Skrapar is a region in southern Albania known extensively for its traditions and hospitality, but also for its many natural beauties that make it an area with great touristic potential.
With several villages in its vicinity that have already started to develop in terms of agro-tourism, the area known as the Canyons of Osum, offers many opportunities for adventure tourism.
These aspects and many others are presented in the next episode of Euronews Albania’s most recent travel series, ‘Travellers’.
The region of Skrapar stretches to the southeast of Berat. Çorovoda is the most developed urban area – found around 50 km away, or around an hour and a half drive. From this city, the surrounding villages and canyons are easily accessible.
The canyons have been formed by the erosive forces of the Osum river over 2-3 million years. At different periods, especially during the rainy season, the river changes its flow quite drastically, and in recent years the activity of rafting has become quite popular here, with canoe and speedboat riding being the main attractions.
It’s worth mentioning that the Osum Canyons are filled with legends, which make this area that more interesting to visit.
Ideally, the fairytale-like view of the canyons can be enjoyed by starting your trip around 10 minutes away from the city of Çorovoda, at the high point known as ‘The panoramic curvature of the flag’ or Lakorja panoramike e flamurit, positioned at 120 m above the river stage.
After this pit stop, a bit further away you can find a holy place for the Bektashi order, known as the Trail of Abas Ali or Gjurma e Ali Abasit, which is linked to the legend of how Ali came to the mountain of Tomor from Mecca and left two trails, one from his white horse and the other from his staff.
Not too far from this holy place is another spot that is also filled with legends known as the Wife’s Hole or Vrima e nuses.
“The legend behind this place revolves around a young girl from a village close by, who is said to have been married without her will to a young man from another village, […] on her way, as she was travelling with her in-laws, she stopped here and called out to the cliff, ‘Open up, o’ cliff and save me from this torment!’… at that moment, this huge hole opened up and the bride fell in it and disappeared, never to be seen again,” – tells a local, while pointing at an opening in the middle of the rocks, which connected to the canyons beneath.
Apart from the breathtaking aspects that nature offers through these canyons, Skrapar is also a very interesting attraction in terms of traditions and culture.
Many villages still cherish the old ways and customs of hospitality with rakija, songs and dance.
Travellers’ Trip-Advisor:
‘Travellers’ suggests that you use SUVs or tall cars in order to reach remote areas of Skrapar, because the rural roads her aren’t always as smoothly paved as in the city.
Meanwhile, in terms of the exploration of canyons, we advise that you definitely pick a local guide, and be equipped with the right gear and equipment like ‘GPS’, helmet etc., as often stones fall from heights and the river flow can change depending on weather conditions.
‘Travellers’ also suggests that you choose Hotel Kanione in Çorovoda as your go-to pit stop during your travels and exploration of the gorgeous touristic villages and canyons of Skrapar.
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