
How long is the road from Corovode to Piskove?
Albania, europe
40 km
956 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Want a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience in Albania? Then you NEED to tackle the Çorovodë-Piskovë Road. This ain't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a 40km (24.85 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated gravel that carves its way through the southern Albanian mountains.
Factor in at least 3 hours to crawl between Çorovodë (Berat County) and Piskovë (Gjirokastër County). A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! This road is narrow, exposed, and clings precariously to steep gravelly slopes and rock faces. Think hairpin turns, serious dropoffs, and praying you don't meet another vehicle head-on. Rain turns sections into muddy nightmares, so only attempt this in dry weather.
But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You're smack-dab in the Fir of Hotova National Park, climbing to a lofty 956m (3,136ft). The Osum river has carved stunning canyons – perfect for a refreshing dip. This is a proper, challenging mountain road that'll test your nerves, but reward you with unforgettable scenery. Just remember to drive smart, stay safe, and soak it all in!
Road Details
- Country
- Albania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 40 km
- Max Elevation
- 956 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
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🇫🇷 France
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