Theth: Most Beautiful Mountain Village in Albania
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Theth with Gazheli Car Rent, your reliable companion for exploring Albania’s hidden gems. Discover beautiful Theth, a traditional village that sits deep at the heart of the Albanian Alps. Situated at the end of a winding mountain road, Theth is home to just a few houses surrounded by looming mountain peaks and meadows full of wildflowers. Watch slow village life unfold, wander the roads with the hillside cows, and enjoy some of the most incredible hikes. Find out all you need to know about visiting Theth, Albania!
Things to do in Theth, Albania
Welcome to Theth—a quaint mountain village and one of the best places to visit in all of Albania! The landscape here rivals one you’d find in the Swiss Alps; the dramatic peaks of the Accursed Mountains look over the town and green fields filled with cows and goats.
Tip: The people in the village are lovely and will be very accommodating to help you with anything. You might not be able to speak Albanian, but Google Translate will help you along the way.
1. Theth Village Life
Local life is very traditional in Theth, and you’ll still see the farmers herding sheep and cows along the remote roads.
Within the village itself, you’ll find one long street that hugs the riverside with sweet houses, guesthouses, and campsites (with good facilities). There’s also a beautiful church close to the edge of town that has some of the best views we’ve ever seen!
The road to Theth, Albania
These days, it’s really easy to access Theth, as the road is newly paved (the road reopened in 2022). Until recently, there was no paved road to Theth, and you could only reach the village by 4×4.
2. Valbonë Pass Hike
Aside from the charming village, the area is famous for the Valbonë Pass hike, a long walk through the mountains, and one of the most rewarding and beautiful parts of any Albania itinerary. The hike moves up through the mountains, passing through forests, grasslands, bubbling streams, and meadows full of flowers and boulders.
As you go, you’ll hear barely any sounds, just the sounds of nature; birds, crickets, and colorful butterflies. We even had a group of friendly dogs following us!
Tip: The hike is best done in the month’s May to October when the weather is good. In the winter, the hike won’t be possible due to the snow.
Directions to the peak (half-loop)
First, walk straight past the mini market until you see the white and red flag signs on your right. Follow these and begin your ascent up through the forest. From the start to the cafe near the top, it takes around 2.5/3 hours. You can stop here for a drink and a snack and then hike another 45 minutes up to the top of the peak.
3. Hike to Theth Waterfall
Just 45 minutes from Theth village is the beautiful Grunasi Waterfall, a huge 25-meter-high cascade that falls from a dramatic limestone cliff. It’s a 45-minute walk each way that crosses rocky paths and follows along the mountain river before heading up into the woods. As you go, discover wonderful views out across the mountain peaks—this is nature at its finest!
When you reach the waterfall, you can swim in the pool below. However, be aware that the water is freezing! If it’s the summer, bring your swimsuit and brave the water for a refreshing end to your hike. Because of the water droplets here, you might even be lucky enough to see a rainbow at the foot of the falls.
Tip: We recommend walking to Grunasi Waterfall in the morning to avoid crowds and have the most peaceful hike. This hike is also the beginning of the hike you’ll take to the Blue Eye.
4. Discover the Blue Eye of Theth.
You may have heard of the popular Sarande Blue Eye, but Theth also has its very own Blue Eye. The Blue Eye near Theth (Syri i Kaltër in Albanian) is a deep water pool set deep within limestone rock.
It’s said to resemble a blue eye because of its bright blue color in the center that slowly descends out into lighter blues and greens. This incredible color and clear water come as a result of the depth of the water and the vegetation surrounding it, making it one of the most blissful places to swim. Plus, there’s also a waterfall that cascades down into the pool below.
The Blue Eye near Theth is high up in the mountains and much higher than the one at Sarande, making it even colder, but it’s still worth it for a refreshing dip (although we wouldn’t recommend swimming outside of the summer months). What’s more, make sure to visit before 3 PM, as after this time the sun sets behind the mountains, and it will be very cold.
5. Visit the Church in Theth
This beautiful church is an icon of Theth and truly looks like something out of a fairytale. The grey-tiled roofed church sits in the middle of an open meadow, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and wildflowers. The story goes that people originally came to Theth to practice their faith undisturbed in the peace of nature, and it’s easy to see why!
The church dates all the way back to 1892, and over the years, it has been a school and even a health center during the communist regime. Nowadays, it’s still used by locals as a place of worship, visible from all around with its rooftop cross. After immersing yourself in the enchanting beauty and rich history of the Church in Theth, continue your exploration of this captivating village with the convenience of a car rental from Gazheli Rent.