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Albania is certainly the most beautiful country you’ve never heard of, filled with towering mountains, pristine beaches, and unique cities. But to experience the best of the nation’s unmatched landscapes, be sure to visit the remote village of Theth! The rural settlement is sure to surprise all who visit with friendly people and water bluer than you could ever imagine.
Like with all traveling, the journey is the destination. Don’t miss Theth’s views of expansive meadows and valleys, abandoned buildings, lonely churches, snow-capped mountains, and hidden lakes on your way to and from Theth.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1584917120617{padding-top: 30px !important;}”][vc_column][dfd_tta_tabs style=”collapse” border_color_radius=”#737373″ tab_background=”#737373″ tab_hover_background=”#e6acbe” active_tab_background=”#e6acbe” font_size=”18″ tab_text_color=”#e6acbe” tab_hover_text_color=”#737373″ tab_active_color_text=”#737373″ show_separator_line=”” gap=”4″ icon_size=”” active_section=”1″ tab_title_font_options=”font_family:MarcellusRegular|font_style_bold:1″][vc_tta_section title=”Where to Go in Theth” tab_id=”1547513958818-a70b1472-d995c016-a3cd695a-bb36ee45-7732e583-b0c5″][vc_single_image image=”14962″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1584915519186{padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
Isolation tower
This traditional stone building stands alone as a reminder of the blood feuds that were once common in northern Albania, including Theth. Those next in line to be killed in a blood feud would be kept in this “locked tower” which served as a safe haven. This tradition of violence is in the past, however, and Albanians have always been and continue to be incredibly hospitable to foreigners!
Related: Interested in seeing Albania’s capital? Check out my travel guide to Tirana, Albania!
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Stone church
See the building in the cover photo for this article? That’s the stone church. This church is an icon for the village of Theth. Make sure to snap some of your own photos with the picturesque mountains in the background! It looks like something out of a fairy tale.
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Meadows
Theth is full of lush fields and meadows dotted with sheep, goats, cows, and horses. Check out these meadows to get even more perfect photo opportunities with the Accursed Mountains in the background!
Related: Interested in more travel through Albania? Check out my guide to 5 dreamy excursions in Albania that will satisfy anyone![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”11888″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border” border_color=”black” css=”.vc_custom_1584917239048{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;border-radius: 2px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
Waterfall
Less than an hour’s hike above Theth is a beautiful waterfall nestled into the peaks surrounding the village. The hike is not groomed, so you’ll need some decent hiking experience under your belt along with a solid pair of hiking boots. However, the view at the end is well worth the effort!
Related: Rather explore Albania with a guide? That’s how I did it my first time! Check out the best guides for Albania from GetYourGuide below.
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The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye, or “Syri i Kaltër” in Albanian, is a brilliant blue pool way back in the mountains. It’s filled with fresh, cold mountain water about a two hour hike in from the trail head in the valley where Theth is. To get to the trail, you will most likely want to take a separate van from central Theth. The ride is about a half-hour long. You can ask about this transportation where you’re staying. This trail is also mostly ungroomed, and can be precarious because it winds along the side of a mountain cliff! As long as you have hiking experience, a good pair of shoes, and are sure-footed, you shouldn’t have significant trouble with this hike. However, it IS sure to inspire you with equal parts awe and amazement!
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Guesthouse cuisine
When you go to Theth, staying at a guesthouse is the way to go (and pretty much the only option!). Most guesthouses you will stay at in Theth will serve you traditional Albanian food farm-to-table. This usually includes freshly-made butter, yogurt, honey, milk, and meat. It may be a little different from the food you’re used to, but give it a try! You might be surprised by how delicious it is. Even as a pretty picky eater, I enjoyed these meals that provided a unique insight into typical Albanian cuisine.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”11958″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border” border_color=”black” css=”.vc_custom_1584917521404{padding-top: 10px !important;border-radius: 2px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1584917511212{padding-top: 30px !important;}”]
Bar cafes in the village
Bar cafes are everywhere in Albania! And although it’s a small and remote village, Theth is no exception. Stop at a bar cafe in Theth while strolling through the town and you’re sure to be met by friendly families and nice cup of espresso.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
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Bar cafes on the trail
Believe it or not, there are people who actually live way back in the mountains of Theth! These are even more remote locations than the village itself. The only way to get to and from these settlements is the precarious two-hour trail you hike along the mountain cliff to The Blue Eye. It’s truly amazing that these families continue to live in such isolation, and even more amazing is the fact that they operate bar cafes to serve hikers. You can enjoy a drink, snack, or meal in little treehouses perched over The Blue Eye. Talk about unique!
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”11915″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border” border_color=”black” css=”.vc_custom_1584916809885{padding-bottom: 30px !important;border-radius: 2px !important;}”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How to Get to Theth” tab_id=”1547515655919-625c4fd0-7227c016-a3cd695a-bb36ee45-7732e583-b0c5″][vc_column_text]Because Theth is so isolated, there are generally only two ways to get there: by foot and by vehicle on one road.
By foot
For adventurous types who seek some of the most beautiful and rustic views in the world, the Peaks of the Balkans hike between Montenegro, Kosovo, and Albania may be of interest. Theth is along this route. This will allow you to stop for anywhere from a few hours to a few days to explore this hidden jewel! Check out the Peaks of the Balkans website for more info.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1584916946584{padding-top: 20px !important;}”]
By car
The only way to get to Theth by vehicle is a single, one-way rocky road that winds around the side of a mountain. This road is so rough that only a vehicle with off-road capabilities can handle it. Because of this, the best way to travel to Theth is to book a tour that operates out of a major city like Tirana. I traveled with My Albania “Nature Explorers.” Although the group is technically operated by and for Albanians, I got by with a very limited knowledge of Albanian phrases. These tours usually last 1-3 days, and this is what I would suggest.
Not only is this the best way to get to Theth, but it’s also the best way to explore Theth. With a tour, you usually get transportation round-trip, hearty traditional meals, accommodation in a family-owned guesthouse, and a guide for your hikes all included in the price. An all-inclusive weekend tour of 2 days and 1 night will usually cost you no more than €60! Talk about a bargain.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/dfd_tta_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1584917309378{padding-bottom: 30px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]A very special thanks to My Albania “Nature Explorers,” Neri, Lori, Edi, Gerta, and everyone else on my group tour – each of you was so friendly to me and truly made me feel welcome as the only foreigner in the group. I highly suggest these guys for a fun, truly authentic Albanian experience on your visit to Theth! Find them on Facebook here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row dfd_enable_overlay=”” row_delimiter=”11″ css=”.vc_custom_1583889075393{padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #e6acbe !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1584917341479{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;background-color: #e6acbe !important;}”]
If you liked this solo travel guide to Theth, Albania, be a friend and share it with a friend!
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