Overview
This stage climbs the ridge above the Blue Eye, and reaches Muzinë Pass near the village of Muzinë. After crossing the pass, the trail descends to Grapsh via an old cobbled pathway. It continues through the Drinos Valley plains, arriving at Fushë Nepravishtë. This is a generally easy itinerary, with a moderate elevation gain and loss. The highest point reaches around 560 m above sea level. The trail takes approximately six hours to complete.
Trail profile
Trail description
The hike starts at the Blue Eye (Sarandë), where the Bistrica River originates — the only river that flows into the Ionian Sea and a protected natural monument. It ascends towards the Muzina Pass, passing through a mixed terrain of solid dirt and embedded rocks, grass, gravel, and asphalt on the portion where the trail joins the national road.
After hiking the ridge above the Blue Eye, the trail goes through a section of relatively dense shrubs and Mediterranean vegetation, dominated by Mediterranean pine, oaks, olives, and the yellow-beaming Turkish sage. Past an ancient orthodox church and the remains of an old stone bridge, you cross the national road and the trail passes by a small water reservoir, continues through a stony mule path, and then enters the canyon. This part of the trail is an old cobbled pathway, until it descends to Grapsh.
After the first 10 km, the trail crosses a few kilometers of agricultural plots through gravel farm tracks, before reaching the Drinos river, which hikers must ford in order to continue on the other side. One of the most beautiful moments of the hike comes after crossing Muzina Pass, when Fushë Nepravishtë appears in view as part of the Drinos Valley — an important habitat for large birds of prey such as various eagle species and the rare Egyptian vulture.
Accommodation & services
Taverna Mouzina
Coffee / lunch stop along the way.
Life on the Farm
Located on trail at Fushë Nepravishtë (lower village), a beautiful farmstay with wooden cabins, a spacious garden and many animals to meet and greet.
Bujtina ANLU
Located further on trail at the upper neighborhood, a small but modern guesthouse with incredible views from the veranda. Reachable via Google or Booking, alternatively you can try on site.
Nearby attractions
The Melan Tekke
This sacred Bektashi site can be visited both inside and outside, rewarding visitors with panoramic views over Fushë Nepravishtë and the entire Drinos Valley. The tekke was built in the 1800s near the ancient area of Melan, although the original building dates back to the 16th century. Around it, Bektashi believers planted cypress trees arranged so that, when viewed from above, they spell the words “One God”.