The Magical World of Holta’s Canyon

Wouldn’t you like to know of a secret beautiful place? One such beauty is Holta’s Canyon. Few people have heard of it and even fewer have dared visit this seemingly mythological place, though it lies less than two hours away from the capital of Tirana, near the city of Gramsh. Holta’s Canyon, has remained fairly unexplored from local and foreign tourists alike. Due to the lack of infrastructure in the surrounding area, until very recently, it has been close to impossible to get there. With the recent investment on all roads in the area, the journey there is a (brisk) breeze.

Holta Canyon was created by the erosion of the river Holta. It extends 3 kilometers from the village of Bardhaj to Kabash, with surrounding valley slopes of 100-150 meters and with crystalline waters of depths of around 3 meters. Karst caves created by limestone rocks, stalactites and stalagmites of rare beauty can be found there. Silence and echoes, lush greenery hanging from the slopes above you and beautiful blue waters caressing your feet and creating small waterfalls along the way. A bit further, thermal waters where you can relax for a moment of your journey.

The end of the canyon culminates with a magnificent rock that recalls a mythical era, the mark of a modern Odyssey. Unlike the Odyssey, this journey is purely safe, peaceful and beautiful. Holta’s Canyon is here to remind us of another time, one when passionate explorers discovered new lands. As it always happens with such beautiful sights, words cannot possibly do justice to reality. The magic is waiting for you. See for yourself!

Note: The best time to visit is from spring to the beginning of fall, as during periods of heavy rain the river rises, making it quite difficult to walk until the end of the canyon.

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