Not many people know about it, and even fewer have been there. The Holta Canyon (Kanioni i Holtës) is still a fascinating natural wonder, whose beauty can compare to the more famous Albanian gorges of Lengarica and Osum. For nature enthusiasts, it’s one of the best places for a day trip from Tirana.
The Holta River carved out the roughly three-kilometre canyon, which connects the settlement of Kabash to the pumping station at its end. The walls are in places as wide as a span and up to 150 metres high. Inside the canyon, there are several caves and pools fed by thermal springs.
The best time to visit the canyon is summer since it is inaccessible during the spring thaw or in autumn, which is rich in precipitation. Even though the river becomes a small stream during the summer, be prepared to wade through the canyon’s numerous pools. A waterproof case for valuables will come in handy, as will any lightweight shoes or at least flip-flops due to the rocks at the bottom. It takes around 2-3 hours to explore the canyon.
WARNING: Never go into the canyon alone, and certainly not in bad weather. After prolonged rains or storms, the river level can rise sharply, and the gorge has no escape routes.
Due to poor roads, the canyon was almost inaccessible until recently. But a new road from Elbasan to Gramsh around Banja Lake has made the journey much faster. You can now comfortably reach the hydroelectric power station by regular car. From there, it is only a few hundred metres to the canyon entrance.
It takes about two hours to get here from Tirana, and half that from Elbasan and even less from Gramsh. You can manage a visit to the gorge in a day from the Albanian capital.
TIP: Right at the end of the canyon, next to the power station, there is a café and a swimming pool with thermal water. The perfect place to end a day of exploring this amazing gorge.
For those seeking more adventure, the nearby Kabash Cave (Shpella e Kabashit) is worth a visit. Thanks to its colourful stalactites, it is among Albania’s most stunning caves. The access is a little tricky: from the canyon, go seven kilometres on a gravel road (4×4 is necessary) to the restaurant, from where a marked trail with fantastic views leads to the cave (more than 2 km). You can pick up Nardi, a helpful local guide, at the restaurant.
Useful Links
Accommodation
Use Booking.com to find the best places to stay near Holta Canyon.
Flights
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Car Rental
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Experiences
Book a day trip to Holta Canyon on Viator.com.
Cover photo: Eva Biedermannová