Turn your back on the coast at Vlorë and follow the Vlora River — the Shushica — upstream, and within an hour you are in a different Albania: green valleys, stone villages, shepherds on the road and mountains closing in on every side. Road-trippers and cyclists who take this route often say it was the surprise of their trip.
The river
The Shushica, also called the Vlora River, runs for about 80 km. It rises near the village of Kuç in the mountains of Himarë and flows north-west through Brataj, Kotë and Shushicë before joining the Vjosa near Armen. The ancient Greeks knew it as the Polyanthos.
Along the way
- Brati Bridge — the old stone arch over the river gorge
- Kuçi Canyon — the wild upper valley near the river’s source
- Mountain villages where you can stop for coffee, cheese and honey
Good to know
The road is narrow and winding in its upper sections, with few services, so set out with a full tank and plenty of time. Spring, when the valley is green and the river full, and autumn are the most beautiful seasons.
Shqip
Lumi i Vlorës (Shushica), rreth 80 km i gjatë, buron pranë Kuçit dhe rrjedh drejt veriperëndimit përmes Bratajt, Kotës dhe Shushicës, deri sa bashkohet me Vjosën pranë Armenit. Rruga përgjatë luginës kalon pranë Urës së Bratit dhe fshatrave malore.
