Tepelenë is in Southeastern Albania. This district has two cities: Tepelenë and Memaliaj, and several villages.
Understand
[edit]Tepelenë district includes "Kurvelesh", a region famous for its bravery and polyphonic characteristic songs. This region has 15 villages, which are: Gusmari, Vërmiku, Nivica, Rexhini, Progonati, Lekdushi, Golemi, Kaparieli, Picari, Kolonja, Kuç, Bolenë, Kallarat, Fterrë and Çorraj.
The town took particular importance when local son Ali Pashë Tepelena gained power in the early 19th century. He kept Tepelenë one of his centers of power although his seat was in Janina (Ioannina) present day Greece.
The town is the less popular destination of Southeastern Albania. Quite small due to limitations imposed by the terrain, perhaps in itself meriting half a day visit, although it could take more time if you decide to venture out into nature from here. Tepelenë overlooks the Vjosa River valley below.
Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]Check the Tirana#By bus timetable for southbound connection details. The price is around 700 lek. Tell the driver to leave you in Tepelenë.
By car
[edit]- From Tirana, you can get to Tepelenë following the itinerary Tirana-Durrës-Rrogozhinë-Lushnje-Fier-Levan-Tepelenë (3–3½ hr). The roadway is new and has good quality. From Greece, you can go through Kakavijë-Gjirokastër-Tepelenë (1–1⅓ hr).
- From Kosovo or Montenegro, head to Tirana first (3-4 hr), and then follow the above description.
- From Macedonia, you follow Qafë Thanë-Librazhd-Elbasan-Rrogozhinë-Lushnje-Fier-Tepelenë (3–3½ hr from Qafë Thane).
See
[edit]
Map of Tepelene
- 1 Castle remains of Tepelenë (Kështjella e Tepelenës) (central to the town). fortification played in important role in the rule of Ali Pasha. While only the outside walls remain, the inner part is filled with family homes now. It provides several vantage points to the Vjosa River valley below.
- 2 Church of Tepelenë, Rruga Ali Pashe Tepelena. orthodox church
- 3 Statue of Ali Pashë Tepelena (at the southern entrance to the town). imposing statue of Ali Pashë Tepelena, the town's most popular son
- 4 Tepelenë Internment Camp (possible to view from the castle's northern viewpoint). The camp was active from April 1949 to March 1954 and housed family members of those on the wrong side of the communist regime. Some 300 children died at the camp. Built by Fascist Italian army during WWII, Albanian Communist military went on to use it and now sits in disrepair. While not open to visitors, a view of the area can be head from the Castle's northern viewpoint, and you may be able to get in if you get the attention of the shepherds now using it.
Further afield
[edit]- 5 Ali Pasha Viaduct (Ura e Bënçës) (when heading north from the castle, follow the signs 5.6 km). An impressive viaduct on the way to Progonat and Golem Pass.
- 6 Peshtura waterfall (Ujëvara e Peshturës) (right next to Progonat).
- 7 Uji waterfall (Uji i Ftohte), E-853 road (SE 8 km of Tepelene).
- 8 Blue Eye (Uij i Zi). One of many blue eyes in Albania. Larger, better for swimming and less touristy than its cousin near Sarandë.
- Doshnica waterfall (Ujëvara e Doshnicës)
- 9 Bylis Archeological Park, Hekal village (on the Tepelenë-Fier national road, make a right at Klos intersection (follow the signage) and head inland and uphill for 7 km). A large archaeological site of 30 hectares in Hekal village. The most important city of southern Illyria, it was founded by Bylis Illyrian tribe and became center of the region presiding over a number of small fortified areas. It later became a Roman colony and then a Byzantine site until destruction by Slavic invasions in the 6th century. Allow at least two hours for the visit and be mindful of the sun during summer. In clear weather, the surrounding area all the way to Karaburun Peninsula can be seen from Bylis. 400 lek.
Do
[edit]Walk around Kurveleshi. Ask for a guesthouse to the local tourist information office and enjoy the well-known hospitality.
