Europe > Albania

Discover Albania on a riding holiday

Embark on a riding holiday in Albania. The modern nation state of Albania emerged after the Balkans wars, and was successively invaded by Italy and Germany in the 20th century. This rich history and heritage has shaped this intriguing country, and you will discover its incredible culture during your trail ride - with plenty of opportunities to meet the locals and explore ancient caravan pathways. The nature is still preserved in this mountainous country, and you will encounter many environments including plains, mountains, forests and beautiful beaches during your horseback adventures.
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From the horse’s mouth

  • Ancient Mountain Trails
    August 2023 Katy aged 48
    The Zagoria Trail has been an amazing adventure, my horse was great and made me feel totally safe even in the steepest terrain, the guides are knowledgeable and really interesting to talk to, the hosts in the accomodations welcomed us with the best meals and the group I rode with was really nice, relaxed and cool. I... Read all
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  • Ancient Mountain Trails
    June 2022 YUN WAH TERESA MARIE aged 37
    One of the best horseriding trails I have ever been to. Albania is a very underrated destination and I hope more people discover this amazing country. I rode Zeus - a beautiful, calm gelding. Kristina our guide matched each rider's characteristics to their horse perfectly
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  • Ancient Mountain Trails
    May 2022 Linda aged 62
    I rode Ajer - by the second day I was a bit disappointed as during faster times he would give up and it was very hot for me to drive him forward! The next day I was given a stick and he was a different horse (I didn't need to use it very much). He was so comfortable particularly in walk and canter - I was never sore
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  • Ancient Mountain Trails
    September 2021 Kathleen aged 51
    Just back from a fantastic week horse riding in the mountains of Albania. Definitely recommend! For info, the terrain is rocky and most of the canters are on very stony ground. The vegetation is spiny and often overgrown. As a result I was very pleased to be wearing a helmet and that I’d improved my light seat canter... Read all
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  • Ancient Mountain Trails
    May 2021 Myra aged 42
    Amazing! Loved everything. Aurel, Kristina, and Ilir were absolutely wonderful. Everything went off without a hitch and the horses were outstanding. Truly impressive.
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  • Ionian Sea beach and horse in Albania
    Riding to the Ionian Sea in Albania
  • Albanian mountains
    The stunning scenery of Albania, in the Balkans
  • Riders in Albania
    Beautiful views on your trail ride in Albania
  • Riders and horses in a plain
    Long valleys alternate with rocky paths
  • Rider cantering in Albania on a trail ride
    Flat valleys are the perfect excuse for a long canter!

Visa & Health

Formalities

British citizens can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in every 6-month period without a visa. The Albanian authorities require anyone staying longer than 90 days to apply at a local police station for a residence permit.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Albania.

Please visit for entry requirement Albania - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania/entry-requirements

Health

Medical and dental facilities (including those for accident and emergency use) can be very poor, particularly outside Tirana. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.

The tap water in Albania may cause illness - you should drink only bottled water. If you drink milk, make sure it is UHT (pasteurised).

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 127 or 04 2222 235 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Please visit Albania Health - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania/health

Insurance

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

Budget and money

The euro is widely accepted.

Country information

History

Previously in classical antiquity, Albania has been populated by various Illyrian, Thracian and Greek tribes, as well as several Greek colonies established in the Illyrian coast. In the third century BC, the region was annexed by the Roman Empire and became an integral part of the Roman provinces of Dalmatia, Macedonia and Illyricum. The unified Principality of Arbër emerged in 1190, established by archon Progon in the Krujë, within the Byzantine Empire. In the late thirteenth century, Charles of Anjou conquered the Albanian territories from the Byzantines and established the medieval Kingdom of Albania, extending from Durrës along the coast to Butrint in the south. In the mid-fifteenth century, it was conquered by the Ottomans.

The modern nation state of Albania emerged in 1912 following the defeat of the Ottomans in the Balkan Wars. The modern Kingdom of Albania was invaded by Italy in 1939, which formed Greater Albania, before becoming a Nazi German protectorate in 1943. After the defeat of Nazi Germany, a Communist state titled the People's Socialist Republic of Albania was founded under the leadership of Enver Hoxha and the Party of Labour. The country experienced widespread social and political transformations in the communist era, as well as isolation from much of the international community. In the aftermath of the Revolutions of 1991, the Socialist Republic was dissolved and the fourth Republic of Albania was established.

Albania is a democratic and developing country with an upper-middle income economy. The tertiary sector dominates the country's economy followed by the secondary and primary sector. Following the end of communism in 1990, the country went through a process of transition from a centralized economy to a market-based economy. It also provides universal health care and free primary and secondary education to its citizens.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albania

People, culture and traditions

Official languages: Albania
Total area: 28,748 km2 (11,100 sq mi)
Population (January 2017 estimate): 2,876,591
Currency: Lek
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)

Choosing the right riding holiday

Choosing the right riding holiday

Albania has been an independent country for only little over a century, but Albanians have spent most of that time living under the yoke of communism. After the dissolution of the communist era in 1991, Albania slowly started to open its gates, increasing its international presence as a potential touristic destination.  Albania's stunning mountain scenery, ancient Byzantine architecture, fortress towns and dreamy beaches are setting to country on the path to becoming a very popular choice for a holiday on the Mediterranean sea. You can discover Albania's beautiful landscapes and culture on a horseback riding holiday before the word gets out and this hidden treasure gets discovered.

OurAncient Mountains Trailsride follows old Caravan pathways in the mountains near the Greek border. It showcases the history of ancient caravans and trade in the area. This is a ride for intermediate to experienced riders. There are some tricky mountain paths and even though the horses are sure-footed and very skilled, you must be comfortable in the saddle.

OurSea and Mountainsride takes you west from the mountains to the sea. It's a more challenging trail ride with long hours in the saddle, and a good choice for riders with an adventurous streak.

On both rides, you stay with locals at night who will open their homes to you and welcome you as family. You may sacrifice a little bit of luxury and privacy but staying with these families is what makes these rides unique. Not only is this a great equestrian experience, it is also a cultural one.