As soon as we planned our weekend trip to Petrele, we knew we had to start our day at Zipline Albania for a good dose of adrenaline. We love the heights, the fun, the adventure and a beautiful green landscape moving under our feet, so we didn’t even think twice if we had to choose this kind of experience. There’s no other around so it was about time to try it!
We knew that going for the zipline, meant also spending a considerable part of the experience doing new things other than ziplining. Of course! The true enjoyment comes from the people you share the adventure with and the guides who are with you every step of the way. When you’re with the right people, friends or family, the positive energy is contagious and enhances the adrenaline as you fly through the air.
Zipline Albania
Zipline Albania is located in Petrele, an historical village 15 km south of Tirana, the capital of Albania. The place is easily accessible and you will notice the signposts at the side of the street once you are driving up the hill that takes you to the centre of the village and the Castle of Petrele. If you want to learn more about the village, we have already prepared a blog you can read HERE.
It is the first zipline in Albania, the longest one in the Balkans and among top 10 longest in Europe. It is 1250 m long and the “flight” lasts around 1 minute and 30 seconds. It also depends a little bit on your weight whether you go faster or a little bit slower.
The welcoming staff
A few clouds in the sky made us think there would be rain coming, but we were lucky enough to enjoy just a few drops for a few minutes and then have the best fun under the clear sky. We got so happy when after walking up the stairs that take you to the starting point, we found a friendly staff that assured us for a memorable experience and the weather wouldn’t be a problem. There was music playing and the energy was already at its best.
Safety first
We immediately asked about the safety measures and the team was ready to explain us every detail. We had tried ziplining before and had no fear at all on trying it, but most of people try it for their very first time. For many of them, the idea of riding through the treetops on a cable, trolley, and harness can be a bit intimidating. Naturally, the first question people ask about ziplining is “is it safe?” Zipline Albania is following the standards according to approved industry standards, so their course and practices are the safest known so far.
Check our Instagram Page for more photos and videos from Zipline Albania!
How to prepare for it
Your outfit should be appropriate for an outdoor activity, and also comfortable enough. Not only should you dress for the weather, but you should also dress for wearing a harness and helmet. Short shorts don’t feel comfortable with a harness on and hair in a high bun doesn’t let a helmet fit your head properly. I would also suggest you bring your own pair of sports glasses as the ones offered by the centre may not fit you.
Enjoying the flight
Taking the best out of this experience, means being present every second of the way, from the moment you start wearing the harness and the helmet til the moment you arrive at the finish point. The best is within. Flying above the Erzen river, from Petrele to the next village, Mullet, and watching the best view under your feet requires tranquility and a little bit of balance. Just like a bird you can use your arms to balance your body in case it tends to go left or right. Just keep them wide open and breath the freshest air while feeling like an eagle in the land of eagles.
The certificate
Besides the fun, the photos and videos you will always keep with you, Zipline Albania also offers certificates for the adventurers, so you can add it to your memorable experience file or hang it on your pride wall. It is a really thoughtful thing they did actually and it adds value to the whole tour.
Refreshing drinks
Once you reach at the finish line, there are two more people of the staff, waiting to catch you and help you remove the equipments. The best thing though, is that there is a simple bar there, offering water and soft drinks to quench your thirst just after the flight. For the ones leaving their car to the starting point, there is a car available to take you up there in less than 7 minutes, so you can continue your journey back to Petrele. If you are in a cycling tour and you get to the finish line first, the driver will take you up so you can make your “flight” and come back down again.
Ping Pong
We had to wait a few minutes for the car to arrive, so we managed to have the time to even play ping pong, as Zipline Albania has set a table next to the bar. We weren’t really counting the rounds so I can’t brag that I won the game, but I can assure you it felt nice to have an additional thing to do, while enjoying a soft drink and watching others arriving at the end of the line.
The best time to enjoy this experience is at sunset, as you can fly towards the colours of the horizon and immerse yourself in the sunset magic. We couldn’t manage to stay there til the twilight but we recommend you to do so and have an even greater experience.
If you feel enough inspired to visit Petrele and enjoy the zipline experience, the longest in the Balkans, contact Zipline Albania and book your adventure asap!