5 Best Things to Do in Theth, Albania
Are you looking for the best things to do in Theth, Albania? It is one of the most underrated travel destinations in Albania. But it’s worth a visit, so don’t miss it on your Northern Albania Itinerary.
Wondering what to do in Theth? Discover the epic hiking trails, visit Grunas Waterfall, see the iconic church, swim in the Blue Eye, and experience the idyllic atmosphere.
This ultimate guide to visiting Theth includes the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Theth.
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Best things to do in Theth, Albania
The national park is the perfect destination for nature and hiking lovers. Theth is the most beautiful small mountain village in Albania.
Most people skip northern Albania on their first visit. But we loved hiking in the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps) and exploring the charming mountain villages.
Read our → Albania Itinerary
1. Discover the Blue Eye of Theth
The Theth National Park is home to fantastic natural attractions such as the Grunas Waterfall and the Blue Eye. The Blue Eye is a stunning natural spring with crystal clear turquoise water, so it is not to be missed.
You can easily get to the Blue Eye by car, taxi, or minibus. For the best experience, take a scenic hike, passing by the iconic church and the beautiful Grunas Waterfall.
We recommend you start your hike as early as possible because it is incredibly hot in the midday hours.
If you arrive by car or taxi, the hike from the parking lot to the Blue Eye takes only 40-50 minutes. For a truly refreshing experience after your hike, take a dip in this beautiful crystal clear water.
Did you know that there are two Blue Eyes in Albania? One is near Saranda, and the other is in Theth.
Swimming is allowed in the Blue Eye, but the water is ice-cold, and the average temperature is 10°C.
Read the full post → How to Visit Blue Eye
2. Theth Church (Kisha e Thethit)
This is one of the main attractions in Theth and a must-see for everyone. It is an old and well-preserved church in the valley, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Albanian Alps. The church is only a short walk from the village center and can be visited at any time of the day.
This beautiful church was built in 1892 and is still used by locals as a place of worship. Over the years, the church has served as a school and a health & pregnancy center during the communist regime.
Surrounded by wildflowers, the church captivates visitors with its tranquil and picturesque setting, a perfect place for photography lovers. Start your day with a visit to the church and then hike to the nearby Grunas Waterfall, which is also a magical experience.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
3. Hike from Theth to Valbona Peak
Are you looking for more things to do in Theth? Hiking from Valbona to Theth is the most beautiful and popular hike in the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps), as the two mountain villages are not connected by road. But most people only hike to the peak of Valbona and do not complete the whole hike.
The Valbona Peak is located in northern Albania in the Valbona Valley National Park. We hiked from Valbona to Theth, which took us about 8 hours. The Valbona Pass Peak stands at 1,795 m above sea level and offers breathtaking views.
Read the full post → Valbona Pass Hike
The hike to the peak takes about 3-4 hours each way. Afterward, relax on the top, enjoy the magical landscape, and then hike back to the village.
Important note
The Valbona Pass is only open from June to October.
Alternatively, book an organized tour to explore Komani Lake, Valbona, and Theth. Experience an unforgettable 3-day trip from Tirana in the heart of the Albanian Alps.
Book this excellent tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
4. Grunas Waterfall
The Theth Waterfall is a stunning 25-meter-high waterfall in the Albanian Alps, which offers fantastic photo opportunities. You can get from the village to Grunas Waterfall in 40-50 minutes with an easy, moderate hike.
Once you arrive at the waterfall, you can enjoy the stunning scenery. If you want a truly refreshing experience, you can take a dip in the ice-cold water.
Visiting the waterfall was a great experience, and as we were early in the morning, we didn’t meet any other tourists. We think this is one of the best waterfalls in Albania that you shouldn’t miss.
The waterfall is located on the trail to Blue Eye Kaprre, so if you’re a hiking enthusiast, combine a visit to both attractions.
Read the full post → How to Visit Grunas Waterfall
5. Experience Village Life
The locals, known for their hospitality, will welcome you in their cozy family hotels/guesthouses and offer delicious traditional Albanian food.
