The Shesh–Pinet–Calabërzezë–Eminas hills lie 300 to 500 metres above sea level and offer views of the Bay of Durrës and Ishmi. Pinet is also in a historic winegrowing region associated with the indigenous grape varieties Shesh i Bardhë and Shesh i Zi. Here, indigenous means native to the area. The landscape and winegrowing history thus offer two distinct points of interest for a trip: views from the hills and locally rooted grape varieties.

Varosh Castle: Early Traces and Later Reconstruction

The remains of Varosh Castle, dating from the 4th to 6th centuries, lie near Pinet; the castle was rebuilt in the 13th and 14th centuries. The dates refer to different phases: early remains and a reconstruction several centuries later. This allows the castle’s history to be understood in its distinct chronological phases.

Hiking Trails and Eco-Connect

Pinet is a stop on the Eco-Connect pilot trail. The route runs from Pinet via Sauqet and Kodra e Djerrës to Liqenet e Sabielit and continues to Çalabërzezë. It is around 15 kilometres long and described as moderate. The sequence connects Pinet with several named places and makes the trail a distinct focus for an outing, alongside Varosh Castle and the winegrowing history.

A track called “Vineyards way,” recorded on Wikiloc in June 2019, is also considered moderate and includes a waypoint at an olive oil factory. This gives you different details for comparing the routes: the Eco-Connect pilot trail is around 15 kilometres long and follows a sequence of named places, while “Vineyards way” lists a waypoint at an olive oil factory.

Distinct from this route is the planned Eco-Connect trail through Pinet, which is intended to connect olive groves. The project includes promoting local products and biodiversity in the area of the planned trail. Farms and local cultural heritage are also among the themes along the trail. Maps are part of the Eco-Connect itinerary and help orient you to its sequence of places; a Wikiloc listing is also planned.

Olive Growing and Travel from Ndroq

Ndroq is also part of the Eco-Connect pilot trail’s sequence of stops. Some individual olive trees in the surrounding hills of Ndroq are said to be up to 3,000 years old. Ndroq has a tradition of olive growing and olive oil production; eight olive oil factories are mentioned in the area, although individual facilities may change. Along the pilot trail, two agricultural points of interest therefore come together: the winegrowing history near Pinet and olive growing around Ndroq.

A bus route map published by the Municipality of Tirana in 2019 lists Pinet on Line 22 from Ndroq. If you are considering this connection for your journey, check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Kus, Mullet, Priske e Vogel, Kavajë, Tirana, Vaqarr, Kamëz, Vorë

See the broader travel overview: Tiranë.