Llogara PassStory N° 227
Albanian Riviera Coastal Road Trip
Chase the open coast road from Vlorë to Sarandë over the Llogara Pass on the Albanian Riviera.
The itinerary.
4 days · 10 stops
Friday
Day One
Pick up the car in Vlorë and climb the switchbacks of the Llogara Pass with the Ionian Sea unfolding below.
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Llogara Pass
A 1,000-metre mountain pass where the road switchbacks down to the sea through alpine pine forest.
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Independence Monument, Vlorë
The square where Albania declared independence in 1912, the symbolic start of the southern coast drive.
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Hotel
Mediterran Hotel Vlore booking.com
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Getting around
- Rental car pickup in Vlorë
- Driving the SH8 coastal highway over Llogara
Saturday
Day Two
Cruise the cliff-hugging coast road through whitewashed Dhërmi and Himarë, stopping wherever the sea looks bluest.
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Dhërmi Beach
A long pebble bay below the old hillside village, a classic Riviera pull-over stop.
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Drymades Beach
A relaxed stretch of beach bars and clear water just north of Dhërmi.
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Himarë Old Town Castle
Ruined hilltop castle and stone lanes overlooking Himarë's bays.
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Hotel
Hotel Kamomil Himare booking.com
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Getting around
- Driving the SH8 along the coast
- Short detours down to individual beaches
Sunday
Day Three
Detour to a hidden beach reachable only by trail or boat, then follow the road south past Porto Palermo.
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Gjipe Beach
A secluded cove at the mouth of a dramatic canyon, accessible by a downhill hike or small boat.
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Porto Palermo Castle
Ali Pasha's triangular fortress sitting on a tiny peninsula in a turquoise bay.
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Borsh Beach
The longest beach on the Riviera, backed by olive groves, ideal for a roadside swim.
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Hotel
Hotel Brilant Saranda booking.com
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Getting around
- Driving south on the SH8 toward Saranda
- Short hike or water taxi to Gjipe
Monday
Day Four
Wrap the trip in Sarandé with a final seafront stroll before dropping the car.
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Saranda Promenade
A lively waterfront boulevard curving around the bay, busy with cafes and Corfu views.
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Restaurant Mare Nostrum
Popular Saranda seafront spot for fresh-caught fish to close the road trip.
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Hotel
Hotel Brilant Saranda booking.com
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Getting around
- Final coastal drive into Saranda
- Rental car drop-off in Saranda
Location.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need for Albanian Riviera Coastal Road Trip?
4 days. The itinerary runs from Friday to Monday and covers 10 curated stops across 4 days.
How much does Albanian Riviera Coastal Road Trip cost?
Mid-range — €150–300 per day per person.
Where do you stay during Albanian Riviera Coastal Road Trip?
Mediterran Hotel Vlore is the recommended base for the trip; the full hotel list per day is in the itinerary section.
What's included in the Albanian Riviera Coastal Road Trip itinerary?
Day-by-day stops at 10 restaurants, museums, viewpoints and landmarks; transportation hints between each leg; and a hotel base in Llogara Pass.
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