From Tirana/Durres/Golem: Pëllumbas Cave & Erzen Canyon Hike

If you’re looking to get out of the city and into some of Albania’s most stunning landscapes, this tour offers a well-balanced blend of adventure, history, and scenic beauty. Designed for those who love nature and don’t mind a bit of physical activity, it promises a full day of exploration that’s both invigorating and enriching. Based on plenty of glowing reviews, this experience is popular for its knowledgeable guides, breathtaking views, and authentic local flavor.

What we really like about this trip is how it combines different elements—there’s a scenic hike through the Albanian countryside, a visit to a fascinating cave, and a chance to relax by the river. Plus, the optional zipline adds a dash of adrenaline that keeps things exciting. One possible drawback? The hikes are a bit challenging, especially in the cave, so comfortable hiking shoes and a decent level of fitness will serve you well.

This tour suits active travelers who want a deeper connection with nature and history, as well as those eager to see more of Albania’s wild landscapes beyond the city. If you’re in Tirana or Durres and craving a day filled with fresh air, stunning vistas, and local culture, this could be just the right fit.

Key Points

• Natural Beauty: Explore awe-inspiring landscapes like Erzen Canyon and Pëllumbas Cave.
• Adventure Elements: Enjoy hiking, exploring caves, and optional ziplining for a thrill.
• Authentic Experience: Learn about local history and culture, including a surprise museum visit.
• Group Size & Flexibility: Small groups (up to 8 people) ensure personalized attention.
• Value: Includes guide, entrance fees, and transportation, making it a convenient all-in-one day out.
• Best for Active Travelers: Suitable for those comfortable with physical activity and uneven terrain.

This tour, operated by Albania Tour Experience, offers a carefully curated mix of outdoor adventure, cultural insight, and scenic beauty. It’s a solid choice for travelers craving a taste of rural Albania, all packed into about eight hours. Let’s walk through what you can expect and why each part matters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting From Tirana or Durres: Convenient Pickup and Transportation

The journey begins with pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Tirana or Durres, or at the Golem beach area. The air-conditioned vehicle whisks you away from the city’s hustle into the countryside, about a 30-minute drive to Pëllumbas village. This short transfer is a good opportunity to get a first glance at Albania’s rolling hills and olive groves, setting the scene for the day ahead.

Traveling in a small group ensures a more intimate experience, and the driver-guide is typically friendly and punctual. As reviews suggest, the group size—limited to just 8 participants—means you get plenty of attention and flexibility for questions or requests.

Pëllumbas Village and the Short Hike

Once in the village, the adventure kicks off with a gentle hike that lasts about an hour. We loved how the trail offers panoramic views of the lush valleys and rugged hills—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery. The hike also serves as a warm-up, helping you acclimate to the terrain before the more challenging parts.

Travelers have described the terrain as scenic but sometimes tricky, with some parts being slightly slippery, especially around the cave. So, proper footwear—sturdy hiking shoes—are recommended. The guide ensures safety throughout, helping everyone cross over tricky spots and pointing out interesting flora and fauna along the way.

Exploring the Cave of Pëllumbas (“Black Cave”)

The highlight for many is the visit to the Cave of Pëllumbas. Known locally as the “Black Cave,” it’s a fascinating spot where geological formations and history combine. The cave is accessible via a short walk and includes some narrow passages, dark corners, and slippery sections.

Inside, visitors learn about the cave’s significance as a natural wonder and historical site. The guide’s commentary is informative, making the experience more meaningful. Visitors have described the interior as surreal, with stalactites and stalagmites creating a mysterious atmosphere. Photography inside is allowed, though the lighting is natural and somewhat dim, so a smartphone with a good camera or a small flashlight can enhance your visit.

The cave’s layout requires some careful navigation, and the dark, cool environment offers a welcome respite from the summer sun. Several reviews mention that guides helped ensure safety and comfort, especially for those wary of tight, dark spaces.

The Erzen Canyon Hike and River Relaxation

After the cave, you’ll hike along the rim of Erzen Canyon, a striking gorge carved by the river. The trail here offers sweeping views of sheer cliffs and rugged formations, perfect for landscape photography.

