Këlcyra Gorge

The Këlcyra Gorge (Gryka e Këlcyrës) is a stunning natural landmark located near the town of Këlcyrë. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, and the Vjosa River, which flows through the gorge, carving its way through the surrounding mountain range. Do not miss a stop at the renowned restaurant and the local version of the famous Blue Eye Spring.

Being a natural defensive position on the sole route between the Albanian southern coast and the interior, the gorge is strategically important from a military perspective. As a result, it has seen many battles in the past. In 1941, the Greek army achieved here a major victory against the invading Italian forces. Remains of weapons and military equipment can still be found around the village of Peshtan and elsewhere.

The gorge is 13 kilometres long and about one kilometre wide. The difference in height between the river and the highest parts of the Dhëmbel-Trëbëshinj mountains is an impressive 1700 metres. In addition, Vjosa creates a “canyon within a canyon” which is about 10 metres deep.

About two kilometers’ walk from the restaurant (upstream, along the left bank of the Vjosa), lies one of Albania’s “Blue Eyes” – a strong spring forming a small lake with beautiful blue-green hues. The locals call it Black Water (Albanian: Uji i Zi). It blends with the Vjosa almost immediately.

The town of Këlcyrë is located at the eastern entrance to the valley. There isn’t much to see here, just the ruins of a former guard castle a short walk above the town, offering views down into the valley (a 20-minute hike from the center). However, the town does have several hotels, shops, and decent restaurants, which can come in handy for visitors.

More than anything else, the Këlcyra Gorge is a fantastic spot for trekking. A good starting point is the Gryka e Këlcyrës restaurant, from where an easy trail leads along the river to Peshtan (2 hours, route here). This tourist village offers several guesthouses, restaurants, and a campsite. and serves as the  starting point of a popular 3 to 4-day trek through the picturesque Zagoria Valley, ending in Përmet. Along the way, you can find accommodations in Limar, Hoshtevë, or Shepër.

The most beautiful view of the Këlcyra Gorge is from above. Take the narrow asphalt road from Këlcyrë to the mountain village of Malëshovë and leave your car near the Chapel of St. Christopher (Kisha e Shën Kristoforit), which stands on a small rise a few hundred meters from where the asphalt ends. From the chapel, which itself offers stunning views of the imposing Maja e Strakavecit mountain on the opposite side of the Zagoria Valley, it’s just over an hour’s walk along a good path to Qesanik Mountain (Maja e Qesanikut, 1,280 m above sea level, route here). Its sheer northern wall forms the slopes of the Këlcyra Gorge, and the views down into the gorge are truly breathtaking.

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