Berat to Sotira Waterfall: 4x4 Trek & Village Hike Tour

Summary

Hiking through old Albanian villages to Sotira’s wild falls

You’ll leave Berat behind for winding mountain roads and remote villages before hiking forest trails toward Sotira Waterfall with a local guide. Taste homemade fruit along the way, hear stories about Mount Tomorr’s secret waters, and feel the spray of Albania’s wildest falls on your face—then return with muddy boots and new memories.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first few minutes after we left Berat — the city faded behind us and suddenly it was just winding roads, olive trees, and that dry, chalky smell you get in the Albanian countryside. Our guide, Ervin, kept pointing out these stone houses tucked between walnut trees. He waved to an old man leading goats along the road; they both nodded like this was just another Tuesday. The drive took a while (honestly, I lost track after two hours), but every bump in the 4x4 felt like a reminder that we were headed somewhere you can’t just stumble across.

The hike itself started quietly — just us, some distant cowbells, and the crunch of gravel underfoot. We passed through a village where time seemed stuck: women in headscarves tending gardens, smoke curling up from wood stoves even though it was spring. I tried to say “mirëmëngjes” (good morning) but probably mangled it; one lady grinned anyway and handed me a tiny apple. The path got steeper and muddier as we neared Sotira Waterfall. You could hear water before you saw it — this low roar echoing off Tomorri Mountain’s slopes.

Then suddenly there it was: two separate streams crashing down. One thin and high up, almost hidden by mossy rocks; the other bursting straight out of the cliff face like someone punched a hole in the earth. The spray felt cold on my skin even from meters away. We ate our sandwiches sitting on damp grass while Ervin told us how locals believe these waters come from secret underground rivers beneath Mount Tomorr. Maybe that’s true — or maybe it’s just one of those stories guides love to tell when everyone’s tired and happy enough to believe anything.

The way back felt different — lighter somehow, even though my boots were caked in mud and my legs were jelly. I kept thinking about those quiet villages and how life there doesn’t seem to care what year it is. If you’re looking for a day trip from Berat that feels more like stepping into someone else’s story than ticking off a sight, this hike to Sotira Waterfall might stick with you too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike to Sotira Waterfall from Berat

• Drive 4 hours by 4x4 vehicle
• Hike through forest and mountain
• Reach Sotira Waterfall
• Explore authentic old villages

Top questions

How long does it take to reach Sotira Waterfall from Berat?

The drive takes around 4 hours by 4x4 vehicle before starting the hike.

How difficult is the hike to Sotira Waterfall?

The hiking part lasts 2-5 hours depending on pace; travelers should have moderate fitness.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

The tour includes private transportation but does not specify hotel pickup—check with your provider.

Are local guides part of the tour?

Yes, both personalized tour guide and local guide are included during the experience.

What is special about Sotira Waterfall?

Sotira Waterfall features two unique streams—one slim from above, one broad emerging directly from rock.

When is the best time to visit Sotira Waterfall?

The waterfall is biggest in spring when melting snow feeds underground currents from Tomorri Mountain.

Are meals or snacks provided during the hike?

No meals are specified as included; bring your own food for lunch or snacks during the day trip.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; hiking may be challenging for families with small children.

What’s included

Your day includes private 4x4 transportation from Berat through mountain villages, a guided hike with both personalized and local guides at your side throughout, plus plenty of time at Sotira Waterfall before heading back down toward town together at whatever pace feels right that afternoon.