"A well hidden village" Dardhe by JLBG

Dardhe Travel Guide: 35 reviews and 135 photos

Dardhë, also known as Darda, Dardha, Darza, Darze, Dhardha is a mountain village at a mean elevation of 1300 m, 30 km south-east to Korcë, 4 km from the Greek border as the crow flies. It is actually 7 km away from Trilofon, the closest Greek village. In 2002, Dardhë had 502 inhabitants.

It is hidden in the Gramos mountains (Albanian: Gramoz, Mali i Gramozit; Aromanian: Gramosta, Gramusta; Greek: Gramos), a mountain range sitting on the border between Albania and Greece with peaks over 2,523 m (8,278 ft).

Dardhë is not very old. Though it is only partly documented, it seems to have been created about three centuries ago when men wanted to escape the Turkish rule and remain Christian. In the beginning, there seems to have been groups of 20-30 men that came with their belongings and their weapons on mules and lived part time in the place. Were they rebels or bandits ? May be both !

Slate covered house

The name Dardhë means “pear” in Albanian. The legend says that when the rebels were asked where they had settled, they answered “Tek Stani nën dardhë » (with the sheep, under the pear). Dardhë was the name of the mountain overhanging the place (because of its shape ?). They later kept the name. This suggests that they spoke Albanian, though they are very likely to be Aromanians and must have spoken also Greek. They actually wandered in the whole area that is now partly in Albania, partly in Greece with Korcë (Albania) and Fiorina (Greece) as main cities.

A Greek school was opened in Dardhë in 1810, an Albanian school in 1917.

Typical house

It is not easy to build a page about a village like Dardhë. There is no monument, no prominent building, no outstanding landscape. Though, IMHO, it is a must see. It is the village itself as a whole that makes it a must see. It is considered as the prettiest village of Albania. Therefore, I will present this page as a drive from the valley, followed by a walk in the various parts of the village.

Last visit to Dardhe: May 2011
Intro Updated Aug 30, 2011
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Reviews (35)

Glendy bar Restaurants (2)

I was surprised to find that there were several restaurants in Dardhë. I have checked none of them but felt it might be... more travel advice

Hotel-taverna Ilin and Don cafe - Dardhe

Hotel-taverna Ilin and Don cafe Restaurants (2)

I was surprised to find that there were several restaurants in Dardhë. I have checked none of them but felt it might be... more travel advice

Unnamed hotel Hotels (5)

I was surprised to find that there were several hotels in Dardhë. I have checked none of them but felt it might be... more travel advice

Hotel Plasa Hotels (5)

I was surprised to find that there were several hotels in Dardhë. I have checked none of them but felt it might be... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
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Comments (5)

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HORSCHECK Oct 17, 2011 at 12:56 PM

Jean-Louis, fabulous page with oustanding photos. This is indeed a very hidden gem of the country. I hope to explore more of Albania in the next couple of years, as I was quite pleased with my first two visits.
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Nemorino Sep 1, 2011 at 2:54 AM

Thanks for documenting this mysterious and well-hidden village in the border region. I’m glad you found a truly unique school warning sign for your collection. I like the slate roofs and stone walls of the houses.
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mamtap Aug 30, 2011 at 10:16 PM

Happened to pass by ...fallen in love with your travellin pages....hope to visit Europe in Future :D!!Hapi travellin...
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Yaqui Jul 17, 2011 at 8:40 AM

Great shot of the Delichon urbica, and the flowers are lovely. The hidden town is so charming. Great page!
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globetrott Jul 11, 2011 at 4:03 PM

Great to read about your travels through Albania. I like that photo of the local "children crossing": here its the 1st time I see it with 2 girls running !