Beautiful Places #3: Valbona
Quite some distance before we made it to Valbona, the hair on the back of our neck was starting to stand on end, such was the magnificence of the scenery unfolding around us as we left the major roads and headed northwards towards the Accursed Mountains in northern Albania.
The road to Valbona hugs the river as it cuts through the deep gorge, climbing steadily until the canyon opens out to the plateau within which lies the village itself, a village which is both tiny and unassuming, with precious little which you could call civilisation. But its beauty is in its setting. We have visited quite a few mountain village destinations, but there is something intrinsically special about Valbona: peaceful, stunning, breathtaking, remote, different, and surrounded by just the most fabulous mountain scenery, it currently sits top of our mountain destination list.
Don’t expect mod cons here, it’s all pretty basic (there’s no hotels) and the power is off more than it’s on, but oh my God did we fall in love with this wonderful place and its beautiful scenery. Valbona is another place which is calling us to return.
13 Comments
Gilda Baxter
Wow…never heard of this place, but now Albania will have to be added to the travel wish list. Stunning place. I like that if feels so off-the-beaten-track.
Phil & Michaela
Albania is a beautiful country and very varied, we did mountains, Cities and the Albanian Riviera, all of it wonderful. Plus we did a couple of nights in Kosovo which was interesting too.
Annie Berger
I don’t understand how Albania has failed to capture more travelers’ attention as it utterly enthralled us from its capital city, stunning scenery, good food, very friendly people, and rock-bottom prices. Thank you for pointing out Valbona’s beauty.
Jyothi
Beautiful captures!!!
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Jyothi.
Linda K
Wow what a gorgeous looking place. Amazing scenery!
Phil & Michaela
It was stunning and at night with no light pollution, the stars were incredible
Pranali
It is a rare mountain destination which calls us to pack our bags and witness the beautiful terrain. The amazing scenic views are nothing but a treat!
Phil & Michaela
Hi Pranali, thank you for dropping by, it is a truly beautiful and unspoiled region
Rohan
What wonderful surprises can be found on the internet. I’ve never known about Valbona till I came across your post. It sure looks beautiful and off-beaten from usual destinations. A great place to reconnect with nature.
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Rohan, it is a beautiful place, Albania has many beautiful places.
wetanddustyroads
Such amazing scenery! I love the fact that there are no hotels … it means the beauty of this place is basically still untouched – truly beautiful!
Phil & Michaela
It felt wonderful being there, breathing clean air and, to top it all, the best night skies we have ever seen, anywhere in the world