Crossing the border from Albania to Greece means traversing the historic Epirus region, where mountainous terrain has long defined the path of travelers. This ancient landscape, part of the Pindus mountain range, hosts the two primary land crossings connecting the two nations, along with a more remote third option.
Your main southern crossing point is at Kakavia (Albania), connecting you to Ktismata (Greece). This is the busiest checkpoint and the most direct route if you are traveling from Gjirokastër toward Ioannina. It serves as a principal artery for trade and tourism, and you should be prepared for queues, especially during holidays and the summer months when many people cross to visit family.
Further to the east, the Kapshticë (Albania) and Krystallopigi (Greece) crossing connects the area around Korçë with northern Greece. A much smaller crossing is located at Tre Urat (Albania) and Mertziani (Greece), serving local traffic in a remote, mountainous area. When planning your travel, factor in extra time, as the winding roads and potential for delays are characteristic of this rugged border region.