The trend of tourism growth in the Albanian Alps

The trend of tourism growth in the Albanian Alps

Some current trends in tourism in the Albanian Alps

The Alps are now one of Europe’s main tourist attractions for major industrial centers. Tourism has, for some areas, represented a fundamental economic activity that can prevent the complete depopulation of the mountain areas, ensuring employment opportunities and income.

European Alps

Every year the European Alps receive approximately 12% of the world tourists (World Tourism Organization). In 2001 alone, more than 80 million tourists visited the Alps. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of ski-related tourism in the Alps. In Italy alone alpine areas are crisscrossed by a network of 4693 km of ski-runs, 60% of which are serviced with artificial snow. Cross-country ski tracks amount to 2981 km, 304 of which make use of snow cannons. The situation is similar across the Alps.
The spectacular increase in tourism in the Alps in recent decades has been founded mainly on the boom in skiing, resulting in both strong real estate development and an increasing array of infrastructures and ski runs. Today the ski market seems to have virtually reached saturation point and the winter sports sector has begun to diversify its offer through innovation.
The uncertainty and the crisis in European mountain tourism are both caused by climate and geo-cultural change. This is why, for many observers, the kind of tourism established during the second half of the 20th century appears to be a “worn-out” model, and should be reorganized thoroughly. This will involve drastic adaptation measures. According to the International Scientific Committee on Alpine Research (ISCAR) such new watching grids will be required to understand and monitor the way out of “all ski”, “all snow” and even “all tourism”. Tourism industry has a key role to play in confronting the challenges of climate change.
Climate change poses a serious challenge to social and economic development in all countries. While international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are essential, adaptation to the impacts of climate change must also be integrated into sectoral and economic policies worldwide.
For many alpine areas in Switzerland, winter tourism is the most important source of income, and snow-reliability is one of the key elements of the offers made by tourism in the Alps. 85% of Switzerland’s current ski resorts can be designated as snow-reliable.

Winter tourism and skiing

If climate change occurs, the level of snow-reliability will rise from 1200 m up to 1800 m over the next few decades. Only 44% of the ski resorts would then still be snow-reliable. While some regions may be able to maintain their winter tourism with suitable adaptation strategies, others would lose winter tourism due to a diminishing snow pack. Climate change must be viewed as a catalyst that is reinforcing and accelerating the pace of structural changes in tourism.
Today, adaptation strategies are predominant in tourism (e.g. artificial snow production). As an industry that will be severely affected by climate change, however, tourism will increasingly have to focus on mitigation strategies (e.g. less greenhouse gas emissions by tourism traffic).
The snow tourism in recent years is going through a phase of evolution, in particular the demand side: the tourists who frequent the ski resorts today are very different from those of the past in profile, behavior and needs.
For a long time, talking about winter tourism and skiing has meant essentially the same deal. The winter holiday coincided for the majority of people with “white week”, a period during which concentrate almost exclusively to skiing. There were, of course, the so-called “non-skiers as a result” (often mothers, grandparents or people on vacation with the family “sports people”), but these were almost “sentenced” to an inevitable boredom, made up of repetitive walks in the center of the country or waiting for days in shelters at high altitude that members of the family came back from the “battlefield”.

Today

Today it is no longer the case. First, the ski holiday is no longer the only possible (or better, available for many) during the winter season: until a few years ago, going to sea in winter was a luxury for the few. Today a holiday “in the heat”, perhaps in a Caribbean beach paradise, is within the reach of many people, with similar prices or even lower than those of a ski vacation (without taking into account the not indifferent cost to the necessary equipment for skiing). Secondly, the skiers are always less energetic and more vacationers looking for fun, while the people below are always more numerous and demanding the opportunity to take a more active and enjoyable time on their own. For these reasons, the alpine winter resorts must commit to offer something more than the services and infrastructure necessary for the practice of winter sports (which, however, remain a largely predominant activity), in order to create a more complete and varied offer to meet the different needs of different groups of tourists or rather, the various market segments.

