The best cycling routes in Lezhë

The monument in Krujë honors Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, the Albanian national hero who united the Albanian principalities in the 15th century and resisted the Ottoman Empire for over 25 years. He won 24 out of 25 battles and is therefore seen as the symbol of Albanian independence.

Panorama next to the Sarisalltik temple, on the high plateau above Krujë. From this point, you look eastwards over the Shkumbin valley, with the city of Elbasan in the distance.

This is the absolute highlight of the climb! Hidden in a natural cave on the mountainside lies the Teqe of Sari Salltik, a deeply spiritual sanctuary of the Bektashi Order. This Sufi complex honours the 13th-century mystic Sari Salltik, who, according to legend, protected the region from evil. Via a steep stone staircase, you descend into the atmospheric cave church where a bronze statue of the saint stands. You will also find a natural spring whose water pilgrims believe has healing properties. Once back outside, you will be rewarded with an incredible 'balcony view': in clear weather, you can see the entire coastal plain, from Tirana far across the Adriatic Sea! Practical: At the top of the mountain (near the sanctuary) there is a café/restaurant for a well-deserved cold drink or an Albanian coffee after the strenuous hike. (It was closed when we were there).

Historic castle complex above Krujë, center of Skanderbeg's 15th-century defense. Within the walls lie the Skanderbeg Museum and the Dollma Tekke, with sightlines over the city and mountain flanks. The old town connects directly: narrow streets, traditional wooden shops, and the characteristic bazaar ribbon towards the castle gate.

The Sint-Antoniuskerk is a 14th-century cultural monument, restored in 2000, located on the Adriatic coast near Durrës (Albania). The building combines Romanesque and Gothic elements with carved stone details on the exterior and historical murals inside. Historically, the church had close ties to a nearby Byzantine monastery of Mary (confirmed in a document from 1418) and served as a burial place for local noble families. Two unique features of the building are the symbol of the double-headed eagle in the stonework and a rare mural of Mamica Kastrioti on horseback, the sister of national hero Skanderbeg. Today, the well-preserved church is accessible on foot and open to visitors.

Cape Rodon still bears the scars of Albania's isolated Hoxha era. Along the cape runs a whole belt of bunkers and underground passages, built between 1970 and 1985 when the country feared an invasion from the sea. The location was ideal: a narrow spit of land jutting deep into the Adriatic Sea, with a clear view of any movement along the Bay of Lalëz. That is why a local command post was set up here, not a large base but a regional coordination point that controlled the various observation posts and artillery positions. The long, vaulted tunnels served as safe passage between these posts, protected against blast waves and bombardments. Small concrete rooms overlooked the sea, while light artillery on the rocks was meant to slow down any landing. Today, the bunkers lie abandoned in the landscape, partly overgrown, partly open and raw, forming a silent reminder of a time when Albania had completely dug itself in. The beach segment now called Plazhi i Bunkerit simply refers to those visible bunkers along the coast: a place where nature and military heritage merge almost by themselves.

Underground bunker from the Hoxha era (c. 1970–1985), built as a local command post within the Albanian coastal defense. The vaulted corridors connected observation posts and artillery positions along the cape. Strategically placed for a view over the Adriatic coast. Now abandoned and silent, with light falling through the concrete tunnel — a tangible reminder of Albania’s isolated past.

Admission costs two euros.