THE ROAD TO ALBANIA

Written by MOTORBIKE EUROPE Road Writers -

A motorcycle trip to Albania is a natural adventure of epic proportions. Albania is roughly the size of Belgium, and shares a border with Montenegro and Kosovo to the north and northeast, Macedonia to the East and Greece to the South. To the West, the coast of Albania meets the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas.

Albania’s highest point is Mount Korabi, which stands 2,753 metres above sea level, on the Macedonian border.

ALBANIAN INFRASTRUCTURE

The Albanian infrastructure leaves something to be desired, so remember to bring a good GPS if you want to discover all the ins and outs of Albania. Most of the population live in the south-central lowlands where the capital city of Tirana is also located. The highest point along the coast, is Llogara Pass, which has an elevation of more than 1,000 metres. Some of the caves that are situated here, were inhabited in prehistoric times.

BALKAN LAKES AND PREHISTORIC LANDSCAPE

There are a number of interesting lakes in Albania, that are well worth riding your motorcycle to. Shkodra is the largest lake in the Balkans, and lies between Albania and Montenegro. Thousands of Cormorants spend the winter here every year. Lake Ohrid is situated between Albania and Macedonia, and the shoreline is dotted with tourist areas that never sleep. Here you’ll find the towns of Lini, Pojska, Pogradec, Tushemisht and Drilon.

Then there is Lake Prespa, which has a remarkable range of incredible landscapes along its shore. The lake also has a breeding population of white Pelicans. The lakes Ohrid and Prespa are, respectively, two and four million years old, and unique species of fish have evolved in them. The dense forests and mountains are home to a broad range of wild animals, wolves, bears and boars. Lynx, wildcats and ferrets are a little more rare, but are still to be found in some parts of the country.

Albania received ”Best Country” on Lonely Planet’s list of the Top 10 destinations of 2011.