Dajti Mountain: Tirana's Balcony
Escape to Dajti Mountain: Tirana's natural balcony offering panoramic views, hiking, and traditional Albanian experiences.
Dajti Mountain, part of the Skanderbeg Mountains, stands as a natural refuge just 26 km east of Tirana. Often called the 'Balcony of Tirana,' it provides panoramic views of the city, stretching to the Adriatic Sea. Declared a national park in 1966, the area spans over 293.84 square kilometers, offering diverse ecosystems and recreational activities. The Dajti Ekspres cable car, the longest in the Balkans at 4.7 km, is a scenic 15-minute ride over forests and even bunkers. At the summit, a range of activities await, including hiking to the peak of Tujani, exploring the Dajti Adventure Park, or enjoying traditional Albanian cuisine at the Ballkoni Dajtit restaurant. Historically, the mountain has traces of ancient settlements dating back 10,000 years. Today, it's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in nature, enjoy outdoor adventures, and savor the beauty of Albania's landscape.
Local tips
- Take the Dajti Ekspres cable car for the quickest and most scenic route to the top.
- Check the cable car's operating hours, as they vary seasonally.
- Explore the hiking trails for stunning views, but be aware that some may be poorly marked.
- Visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.
- Combine your trip with a visit to the Bunk'Art 1 museum near the lower cable car station.
A brief summary to Dajti
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Getting There
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Public Transport
From Tirana's city center (near Skanderbeg Square), take the blue bus marked 'Porcelan' (Line 11). The bus departs every 5-20 minutes and the ride takes 20-30 minutes to the Dajti Ekspres cable car station. A one-way ticket costs 40 Lek (€0.30). From the final bus stop, it's a short uphill walk to the cable car station.
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Taxi
A taxi from Tirana's city center to the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car costs between 700-1000 Lek (€6-€8) for a one-way trip. Metered taxis are available throughout the city; negotiate a fixed price or ensure the meter is running. Merr Taxi offers a negotiated rate of 750 Lek (€6.10) from the city center to Dajti Ekspres.
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Cable Car
The Dajti Ekspres cable car is the final stage of the journey to Dajti Mountain. A round-trip ticket costs 1400 Lek (€14) for adults. Children aged 5-12 pay 400 Lek (€4) for a round-trip, and children under 4 ride for free. Tickets must be purchased at the lower cable car station.
