Theth is a small mountain village in the heart of the Albanian Alps, sitting at around 800 m in a deep valley flanked by limestone peaks that rise to over 2,000 m on all sides. It has a population of roughly 370 people, no ATM, one small shop, and some of the most spectacular mountain...Read More
Beach holidays in Albania are one of the Mediterranean’s most underrated options. The Albanian Riviera runs roughly 200 km along the Ionian coast, from Vlora south to Saranda and the Greek island of Corfu visible on the horizon. What you find here is a mix of white-pebble coves, electric-blue water, clifftop villages, ancient ruins, and...Read More
Northern Albania is one of the last genuinely wild corners of Europe. The Albanian Alps, known locally as the Bjeshkët e Namuna and in English as the Accursed Mountains, offer a landscape of limestone peaks, glacial valleys, and remote mountain villages that feel untouched by mass tourism. The trails here combine world-class scenery with deep...Read More
Is Albania safe for tourists? It is one of the most common questions we hear at RakiYa Travel, and the answer is a reassuring yes. Albania offers dramatic mountain landscapes, a stunning Adriatic and Ionian coastline, UNESCO-listed old towns, and prices that still feel like a bargain compared to the rest of Europe. For most...Read More
Perched on the slopes of the Drino Valley in southern Albania, Gjirokastër is known as the “Stone City” for its distinctive stone architecture and slate roofs. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 alongside Berat, the city is one of the best-preserved examples of an Ottoman-era town in the Balkans. Its imposing hilltop fortress,...Read More
The Theth to Valbona hike is one of Europe’s most spectacular yet undiscovered mountain trails. This single-day trek through Albania’s Albanian Alps takes you across a dramatic mountain pass, connecting two remote villages with no road between them. Here’s everything you need to know to hike this incredible route. Quick Trail Facts The hike...Read More
Albania is a land of extraordinary natural beauty, where rugged mountains, winding rivers, crystal-clear lakes, and an unspoiled coastline come together to create some of Europe’s most diverse and pristine ecosystems. From soaring alpine peaks to hidden valleys, from tranquil fjord-like lakes to shimmering beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, the country is a...Read More
In September 2025, Albania’s Vjosa River earned a prestigious spot on the world stage as a UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB) Reserve. One of Europe’s last truly wild rivers, the Vjosa now stands as a symbol of untouched natural beauty and sustainable living, a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure and serenity. Winding through...Read More