Albania

Climbing in Albania is like… climbing in Albania! It is its own unique experience that boils down to what climbing is about for us: aesthetic lines on good, unusual rock in spectacular locations. The community is small and tight-knit, the crags usually quiet, and all this combined with adventure and discovering a, for many, still little known culture and cuisine. Oh, and it is often sunny! The climbing in Albania can de roughly divided in to three regions: North, Central and South. 1️⃣ In the north of the country there are some smaller sport climbing crags and bouldering areas that lend itself well to being combined with discovering the mountain valleys through hiking or other outdoor sports. Being at a bit of elevation makes tit less hot here than the rest of the country. It can be good to visit from late spring through fall. Since the recent growth of tourism in the region there are plenty of traditional guesthouses to choose from for accommodation. This region is good for any type of climber trying to combine climbing with exploring the spectacular mountain landscape. 2️⃣ In the central part of the country you have the sport-climbing areas around Tirana. Here you find the highest concentration of developed climbing in Albania. The region is perhaps most known for its world-class hard tufa climbing, but after a lot of new route development the past few years there is good climbing in a big range of styles and grades. The area is a worthy destination for climbers at almost any level and the climbing features everything from slabs, through Ceuse like pockets to imposing caves. The crags are situated in surprisingly picturesque natural settings considering how close to the capital they are. You can camp near the climbing areas in the country side, or stay in the city to conveniently visit multiple crags and simultaneously discover the lively city Tirana. Between the different crags you can find shade, sun and protection from rain as needed. This means climbing is possible year-round but spring and fall are usually the best time to visit. 3️⃣ In the south there are several crags in scenic locations. In Gjipe you can climb and camp in a canyon right by the beach. The routes are generally long face climbs on well featured rock. Most of the best routes are in the grade range 6a-c, and a good selection of routes from 7a to 7c can also be found. Near Përmet there are several smaller, easily accessible crags which can be combined to offer a variety of styles and grades. Together these crags definitely warrant the trip. Here you can climb in the special and protected landscape of the Vjosa Wild River National park and experience the culture and food of the southern Albanian countryside. 27 Crags is the most up-to-date and comprehensive source of information for planning a sport climbing or bouldering trip to Albania. All the topos are created and maintained by the local climbing community.