The walk along the canyon is both thrilling and scenic, with some steep drop-offs and uneven paths. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the guide is flexible, and plenty of photo stops are built in. We loved the way the canyon feels like an unspoiled corner of Albania—wild, quiet, and deeply scenic.

Following the hike, you’ll reach the Erzen River, where you can unwind with a swim or just relax by the clear waters. The reviews highlight the refreshing experience of dipping into the river’s cold waters, especially after the exertion of earlier hikes. It’s a perfect way to cool down and connect with nature.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch and the Visit to Petrela Castle

The tour includes an optional stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Pëllumbas. The reviews are unanimous about how tasty Albanian cuisine can be—authentic, hearty, and often served with a warm welcome. While the meal isn’t included in the price, it’s worth the extra for a taste of regional flavors like grilled meats, fresh bread, and local cheeses.

In the afternoon, the group visits Petrela Castle, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views. The castle’s ancient walls and towers are well preserved, and exploring it offers a glimpse into Albania’s medieval past. Visitors can walk along the battlements, take photos of the surrounding countryside, and enjoy a coffee or dessert at the castle’s cafe.

Optional Ziplining and Surprise Museum

For thrill-seekers, there’s the opportunity to add on Zipline Albania Petrele, which offers a quick but exhilarating ride above the landscape. The zipline activity is optional and incurs an extra fee, but reviews indicate it’s a highlight for many, providing a rush of adrenaline and fantastic views.

An unexpected treat is a surprise visit to a museum, which adds a cultural layer to the day. The details are kept a bit of a mystery, but it seems to be a fun and informative addition, enriching your understanding of local history or traditions.

Returning to Tirana or Durres

As the day winds down, you’ll enjoy the scenic drive back, reflecting on the day’s highlights. The tour concludes with drop-offs at your hotel or main location, making it a hassle-free end to a full and varied day.

This tour hits a sweet spot for travelers wanting an active day outdoors without sacrificing comfort or cultural insight. The inclusion of transport, guide, entrance fees, and small group size makes it a good deal—especially given the variety of sights and activities packed into eight hours.

The reviews consistently praise the guides—calling them friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive—and we agree that a good guide can make or break an outdoor experience. The scenic hikes, especially along the canyon rim and inside the cave, are genuinely beautiful, offering photo opportunities and a chance to disconnect from city life.

If you’re fit enough for some walking and enjoy discovering lesser-known parts of Albania, this trip offers authentic landscapes, interesting history, and a bit of adventure—all at a reasonable price point. It’s perfect for curious travelers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to see Albania’s rugged beauty firsthand.

This tour is ideal for active travelers comfortable with uneven terrain and some physical exertion. It’s best suited for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, scenic hikes, and exploring historical sites. Families with children over 8 will find it manageable, but pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those afraid of heights or dark spaces might want to consider other options.

For travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that combine nature, history, and a touch of adrenaline, this tour offers a memorable day out in Albania’s countryside.

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or accommodation in Tirana, Durres, Golem, or Lalz, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the tour? The full experience lasts about 8 hours, with the start time varying depending on the day. Check availability when you book.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and water are recommended. The cave can be slippery, so proper footwear is essential.

Is lunch included? No, but there is an option to purchase food at a local restaurant in Pëllumbas. Many reviews mention the delicious traditional Albanian cuisine.

Can I do the zipline? Yes, ziplining is optional and available for an extra fee. It provides an exciting way to see the landscape from above.

Is this tour suitable for children? The experience is best suited for travelers over 8 years old due to the physical activity and terrain. It’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility or health issues.

What makes this tour special? The combination of scenic hikes, underground caves, river swimming, and historic castle visits—guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals—gives an authentic taste of Albania’s natural and cultural heritage.

This guided tour from Tirana or Durres offers a well-rounded adventure that balances physical activity, scenic beauty, and cultural discovery—a fantastic choice for travelers eager to see Albania’s less touristy, more authentic side.

You can check availability for your dates here: