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Shpella e Kabashit: A Hidden Albanian Wonder

Explore Shpella e Kabashit, a breathtaking cave near Poroçan, Albania, with stunning geological formations and rich folklore. A must-see natural wonder!

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Shpella e Kabashit (Kabashi Cave) is a captivating tourist attraction near Poroçan, Albania. This hidden gem features stunning stalactites and stalagmites, offering an immersive experience into an otherworldly underground landscape. It's a must-see for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

A brief summary to Shpella e Kabashit (Start Point)

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven and potentially slippery surfaces inside the cave.
  • Bring a flashlight or headlamp to fully appreciate the cave's interior, as some areas are dark.
  • Consider hiring a local guide in Poroçan or Kabash, especially if it's your first visit, as the cave can be difficult to find.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Holta Canyon for a full day of exploring natural wonders.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From the center of Gramsh, follow the main road northwest (SH71) and turn right at Drizë. The road through the village looks like it was once paved but has certainly seen better days with many large potholes and significant road damage. It's a bumpy drive but is certainly manageable in a small 2WD. After 1km, veer right at the intersection where there is a small and very faded sign indicating Holta Canyon, or Kabashit Cave (Shpella e Kabashit) which lies up the hill to the left. From here, the road is brand new and in excellent condition until the final stretch. Follow the unnamed road for approximately 5 kilometers until you reach the start point, which is located at W6JW+39P, Unnamed Road, Poroçan, Albania. Parking is available near the cave entrance.

  • Public Transport

    From Elbasan, take a bus towards Gramsh. Buses run approximately every hour. Get off on the main road (SH89 / SH71) at the intersection for Drizë. From here, it's approximately 10km to the cave. You can take a taxi or walk. A taxi from Drizë to Shpella e Kabashit will cost approximately 1500-2500 Lek. Confirm the price before starting your journey. Alternatively, you can take a 'furgon' (local minibus) towards Poroçan and ask to be dropped off as close to the cave as possible, though a walk will still be required.

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Discover more about Shpella e Kabashit (Start Point)

Shpella e Kabashit, also known as Kabashi Cave, is a remarkable natural wonder located near the village of Poroçan in the Gramsh region of Albania. Situated 28 km from the town of Gramsh at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, this cave is considered one of the most unique and beautiful in Albania, and perhaps even the Balkans. Formed within the limestone rocks of the Upper Cretaceous period, the cave stretches approximately 120 meters in length. Locally, it's also known as "Shpella e Farricës." Finding the cave can be challenging, and first-time explorers may benefit from hiring a local guide. The entrance to Shpella e Kabashit is a mere 1 square meter, but after just 4-5 meters, it dramatically expands to the size of a football field. Much of the cave remains unexplored, with the known section forming a true labyrinth filled with countless stalactite and stalagmite formations of rare beauty. These formations create a spectacular sight, making visitors feel as though they've entered another world. The cave holds significant scientific (geological, geomorphological, hydrological, biological), cultural, didactic, and touristic value. Archaeological findings, such as pottery and tools, suggest that the cave was once inhabited. Local legends add to the cave's mystique. One story recounts how, during the Austrian occupation, soldiers with their commander visited the cave. When they passed through Kabash village and were asked the village's name, they replied, "You people of Kabash must eat with golden spoons!" Another legend speaks of a hidden treasure within the cave, which remains undiscovered. Locals tell tales of a dog entering the cave and emerging near Librazhd, confirming the cave's vast and unexplored labyrinthine nature. In recent years, Shpella e Kabashit has been included in tourist guides and is frequented by both local and foreign visitors. Those who visit experience a unique emotion, as the cave offers spectacular views not found anywhere else on earth. Unfortunately, many stalactites and stalagmites have been stolen and broken, used as decorations in homes.

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