Theth is a tiny village in northern Albania completely surrounded by towering mountains. Most people experience Theth in route to or from hiking the Theth to Valbona Trek or on a day trip from Shkodër but there are a handful of things to do in Theth that sticking around this sleepy village is worth a day or two on your Albanian Itinerary.
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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Things to do in Theth Quick List
- 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
Best Things to do in Theth
Theth Church
Theth Church is the most popular thing to do in Theth. Being located in such a remote location, Theth Church is a hidden gem amidst the breathtaking Albanian Alps. A visit to this charming church is like stepping back in time, as it dates back to the 19th century and still retains its traditional architectural charm.
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
One of the most beautiful places in Theth is the Grunas waterfall (Thethi Waterfall). Tucked away in the Albanian Alps, reaching the waterfall requires a 45 minute hike from mini market Jezerca. To get here, just follow the river and well marked signs.
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
Another waterfall in Theth that requires you to hike to is the Blue Eye. A gorgeous waterfall tucked deep inside the Albanian Alps. Blue Eye gets its name from the vibrant blue water that surrounds the falls.
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 Best Thing to do in Theth
Trekking the Valbona to Theth Trek is a highlight in Albania and one of the best things to do in Theth. This adventure through the Albanian Alps is known for its pristine natural beauty, untouched landscapes and rugged mountain peaks.
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.
☕️ Read Next: Everything you Need to Know about the Valbona Theth Trek
Take a Dip in the River
Experience Local Life at a Homestay
Most of the accommodations in Theth are homestays. Not only do homestays offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture but the hospitality of the Albanian people.
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
Tips for Visiting Theth, Albania
Where to Stay in Theth Village
- 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
Theth is such a small town and most restaurants are family-run establishments and the guesthouse you stay at will provide breakfast in the price of the room. Dinner will cost extra, usually 10-12€ a plate.
You can’t beat the home-cooked meals, especially after several days of hiking. Joe and I ate breakfast and dinner for every meal at our guesthouse.
Meals were plentiful, fresh from the garden, and served with hospitality. Most places only accept cash, so make sure you have enough local currency or Euros on hand.
There is only one grocery store in Theth – Mini Market Jezerca, which sells water, beers, and snacks.
How to Get to Theth, Albania
There are 3 different ways to get to Theth – by car, minivan or on an organized tour.
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.
Best Time to Visit Theth
I traveled to Theth in the summer so I can’t speak for the rest of the seasons but prepare to be annoyed by a ton of flies. Look, I understand that flies have a purpose and serve a crucial part in the ecosystem but man these flies were so annoying! So many flies annoyingly buzzing around and by the end of our 6 days in the mountains, I was so ready to be away from them.
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
Theth doesn’t have any ATM machines so you’ll want to make sure you bring ample cash to pay for your food, lodging and transportation. All of the attractions in Theth are free so you’ll only have to worry about lodging and food.
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.
💡 Travel Tip: If you’re in a real pickle, the mini market Jezerca in Theth can give you cash back if you charge your bank card for something in the store.
What to Pack to Visit Theth National Park
- 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 Vlogs
Would you rather see what visiting Theth is like? We filmed a few vlogs during the time we spent in Theth which you can check out above.
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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!
Final Thoughts about Theth Albania
From gushing waterfalls to soaring peaks, there are a handful of things to do in Theth that you a visit to this tiny Theth village will complete anyone’s trip to Albania. If you found this article useful, let fellow travelers know in the comments below 👇.
Albania Travel Guides ↓
📍 If you are planning your trip to Albania, I spent a month traveling around this beautiful country, and got to do a lot of exploring. Check out the travel guides below for more inspiration in planning your travels to Albania and the Accursed Mountains.
Albanian Alps Hiking: 3-6 Day Itinerary for Valbona & Theth N.P.
How to Get from Shkoder to Valbona via the Lake Komani Ferry
Best Places to Stay in Shkoder
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