An upcoming ride between history, villages, and the open sea
After finishing the quiet beauty of the Divjaka Lagoon tour, my thoughts naturally moved north — toward a route that blends open countryside, coastal light, and small stories of place.
This upcoming loop starts and ends in Vorë, passes through Ishëm, reaches the wide Adriatic horizon at Gjiri i Lalzit, and returns via Manzë. It’s a ride shaped by atmosphere rather than difficulty — a route made for riding, stopping, filming, and tasting Albania along the way.
Meeting Point: Vorë
An easy and practical starting point, perfect for meeting, checking bikes, preparing cameras, and rolling out without stress. From here, the landscape opens slowly and naturally.
The Feeling of the Route
This is a mostly flat and rolling loop, ideal for relaxed riding and storytelling. The road flows gently:
- through villages and open land,
- past historic landmarks,
- and finally toward the sea and fishing life of Gjiri i Lalzit.
It’s a route that encourages curiosity — not speed.
Ishëm Castle – History on the Hill
One of the key stops of the tour is Ishëm Castle, standing quietly above the surrounding landscape.
From here, the views open wide, and the contrast between stone walls and open horizons creates a powerful visual moment. It’s a perfect place to pause, reflect, and film — a reminder that every ride in Albania passes through layers of history.
Best Filming & Photo Spots
1. Vorë to Ishëm – Morning Roads
Soft morning light, long straight roads, and peaceful movement. Perfect for:
- follow-me drone shots
- calm riding sequences
- Insta360 FPV-style footage
2. Ishëm Castle
Ideal for:
- wide drone orbits
- still photography with texture and depth
- rider silhouettes against the landscape
3. Gjiri i Lalzit Bay – Fishing Life & Sea Light
The heart of the route. Here you’ll find:
- fishing boats resting by the shore,
- small harbors and nets,
- and the daily rhythm of the sea.
This is where the ride slows down and becomes sensory.
Traditional Food & Fish Restaurants
At Gjiri i Lalzit, the ride naturally invites a long stop.
Fresh fish, simple traditional dishes, sea air, and conversation.
A place to:
- eat well,
- rest the legs,
- and let the day settle before turning back.
This is not a “quick lunch” stop — it’s part of the experience.
Tour Overview (Estimated)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Vorë – Ishëm – Gjiri i Lalzit – Manzë – Vorë |
| Type | Road / light off-road loop |
| Estimated Distance | 55–65 km |
| Estimated Elevation Gain | 350–500 m |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Pace | Relaxed, with frequent stops |
| Best Season | Spring & Autumn |
| Recommended Start Time | Morning (08:00–09:00) |
| Surface | Mostly tarmac, some light off-road sections |
| Ideal For | Story-driven rides, filming, photography, food stops |
| Key Highlights | Ishëm Castle, fishing boats, fish restaurants at Gjiri i Lalzit |
| Navigation | GPX route to be shared |
| Support | Self-supported |
| Status | Scouting & planning phase |