- For hiking try 1 Golem Pass (Nivica-Senica). You can start the hike in Nivice or Progonat and head down till Senica, from where you can head to Sarandë or Gjirokastër.
Download trail coordinates: GPX, KML.
Further afield
[edit]- 2 Pete's Cave (Shpella Lekpetës), near Progonat (SW 12 km of Tepelene).
- 3 Petranik Cave (Shpella Petranikut). Could be explorable, but only if you have something to float like a small boat.
- Dragoti Cave.
- Water's Mom Cave.
- Zemren e Shendelis.
- Lekdushi Springs.
- Nivica Canyons.
- 4 Këlcyrë Gorge (Gryka e Këlcyrës) (E 25 km). This is also breathtaking and memorable place, created by the river Vjosë. Visit the Orthodox Monastery (Manastiri Ortodoks Gryka e Këlcyrës).
- Hole of Feuds (Pusi i Hasmerive). One of the most interesting things to visit in this region. The legend says that in ancient times, the people killed for "feuds" (see Blood Feud in Albania) were buried there.
- 5 Cold Water of Tepelena (Uji i Ftohtë Tepelenë) (8 km south of Tepelenë). It is a natural fresh water source found along the Gjirokastër-Tepelenë highway (SH4). The area features a rest area with a restaurant of traditional cuisine, and a bottling complex of the famous Uji Ali Pashë Tepelena company.
Buy
[edit]- Raki – homemade fruit brandy, a signature Albanian drink.
- Olive oil – locally produced, often from nearby groves.
- Honey – natural mountain or valley honey, fragrant and pure.
- Local cheeses – fresh goat or cow cheese made by families in the region.
- Herbal teas – dried mountain herbs like sage, thyme, and mountain tea.
- Handmade crafts – small souvenirs, textiles, or wooden items from local artisans.
- Seasonal fruits – figs, pomegranates, and other fruits grown in the Vjosa valley.
Tepelenë is perfect for authentic, locally made products that reflect the natural and culinary heritage of southern Albania.
Eat\
[edit]- Byrek – savory pies with cheese, spinach, or meat, often freshly baked.
- Grilled meats (qebapa or mish i pjekur) – lamb, beef, or chicken, typically cooked over charcoal.
- Tavë kosi – a baked dish of lamb or chicken with yogurt, a classic Albanian favorite.
- Fresh river fish – from the Vjosa River, often grilled or fried.
- Local cheeses – especially goat or cow cheeses made by nearby villages.
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables – figs, pomegranates, and garden vegetables often accompany meals.
- Baklava and sweets – homemade desserts common in local cafés or bakeries.
DRINKS
- Raki – homemade fruit brandy, usually from grapes or plums, very popular in the region.
- Local wines – produced in nearby vineyards, often red or white, light and fruity.
- Coffee – espresso-style Albanian coffee is a staple in cafés and restaurants.
- Herbal teas – made from mountain or river valley herbs like sage, thyme, or mountain tea.
- Fresh fruit juices – seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, or figs are often used for fresh juice.
- Mineral or spring water – commonly served with meals or in cafés.
Sleep
[edit]- Hotel Vea (600 m from the center) – Hotel Veal has a garden, bar, terrace, and free WiFi. All guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV
- Hotel Auto Grill Roberti (2.6 km from center) – Located in Tepelenë, Hotel Auto Grill Roberti features a garden, a bar and a terrace
- Guesthouse Lord Byron (1.1 km from the center) – Guesthouse Lord Byron features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, a fitness centre and bar in Tepelenë.
- Bujtina Peshtan Guesthouse & Camping- great if you want nature+ camping vibe,veru authentic Albanian countryside experience.
- Kadena Guesthouse-cozy to stay with mountain views,garden,and calm atmosphere.
Go next
[edit]- Përmet - 35 km (22 mi) northeast.
- Fier - about 1 hour, 80 km (50 mi) northwest.
- Gjirokastër - 70 km (43 mi) south.