For the best experience, stay in a rustic wooden or stone house. We stayed at Bujtina Zemra Tradites outside the village and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere. There were pigs, horses, and sheep around our accommodation.
If you want to enjoy the view of the peaceful mountain landscape, we recommend staying outside the center. However, these accommodations can only be reached via a steep, rocky path, which takes about 20-30 minutes. When hiking, you can see farmers herding sheep and cows.
Where to Stay in Theth
There are many guesthouses, hotels, and campsites for all budgets. Book accommodation around Hotel Jezerca as it is in the center of the village. These are our recommendations.
Recommended post → Best towns to stay in Albania
Best hotels in Theth
- Mid-Range: Hotel Jezerca or Vidis Chalet Hotel
- Budget: Gurra Family Guesthouse or Logu i Harushave
If you want to go camping in Theth Albania or the surrounding areas, bring all the camping equipment and accessories you need or book a campsite.
How to Get to Theth, Albania
Most people arrive by car/minivan from Shkoder or Tirana. However, for the best experience, take a scenic hike from Valbona to Theth as we did.
The nearest airport is Podgorica Airport (airport code TGD) in Montenegro. But most travelers to Albania arrive at Tirana International Airport (airport code TIA), as you can get cheap flights there.
Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights.
Tirana to Theth by Car
The distance between Tirana and Theth is 175 km, and it takes 3.5-4 hours to reach the village. We recommend that you first make a detour to the charming village of Krujë, spend a few hours there, and then continue your journey.
From Tirana, you have to go through Shkoder and then take the SH21 road to Theth, which is a new asphalt road (paved in 2021). As the road is well maintained, there is no need to rent a 4×4 car if you’re driving to Theth. Along the way, the scenery will be magical, with beautiful views, so you can stop several times to take photos.
Drive carefully, as the last section of the road is not very wide, and you often have to pull over to allow two cars to pass each other.
Theth Tour from Shkoder, Tirana
Discover the Albanian Alps on a day trip from Shkoder or Tirana. Admire the church, visit the Grunas Waterfall hidden in the mountains around the village, and follow the river through the forest to reach the Blue Eye of Theth.
Group tours usually depart at 7 AM. The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a tour leader, a traditional lunch, parking fees, and transportation by air-conditioned car/van.
Book your tour through Viator or GetYourGuide.
How to Get Around
In our opinion, the best way to explore Theth is on foot, as most places are only accessible by hiking. You can also travel by taxi or shared minivan.
If you’re arriving by car, book your accommodation in the center. You can park for free in front of Mini Market Jezerca.
Good to know
There is only one ATM and mini market, so we strongly recommend that you bring enough cash!
Best Restaurants
Although there are few restaurants in Theth, there are some great ones where you can enjoy local and international dishes and find some vegetarian options. These are our recommendations.
- Villa Gjeçaj Guesthouse and Restaurant (Mediterranean and traditional dishes, perfect for dinner)
- Thethi Paradise Restaurant & Hotel (Stunning mountain view, must try the trout)
- Restaurants & Guesthouse Villa Gurra (Local and vegetarian food)
- Fast Food Pizzeri Jezerca (Delicious pizza)
Best Time to Visit Theth, Albania
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is from May to October. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for hiking and exploring the nearby attractions. The hottest months are July and August. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 34°C.
Theth is situated at an altitude of about 750 m above sea level. Therefore, it is much cooler here than in other parts of Albania, so pack warmer clothes. The average annual temperature is 23°C. Weather conditions may vary throughout the year, so check the weather forecast before traveling. In winter, the village is often covered with snow and cannot be accessed!
We visited Theth in early June and had fantastic weather. But evenings and early mornings were cold in the mountain village. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
How many Days do you Need in Theth?
Most people only take a day trip and spend a few hours in this picturesque mountain village. However, we recommend you spend at least 2 full days and enjoy the best things to do in Theth. Then, travel back to Shkoder by minibus.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Theth will help you plan your next trip to Albania. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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