Belsh

I did the route in May, really liked it. Just a little warning that there are 2 pieces where you will need some kind of off-road tires, definitely not suitable for a race bike setup. I was on 45mm gravel tires. The road on the descent from Leskovik is in a really bad shape, The ascent towards Mbjeshove is a hike-a-bike section as it has a lot of loose sand and is very steep. The only chance to make this cycling is on a MTB (which you do not need for the other 1100-ish km where a gravel or road bike will do the job perfectly. I did the tour in 13 days, a couple less is definitely possible for a well trained cyclist. I did 1123km with 15210m of elevation.

Best roads and Albania highlights! I met the Doc in Tirana and was lucky enough to get his advice for cyclotouring through Albania. Offroads here are still a huge part of the country and with my set up I needed asfalted roads mostly. The Vjosa Valley remains one of my favourites overall !!!! gorgeous views! I didn't manage to do the coastal part but from Tirana to Permet I was so glad I received his suggestions!

I completed a part of this amazing route in June of this year. I rode from Belsh through to Sarande, and would of kept going but had some issues with my bike. This was one of the most incredible experiences of my life - riding through the mountains and hinterlands was difficult but incredible, the hospitality of everyone I met blew me away. I loved riding through the villages, meeting people, eating local Albanian food. My favourite places were Permet and Girokaster. Incredible sights, food, people. Rivers and creeks and waterfalls to stop and cool down in. The coast was of course stunning, the water was unlike anything I have ever seen. Being from Australia I was worried about access to food and water between stops but on most days there were a few little shops dotted between bigger towns. Lovely clean fresh water running from springs too, so water wasn't an issue. This was the first bike tour i have ever attempted, never done any long distance cycling before, and although it was challenging it was amazing, and I had so much help and hospitality from everyone i met. I am a solo female cyclist and had no issues at all (aside from some very protective cattle dogs, but nothing serious). Along the route I did a bit of camping, a bit of homestay's, and a couple of lovely night in hotels. Kleard the Bike Doctor in Tirana made this trip possible for me!! He was so so so generous with his expertise and advice and just an all round legend. I can recommend him and his beautiful shop to anyone and everyone. Gave me loads of recommendations about where to stop, what to eat, where to stay. His advice led me to some incredible experiences and very kind people! The recommended day-to-day outline worked well for me at some points but I really went at my own pace which meant less KMs per day but that was fine, i just wanted to soak up the experience and not rush! An amazing route, a beautiful country, the kindest people i have ever met, truly an unforgettable experience. 10/10, will probably do it again.

Completed a variation of this route in June 2023. Starting in Ohrid, MK and followed the route as described from Pogradec onwards, ending in Tiranë. Rode 845km with 12,816m of overall elevation gain; were self-supported and rode personal bikes. Have done four other self-supported bike tours in Spain/Portugal, Quebec, Hokkaido, and Rheintal/Rhine Valley. I can say without hesitation that this ride was a favorite! It is an excellent and well-conceived route with good variations of topography, elevation, distance, road surfaces, and riding conditions. Kleard R. has created a thoughtful route that is both challenging and fun. He made himself available by text/voice messages and even gave restaurant and lodging recommendations throughout the country. Highly recommended!