Itinerary II – Holy Trace

The Holy Trace itinerary is a moderate, full-day cultural and natural route of about 22.5 to 26 kilometres. It runs from the town of Ballsh to the village of Cerrilë (Bardhaj) in Mallakastër, southern Albania, passing through Panahor, Aranitas, Gjerbës, Selitë and Bardhaj.

The route combines paved and reconstructed mountain roads with short walking trails. It reaches a maximum elevation of 708 metres, with slopes ranging from gentle to steep. The final ascent on foot to the Holy Trace is the most demanding part.

Along the way, visitors encounter five points of interest that weave together nature, legend and spiritual heritage: the ancient oaks of Kalenjë, the panoramic heights of Mali Shëndëlli, the views over the Lumara lakes, the sacred rock of the Holy Trace and the centuries-old Vakëf Oak. The route is at its best in spring and autumn, and rewards travellers with dramatic landscapes, rare natural monuments and a living tradition of pilgrimage.

The route, step by step

1. Ballsh — start in the town centre
2. Panahor — the Oaks of Kalenjë
3. Aranitas — Mali Shëndëlli
4. Gjerbës
5. Selitë — the Lumara lakes and the panorama over the hills
6. Bardhaj / Cerrilë — the Holy Trace and the Vakëf Oak

From about 200 m in Ballsh, the road climbs more than 500 m to a maximum of 708 m. The walking section to the Holy Trace is about 500 m long, unpaved and steep in places, with slopes of up to 18.8°.

Difficulty by segment

Segment	Difficulty	Notes
Ballsh → Panahor → Aranitas, paved road	Easy	Good road, gentle slopes, suitable for any vehicle
Aranitas → Gjerbës → Selitë, mountain road	Moderate	Winding reconstructed road, steep sections up to 14.7°, climbs to about 708 m
Selitë → Bardhaj / Cerrilë, road	Moderate	Hilly terrain covered in strawberry trees
Cerrilë → Vakëf Oak → Holy Trace, on foot	Moderate–challenging	About 500 m, unpaved, through pine forest, slopes up to 18.8°

Time and difficulty by transport

Mode	Time	Difficulty	Notes
Car	1.5–2.5 hrs	Easy	Whole route drivable, plus 15–30 min at each stop; the last 500 m are on foot
Mountain bike	3–4.5 hrs	Moderate	Significant climbing; you may need to push the bike on steep sections
On foot, full route	7–9 hrs	Challenging	About 26 km with more than 500 m of climbing
Car and walking	4–6 hrs	Easy–moderate	Drive to key points, walk to each site — recommended

Best for: cultural heritage enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers, spiritual seekers and moderate hikers.

Practical tips

• Best season: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), with mild temperatures and green landscapes
• What to bring: hiking shoes, at least 2 litres of water, sun protection, a hat, snacks, a camera and binoculars
• Fuel and supplies: fill up in Ballsh; services in the villages are limited, so carry enough water and food
• Road conditions: reconstructed roads to Gjerbës and Selitë; the final section to Cerrilë is rougher
• Signage: limited, so use GPS or the map on this page
• Local guides: recommended for the spiritual and historical context; ask in Ballsh or Cerrilë
• Mobile coverage: may be patchy in remote areas, so download offline maps
• Where to stay: options are limited in the villages; Ballsh and Berat are the best bases

Please be respectful. The Holy Trace is a sacred site. Dress modestly, keep your voice down and ask before photographing worshippers.