Sometimes you don’t need to travel far or plan for days to experience the magic of winter. Being in Tirana is enough. Just one hour away from the capital, nature bursts into snow-covered landscapes, fresh mountain air, and silence that takes you away from daily noise. This article is for those who want a one-day snowy escape, whether for a light walk, a white family picnic, or simply for taking photos that look like they were captured in the Alps.
If you have a free day this winter and want to see snow without going too far, below you’ll find 4 suggestions that make Tirana the ideal base for short winter getaways.
Mount Dajti – Snow, panoramic views & a breath of fresh air
Just 25–30 minutes from Tirana, Mount Dajti is the perfect choice for a quick winter escape. With peaks reaching over 1600 meters, this national park is often covered in snow from December to February, creating a wonderful view over the city.
You can reach it by car or, even better, by the Dajti Ekspres cable car, which takes you to the top in just 15 minutes and offers a fantastic panoramic ride. At the top, you can walk on snowy meadows, enjoy stunning photos from the Dajti Tower, or have a quick winter picnic.
The trails are suitable for families and couples seeking a peaceful day in nature, while adventurers can explore more challenging routes toward the peak. Traditional restaurants in the area welcome you with warm local dishes after your snowy walk.
📍 Recommended for: families, couples, and tourists who want something beautiful and practical without much effort.
🧭 How to get there: The cable car departs from Linza; parking is free but fills up quickly on weekends. The road is paved and usually accessible, but chains or a 4×4 may be needed after heavy snowfall.
Shëngjergj – Waterfall, snow & peaceful winter nature
If you’re looking for a quiet place with beautiful nature and fewer crowds, Shëngjergj is exactly what you need. About 40 km from Tirana (around 1 hour and 20 minutes by car), this mountain area offers a wonderful blend of snowy landscapes, peaceful villages, and light winter walks.
The most popular spots are the Shëngjergj Waterfall, which in winter creates a magical view when partially frozen, and Rabbit Lake (Liqeni i Lepurit), which requires about 1 hour and some minutes of walking from the main road — a beautiful winter hike through forests, perfect for those who want a bit more adventure and stunning white landscapes for photography. Both locations offer an easy and relaxing experience.
The area also has a few traditional restaurants where you can enjoy fresh local food.
📍 Recommended for: families, couples, and those seeking a quiet and authentic experience.
🚘 How to get there: Follow the Tirana–Krrabë–Shëngjergj road. It’s fully paved and accessible with any car, but after heavy snow there may be ice — chains or 4×4 are recommended on very snowy days.
Bizë–Martanesh – Snow adventure & landscapes that look from another planet
If you’re looking for a wilder adventure, far from noise and closer to untouched nature, Bizë–Martanesh is the ideal choice. Located about 55 km from Tirana (around 2 hours by car), this mountain region is part of the “Mali me Gropa – Bizë – Martanesh” Natural Park, and in winter it transforms into a completely different world: total silence, snow-covered forests, and mountains rising up to 2000 meters.
At the center lies Biza Field (≈1200 m altitude), a wide meadow usually covered in snow during winter — perfect for a picnic, photos, or simply enjoying fresh mountain air. Further ahead, for those wanting more challenge, there are trails toward peaks such as Snoit i Madh (1846 m) or the unique karst formation Gropa e Bizës.
The area is almost always covered in snow from December to February and is ideal for snow hiking, nature photography, and free skiing (non-commercial). There is no developed tourist infrastructure, so it’s best to bring food and gear — or stay in a guesthouse near the village.
📍 Recommended for: prepared travelers, light mountaineers, and nature photographers.
🧭 How to get there: Follow the Tirana–Qafë Molla–Bizë route. The road is mostly paved, but the last segments are mountain roads and require a 4×4 or snow chains in winter.
Mali me Gropa – A unique karst landscape & a challenge for winter explorers
For those looking for something completely different near Tirana, Mali me Gropa is a hidden gem. This karst mountain massif is part of the same natural complex as Bizë and offers a unique landscape with deep pits, dolines, and rare rock formations, which in winter are covered in snow and create surreal panoramas.
The area lies at 1500–1600 meters of altitude, with the highest peaks reaching 1846 meters. In winter it is almost always snow-covered, and is especially suitable for experienced hikers, snow climbers, and passionate nature photographers.
The trails are difficult and often unmarked, so it’s recommended to visit with a guide or a prepared group. There is no tourist infrastructure or rest points, so everything must be brought along. But the reward is great: breathtaking views and total silence.
📍 Recommended for: experienced explorers and lovers of wild nature.
🧭 How to get there: Access is through the Bizë road (Tirana–Qafë Molla–Bizë), with unpaved mountain segments. Only accessible with a 4×4 in winter.
Tirana — the perfect base for winter escapes
Sometimes you don’t need to travel far or plan for days to experience the magic of winter. Being in Tirana is enough. Just one hour away from the capital, nature bursts into snow-covered landscapes, fresh mountain air, and silence that takes you away from daily noise. This article is for those who want a one-day snowy escape — whether for a light walk, a white family picnic, or simply for taking photos that look like they were captured in the Alps.
📌 For a wider guide about winter in Albania, check also our article:
👉 Albania in Winter – Travel Guide
If you have a free day this winter — and want to enjoy the snow without going far — below you’ll find 4 suggestions that make Tirana the ideal base for short winter getaways.