Local transfers

Local transfers

Local transfers

Typical local transfers around Albanian Alps

close to Blue Eye of Theth

Theth – Nderlysa (Blue Eye)

Where: Guesthouse Door – Nderlysa. No – specified bus station. No specific time-table.

Trip: 15 min one way

Private 4WD – Price: 45 Eur/ car on a Round trip base – Available on-demand. Call us close to the date.

Minibus – Price: 5 Eur/ person on a Round trip base – Available mostly on the high season. Few minibuses are available at the bus station close to Jezerca Market.

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roAD MAP THETH-NDERLYSE

start of the trail to Valbona pass or to Valbona waterfall

Theth – Gjelaj

Where: Guesthouse Door – Nderlysa. No – specified bus station.

Trip: 10-15 min one way.

Private 4WD – Price: 25 Eur/ car – Available on-demand.

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roAD MAP THETH-GJELAJ

start of the trail to Peja golf toward Montenegro border or Lepushe

Theth – Okol

Where: Guesthouse Door – Okol. No – specified bus station

Trip: 10-15 min one way.

Private 4WD – Price: 30 Eur/ car – Available on-demand.

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roAD MAP THETH-okol

Road to Thethi Village

Qafe Thore – Theth

Where: Qafe e Thores – Theth, to the guesthouse door.
Available: on request, at any time.
Trip: 60 min one way
Private 4WD – Price: 60 Eur/vehicle
Minibus – Price: 100 Eur/ vehicle available on pre-booking.

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Road Map Qafe Thore – Theth

start of the trail Valbona – Theth

Valbona – Rragami i Shales

Where: Guesthouse Door –Rragam i Shales. No – specified bus station. Each guesthouse can help arrange this transfer or contact us via whatsapp few days before to book a driver. 

Trip: 10-15 min one way.

Minibus transfer – Price: 40 Eur/ vehicle

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roAD MAP Valbona – Rragami i Shales

Valbona – Cerem

Where: Guesthouse Door –Cerem. No – specified bus station

Trip: 40-50 min one way

Private 4WD – Price: 70 Eur/ car – Available: on-demand.

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roAD MAP Valbona – Cerem

3 days hiking Tours to Thethi National Park

3 days hiking Tours to Thethi National Park

Starting from €170/person

3 days hiking Tours to Thethi National Park

Overview

Explore all the main attractions of Theth, like the waterfall and canyon, the old Church, and the Lock-in Tower. Do not miss the blue eye source and Valbona pass during these three days around Thethi valley and National Park.  Feel the experience of the Albanian welcoming in person, with an accommodation in traditional guesthouses called ‘Kulla’; have dinner with local homemade and organic food, explore the lifestyle and create a unique experience to take with you back at home.

This is a self-guided tour that aims to be a budget-friendly tour for those experienced hikers with private transfers and all other services. 

Tour customization is always open, on request.

Inclusions

  • Private transportation round trip Tirana – Theth – Tirana.
  • Hotel door pick up 
  • Accommodation x 2 nights
  • Breakfast x 2
  • Dinner x 2
  • Private local transfer in Nderlysa, close to Blue eye source by 4WD round trip
  • Tour customization on demand.

Exclusions

  • Lunch (Lunch box option at the guesthouse, Extra charge: 5 euro).
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • All drinks & coffee
  • Guide x 3 days (100 euro per day extra charge)

Departure & Return

Departure Point:

  1. Tirana, Hotel door pick up
  2. Shkodra, Hotel door pick up
  3. Airport door pick up/drop off (Tirana or Podgorica)

Departure Time

On the guest’s request. The recommended time is the morning hours. 

Drop off: at the guesthouse door in Thethi.

 Return: At the hotel door, airport. 

