Gramsh: The Natural City
An unexplored area of wild and beautiful nature surrounds the relaxing town of Gramsh, making this destination especially appealing for those who love nature at its purest.
At once close and distant, familiar and unknown, Gramsh is located a little bit more than two hours away from Albania’s capital, Tirana. Situated between larger cities like Elbasan, Korça, Berat, and Pogradec, this town has managed to preserve its tranquility. While often overlooked in travel lists of must-see destinations in the country, Gramsh actually has much to offer. As you will see below, there are several attractions that are well worth visiting in and around Gramsh.
The 80-meter dam, built on Banjë Lake, offers views of some of the most beautiful natural landscapes where the lake and sky merge before your eyes. Located 40 minutes from Tirana, on the way to Gramsh but before reaching it, this place gives you the chance to truly embrace nature, to have a calming experience surrounded in lovely shades of blue and nourish yourself with the fresh air. In addition to the many photos you will surely take, you can also enjoy a boat ride in the great lake, an experience which will entirely detach you from the daily routine.
Banjë Lake, on the way to Gramsh.
If you are looking for tranquility, Gramsh is the right place for you. The town is neither overly crowded nor does it have much traffic. A walk along the town’s promenade will give you an idea of the serenity and peace characterizing this place. You can sit down and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or the always delicious breakfast offered at the many small shops lined up alongside one another. Afterwards, you should definitely take a walk by the Devoll River, found only a few minutes away from town.
At one hundred meters in height, the Sotira Waterfall is the highest in Albania. Located 20 km from Gramsh, the waterfall is an ideal spot for those who seek beauty, adventure and physical activity, as it takes a one-hour hike to reach it. You will find that this is worthwhile as soon as you witness the beautifully rugged nature, listen to the gurgling of the crisp water and receive a warm welcome from the locals. Do not leave without tasting some of the delicious traditional dishes of the area.
Sotira Waterfall in Gramsh, Elbasan.
Although located in somewhat rugged territory, a visit to this place is an absulute must! The Holta Canyon, 3 km long and 35 m high, is a wonderful meeting with pure and wild nature. There are many unexplored karstic caves on the canyon’s slopes, one of the most popular being the Kabashi Cave, for those who are constantly in search of adrenaline.
Holta’s Canyon near Gramsh, Elbasan, photo by IntoAlbania.
This lake, at an elevation of 1750 m above sea level, cannot be absent from your must-visit list. The lake’s beautiful waters are not only nice to look at but have therapeutic properties for rheumatic diseases, as well. It is located less than two hours from Gramsh (inclusive of the drive and hike to reach it) but the view and healing properties make the trip totally worth it. If in the mood to commune with nature, you can spend one or more nights in the surrounding tents but, for more comfort, you can always stay at one of the recently-constructed intimate guesthouses.
Black Lake, Gramsh, Elbasan. Photo source: wikiloc.com.
Grabova, about 40 kilometers from Gramsh and 1250 m above sea level, is not just a historical city but also a place with tremendous opportunities. Grabova is rich in historical traces of periods long gone: old bridges belonging to different eras, antique churches and several other protected monuments, including the underground, which certainly hides countless archaeological treasures. Here, the choice is yours! You can simply enjoy the beauty of nature, escape to unexplored parts, visit the cobblestone water system, bridges, or church, or opt for an adventurous climb up the mountain.
Banjë Lake, on the way to Gramsh.
If you are looking for tranquility, Gramsh is the right place for you. The town is neither overly crowded nor does it have much traffic. A walk along the town’s promenade will give you an idea of the serenity and peace characterizing this place. You can sit down and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or the always delicious breakfast offered at the many small shops lined up alongside one another. Afterwards, you should definitely take a walk by the Devoll River, found only a few minutes away from town.
At one hundred meters in height, the Sotira Waterfall is the highest in Albania. Located 20 km from Gramsh, the waterfall is an ideal spot for those who seek beauty, adventure and physical activity, as it takes a one-hour hike to reach it. You will find that this is worthwhile as soon as you witness the beautifully rugged nature, listen to the gurgling of the crisp water and receive a warm welcome from the locals. Do not leave without tasting some of the delicious traditional dishes of the area.
Sotira Waterfall in Gramsh, Elbasan.
Although located in somewhat rugged territory, a visit to this place is an absulute must! The Holta Canyon, 3 km long and 35 m high, is a wonderful meeting with pure and wild nature. There are many unexplored karstic caves on the canyon’s slopes, one of the most popular being the Kabashi Cave, for those who are constantly in search of adrenaline.
Holta’s Canyon near Gramsh, Elbasan, photo by IntoAlbania.
This lake, at an elevation of 1750 m above sea level, cannot be absent from your must-visit list. The lake’s beautiful waters are not only nice to look at but have therapeutic properties for rheumatic diseases, as well. It is located less than two hours from Gramsh (inclusive of the drive and hike to reach it) but the view and healing properties make the trip totally worth it. If in the mood to commune with nature, you can spend one or more nights in the surrounding tents but, for more comfort, you can always stay at one of the recently-constructed intimate guesthouses.
Black Lake, Gramsh, Elbasan. Photo source: wikiloc.com.
Grabova, about 40 kilometers from Gramsh and 1250 m above sea level, is not just a historical city but also a place with tremendous opportunities. Grabova is rich in historical traces of periods long gone: old bridges belonging to different eras, antique churches and several other protected monuments, including the underground, which certainly hides countless archaeological treasures. Here, the choice is yours! You can simply enjoy the beauty of nature, escape to unexplored parts, visit the cobblestone water system, bridges, or church, or opt for an adventurous climb up the mountain.