Theth, Albania has a population of 370 people and it can hardly be classified as a town, it doesn’t even have an ATM machine. But once you visit this secluded village tucked away in the mountains, you’ll quickly see why travelers make the journey with some (like myself) choosing to stay many nights.
Is Theth worth visiting? In this article I’ll go over the best things to do in Theth, give you accommodation recommendations, let you know the best time to go to Theth and give you any tips you may need to know before visiting to ensure the best time possible.
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- Theth Church
- Theth Waterfall (Grunas Waterfall)
- Blue Eye
- Trek the Theth Valbona Pass
- Take a Dip in the River
- Experience a Local Homestay
- Peak of the Balkans
Theth Travel Vlogs
Best Things to do in Theth
Theth Church
The church of Theth is easy to find in the center of town. As you approach the church, you’ll be greeted by its iconic stone walls and wooden roof, which blend perfectly with the natural surroundings.
I’m sure you’ve seen the Theth Church on Instagram as its one of the most photographed places in Albania. This is a great place to read a book in the shade in a peaceful setting.
Hike to Grunas Waterfall
The Grunas waterfall has several different levels. Keep climbing to the top to reach the picturesque, 100 foot cascading waterfall. It is possible to swim in the pool that forms beneath the falls but prepare for it to be very cold.
There are plenty of rocks to hang out on in between cold plunges. The sheer beauty and power of the waterfall is awe-inspiring, making it a perfect spot for photographers, nature lovers and those seeking untouched wilderness.
Blue Eye
To get to Theth Blue Eye, start on the same trail you would take to go to Grunas Waterfall. At 35 minutes in, you’ll see a few signs, one direction pointing to Theth waterfall and the other pointing towards Blue Eye.
From there just follow the trail for another 3 hours until you reach Blue Eye. This is the second most popular hike in Theth after the Valbona to Theth Trek. Hiking to Blue Eye will take up most of the day.
Trek the Theth Valbona Pass
The Valbona to Theth trek covers a distance of up to 10 miles and can be completed in a day, although many hikers like myself choose to take their time and spend a few days exploring each area – Valbona & Theth. Valbona Pass peaks at 5,760 feet.
The trail starts (or ends) in Valbona Valley and takes you up and over Valbona Pass. The trail passes through rocky terrain, dense forests and peaceful meadows before finally arriving in Theth or Valbona. This was my favorite experience during my month long travels through Albania.
Take a Dip in the River
Experience Local Life at a Homestay
Your cozy and authentic accommodation will get better with the food. Breakfast is included in the price of many homestays and dinner can be arranged for 10-12€. Who doesn’t enjoy a home cooked meal after a long, tiresome day?
We stayed at Bujtina Kometa which had lovely hosts, delicious meals and clean rooms. The only downside was that this homestay was located about 40 minutes outside of Theth town itself. And the last thing you want to do is walk into town for a bite to eat only to have to turn around and walk another 40 minutes back up to your homestay.
Peaks of the Balkans
Where to Stay in Theth
- Molla Guest House – $$ Views, Food and Authenticity.
- Guesthouse Marashi – $$$ Great location close to Theth Church
- Bujtina Miqesia – $$ Views and Location
- Guest House Rrashkadoli – $ Albanian hospitality at its finest.
- Bujtina Kometa – $ This is where I stayed but it was a 40 minute walk to Theth which wasn’t super enjoyable after 2 tough days of hiking. Very affordable, clean, great views and lovely hosts though!
Where to Eat in Theth
How to Get to Theth, Albania
By Car: Renting a car in Albania is one of the easiest ways to get around. The country is pretty small, it takes only 9 hours to drive from North Albania to Montenegro in Southern Albania. Renting a car is affordable and road are for the most part maintained.
Minivan: Since the new road has been built, it takes about 2 hours to drive from Theth back to Shkodër. Minivans will drop you off in front of the only “grocery store” in Theth (mini market Jezerca). It cost 1200 Lek (12€) pp. You can pay in Lek or Euros.
Organized Tour: If you are short on time, you can book an organized tour with a night in Theth. Here are some Tours of Theth that have great reviews.
Tips for Visiting Theth, Albania
Best Time to Visit Theth
The best time to visit Theth, Albania is during dry/hiking season which runs May to October. July and August are the peak months, which mean higher crowds and hotter days. For obvious reasons, it is not possible to hike during the winter months.
My advice is to travel to Theth during the shoulder season May – June or September – October. There will be less crowds and the weather won’t be as brutal as peak season. I hiked Valbona Thethi mid June and had amazing weather.
Theth Traveling Costs
Expect to pay anywhere from $35-80 a night for a room. Most of the lodging options will be a homestay. I personally love staying with local families. It’s a wonderful way to converse with locals and who doesn’t love a home cooked meal.
Breakfast is usually included in the price of the room and most homestays will cook you dinner for about 10-12 Euro. Plus a few bucks on snacks.
If you’re visiting Theth via way of Valbona, it cost 1200 Lek for a minivan from Theth to Shkoder. For 2 nights in Theth, let’s assume that you spend $50 on housing a night, 15 on food and 12 for transportation. You’ll want to bring at least 160 € for one person or 230 € for two people.
What to Pack
- Danner 600 Hiking Boots
- Northface Rain Jacket
- Ear Warmer
- Hiking Pants
- Flannel or Warm Fleece depending on what month you’re visiting Theth.
- Life Straw Water Bottle
- Warm Socks
- Gloves
- Sunscreen
- Swim Suit
- GoPro
- Ample Cash
Theth Travel Guide Tips Recap
- No ATM’s in Theth.
- Bring Ample Cash.
- Pack Light if you are trekking to or from Valbona.
- Book accommodation in Theth, not outside of town.
- Book accommodations in advance if traveling during peak season – July & August.
- The Theth to Valbona Trek is so worth it!
Albania Travel Tips
📍Plan your Trip:
🗺 How long to travel Albania? 3-6 Day Albanian Alps Hiking Itinerary
🛂 Visas: Up to 90 Days on arrival for most countries.
☔️ Best Time to Visit: Peak season = July & August. May, June, September & October = Less crowds & costs.
💰 Average Daily Budget: Expect to pay 50 USD’s a day for basic accommodations, sit down meals at a cafe and entrance fees.
⛺️ Albania accommodation Guides:
🪂 Highlights
- Tirana's Coffee Culture
- Berat - a Town of a Thousand Windows
- Trekking Valbona to Theth N.P.
- Gjirokaster Castle
- The Albanian Riviera
- Shkoder - the Gateway to the Albanian Alps
- Theth National Park
- Lake Komani
- Valbona Valley National Park
- Peak of the Balkans for the experienced Trekker
🧳 What to Pack: What to Pack for Albania
🎥 Watch our Albania Series on YouTube
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