Gramos

Gramos is the highest Mountain in southern Albania. The summit of Gramos (also called Cuka e Pecit) sits on the border of Albania with Greece, near Erseke. Here, the border forms a sharp triangle so as to share the summit with both countries. From the valley one can see the summit pyramid, but not the summit itself.

A trip up Gramos is an easy but a long hike, and an early start might be advisable.

The hike begins in the village of Starjë, a short drive to the north of Erseke. Where the tarmac ends, turn left until you reach the wide river bed. The river must be crossed by foot, and there is only one bridge, at the trailhead. In summer, the river could probably be crossed elsewhere, too.

The trail follows paths or through meadows on the left (northern side) of the gorge that drains the basin from the summit. Up to the summit pyramid, the ascent is pleasant with an easy gradient. The summit pyramid can be scaled from any point on the Albania side. Some prefer the (northern) rocky ridge, others the (southern) ridge. Because of the snow conditions, we simply went up the slope in a straight line.

Expectedly, views are wonderful, in all directions.