to Ohrid | Back Roads and Border Crossing
Leaving Berat, we stopped for coffee by Belshi Lake, a peaceful and scenic place to slow down before another riding day.
We avoided main highways and followed winding back roads toward Pogradec, riding alongside Lake Ohrid. Lunch was at a restaurant built directly over the water.
Crossing the border into North Macedonia, we arrived in Ohrid, one of the most beautiful towns in the Balkans.
As night fell, the old town glowed under warm lights. We walked through cobbled alleys, passed live music restaurants, and visited the Church of Saints Clement.
Accommodation: Lihnidos Square Apartments, perfectly located in the old town.
Day 5 – Ohrid Exploration and Ride to Kukës
We spent the morning exploring Ohrid on foot, starting with the famous Ohrid Boardwalk, a wooden path hugging the lake below the old town walls.
The trail leads toward St. John at Kaneo Church, one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Balkans, and continues to Samuel’s Fortress and the archaeological park.
Late morning, we geared up and rode toward Lake Debar, stopping for lunch at Taverna CAMI, a classic biker-friendly stop.
The afternoon ride followed scenic, twisty roads into Kukës, where we stayed at Hotel Restaurant London, a clean and comfortable stopover.
Day 6 – Kukës to Theth | SH21 and the Albanian Alps
This was a true adventure riding day.
We rode through remote mountain terrain, crossing rivers, lakes, and narrow bridges. At one point, we stopped in the middle of nowhere to cross an old wooden bridge on foot.
Lunch was simple and perfect: pizza and salad at Pizza Bar Station in Koplik.
From there, we tackled SH21, a technical mountain road climbing deep into the Albanian Alps. Tight switchbacks, changing weather, and dramatic landscapes make this one of Albania’s best motorcycle roads.
We reached Theth, a remote alpine village, and stayed at Gurra Family Hotel. Despite some heating issues due to cold temperatures, dinner was excellent and the atmosphere warm and welcoming.
Day 7 – Northern Blue Eye and SH20 | A Rider’s Dream
We started early with a hike to the Northern Blue Eye, a stunning natural pool fed by a waterfall, surrounded by forest and mountains.
Back on the bikes, we headed toward the legendary SH20, often considered Albania’s ultimate motorcycle road.
Before the descent, we stopped at the Serpentine Road Viewpoint, overlooking an endless series of hairpins.
The ride itself felt unreal. Perfect curves, smooth asphalt, minimal traffic, and nonstop elevation changes all the way to the Montenegro border.
We continued into Montenegro and stayed at Mountain View Resort, located inside a nature reserve beneath snow-capped peaks. Each rider stayed in a wooden cabin, surrounded by 360-degree alpine scenery.
Day 8 – SH20 Again, Shkodër, and Return to Tirana
We woke up to freezing temperatures and clear mountain air.
After visiting a nearby natural spring, we rode back toward Albania and rode SH20 again, some riders choosing to descend and climb it twice.
In Shkodër, we visited a Venetian mask workshop before having lunch near the historic Mesi Bridge.
The final ride back to Tirana involved heavy traffic, a reminder that Albania’s cities are very different from its wild countryside.
We returned to Mulaj Hotel, closing the circle of the journey.
Day 9 – Tirana and Departure
Our final day included a free walking tour of Tirana, followed by a relaxed afternoon in the city’s large central park.
By the lake, we enjoyed Aperol Spritz, excellent pizza, a live DJ, and a laid-back local vibe. A perfect ending before a late-night flight home.
Riding Tips and Lessons Learned
Albania is huge, and distances are deceptive
Fuel stations can be very far apart in rural areas
Always refuel near your accommodation
Carry water and snacks
Plan fuel and lunch stops in advance
Northern Albania deserves more time than the south
If we were to do this trip again, we would skip the southern coast and dedicate more days to Theth, SH20, and the Albanian Alps.
Is Albania Worth It for Motorcycle Riders?
Absolutely.
Albania offers some of the best motorcycle roads in Europe, combined with raw nature, low costs, and a true sense of exploration. It’s not always easy, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
For riders seeking real adventure, Albania belongs at the top of the list.