Shepherd Time

Live the Shepherd Life in Albania

Albania is a land where shepherds have shaped the culture and lifestyle for centuries. With three-quarters of the country covered by mountains, farming livestock such as goats, sheep, cows, and pigs have been integral to both daily life and local traditions.

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Albania is a land where shepherds have shaped culture and everyday life for centuries. With mountains covering most of the country, raising sheep, goats, cows and pigs has long been a way of life—deeply tied to traditions, food, and identity.

We invite you to step into the world of the Bari—Albanian shepherds—and experience a sustainable, honest lifestyle rooted in ancient farming customs, all set in some of the country’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes.

Working closely with shepherd families across Albania—from the dramatic northern highlands to the softer southern valleys—we can shape your journey around how much time and energy you’d like to invest. Whether you’re hoping to get hands-on or simply enjoy the mountain air, there’s something meaningful waiting for you.

What your time with the shepherds might look like:

– Transhumance
Walk alongside some of the last European shepherds still practicing seasonal migration. Moving herds between pastures as the seasons shift is a rhythm from another time—rare, raw, and unforgettable.

– Mountain stays
Spend a night or two in a traditional stan, the simple huts where shepherds live in the warmer months. Often by a fresh spring, a quiet river, or even near the sea, these places offer a real chance to unplug and slow down.

– Hands-on farming
Help out with daily tasks like herding, milking, or cheesemaking—or just observe and absorb the pace of a life guided by animals, weather, and tradition. There’s no schedule here, only what the day brings.

– Beautiful places
From high alpine pastures to quiet southern hillsides, each region shows a different side of Albania’s nature. These are not postcard places—they’re real, lived-in landscapes where hospitality is still a way of life.

Whether you’re with us for a single day or staying a week as a Bari (accent on the final “i”), you’ll leave with stories, friendships, and maybe a bit of mountain dust on your shoes. This isn’t a performance—it’s a way of life we’re lucky to still be part of, and even luckier to share.

A big part of what you pay goes straight to the families hosting you. It helps keep these traditions alive and supports the people who carry them forward—quietly, without fuss, in the folds of Albania’s wild terrain.

When you’re ready to plan your shepherd adventure, just let us know. We’ll help find the right place, pace, and people for you.