The Cave of Pellumbas, known locally as the Black Cave, is a 350-metre-long karst cave tucked into the Erzen River canyon, roughly 25 kilometres south of Tirana. It was inhabited during the Palaeolithic era – excavations have found human remains dating back 30,000 years – and it still feels like a place where bones might be found. The entrance is a dark gash in a limestone cliff face that must be reached by a 45-minute uphill hike, and the interior is unlit, wet, and cool year-round. Bring a torch or you will see nothing.
This is not a polished show cave with handrails and coloured lights. It is raw, muddy, and genuinely adventurous. The trail to the cave climbs through scrub and oak forest with views of the Erzen canyon opening up behind you. The final approach is a steep clamber over limestone boulders. The cave itself has a main chamber roughly 40 metres high, followed by a series of narrower passages that require stooping and sometimes crawling. A colony of bats lives in the deeper sections.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Wild cave exploration, canyon hiking, prehistoric history, adventure day trips |
| Accessibility | 45-min uphill hike from Pellumbas village; rough trail; no facilities at the cave |
| Ideal Months | April to June and September to October; avoid midday summer heat on the exposed trail |
| Cost Tier | Budget (free entry) |
| The Secret Factor | The deeper passages beyond the main chamber require crawling through a low opening on the right side. Most visitors stop at the main chamber. If you push through, you reach a second large chamber with stalactite formations and absolute silence. Bring knee pads or accept muddy trousers |
How to Get There
From Tirana, drive south on the SH3 toward Elbasan. After roughly 18 kilometres, take the left turn signed for Pellumbas village. Follow the narrow paved road for another 7 kilometres to the village. Park near the small cafe at the village centre. From there, follow the marked trail east out of the village toward the Erzen canyon. The trail is red-and-white marked but can be confusing at junctions. The hike takes 40 to 50 minutes uphill. No public transport. A taxi from Tirana costs roughly 2,500 to 3,000 LEK.
What to See and Do
- Explore the cave: A torch is mandatory. The floor is uneven and muddy. The main chamber is impressive for its height and the bats circling overhead.
- Crawl to the second chamber: On the right side of the main chamber, a low opening leads to a second chamber with stalactites. This requires crawling on hands and knees for 5 metres.
- Swim in the Erzen River: Below the cave, the Erzen River has several deep swimming holes accessible via a rough trail. The water is cold and clean.
- Hike the canyon rim: Past the cave, the trail continues along the canyon rim toward the river. The views of the Erzen gorge are impressive.
The Insider Checklist
- A torch is mandatory. A phone light is not enough for the deeper chambers.
- Wear sturdy shoes. The trail is rocky and the cave floor is muddy and uneven.
- The cave temperature is roughly 12 degrees Celsius year-round. Bring a light jacket.
- No facilities of any kind. Bring water (2L minimum), snacks, and a bag for rubbish.
- Do not attempt the hike in rain. The limestone trail becomes dangerously slippery.
