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Petrela Castle Zipline & Quad Bike Tour

5.063 Google reviewsHalf day from Tirana, Durrës or Golem

Petrela is the castle Tirana forgot it had. It is small, it is 15 kilometres south of the city, and it has been on that rock since the 6th century, guarding the road up the Erzen valley. Skanderbeg's sister ran it. There is a restaurant in the courtyard now and a terrace looking down the gorge.

Itinerary

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

  1. 09:00

    Pickup

    From your hotel in Tirana. Durrës and Golem pickups leave at 08:15.

  2. 09:40

    Petrela Castle

    Up to the walls and the courtyard. Short walk round the ramparts with the valley below on three sides.

  3. 10:30

    Zipline across the Erzen

    Harness, briefing, double clip, and 350 metres over the gorge. Staff at both platforms, and everyone goes at their own pace.

  4. 11:30

    Quad ride

    A short lesson on the flat, then an hour in single file through olive terraces and river tracks.

  5. 13:00

    Lunch at the castle (optional)

    The courtyard restaurant does a good grill. Stay for it or head straight back.

  6. 14:00

    Back to Tirana

    Dropped at your hotel by mid-afternoon.

Experience & Highlights

  • A 6th-century castle on a rock above the Erzen gorge
  • 350 metres of zipline across the valley
  • An hour of guided quad riding through olive terraces
  • Twenty minutes from central Tirana
  • Works as a morning or an afternoon

Full Description

The zipline runs from below the walls across the valley: about 350 metres, a decent drop, and forty seconds of not thinking about anything else. It is well run, with a double-clipped harness and a staffed platform at both ends, and it takes people from about 30 kilos upward.

Then an hour on quads through the olive terraces and dirt tracks on the far side of the river. No licence needed, a short lesson first, and a guide leading in single file. It is a good half day for anyone who wants adrenaline without committing to a whole one.

What's included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Zipline run with full harness and safety briefing
  • One hour of quad riding with a guide
  • Helmet and all safety equipment
  • English-speaking guide and bottled water

Not included

  • Lunch at the castle restaurant (about €12)
  • Castle entry (€1)
  • A second zipline run (€8)

Good to know

  • The zipline takes riders from about 30 kg to 120 kg. Under-16s need a parent present to sign.
  • Quads are single-rider for over-18s with any driving experience. Under-18s and complete beginners ride pillion with the guide.
  • Closed shoes are required for both activities. No sandals, no flip-flops.
  • Runs year-round. The zipline does not operate in high wind or thunderstorms, in which case we extend the quad ride and refund €8.

Good questions, honest answers

How long is the Petrela zipline?

About 350 metres across the Erzen valley, roughly forty seconds in the air. It is a single line with a staffed platform at each end, a double-clipped harness and a braking system at the far side, so there is nothing for you to operate.

Do I need a licence to ride the quad?

No. Over-18s with any driving experience get a short lesson on the flat and then ride their own machine in single file behind the guide. Under-18s and anyone who would rather not drive rides pillion.

How far is Petrela Castle from Tirana?

About 15 kilometres south, twenty to twenty-five minutes by road. It is the closest castle to the capital and a good deal quieter than Kruja.

Plan the rest of your trip

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