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.
See all our trips

From the horse’s mouth

  • Sea and Mountains of Albania
    May 2025 Justine aged 33
    This trip was truly a life-changing experience, and I’m not saying this lightly. As a solo traveler in a foreign country, I was very lucky to meet my tribe—other adventure-seekers like me, born to live on the edge and test the limits of their abilities, who have since become friends for life. I couldn’t have hoped for... Read all
    More about this trip
  • Ancient Mountain Trails
    August 2024 Tessa aged 23
    I had a fantastic time on my horseback riding trip in Albania! The people were incredibly warm and welcoming, which made the entire experience even more enjoyable. The horses were friendly and well-trained. The food was absolutely delicious! I had the chance to taste authentic Albanian dishes, and every meal was a... Read all
    More about this trip
  • 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
    More about this trip
  • 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
    More about this trip
  • 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
    More about this trip
  • 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

Please refer to your home country Foreign Office website for up-to-date information. Although we endeavour to keep this section updated, requirements can change quickly and your home country Foreign Office website takes precedence. 

This section is mostly directed towards UK citizen. Other nationalities, please contact us.

Visa

You can stay in Albania for up to 90 days in any 180-day 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. 

Passport Validity

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Albania.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.

Please click here to check the updated entry requirements.


Health

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance as it does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.

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

Travellers should ideally arrange an appointment with their GP around five weeks before travelling. This appointment provides an opportunity to assess health risks taking into account a number of factors including destination, medical history, and planned activities.
For those with pre-existing health problems, an earlier appointment is recommended.

Please click here to check health recommendations.

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 may request 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.

You can check our "Insurance Guide" here.

Budget and money

The official currenlcy is the Lek but 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.

People, culture and traditions

Currency: Lek
Time zone: 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.

Our “Ancient Mountains Trails” ride 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.

Our “Sea and Mountains” ride 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.