Horseback Riding Vacations in Albania

Explore Albania on horseback

From north to south, Albania perfectly combines nature, history, culture, excellent cuisine and extraordinary people; all these elements come together to create the ultimate destination for a once-in-a-lifetime equestrian holiday.

Despite its small size, this country boasts a great array of landscapes: mountains in the north, lakes shared with its neighbouring countries, and paradisiacal beaches that rival those of neighbouring Greece.

After decades of isolation, Albania has opened up to the rest of the world. Today, it is a safe country and you should not be afraid to visit it.

On a horseback riding vacation in Albania, you will not only enjoy its stunning landscapes, but also visit its Byzantine churches, mosques and Ottoman houses, which reflect the country’s rich history.

Some interesting facts about Albania

Geography

Albania shares borders with Montenegro and Kosovo to the north, North Macedonia to the east and Greece to the southeast.

The plains on its narrow coastline rise into mountains that reach almost 2,000 meters high and run in different directions across the length and breadth of its territory.

It is washed by the waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and it’s famous for its sandy beaches and clear sea along 427 km of coastline.

The Albanian Alps with the Valbona Valley National Park are a true paradise of biodiversity.

The highest point in Albania is the summit Mount Korab (2.764 m), on the border with North Macedonia.

The largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar, straddles the borders of Albania and Montenegro; in the southwest, Lake Ohrid is shared with North Macedonia and the Prespa Lakes between Albania, North Macedonia and Greece.

Climate

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures vary between the lowland coasts and the highlands, but in general everywhere it is pleasant all year round.

About its History

Albanians were descended from the ancient Illyrians, who were a group of Indo-European people who migrated from Central Europe to the south, reaching northern Greece at the beginning of the Iron Age.

The history of Albania is the history of Europe, which is still reflected in archaeological, historical and cultural testimonies from the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians and Ottomans.

During the Balkan wars, Albania declared independence in 1912; but that independence was threatened by the expansion of the Austro-Hungarian and Italian Empire.

After World War II, Albania was isolated from much of the world under a communist regime.

The troubled history of Albania has left its mark on the country; its infrastructures in general – roads, for example – are far from the European standards, even though improvements are being made now.

Cities and castles

The cities of Albania are filled with history, but you will also discover the hospitality of its people and enjoy its cuisine.

Berat, the "city of a thousand eyes", where houses are built on terraces – an example of historical architecture in the Balkans.

In the South of Albania, you shouldn’t miss the Albanian city of Gjirokaster and its rich architectural heritage, known as "The City of Stone" for its Ottoman-style tower houses. This city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The numerous castles and fortresses that you can see today in Albania witness to countless battles through the history of the Balkans.

It is said that in Albania each city has its own castle. The most popular ones are the castles of Rozafa, Berat, Porto Palermo, Gjirokastra or Elbasan.

Horse Riding Holiday provider in Albania

Ampascachi suggests the provider Caravan Horse Riding for your horse routes.

Caravan Horse Riding Albania

Their stable is situated amidst scenic hills, green valleys, surrounded by high mountains and rural life, few kilometres away from the city of Gjirokastra in the south of Albania.

They have been welcoming horse, nature, history, culture and long ride lovers since 2011.

Their founders, owners and guides succeeded in creating a great life environment for their 30 horses and a harmonious and eco-friendly environment for their guests, as well.

They are expert equestrian guides and their trails will take you through unspoiled nature to meet the Albanian ancient, mediaeval and modern history, tradition, culture and monuments in remote, isolated areas of Southern Albania.

Its routes

Their riding tours aim to keep the harmony among humans, horses and nature.

Some of their main products are: “Following Zagoria pathways” and “King Skerdilajd Army Route”, from March to the end of November. These are 8-day/7-night tours, with 6 full days on horseback.

At the same time, they have a good experience in tailoring private tours based in guest’s interests.

Their one day-trails are offered at weekends all year around.

They believe that horse riders should sign up for their rides because no matter where they come from, what their riding background, discipline or culture is.

They are prepared to offer:

• A quality, dynamic and diverse riding experience in combination with the possibility to participate in the everyday life of the local families along the itineraries.
• Delicious food suitable for all tastes, very good service, hospitality and friendly guides and hosts.
• Great local surefooted horses managed by a professional staff and natural horsemanship training program that they are pleased to share with the guests.

Their community mission

At Caravan Horse Riding Albania, they are motivated to promote and protect cultural heritage monuments throughout their itineraries to show the most original part of Albania’s life to their guests.

They also have a breeding program to save the Albanian horse, because in the last 70 years this breed has lost more than 70% of all specimens.

We could say that this outfitter not only offers horseback riding vacations to its guests, but also fights to preserve and improve natural habitats, keep the horse culture in both urban and rural areas, and promote the history and customs of the country.

Learn more about them and their unique products on their web site horseridingalbania.com and you will be surprised at all they have to offer.

Albania is a Mediterranean country that offers horseback routes in the mountains and on the Mediterranean coast in a quiet and cosy atmosphere.

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