Pellumbas Cave

The cave at Pellumbas, called Shpella e Zeze or the Black Cave locally, is about three hundred and sixty metres deep in limestone above the Erzen gorge, reached by a walking path of about forty minutes from the village that climbs along the side of the gorge with the river below. Excavation has found evidence of Palaeolithic occupation along with cave bear remains, which is what gives it archaeological interest. Inside there are chambers with formations and no lighting, so a torch is essential and the far end requires care. The gorge itself is the other half of the trip, with a via ferrata route installed on the rock face and a canyon that can be walked in low water. It is the easiest cave trip from Tirana.

What you actually see

• A 360-metre limestone cave - unlit chambers with formations.
• Cave bear and Palaeolithic evidence - the excavated occupation layers.
• The Erzen gorge walk - a path along the cliff to the cave mouth.
• A via ferrata on the gorge wall - the route installed on the rock face.

When to go

April to October; the path is slippery and the gorge dangerous in wet weather. Half a day from Tirana. Bring a torch, since there is no lighting. Weekends bring Tirana walkers.

Honest expectations

There is no lighting and no handrail inside; a torch is essential and the floor is uneven and wet. The approach path has exposed sections. There are no facilities at the cave. Litter in the entrance chamber is a problem.

Nearby

Tirana is north-west; the Erzen gorge runs below the path.