11 May Theth: Most Beautiful Mountain Village in Albania
Begin an unforgettable journey towards Theth with rental cars from Rental Car Duro , your reliable companion to explore Albania’s hidden gems. Discover beautiful Theth, a traditional village nestled deep in the heart of the Albanian Alps. Situated at the end of a winding mountain road, Theth is home to a few houses surrounded by rugged peaks and wildflower-filled meadows. Witness the unhurried village life, wander the hillside paths, and enjoy some of the most incredible hikes. Uncover everything you need to know to visit Theth, Albania!
Things to Do in Theth, Albania
Welcome to Theth – a charming mountain village and one of the best places to visit in all of Albania! The landscape here rivals that of the Swiss Alps; the dramatic peaks of the Accursed Mountains overlook the town and the wide plains filled with cows and sheep.
Tip: The people in the village are friendly and will be very hospitable to help you with anything. You may not be able to speak Albanian, but Google Translate will assist you along the way.
1. Theth Village Life
Local life in Theth is very traditional, and you will still see farmers herding goats and cows along the remote roads.
Within the village itself, you’ll find a long street that hugs the riverbank with charming houses, guesthouses, and campsites (with good facilities). There is also a beautiful church near the edge of town that boasts some of the best views we’ve ever seen!
The Road to Theth, Albania
These days, it’s really easy to get to Theth as the road has been recently paved (the road reopened in 2022). Until recently, there was no paved road to Theth, and the village could only be reached with a 4×4.
2. Valbona Pass Hike
In addition to the charming village, the area is famous for the Valbona Pass hike, a long trek through the mountains and one of the most rewarding and beautiful parts of any itinerary in Albania. The hike climbs high into the mountains, passing through forests, cliffs, gurgling streams, and meadows filled with flowers and rocks.
As you go, you’ll barely hear any sounds, just the sounds of nature; birds, crickets, and colorful butterflies. We even had a friendly group of dogs following us!
Tip: Hiking is best done from May to October when the weather is good. In winter, hiking will not be possible due to snow.
Directions to the Summit (Half Loop)
First, walk past the mini-market until you see the white and red flag signs on your right. Follow these and start your ascent until you reach the forest. From the start to the cafe near the summit, it takes about 2.5/3 hours. You can stop here for a drink and a light snack and then walk another 45 minutes to the top.
3. Explore Theth’s Waterfall
Just 45 minutes from the village of Theth is the beautiful Grunas waterfall, a large 25-meter-high cascade that falls from a dramatic limestone rock. It’s a 45-minute walk in each direction that traverses rocky paths and follows along the mountain stream before ascending into the forest. As you go, discover stunning views from the mountain peaks – this is nature at its best!
When you reach the waterfall, you can swim in the pool below. However, keep in mind that the water is chilly! If it’s summer, bring your bathing suit and take a refreshing dip in the water for a cool end to your hike. Because of the water splashes here, you may even be lucky enough to see a rainbow at the foot of the waterfall.
Tip: We recommend walking to Grunas waterfall in the morning to avoid crowds and to have a quieter hike. This hike is also the beginning of the hike you will take towards the Blue Eye.
4. Discover Theth’s Blue Eye.
You may have heard of Saranda’s famous Blue Eye, but Theth also has its own Blue Eye. The Blue Eye near Theth (Syri i Kalter in Albanian) is a deep blue pool nestled deep within the limestone rocks.
It’s said to resemble a blue eye due to its vibrant blue color glowing in the center and fading slowly into lighter blues and greens. This incredible color and clean water are the result of the depth of the water and the surrounding vegetation, making it one of the happiest places to swim. Plus, there’s also a waterfall that cascades into the pool below.
The Blue Eye near Theth is high in the mountains and much higher than Saranda’s, making it even cooler, but still worth a refreshing swim (although we wouldn’t recommend swimming outside of the summer months). Furthermore, make sure to visit it before 15:00, as after this time the sun sets behind the mountains and it will be too cold.
5. Visit the Church in Theth
This beautiful church is an icon of Theth and truly looks like something out of a fairy tale. The church, covered in gray tiles, is located in the middle of an open meadow, surrounded by high mountain peaks and wildflowers. History says that people originally came to Theth to practice their untamed faith in the peace of nature, and it’s easy to see why!
The church dates back to 1892 and over the years has been a school, even a health center during the communist regime. Today, it is still used by locals as a place of worship, visible to all with its cross on its roof.
After immersing yourself in the enchanting beauty and rich history of the Church in Theth, continue your exploration of this captivating village with the convenience of a rental car from Rental Car Duro.
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