Pëllumbas Cave, Canyons & Castles hiking tour from Tirana

Swim in the Erzen River and unwind with a cold drink at Petrele Castle.

A full-day hiking tour from Tirana combining three landscapes: a moderate hike to Pëllumbas Cave (the Black Cave), 360 meters deep with stalagmites and stalactites lit by headlights; a walk to Erzen River canyons with pools for summer swimming; and a finish at Petrela Castle with views across the mountains. Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch and a beverage included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore cave, canyons, and castle

• Hike to Black Cave
• Explore inside Black Cave
• Hike back for lunch
• Enjoy included lunch
• Visit Erzen River canyons
• Swim in canyon pools (summer)
• Drive to Petrela Castle
• Have a drink at castle
• Hotel drop-off

The experience

The day starts with a moderate hike up to Pëllumbas Cave, which sits 500 meters above the Adriatic. The cave itself runs 360 meters deep, and headlights are provided so you can move through the darkness and see the stalagmites and stalactites inside. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the terrain. After exploring the cave, you hike back down to a village café for lunch made from locally produced foods.

From there, the tour moves to Erzen River and its canyons. The river has carved spectacular rocky terrain over centuries, and the crystal-clear water and depth create views across the canyon walls. There are pools in front of a waterfall where you can swim if you're visiting in the summer months. This stretch is one of the most striking canyon areas near Tirana.

The day ends with a short drive to Petrela Castle, set on a hill with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the city in the distance. You'll have a drink at the restaurant at the top of the castle and may catch the sunset before hotel drop-off concludes the tour. A live guide in English, Spanish or Italian leads the group throughout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana.
• headlights for cave exploration.
• lunch at a village café.
• a beverage at Petrela Castle.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• coffee and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Inspire ME World Travel

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Tirana means you don't need a car or rental to reach the trailhead, so the full day of hiking, swimming and castle views is accessible whether you're staying in the city or arriving without transport.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How difficult is the hike to Pëllumbas Cave?

The hike to the cave is moderate, taking about an hour each way uphill. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and the operator recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the day.

Can I swim in the Erzen River canyons?

Yes, there are pools in front of the waterfall at the canyons where you can swim, but this is only practical during the summer months when water levels and temperatures allow it.

What's inside Pëllumbas Cave?

Pëllumbas Cave, also called the Black Cave, extends 360 meters deep underground. Inside you'll see impressive stalagmites and stalactites, and headlights are provided so you can navigate and see the formations clearly.

Does the tour include meals and drinks?

Yes, lunch at a village café with locally produced foods is included after the cave hike, and a beverage of your choice is included at Petrela Castle at the end of the day.

How does hotel pickup work?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana are included in the tour price, so you don't need to arrange separate transport to the starting point.