Maliq starts quietly, almost half asleep, but the comfort does not last long. The road climbs out of the high plain and Albania shows its teeth: dry slopes, loose edges, little shade, plenty of heat. From higher up, the view opens back towards the Korçë plain before the route drops into what feels like endless up and down. Later, it follows the Devoll valley, past reservoirs, rock walls and small villages where time seems to move slower. After the mountains, Gramsh feels like a promise: water, food, rest. Exactly enough.
