At Terratoka, we believe that action creates precedent — and precedent shapes culture. If young people set the example of caring for the environment and communities, this spirit spreads. That’s why we created Terra Youth, our flagship project that brings youth together to experience Albania differently: through adventure, eco-work, and cultural exchange.
Why Terratoka Youth?
That day, I understood something powerful: our actions create precedents. When we throw trash on the ground, we normalize neglect. But when we pick it up, we normalize care. Terratoka was born from this belief. By creating meaningful eco-adventures, we want to set positive precedents for communities, travelers, and future generations.
Albania’s rural and mountainous regions are facing depopulation and loss of traditions. At the same time, a new generation of travelers seeks more than sightseeing — they want meaningful connections, a chance to contribute, and adventures that leave a positive impact. Terra Youth bridges these two realities.
What is Terratoka Youth?
Terra Youth is a 7-day eco-adventure program designed for young travelers (18–30) who want to connect with each other while exploring northern Albania. The itinerary blends:
- Adventure: cycling, hiking in Theth and Valbona, exploring Lake Shkodra.
- Eco-work: clean-ups, tree planting, small contributions to rural communities.
- Culture & Connection: authentic guesthouse stays, cooking workshops with locals, and space for dialogue between Albanian youth and international travelers.
How it works
Base in Shkodra: the gateway to the Albanian Alps. Youth participants stay in hostels, making it affordable and communal.
Day trips to villages: each day includes cycling or bus transfers to nearby rural villages, where locals host short eco-activities (gardening, traditional cooking, storytelling).
Theth–Valbona crossing: the highlight of the journey, hiking across the iconic mountain pass, overnighting in guesthouses, and reconnecting with nature.
Final reflection: ending back in Tirana with a group session to share what was learned and how these experiences can shape new habits for sustainability.
Impact
Terra Youth aims to:
- Empower youth with transformative travel experiences.
- Provide direct economic support to rural hosts (guesthouses, farmers, artisans).
- Promote eco-conscious habits through action (clean-ups, cycling, tree planting).
- Position Albania as a model for sustainable youth travel in the Balkans.
Our vision
Terra Youth is more than a trip — it is a movement of young people shaping the future of travel. By combining fun, adventure, and eco-work, we are setting a precedent for a new kind of tourism: one that revitalizes communities, restores nature, and creates lifelong bonds among travelers.
Register now for our pilot trip