Goat guesthouse
& goat hiking
We invite you to slow down in the tranquility of an Albanian rural village, spend some quality time with a bunch of happy goats, explore the majestic mountain scenery and discover your own shepherd skills.
Seven things to expect at
The Golden Goat
Nature
Nature is at the core of your stay at The Golden Goat. Our village Ploshtan is located in the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park in eastern Albania. The park forms a section of the European Green Belt, which serves as a retreat for endangered animal and plant species. It encompasses about 55 000 hectares of alpine mountainous terrain, with valleys, rivers, glacial lakes, caves, canyons and dense forest. In this protected area the last real shepherds live with their large flocks of sheep, next to wild animals such as wolves, bears, eagles and even the highly endangered Balkan lynx. But you don’t need to hike deep into the mountains to enjoy the beauty of our nature. You can also spot woodpeckers in our garden while having your morning coffee, get overwhelmed by all the blossoming fruit trees in the village or go find green lizards and fire salamanders at the nearby creek. Nature starts at our doorstep and is here at everyone’s needs.
Goats
Say hello to our goats Julia, Gigi, Pintxo, Hermine and Georgina! Oh, and Beyonce and Zeze of course, our two sheep. All our animals each have their own character, and they are all super friendly and curious. But most of all, goats are funny and playful and masters in entertaining. The goats and sheep are situated on the field next to the guesthouse, so you can greet them first thing in the morning. You can enter the field yourself to pet the goats anytime. On top of that you can help with the feeding of the animals and join them on their daily walk in the village. For those who really want to learn some farmer’s skills, we can even teach you how to milk the goats and make your own yoghurt or cheese. Not a chance to get bored with our goats around the house!
Hiking
The Korab-Koritnik Nature Park is the perfect place for people who love hiking. This huge, protected area has endless possibilities for all levels of hikers. Starting from our guesthouse, you can do smaller walks around traditional villages in the valley of Kala e Dodes, or more experienced hikers can even bring their camping gear and head out into the mountains for a couple of days and climb Albania’s highest mountain. Some of the surrounding villages have marked trails that will guide you through the mountains. But since Albania is often called the undiscovered gem of Europe, it also means that hiking infrastructure can sometimes be basic and marked trails are often non-existent in many areas. A true adventure for people who like the outdoors and can be more self-reliant.
Villages
Our village Ploshtan, lies in the valley of Kala e Dodes where several rural villages lie at the foot of Albania’s highest peak, Mount Korabi. In these old traditional villages, life is slow and on the rhythm of the seasons and the animals. Since many Albanians are exchanging the village life for a life in the capital, Ploshtan is dotted with ruins in between farms where people are still living a lifestyle that hasn’t changed a lot over the last decades. You will most likely meet your neighbors when they are taking their cow to the river to drink, bringing their sheep back to the farm or when they are working on the field. This region is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful and quiet village life yourself.
Shepherd experience
If you are an animal lover and want to explore your own shepherd skills, The Golden Goat is the perfect place to offer you this unique experience. You can hike together with our goats in an astonishing scenery that is also home to many real Albanian shepherds. During the summer of 2025 we can offer you guided one-day hikes together with our goats. Starting from our village we will hike higher up the mountain, until we find the perfect picnic spot, and lay down in the grass surrounded by our grazing goats. For the more adventurous and outdoor-minded goat lovers we are planning multi-day hikes into the mountains starting in the summer of 2026 when our goats will be big and strong enough. All goat hikes can be booked upon request on top of your stay at our guesthouse.
Guesthouse
Our guesthouse can be found in the middle of Ploshtan overlooking the whole valley of Kala e Dodes from the garden. The house is cozy and simple, a combination of a traditional look integrated with modern infrastructure. It is a one-floor building with a central living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with shower, two sleeping rooms (one double bed and two single beds per room) and a private garden. There is wood to make a fire, water, electricity, TV, WIFI and a washing machine. The guesthouse can be rented privately for those looking for a more personal stay, but we also have a sharing formula. We offer meals upon request, or you can decide to cook for yourself. All, so you can decide to make your stay at our guesthouse as comfortable as you like.
Hosts
The Golden Goat is run by local Albanian Jetmir and his Belgian friend Frederik. They met in the winter of 2010 when Frederik arrived by foot in Ploshtan and Jetmir offered him food and a warm bed in his house. Over the last 15 years they became really good friends. Frederik returned at least once a year to visit Jetmir and Ploshtan slowly became his second home. Jetmir grew up as the son of a shepherd and has been a farmer himself ever since. Jetmir will be your local host running the guesthouse and Frederik will be in charge of the multi-day goat hikes. So, for those who like nature, adventure and, well, goats of course, Jetmir and Frederik promise to make your stay at The Golden Goat an unforgettable experience and a unique way to discover a beautiful part of Albania.
Prices
ROOMS
Private room (max 4 persons):
1 person = 65 euro
2 persons = 90 euro
3 persons = 115 euro
4 persons = 140 euro
Children under 12 years have 20% discount on their accommodation.
Room prices don’t include meals.
PRIVATE GUESTHOUSE
Are you 5 persons or more? You can book our two rooms and you will have the guesthouse all to yourself.
Are you less than 5 persons, but prefer some extra privacy? You can book our guesthouse completely to yourself at an extra cost of €100 per day on top of your room price.
CAMPER VAN
Are you traveling with your own house on wheels, but like to visit The Golden Goat? No problem. We have a nice camping spot for you near our guesthouse. You can use all our communal areas (bathroom/garden/living room/kitchen) while you sleep in your own camper. You pay 50% of the room rate and we ask you to book our half pension or full pension option for meals during your stay.
MEALS
Half pension (breakfast + lunch) = €15 per person per day
Full pension (breakfast + lunch + dinner) = €30 per person per day
Additional meals:
- Breakfast: €10
- Lunch: €10
- Dinner: €15
Children under 12 years have 20% discount on their meals.
TRANSPORT
By car:
The Golden Goat can be reached by car and we have a free parking spot available for you in our village.
Shuttle service:
We offer a shuttle service from these pick-up points in Albania:
-Tirana city/Rinas Airport to The Golden Goat (3 hours, one way)
1-3 persons + luggage: 100 euro
4 persons + luggage: 125 euro
-Nearby cities Kukes or Peshkopi to The Golden Goat – (1 hour, one way)
1-3 persons + luggage: 40 euro
4 persons + luggage: 50 euro
Return transport is possible at the same rates.
Public transport:
public transport is available, though a bit complicated and very limited schedule.
Let us know if you prefer this option, so we can help you.
SHEPHERD EXPERIENCE
Full day hike into the mountains with goats and guide (including lunch):
150 euro for 2 persons
+ 30 euro per extra person
Don’t hesitate to already book your room now. All meals, transport, activities or goat hikes can be requested after the booking of your accommodation.
Send e-mail to request or book your stay, or to receive an inquiry.
CONTACT & BOOKING
For all questions or inquiries for bookings:
Thegoldengoat.albania@gmail.com
Frederik: +32485022483 (whatsapp)
Jetmir: +355682060480 (whatsapp)
