Albania Travel Answers

I used this road in AU this year. Road is build by the French in 1913. Bi portions are ruined and tve rest is part asphalt and portions are macadam, but is not ood for ordinary car. it is best for 4X4. i nearly ruined my underside of the car. Te scenery is breathtaking as you can imagine. If you drive , more than 60km/ is not possible. let me know if you need more info. valentina

Thank you Valentina for the information. Actually, we do have a 4x4, then I suppose that, given that we will drive slowly, we should manage the route. I am used to driving on very bad roads (even trails !). Is it in bad condition all the way or one (or several) of the following segments : Berat-Këlcyrë 60 km Këlcyrë –Përmet 19 km Përmet-Molivdoslepasto 34 km Molivdoslepasto-Ersekë 47 km Ersekë-Korcë 40 km We plan to drive a circuit from Igoumenitsa to Ioanina, Metsovo, Kastoria, Grevena, Fiorina, Bitola, Ohrid, Korcë, Berat, Vlorë, Dhermi, Sarandë, Gjirokaster, Igoumenitsa. I have driven the Berat- Igoumenitsa part 2 years ago. I have also driven the Greek part but that was long ago, as well as Korcë. Valentina, any information will be welcome ! I remember from a former post of yours that I should “take the less traveled military road, from Oteshevo village over Galichica Mountain (N.P) to Trpejca & Sv Naum, check out the monastery, and have dinner at the restaurant at the source of Black Drim river, who is merging with the lake”

Yep that road "less traveled" is part of the lazy drive from Bitola to Ohrid program for the EuroMeet. Are you going to join us for the Meet? One of the most breathtaking and uspoiled parts of Albania is around the Prespa Lake. The road from Korce to Liquenas (Podgradec) is apsolutely breathtaking but nigtmare to drive as is all macadam. Visit the villages around the lake. They are all ethnic Macedonians, but the nature is amazing. Also take boat from Pustec to the small islands in the lake. The biggest one "Golem Grad" belongs to Macedonia, but the two smaller are very nice. So much photo oportunity. Than cross in Macedonia at Stenje, when you pass the village, about 2-3 km out, on the left you will see turning with sign Sv Naum/Ohrid on your left. Take it and that is the old military road to take you on the other side of Galichica NP close to the open air mueum "Bay of Bones" and Sv Naum Monastery. BTW you will apsolutely love Korche. Has great feel to it. 60% of the ppl are of Vlach (aromani) desent, 30% are Macedonians and 10% Albanians. Has this feel of grandiour of bygone era. Very much of French and Italian arhitectural influence with typlicle Balkan arhitecture. Go for lunch at Temestockle Villa Caffe, close to the main church in town. It is canary yellow, you can not miss it! It is lovely place to cill out. giz a shout if you need more help. Valentina

I have been answered on a French travel forum that only the Berat-Këlcyrë section was really difficult and required a 4x4. Is that right ?