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Tirane/ Shkodra – Thethi National Park

 Hotel/ Airport pick up and after around 4-4.5 hours of drive from Tirana, you will reach Thethi valley, guesthouse door. One the way the driver will do some short stops on the panoramic spots.

Stop at: Thethi ValleyStone Groves – Blue Eye

Accommodation at the guesthouse. Drop off the luggage at the guesthouse.

During this first day,  the recommended itinerary is as below described.

Local transfer to Nderlysa village is covered within this package.

The Stone Groves of Nderlysa are some rock formations, rose color, created by the abundant flow of black river water descending from the village of Kaprre in Thethi National Park, are the first attraction we will meet after 20 min drive in the middle of the nature along Thethi’s river. After a short break here, the tour will proceed toward the Blue Eye, for 50 min moderate hiking.

Blue Eye of Theth, placed in Kaprre, is a deep blue water hole in the middle of the woods furnished by the Black River. Until the Blue Eye is a pedestrian route and takes about 40 to 60 minutes of regular walking. This attraction is an unexpected beauty, as described by previous tourists.

Don’t forget to bring your swimming ware because you can swim at both attractions mentioned above.

Duration: 2 hours of total walking time.

Difficulty: easy to moderate

In the afternoon, you may have an easy walk to the down valley to visit the old Church of the valley and the also called ‘Lock-in Tower’.

Dinner around 19.30 PM

 Day 2: Valbona Pass or (Peja Golf – optional) 

A full day to explore reThethi National Park.

You can choose between hiking to one of the peaks around the valley or just having a relaxing easy day exploring the lifestyle around the village. Visit a few mills, play with kids close to the river, or just take a relaxing time on the banks of the river.

Valbona Pass for around 6-7 hours round trip is the best hiking option. This is the most famous hiking trail in Albanian Alps and the most trafficked one during the season. Well market and easy to be done on your own. This trail will lead you through the villages of Theth, through the forests and pastures of the National Park to the golf of Valbona pass at 1750 mt. From this point, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the valleys of Valbona and Thethi.

You can decide to consume your lunch box here, at the highest point, or at Zef’s Cottage – Bar, 40 min before you reach the top. This Bar is a pleasant spot where you can meet travelers from all over the world. Return at the guesthouse at the late afternoon. Relax with a cold drink.

Duration: 6-7 hours total walking time

Difficulty: Challenging

Dinner around 19:30 PM.

Day 3: Thethi Waterfall – Grunasi Canyon 

Stop At: Theth, Shkoder County

After breakfast in the guesthouse, starting at 09:00 AM, you can proceed to Grunasi Waterfall and to Grunasi Canyon. On the way back from these attractions, you will relax in Thethi’s meadows and visit Saint John Church, Ethnographic Museum, and the Lock-in Tower.

Doing these attractions you have done all the main attractions in Thethi National Park in three days.

Return to the guesthouse around the afternoon. Departure time back to Shkodra or Tirana to be established from the guest. Travel time from Thethi to Shkodra is 2.5 hours or 4 hours trip in total to Tirana.

Room Check out – immediately after breakfast.

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy/medium

Additional Info

  • Hotel pick-up is offered for this tour. Once your purchase is complete, we will send you complete contact information (phone number, email address, etc.) for our local operator to organize pick-up arrangements.
  • Confirmation will be after a pre-request;
  • Independent tour organization for each request.
  • This tour does not request a minimum number of travelers.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • The best time to travel for this tour is from May to October included.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 1 week in advance of the start date of the experience.

Price

Price for  1  persons         = 490 Euro/ person

Price for  2  persons         = 295 Euro/ person

Price for  3 – 5 persons   = 220 Euro/ person

Price for  6 – 10 persons = 190 Euro/ person

Price for 11 – 15 persons = 170 Euro/person

Note: Tour starting/finish from/in Shkodrawill have 20% discount. 

We are sorry but cant accept new tour bookings for the moment!
Call now for the best offer

English Speaking Phone
00355 69 60 15 771

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Reserverations email
info@thethi-guide.com

Follow us

Book in advance to ensure the availability of a professional guide, primarily.

