Nestled in the Albanian Alps, the mountain village of Theth is a paradise for active travelers. Surrounded by towering peaks, you’ll find traditional stone houses, crystal-clear springs, and unforgettable hikes. This remote valley is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking peace and quiet. Theth feels remote in every way: the silence, the lack of mass tourism, and the tranquility make it the perfect place to truly escape the hustle and bustle. Spend your days hiking through breathtaking landscapes, then settle into a cozy restaurant at night for a typical Albanian meal. Below, you’ll find the best things to do in Theth, tips for good restaurants, and our favorite places to stay.

How to Get to Theth

Most travelers reach Theth from Koman (Shala River) or Tirana. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Things to Do in Theth

Here are 6 must-see highlights and activities in Theth.

Visit the Iconic Church of Theth

One of Theth’s most famous landmarks is its church, set right in the middle of the valley. Built from light-colored stone with a wooden roof, the church is surrounded by meadows and the jagged peaks of the Albanian Alps—making it one of the most photogenic places in the country.

The church was built in 1892 and served as Theth’s religious and social center. During the communist era, when religion was banned, it fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until 2005 that the church was restored and reopened. Take a short walk to the site, step inside, or simply admire the views.

Valbona Pass Hike: Albania’s Most Beautiful Trail

The Valbona Pass hike cuts through the heart of the Albanian Alps and is often called the most beautiful trail in Albania. You’ll trek through forests and alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in spring, with sweeping views across valleys, jagged cliffs, and rugged mountains.

You can hike the full route from Theth to Valbona, or do a shorter out-and-back version that starts and ends in Theth. The full hike takes two days, since you’ll need to return by bus via a long detour or retrace the entire route. For this reason, many travelers opt for the shorter version.

The shorter trail is about 10–12 kilometers (6–7.5 miles) and takes 5–6 hours, depending on your pace. It’s a tough climb with significant elevation gain, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. Once you reach the highest point, you can continue a little further for even more viewpoints before heading back the same way. Check out our detailed guide with Valbona Pass hike tips for more.

Take a Dip in the Bright Blue Waters of Blue Eye Kaprre

One spot you can’t miss is Blue Eye Kaprre, or Syri i Kaltër, a natural spring with a small waterfall hidden in the mountains.

It’s located in the village of Kaprre, about a 25-minute drive from Theth. You can’t drive all the way there—the last section must be done on foot. Park your rental car for a few dollars at one of these parking areas, then walk to the trailhead. The hike takes about 40 minutes, mostly uphill but not difficult. Wear sturdy shoes. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the valley before reaching the reward: the dazzling, icy-blue water of Blue Eye Kaprre. Even on hot days, the water here is freezing cold, but many people still take the plunge.

Alternatively, you can hike to Blue Eye Kaprre directly from Theth, passing Grunas Waterfall along the way (see below). This route takes 6–7 hours, but you’ll hit two highlights in one trek!

Tip: Just above Blue Eye Kaprre, you’ll find a small restaurant serving simple meals and cold drinks with views of the waterfall.

Enjoy the Views of Grunas Canyon

On the drive to Blue Eye Kaprre, you’ll pass Grunas Canyon, carved by glacial meltwater from the Albanian Alps. The canyon is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long, just a few meters wide in some places, and flanked by cliffs up to 60 meters (197 feet) high.

For the best view, head to this viewpoint. There’s a small pull-off where you can park, then a short unpaved trail leads uphill to the lookout. Be careful—there’s no barrier at the edge.

Hike to Grunas Waterfall: Theth’s Most Beautiful Waterfall

Another must-do is the hike to Grunas Waterfall. From the village center, it’s a 30–40 minute walk. The trail is easy but scenic, winding past stone houses, meadows, small bridges, and rocky terrain. At the end, you’ll stand before a 30-meter (98-foot) waterfall plunging from a narrow gorge into a pool of clear mountain water. Icy cold, as you’d expect this high up—but on warm days, you’ll still see hikers wading or taking a quick dip.

Take a (Cold!) Dip in Theth’s River

Near Theth’s Visitor Center, just a minute’s walk from the bridge to the main road, you’ll find Te Lumi, a small pizzeria with a riverside terrace. It’s especially popular on hot summer days, when hikers cool off in the icy mountain water after long treks. The swim spot is right by the bridge—clear and refreshing, but very cold. Think of it as a natural ice bath. Perfect after an active day! Don’t skip the pizza afterwards—it’s surprisingly good.

Extra tip: Looking for more adrenaline? Try the Thethi Zipline. You’ll glide 1,200 meters (0.75 miles) across the valley and river in one smooth ride, with views of stone houses, lush greenery, and towering peaks. It’s suitable for one or two people at a time, and no reservation is required.

Best Restaurants in Theth

After a long day outdoors, nothing beats a hearty meal. Thankfully, Theth has plenty of restaurants serving traditional Albanian dishes. Here are our favorites:

• Villa Gjeçaj Restaurant – A charming spot with homemade specialties served in a garden strung with lights. Ingredients come from the family’s garden or local farms.
• Gjon Shpella – One of Theth’s best-known restaurants, set in a quiet spot on the village edge. Expect traditional dishes like fasule (bean soup), grilled meats, and potatoes—plus vegetarian options.
• Te Lumi – Right by the bridge, this casual eatery is known for its excellent pizzas. Perfect after a dip in the icy river.
• Bar & Grill & Music Waterfall – A fun stop on the way to Grunas Waterfall, with a relaxed terrace and occasional live music. As the name suggests, grilled meats are the highlight, alongside fresh salads and cold beers.
• Gurra Family Restaurant – A welcoming family-run spot just outside Theth, famous for its hospitality and big portions—exactly what you need after a long hike.
• Cheap Market & Camping – A small roadside market to stock up on snacks and drinks for hikes like the Valbona Pass.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Theth

One of our favorite accommodations is Bujtina Tinari Theth. Centrally located and within walking distance of trailheads and restaurants, it offers cozy rooms (some with balconies and mountain views) and a warm welcome. Breakfast is included—even early for hikers—and dinner is available in the evenings. They also provide packed lunches for day hikes.

Guest House Rrashkadoli is set in a quiet rural location just outside Theth, with beautiful mountain views and a friendly, social vibe. Both dorms and private rooms are available.

For more comfort, choose Gurra Family Guesthouse, where you’ll not only enjoy delicious food (we recommended their restaurant above) but also top-rated accommodations. Modern rooms come with air conditioning, comfy beds, and extras like rain showers or even a jacuzzi. The family’s warm hospitality makes it a standout stay.

Bujtina Tinari Theth More Info

Guest House Rrashkadoli More Info

Gurra Family Guesthouse More Info