Half-day hike on Mt. Shpirag in the company of a donkey

Excursion to Mount Shpirag accompanied by donkeys.

We leave at 8:30 a.m. from downtown Berat in the direction of Shpirag and in about 30 minutes reach the first village, Sinje. Sinje is a small farming village, which we visit before setting out, pausing at the 12th-13th century AD church of St. Mary of Sinja, built directly on the mountainside. We leave our vehicles in the village and meet up with donkey farmers. They are the ones who take us around the mountain, which they know like the back of their hands. The donkey hike takes about 2-3 hours, interspersed with stops and a break for a picnic lunch. 

The allure of donkey trekking

The allure of donkey trekking (or rather, donkey hiking, since you are only outside for a few hours) is all to be discovered and can hardly be explained in words. It is a hike within the reach of everyone who is in good health. You do not need to be overly trained; you just need to be willing to hike. It is also an ideal excursion for the whole family. In fact, children have the opportunity to ride on the donkey, having the time of their lives. Parents have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery, take photographs, learn about the flora and fauna of the mountain environment.

My tour offers you an unusual and exciting experience. Walking in nature accompanied by donkeys is an activity that brings with it countless benefits. The donkey has its own pace, slow and steady, never too fast. Following its pace leads us to relax, enjoying the scenery without hurrying. Second, the donkey is an equine that man has selected over the centuries for its great aptitude as a cargo animal. Here the convenience of this hike is revealed: backpacks and bags with clothes, water bottles and food are loaded directly by the donkey. Young children, who would get tired easily on the trails, ride on the donkey to have fun in contact with this animal, in complete safety. In short, those who have never tried riding this cute friend should take the opportunity to try it.

Shpirag, the mountain that guards the city of Berat

Mount Shpirag, at 1197 meters above sea level, dominates the city of Berat. The distance separating the city from the mountain is similar to that between Trento and Mt. Bondone. The mountain dearest to the people of Berat (Mali i Shpiragut) is just five kilometers as the crow flies from the historic center. Morphologically speaking, Shpirag's is a small massif, which is also easily recognizable on maps. With its elongated ridge, the mountain slopes rapidly on both sides, forming low hills that serve as a perimeter. 

Shpirag is a mountain consisting of limestone, easily recognizable from afar because it is marked by furrows. When talking about this mountain, an anecdote always emerges that speaks of the history of modern and contemporary Albania. In the late 1960s a farmer infuriated by the communist regime created with stones a huge inscription that stood out on the Mountain's eastern flank. It read ENVER, a large-print (Hollywood-like) inscription meant to celebrate the figure of President Enver Hoxha with letters about 100 meters high. In 1994, after the fall of the regime, an attempt was made to remove the stones, which by then had become one with the mountain. The Albanian army was called in, which also tried with napalm, without success. Thus, some 15 years later, the stroke of genius. Instead of removing all the stones, they changed the writing to NEVER.

• The itinerary may vary but the planned stops will always be the same

• Comfortable footwear suitable for walking is recommended

• In warmer months, equip yourself with a hat or head protection

• This tour is not recommended for people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility

• Clients are asked to arrive 15 minutes before departure at the meeting point indicated