The Drin is Albania’s longest river. Its principal source, the Black Drin (Drini i Zi), flows across the entire Dibër region from south to north, creating several beautiful gorges. The Skavica Gorge is the most striking among them. It’s the perfect river for rafting.
The Black Drin starts in Ohrid Lake, then flows several dozen kilometres through North Macedonia and enters Albania just outside the town of Debar. Similar to North Macedonia, it mostly runs through deep valleys in Albania.
The best way to see the Black Drin valley is from the old road from Peshkopi to Kukës, which turns off the main road after the village of Kolesjan. This is one of the most beautiful off-road trips you can take in Albania. You will drive through spectacular gorges and picturesque villages with traditional Albanian fortified houses. You’ll also enjoy views of Albania’s highest mountain, Korab. The section with the most dramatic scenery is the Skavica Gorge (Gryka e Skavicës).
No less beautiful is the other canyon of the Black Drin, a little more upstream. In its centre, by the bridge over the river, there is a place with the poetic name of Butterfly Camping (Kampingu i Fluturave, see cover photo). It is situated in a deep, green canyon and can only be reached on foot. The closest – about three kilometres – is from the village of Pejkë, where the asphalt road ends. A well-kept place in the middle of wilderness with several tents, a kitchen and gazebos has an incredible genius loci. Overnight stays cost €5, and the owners also organise raft or horse rides.
The entrance to this canyon is marked a few kilometres upstream by a footbridge near the village of Gradec. The best way to see the structure is to climb up one of the rocks on either side of it. A short walk away is Sofra Dibrane, the restaurant with a beach. It can be reached, with a bit of care, by an ordinary car – after turning onto the gravel road from the main road, it’s about two kilometres.
The Black Drin is one of the most popular rivers in the country in terms of rafting, and unlike other Albanian rivers, it can be rafted all year round. Tourist agencies such Albania Rafting Group and Black Drin Adventure usually pick up paddlers in the town of Maqellara.
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