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Day Trip | Off-the-beaten-path | Adventure & Nature
Join us on a unique day trip from Durrës and Tirana to explore Holta Canyon, one of Albania’s most breathtaking and underrated destinations. Walk through turquoise waters, admire spectacular rock formations, and feel the temperature drop as you step deeper into the canyon’s heart.
A true hidden gem, perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers.
Roundtrip transportation in a comfortable A/C vehicle
Local guide during canyon exploration
Hiking
Lunch
Start at 08:30:00
Duration: 10 - 11 hours
The day begins with a scenic drive from Durrës and Tirana toward central Albania, passing through rural landscapes and small towns until reaching the area of Gramsh. On the way, we may make a short stop for refreshments before continuing toward the canyon.
Upon arrival at Holta, your guide will give a safety briefing and explain what to expect inside the canyon. Participants will walk into the canyon on foot, starting from its wide entrance where the river flows calmly between limestone walls. As we move deeper into the canyon, the cliffs become steeper and the water becomes more vibrant in color due to the rich mineral content of the surrounding rocks.
Inside the canyon, the temperature drops noticeably, creating a cool and refreshing environment even on hot days. The hike involves walking through shallow water, climbing over natural rock formations, and stopping in scenic areas for rest and photography. While not technically difficult, the hike requires balance and stable footwear.
After exploring approximately 1.5 kilometers into the canyon, we will stop at a peaceful area for a short break near the river. This is a great moment to relax, take pictures, or enjoy a snack. Depending on the group's energy and preferences, the return walk can include additional stops or a detour to a panoramic viewpoint above the canyon.
Before leaving the area, we may optionally stop at a local family home for a taste of homemade juice, seasonal fruit, or traditional raki. This offers a glimpse into the simple and authentic lifestyle of the region’s people.
We then begin our return journey toward Tirana and Durrës.
This tour is ideal for those looking to combine physical activity with immersive nature and photography, while also experiencing the hidden beauty of Albania in a responsible and guided way.
My husband and I used Choose Balkans for private transportation from Tirana to Sarande. The process was smooth, easy, and the communication with the company was great. Ervis was our driver and he made sure to make stops along the way for us and let us stop at the Borsh waterfall restaurant for lunch. Very satisfied with the services they provide!
I had a perfect stay in their Moonlight Apartment in Tirana. Albana was excellent in helping me with everything I need! ❤️
Fabulous host….so helpful And a beautiful apartment The area is perfect for exploring and safe easy to walk around.
We went on a one-day trip from Tirana to Theth with Billy from the Choose Balkans agency, and we highly recommend it to everyone! Billy is an excellent guide and travel companion. He answers every question in an engaging way and shares his knowledge about life, culture, nature, and the economy of Albania. He drives very well and safely. Our journey to Theth included stops at beautiful viewpoints for photos. We enjoyed a pleasant time in the national park and went hiking along the Black Creek to the Blue Eye in Theth. The views were breathtaking – a must-see! On the way back, we visited Shkodër, a beautiful city with a view of Lake Shkodër. It was an amazing day spent in great company. We highly recommend trips with Billy and the Choose Balkans team!
We had such a great experience! Sirma was super helpful in organizing everything ahead of time, and on the day of our winery and Durrës tour, Brikena was there with us to make sure everything went smoothly. Our group of 14 felt really well taken care of the whole time. Big thanks to our awesome driver Jolent and our guide Ilir – both were super friendly and made the day fun and stress-free. Choose Balkans also handled our airport transfers, which went perfectly. Highly recommend – 5 stars all the way!