Pellumbas Cave & Erzeni Canyon hiking tour from Tirana

An ancient cave at the heart of a mountain canyon, reached on foot from Tirana.

This semi-private hiking tour from Tirana takes you to Pellumbas Cave, an ancient shelter carved into the rock at the heart of Erzeni Canyon. A professional guide picks you up at your hotel and leads the hike uphill to the cave entrance, where a wooden platform overlooks wild mountains, valleys and the Erzeni river. The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and includes hotel pickup, entry tickets and transportation. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the roughly one-hour climb to the cave at 600 meters elevation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking tour to Pellumbas Cave

• Pick up from hotel in Tirana
• Travel to Pellumbas Cave
• Hike to Pellumbas Cave entrance
• Explore Pellumbas Cave and surroundings
• Return to Tirana

The experience

Pellumbas Cave sits uphill in the heart of Erzeni Canyon, a destination built around the hike itself rather than a quick stop. Your guide meets you at your hotel in Tirana and drives you to the trailhead, then leads the walk up to the cave entrance. The climb takes about an hour one way and gains 600 meters in elevation, so the pace is steady but the route is walkable for most fitness levels. The cave entrance has a wooden platform where you can stand and take in the view: wild mountains, deep valleys, and the Erzeni river cutting through the canyon below.

The cave itself carries 40,000 years of history. It once sheltered bears in the Pleistocene, then became home to humans in the Middle Palaeolithic era around 30,000 years ago. During the World Wars, locals used it as a hiding place. That layered past is visible in the rock and the space itself, and your guide walks you through what each era left behind. The wooden platform at the entrance gives you a moment to absorb the setting without scrambling on loose stone.

The tour wraps with the drive back to Tirana. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as are entry tickets to the cave and all transportation. Bring water and snacks. The hike is the main event, and the day is structured around reaching the cave and returning before dark.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana.
• entry tickets to Pellumbas Cave.
• professional tour leader.
• transportation to and from the trailhead.
• tourist and road taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Day hike to Pellumbas cave and Erzeni canyon, departing from TiranaGuide in English · 09:00includes pickup

Private Day TourGuide in English · 09:00Private day tour, pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesUp to age 90

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Choose Balkans

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're based in Tirana and want a full day exploring mountain scenery on foot. The guide meets you at your hotel and handles all transport, so you travel light and focus on the walk.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How long is the hike to Pellumbas Cave?

The hike to the cave entrance takes about one hour one way, climbing 600 meters in elevation through the canyon approach.

What is Pellumbas Cave used for today?

Pellumbas Cave is now a hiking destination and historical site. It was once a shelter for bears 40,000 years ago, then home to humans in the Middle Palaeolithic era around 30,000 years ago, and later used by locals as a hiding place during the World Wars.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Tirana?

Yes, your guide picks you up at your hotel in Tirana and drives you to the trailhead, then returns you to your hotel at the end of the day.

What should I bring on this hike?

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the uphill climb. Bring water and snacks for the hike. The tour does not include meals or drinks.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours total, including the drive from Tirana, the hike to the cave, time at the site, and the return drive.

What does the tour include?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana, entry tickets to Pellumbas Cave, professional guide in English, and all transportation are included.