Things to do in Theth: 6 most beautiful places!

Located in the Albanian Alps, the mountain village of Theth is a paradise for active travellers. Surrounded by soaring peaks, you’ll find traditional stone houses, crystal clear springs and unforgettable hikes. This remote valley is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, hikers and anyone looking for peace and quiet. Theth feels remote in every way: the silence, lack of mass tourism and tranquility make it the perfect place to truly escape the hustle and bustle. Spend your days hiking through the stunning landscape, then settle into a cozy restaurant at night for a typical Albanian meal. Below you’ll find the best things to do in Theth, tips on good restaurants, and our favorite places to stay.

Most travelers arrive in Theth from Coman (Shala River) or Tirana. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

From Cuman (Shala River) to Theth

From Tirana to Theth

Here are 6 must-see sights and activities in Theth.

Visit the famous Theth Church

One of the most famous landmarks of Theth is its church, located in the middle of the valley. Built of light-coloured stone with a wooden roof, the church is surrounded by meadows and the jagged peaks of the Albanian Alps – making it one of the most attractive places in the country.

The church was built in 1892 and served as the religious and social center of Theth. During the communist era, when religion was banned, it fell into disrepair. The church was not restored and reopened until 2005. You can take a short walk to the site, step inside, or simply enjoy the stunning views.

Valbona Pass Hike: The most beautiful trail in Albania

The Valbona Pass trail runs through the heart of the Albanian Alps and is often called the most beautiful trail in Albania. You’ll trek through forests and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in spring, with sweeping views across valleys, jagged slopes and rugged mountains.

You can do the full route from Thethe to Valbona, or do a shorter round-trip version that starts and ends in Thethe. The full journey takes two days, as you will need to return by bus via a long route or retrace the entire route. For this reason, many travelers choose the shorter version.

The shorter trail is about 10-12 kilometers (6-7.5 miles) long and takes 5-6 hours, depending on your pace. It’s a tough climb with significant elevation gain, but the scenery makes it worth it. Once you reach the highest point, you can continue on for a bit to get more views before returning the same way. Check out our detailed guide with Valbona Pass hiking tips for more.

Immerse yourself in the bright blue waters at Blue Eye Kaprre

One place you can’t miss is Blue Eye Kaprre, or Syri i Kaltër, a natural spring with a small waterfall hidden in the mountains.

It is located in the village of Capri, about a 25-minute drive from Theth. You can’t drive all the way there — the last section must be covered on foot. Park your rental car for a few dollars at One of these parking areasThen walk to Head of the trail. The journey takes about 40 minutes, most of it uphill but not difficult. Wear sturdy shoes. Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of the valley before arriving at the reward: the dazzling icy blue waters of Blue Eye Kaprre. Even on hot days, the water here is frigid, but many people still venture out.

Alternatively, you can walk to Blue Eye Kaprre directly from Thethe, passing Grunas Waterfall along the way (see below). This route takes 6 to 7 hours, but you will reach two highlights in one trip!

advice: Above Blue Eye Kaprre you will find a small restaurant serving simple meals and cold drinks with views of the waterfall.

Enjoy the views of the Grunas Valley

On the way to Blue Eye Kaprre, you’ll pass the Grunas Canyon, carved by glacial meltwater from the Albanian Alps. The valley is about 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) long, only a few meters wide in places, and surrounded by cliffs up to 60 meters (197 ft) high.

To get the best offer, head to This point of view. There is a small pull-off area where you can park, and then a short, unpaved path leads up the hill to the lookout point. Be careful, there is no barrier on the edge.

Hike to Grunas Waterfall: The most beautiful waterfall of Theth

Another must-do is hiking to Grunas Waterfall. From the village centre, it takes 30-40 minutes on foot. The trail is easy but scenic, passing through stone houses, meadows, small bridges and rocky terrain. Finally, you’ll stand in front of a 30-meter (98-foot) waterfall that cascades down a gorge into a pool of clear mountain water. Icy cold, as you’d expect this hike, but on warm days, you’ll still see hikers wading or diving quickly.

Enjoy a (cold!) dip in the River Theth

Close by you’ll find Theth Visitor Centre, just a 1-minute walk from the bridge to the main road T lomia small pizzeria with a terrace on the river banks. This area is especially popular on hot summer days, when hikers cool off in the icy mountain waters after long treks. The swimming spot is right next to the bridge and is clean and refreshing, but very cold. Think of it as a natural ice bath. Perfect after an active day! Don’t miss the pizza then, it’s surprisingly good.

Additional tip: Looking for more adrenaline? Try Thethi Zipline. You’ll glide 1,200 meters (0.75 miles) through the valley and river in one smooth ride, with views of stone houses, lush greenery and towering peaks. It is suitable for one or two people at a time, and no reservations are necessary.

After a long day outdoors, nothing like a hearty meal. Fortunately, Theth has plenty of restaurants serving traditional Albanian dishes. Here are our favourites:

• Villa Cecek Restaurant – A charming place serving homemade cuisine in a garden filled with lights. Ingredients come from the family garden or local farms.
• Jeon Shabila – One of the most popular restaurants in Theth, located in a quiet location on the edge of the village. Expect traditional dishes such as fasoli (bean soup), grilled meats, and potatoes, as well as vegetarian options.
• T Lomi – Located right next to the bridge, this casual restaurant is known for its excellent pizza. Perfect after a glacier swim.
• Bar & Grill and Music Waterfall – A pleasant stop on the way to Grunas Waterfall, with a cozy terrace and occasional live music. As the name suggests, grilled meats are the highlight of this restaurant, along with fresh salads and cold beer.
• Jura Family Restaurant – A welcoming, family-run venue just outside Theth, known for its warm hospitality and large portions – exactly what you need after a long flight.
• Market and cheap camping – A small roadside market to stock up on snacks and drinks for hikes like the Valbona Trail.

One of our favorite places to stay is Bugtina Tinari Theth. Centrally located within walking distance of trails and restaurants, it offers comfortable rooms (some with balconies and mountain views) and a warm welcome. Breakfast is included – even early for hikers – and dinner is available in the evening. They also provide packed lunches for daily hikes.

Rashkaduli Guest House Situated in a quiet, rural location just outside Theth, with beautiful mountain views and a friendly, sociable atmosphere. Both dorms and private rooms are available.

For more comfort, choose Jura Family Guest Housewhere you will not only enjoy delicious food (we recommended their restaurant above) but also top-rated accommodations. The modern rooms have air conditioning, comfortable beds, and extras like a rain shower or even a jacuzzi. The warm family hospitality makes it an outstanding stay.