Thinking about a cycling tour in Albania? These are the questions riders ask us most. Every answer comes from Jared Fontaine, founder of Vlora Cycling Camp and the guide on every tour — if your stion is not here, ask it directly on our contact page and he will answer personally.

Is Albania safe for cyclists?

Yes — with the normal precautions you would take anywhere rural. Roads outside the cities are quiet, surfaces are generally good, and Albanian drivers are used to sharing the road with everyone from cyclists to shepherds. The one real nuisance is free-roaming village dogs; our safety guide on the blog explains exactly how to handle them. We have never felt unwelcome on a bike here.

When is the best time to cycle in Albania?

April to June and September to October are the prime windows: warm but not hot, quiet roads, and the sea warm enough to swim in autumn. July and August are rideable with early starts. Winter suits only the hardy — the coast stays mild but passes like Llogara can see ice. Our month-by-month guide breaks down every season.

How fit do I need to be?

It depends on the tour. The 9-Day Guided tour is challenging: 378 km and 4,760 m of climbing over 7 riding days, including Llogara Pass — built for experienced riders who ride hills weekly. The 12-Day Three Countries tour is harder again. 1-Day rides are set to your legs, any level. Not sure? Ask Jared before you book — he will give you an honest answer, not a sales pitch.

What does the price include?

Guided tours include guiding by Jared throughout, a support van, 3–4-star hotels, park entrances and Tirana airport transfers. Meals are NOT included on any tour — you buy your own lunches and dinners, so you eat where and what you like; breakfast is included only where the hotel itself includes it. Self-guided tours include hotels, GPX routes, daily luggage transfers and airport transfers, without a guide or van.

How does booking work?

Send an enquiry with your dates. Jared confirms availability personally, then a flat $250 per person deposit holds your place on multi-day tours; 1-Day rides are paid in full. No payment is taken before your dates are confirmed. More than 60 days out, deposits refund minus €50; 59–30 days, your payment becomes a credit or one transfer; inside 30 days it is retained. Full terms are on our booking policies page.

Which airport do I fly to, and how do I get to Vlorë?

Fly to Tirana (TIA). We include airport transfers on guided and self-guided tours — about 2–3 hours by road to Vlorë. Corfu plus the ferry to Sarandë is an alternative for the south. There is no commercial airport in Vlorë yet, whatever older articles say.

Can I rent a road bike instead of bringing mine?

Yes — premium road bikes are €60 per day, set up by a Shimano/SRAM-certified mechanic. Many riders still prefer their own bike; our guide to flying with your bike explains packing, airline fees and rebuilding on arrival.

How big are the groups?

Small. We are a founder-guided camp, not a catalogue operator — Jared guides every departure himself, and the 5-Day Self-Guided tour runs for groups of 4 or more. If you want a private date for your own group, ask.

What should I pack?

Helmet, your usual kit for changeable mountain weather, two bottles, and basic spares — we carry the workshop. Our blog's essentials list covers exactly what to carry on every ride.

Who runs Vlora Cycling Camp?

Jared Fontaine — founder, guide, mechanic and the person who answers your email. He lives on the Albanian coast, rides Llogara Pass as his home climb, and Vlora Cycling Camp was featured in The l rnal in 2024.