Usually ‘middle of nowhere’ is a bad thing, but not in this case. We’re talking about Farma Sotira, a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Southeastern Albania, where you forget about daily life, traffic, noise and pollution.
Farma Sotira is located in proximity of the Village of Germenj, halfway between Erseka and Leskovik in Kolonje. But don’t let the title ‘in the middle of nowhere’ scare you.
Farma Sotira isn’t a hotel. It’s an escape. Tucked away in the forests of Leskovik, this off-the-grid farm invites you to disconnect from noise, reconnect with nature, and experience rural Albania; up close and hands-on.
Whether you want to go horseback riding, milk goats at sunset, breathe in beehive air, or sleep under the stars, this place offers all of it in one location.
At Farma Sotira, you’ll find Toni (Jeton) and Nida (Jonida), 2 very passionate farmers that met in Greece, and decided to pursue their dream of running an agrotourism resort, although Toni had already started Farma Sotira a few years prior to meeting Nida. In the beginning, Farma Sotira was just a fish farm, which led to Toni being commonly known as ‘Toni the fish guy’.
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Things you can do at Farma Sotira:
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Horseback riding through the forest
Ride through thick pine forests, cross creeks, and follow hidden mountain trails. The farm’s horses are trained, calm, and great for beginners or families. Guided rides are available and usually last between one to two hours. It’s one of the best ways to experience the landscape around the farm.
Farming life: get your hands dirty
This is a working farm, and you’re welcome to take part. Wake up early and help feed animals.
Milk goats and sheep with your own hands; we definitely did when we visited! Collect eggs, gather vegetables, and see where your food really comes from. It’s a full-circle experience, and kids especially love it.
Apitherapy with beehive air
(Truth be told, I had no idea what apitherapy was, so I learned about it at Farma Sotira.) Inside a small wooden cabin built over active beehives, you’ll find one of Farma Sotira’s most unique activities: apitherapy.
You lie down and breathe in air filtered straight from the hives. It’s quiet, warm, and often used to support breathing and relaxation. No bees touch you, just the air.
Hiking in pure, untouched nature
Grab your hiking shoes and go exploring. The trails around the farm are quiet and raw. You’ll pass creeks, forests, and open fields with no signs or fences. Pack water and snacks, and ask the staff to point you toward a trail that matches your fitness level.
Traditional cooking classes
Join the hosts in the kitchen and learn how to cook traditional Albanian meals from scratch. Make byrek, fresh cheese, jams, and more, all using ingredients from the farm. You don’t just eat well here, you learn how to make it yourself.
Camping and bungalows
When it’s time to sleep, you have a few options. You can bring your own tent and sleep in a huge open field, or you can stay in one of the 13 bungalows. There’s no noise, no city lights; just fresh air and the sound of the fish farm in the middle of Farma Sotira. Campfires are common, with almost all bungalows having an open fire pit right outside their door, and the staff often hosts group dinners outdoors.
Why Farma Sotira is worth the trip
It’s remote, quit, and full of life. Although there’s wi-fi, there are no busy roads, no schedules, and no alarms. The roosters do the waking. What you’ll find instead is real hospitality, homemade food, fresh air, and simply put, space to breathe.
You can discover Farma Sotira, get a 360 degree glance and build your trip on our Albania360 app.
Download the Albania360 app
Our Albania360 app makes it easy for everyone to discover hidden gems, explore 360 views of places before visiting, plan their meals & coffee dates, find perfect accommodations & book directly on the app, and much more!