Mount Dajti

Dajti rises to about 1,613 metres immediately east of Tirana and is the city's standard escape, reached by a cable car that runs from the eastern edge of the city up about four and a half kilometres to a station at around a thousand metres, a ride of some fifteen minutes over forest with the whole city spread out behind. At the top are restaurants, a hotel, walking paths through beech and pine, and the national park that covers the mountain. The temperature is several degrees cooler than the city and the air is out of the worst of Tirana's pollution. Paths continue to the summit and along the ridge for those who want a walk rather than a view. Snow lies on the top in winter.

What you actually see

• The cable car climb - four and a half kilometres over forest to the ridge.
• Tirana from above - the whole city spread out below the top station.
• Beech and pine paths - walking routes through the national park.
• Cooler mountain air - several degrees below the city in summer.

When to go

April to October for walking; the cable car runs year round but closes in wind and on Tuesdays for maintenance in some seasons. Half a day. Weekends are busy with Tirana families.

Honest expectations

The cable car closes for maintenance and in high wind, sometimes without notice. The top station area is commercialised with restaurants and a hotel. Weekend queues are long. Air pollution from the city can obscure the view.

Nearby

Tirana is below; Bovilla lake lies north.