For a more specific request please ask us a quote

Call now for the best offer

English Speaking Phone
00355 69 60 15 771

Send us an email with your details
Reserverations email
info@thethi-guide.com

Guesthouse Bujtina Valbonë

Guesthouse Bujtina Valbonë

Valbone Valley

Guesthouse Bujtina

Every room is fitted with a private bathroom, while some rooms have a river view.

Booking & Contact

Address: Rruga, Azem Hajdari, Valbone, Kukes, Albania
Phone: +355 67 610 4590

Room Rates Starting From €35 per night

Situated in Valbonë, BUJTINA Valbonë features a garden and free WiFi. Boasting a shared lounge, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant and a terrace. Rooms are equipped with a terrace with mountain views.

Every room is fitted with a private bathroom, while some rooms have a river view.

Guests at the hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Valbonë, like fishing.

Shower

Room Facilities

Balcony

Room Facilities

Desk

Room Facilities

Free toiletries

Room Facilities

toilet

Room Facilities

Bathroom

Room Facilities

Carpeted

Room Facilities

Hardwood/Parquet

Room Facilities
Standart rates in Alps

Average €35/night

No matter if you want to visit and stay in Theth, Valbone, Komani Lake, Shala River, Lepushe or Curraj we can find an accommodation for you.

Call now for the best offer

English Speaking Phone
00355 69 60 15 771

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Reserverations email
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Bujtina Valbone Location

Do not sell Theth for cookies because you will not be able to buy it even with gold!

Do not sell Theth for cookies because you will not be able to buy it even with gold!

“Mos e shisni Thethin për biskota se nuk do ta blini as me flori”. Ky është titulli i një shkrimi të publicistit Prelë Milani për Thethin turistik. Si stërnip i Thethit, fshat në njësinë Shalë, bashkia Shkodër ndjen keqardhje teksa sipas tij thethjanët po shesin fshehtas trojet e tyre tek të pasurit.

“Kështu siç ka nisur, me përfundimin e rrugës, Thethi është shumë i rrezikuar nga këta peshkaqen të parasë, pra njerëzit e pasur dhe të fuqishëm. Kam parandjenjë se në një të nesërme të afërt Thethi rrezikohet ashtu siç ka edhe disa të tjerë që nga mendjelehtësia, nga ndonjë nevojë e vogël, nga ndonjë miqësi apo joshje politike bëjnë disa gjëra që nuk duhet t’i bëjnë. Publikisht nuk del kush për të thënë se kam shitur tokën por unë kam informacione të sigurta se janë shitur disa troje në Theth dhe vazhdojnë të shiten fshehtas”.

Grabitqar të rafinuar të parasë dhe pushtetit e krokodil që depërtojnë për të shqyer gjithçka i quan publicisti Milani në shkrimin e tij ata që po blejnë fshehtas tokat në Theth ndaj sipas tij nuk mund të blejë kushdo sepse Thethi është park kombëtar. “Thethi është një pasuri kombëtare. Duke qenë se është park kombëtar ka specifikat e veta.

Aty s’mund të ndërtojë kush të dojë, nuk mund të ndërtohet sipas qejfit, nuk të blejë dhe të shesë kush të dojë. Thethi duhet të ruhet nga ajo çfarë ka ndodhur në disa zona të tjera si Gjiri Lalzit, Riviera, Golemi, Qafë Llogaraja, Velipoja ku banorët e atyre viseve sot nuk dinë se ku e kanë ekzistencën sepse janë dyndur biznesmen, politikan nga e gjithë Shqipëria teksa kanë kryer ndërtimet e veta me para të pista. Thethi duhet të ruaj karakterin e vet.

Kam informacione se banorët e Thethit kanë nisur të shesin tokat fshehtas ndaj unë mendoj se duhet që të krijohet një shoqatë për mbrojtjen e vlerave dhe ekosistemit të Thethit edhe nga vetë banorët atje.

