Cities and destinations · 📍 Librazhd
Librazhd, Gramsh and the east by rental car: from Elbasan to Maliq
The road east: forested mountains, new lakes and quiet villages between Elbasan, Pogradec and Korçë.
Between Elbasan and Korçë the road crosses a mountainous area of dense forests, rivers and small villages. Librazhd and Prrenjas lie on the main road to Pogradec, Gramsh in the Devoll valley to the south, while Maliq spreads over the plain near Korçë. Librazhd by rental car is the starting point for the Shebenik-Jabllanicë park, one of the wildest and least visited areas in the country.
Librazhd, Prrenjas and Shebenik park
From Elbasan the road follows the Shkumbin river east. Librazhd is a small town with basic services and fuel; Prrenjas, a little further, lies near Qafë Thanë and the border with North Macedonia. North of both lies the Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park, with beech forests, glacial lakes and mountain villages.
Gramsh, Lake Banja and the Holta canyon
South of Elbasan the road follows the Devoll valley to Gramsh, a small town among wooded hills. Near the town, the artificial Lake Banja has blue water and quiet shores. Close by is the Holta canyon, with rock walls and cool water, a good place for a summer walk.
Lake Banja
Lake
A large lake in the Devoll valley, with wide views and few people. The road around the lake has gravel sections.
The Holta canyon
Nature
A narrow canyon with crystal-clear water near Gramsh. Bring shoes that can get wet and do not enter after rain.
Maliq, near Korçë
Maliq spreads over the Korçë plain, on the land of a former marsh. It is known for the prehistoric lake dwelling discovered here and for farming. It is a short stop on the Pogradec–Korçë road. Continue with Korçë by car or Pogradec by car.
A two-day itinerary from Tirana
- Day 1: Tirana–Elbasan in the morning, the castle and a coffee in the centre, then Gramsh and Lake Banja in the afternoon. Night in Elbasan or Gramsh.
- Day 2: Librazhd and Prrenjas, a stop for the view of Lake Ohrid from Qafë Thanë, lunch in Pogradec and the evening in Korçë, passing through Maliq.
Practical tips
- The Elbasan–Qafë Thanë road has many lorries: overtake only on straights with a clear view.
- In winter Qafë Thanë and the mountain villages may have snow; check the weather.
- Phone signal is missing in some valleys of the park: download offline maps.
- Read Elbasan by car and use the distances table.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Librazhd from Elbasan?
About 35 km, roughly 40 minutes by car.
Can I drive a rental car into Shebenik park?
Only with a 4×4 and the company's permission, because the roads inside the park are mostly unpaved.
Where is Lake Banja?
Near Gramsh, in the Devoll valley, about 1 hour from Elbasan.
Where is Maliq?
On the Korçë plain, on the Pogradec–Korçë road.
