Hi there, we have just crossed the border from Serbia to Montenegro and we are in Plijvlja, we'd like to cycle down to Kotor and the cross the border with Albania near Shkoder. Does anybody have any suggestion of routes, what to see and where to stop? Many thanks from Mery and me!
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Hi Roberto,
We had beautiful touring days in Montenegro.
If it is not too cold and you don't mind uphill cycling: Tara Canyon, Durmitor National Park, Bay of Kotor and climbing Lovćen National Park, Lake Skadar....
We cycled there in 2015 and 2016 - check the maps with our GPS-tracks.
If you have further questions don't hesitate to ask.
Michaela and Herbert
thank you Michaela and Herbert, we are taking a look a you maps and we'll take inspiration for the next days! Our legs are a little bit tired so we'll probably try to skip the hardest climb but I think there is a lot to enjoy anyway! Thanks!
Hi Rob,
We have just come back from a month lenght bike trip around Montenegro and Albania. 1000 km made. Excellent experie ces. If your question is still relevant - just drop an e-mail.
Take care!
Darek
Hi Rob, if you are still around Shkoder I would consider Prokletije Mountains (provided that you do not mind uphill cycling and wether is still good). I fact we have focused on the northern Albania during our trip. We have entered through Vermosh-Guci border crossing and have ride famous SH20 to Koplik. Nowadays it is (fortunately/unfortunately) already a full tarmac road - not counting a piece of 300m close to the border crossing point :-) which is still gravel. Anyway SH20 is a fully recommended option - great views of Prokletije.
Afterwards we have cycled SH21 (Koplik-Theth) and then further south via Lumi i Shales Valley and Prekal back to Shkoder. And this was a challenge but a great experience as well. From Koplik through Boge to the pass you have tarmac. But then down to Theth and further south - just gravel and stones. Quite a challenge for loaded bicycles I would say (we have decided to take a lift in the most hard section). But views are just stunning ...
Another option for northern part of Albania (we have not had enough time however to take this) is Koman lake - you go Shkoder-Koman by bike, then take a ferry to Fierza (approx. 3 hours cruise) and then take SH22 south either towards the seaside or further south to Ohrid lake / Macedonia / Greece.
Also a "seaside" route down to Vlore and Sarande (+Korfu) is said to be a great experience (a definite option for our next trip to Albania). But you should be prepared that this is not a flat but hilly road. But this is what makes it great :-)
Let me know in case you have any further detailed questions regarding SH20/21.
Take care!
Darek
Thank you Darek for all these informations. We'll try if we can do some of the routes in the North but for sure we'll definitely take the coastal road to Vlore and Sarande, we'll also check the SH22-Orhid lake/Macedonia because we are heading to Greece next. Thanks again, happy cycling!
r.
Hi,
I agree with Darek - the route Gusinje - Koplik is outstanding beautiful.
As it was one of the hardest cycling days in my life I did not suggest it - gravel road.
But now with tarmac road you can enjoy the astonishing views!
Michaela