Albania is a country of hundreds of mountainous rocky paths connecting villages and towns which live their unchanging life for hundreds of years. These difficult routes in Albania host a colourful motor show called Albania Rally. It's quite a challenging rally for motorcycles, quad bikes, and cars, both for professionals and amateurs. Anyone holding a driver's licence is allowed to partake. Many people call the Albanian Rally a "marathon stage in Dakar," due to its complex route that passes through gravel roads, beaches, and mountain serpentines.
The start of the route is located in the seaside town of Vlorë. The course winds south-east to Sarandë, then north to Pogradec and up to Puka, and then again to the south ending in the capital city of Tirana. The entire route is divided into six stages. Note that this information is subject to change. The final program is usually communicated to participants 30 days before the rally.
Most participants use light enduro motorbikes. However, there's also a ranking for the heavier motorbikes as well as for women. Your vehicle must be equipped with GPS, roadbook and tripmaster. A range of 160 km will suffice.
After a hard day, the drivers are offered a light lunch which may include a pasta dish, sandwiches or tuna salad with home-made chips. All participants who reach the finish line are awarded memorable badges, while the winners are awarded cups and prizes.