Banorët e Thethit të regjistruar me hipotekë mund të kenë vetëm tokën arë ndërsa livadhet, ograjet dhe pyjet janë të pahipotekuara dhe nesër mund të dalë dikush i fuqishëm dhe nepërmjet hipotekës i kalon në pronësinë e vet dhe tjetërsohen. Sot ka njerëz aq të fuqishëm në Shqipëri sa mund ta blejnë komplet Thethin por nëse nuk ruhet ashtu siç është i humb vlerat e veta.

Në Theth nuk ka pse të bëhen hotele e restorante të mëdha sepse këto i kemi kudo në Shqipëri. Duhet të vazhdojë turizmi familjar ashtu siç ka qenë”. Ekonomia e dobët e banorëve të Thethit mund të jetë një arsye tregon Milani por sipas tij edhe kanuni thotë se “toka e babës nuk shitet për bukë”.  Sipas publicistit Thethi është i rrezikuar nga të pasurit që i quan peshkaqen të parasë. “Ekonomia e dobët është një faktor për banorët e Thethit që shesin tokat por edhe në të kaluarën ishte një rregull kanunor që thoshte se toka e babës nuk shitet për bukë. Sot për bukë ka pak që vuajnë. Mund të jenë në kushte të vështira por nuk mund të shitet toka për çmim qesharak për biskota e çokollata e që nesër po atë tokë s’mund ta blesh as me flori.

Njerëzit që kanë para mund të ofrojnë shuma që mund t’i joshin për momentin por nuk ia dinë vlerën atyre pasurive. Unë nuk dua të dal kundër rregullave të ekonomisë së tregut por përderisa është zonë turistike dhe me vlera të veçanta e tradita duhet të ruhet ashtu siç është, përndryshe do të bëhet një qendër urbane që s’do ketë të njëjtën vlerë”. Edhe mënyra si po ndërtohet me llamarina të kuqe e eternit po ia humb identitetin Thethit. “Ajo që më shqetëson mua është se ndërtesat po bëhen me eternit apo llamarinë të kuqe gjë e cila e dëmton imazhin e këtyre objekteve. Tradita e ndërtimeve ka qenë që mbulesat e çative të bëhen me dërrasë pishe. Nëse vetë banorët nuk kanë mundësi financiare që t’i vendosin sepse janë të kushtueshme atëherë duhet që të subvencionohen nga shteti. Çatitë duhet që të bëhen me dërrasë sepse Thethi përndryshe humb karakterin e vet autentik që ka trashëguar ndër shekuj”.

Pritet që të shtrohet edhe asfalti që për publicistin Milani është pozitive por nga ana tjetër duhen masa për të shmangur ndotjen siç ka nisur gradualisht. “Me ardhjen e rrugës automobilistike që shpresoj të bëhët sa më shpejt do rritet edhe problematika. Natyrisht që fluksi i vizitorëve do të shtohet shumë dhe del problemi i mbetjeve nga të cilat qysh vitin e kaluar ka filluar të ketë probleme.

Duke qenë se është një zonë e virgjër duhet patur parasysh që të mos ndodhi si në zonat e tjera ku ndotja është jashtëzakonisht e tmerrshme”. “Thethi duhet të mbesë Theth”-thotë publicisti Milani në mbyllje të shkrimit të tij, teksa shton se: “ju thethjan nuk duhet të flirtoni fshehtas me vipat e trafiqeve dhe të politikës në dëm të tjetërsimit të pasurive tuaja. Nëse e doni veten dhe Thethin as nipave të bijave tuaj as mos u shisni as mos u bëni hise në Theth!”-një thirrje dëshpëruese për Thethin që u trashëgua breza pas brezi i virgjër ndërsa sot po tentohet të gllabërohet.

 

Nga Prelë Milani