Coastal Albania Walking Holiday

We meet in Tirana for a briefing on the upcoming days, followed by a transfer to Llogara National Park.

Passing the salt pans of the Narta Lagoon and the historic city of Vlore, head to Llogara located in the heart of the Ceraunian Mountains. Llogara National Park is an important biosphere reserve, famous in particular for its 500 year old black pines and firs. The curious wind-shaped trees are often described as enchanted forest. Tonight you stay at 800m in a comfy mountain hotel, where you are treated to delicious traditional dishes.

A short transfer takes you to today’s trail head at the highest point of the Llogara Pass (1,043m). A narrow, partly steep trail leads through ancient pines. During the Communist Era they were tapped for resin, but today they rest peacefully surrounded by chamomile and sage. Continue to walk steadily up the zigzagging shepherds’ trail with views over the endless blue of the Ionian Sea and Albanian Riviera. Today’s goal lies beneath the rocky mountain of Qorre (2,018m) at the Dhjopuri Saddle (1,600m). This is a perfect picnic spot, enjoying the views of Llogara Pass, separating the Karaburun Peninsula from the rest of the Riviera and the village Dukat at the foot of the mountain. Later, stroll down the same way to one of the beer garden restaurants. A transfer on a winding road, with an optional stop to visit Dhermi, takes you through the charming coastal villages to the small seaside town of Himara. This is your base for the next four nights, staying in a seafront hotel, from where you start your daily hikes.

Walking for the day: 5km, 3-4h, ↑550m ↓550m

This morning there is a scenic morning drive along glistening bays to the inland village of Kudhes. The walk takes you through olive trees and houses into the heart of the village, where there is a lovely shady spot to have coffee alongside people from the local community. The rocky shepherds’ path that takes you out of the village is adorned with bright pink oleanders and cypress trees. The view then opens to a collection of cultivated terraces and the expanse of deep blue sea, as far as Corfu. Soon, you arrive at the ancient town of Old Qeparo on the hilltop. From here, you can descend to New Qeparo by the beach or continue the walk above the shoreline, across the hillside towards Borsh, to enjoy the coastal views for a little longer. On the drive back to Himara, there’s an option to visit Porto Palermo Castle.

Walking for the day: 12km, 4h, ↑400m ↓400m

Instead of mountains, today’s route takes you along clifftops from one dazzling beach to another. It’s by no means a flat walk, but it offers the perfect hiking and swimming day. In the morning, a 30mins drive takes you to one of the most distinct upper coastal villages, Vuno. The white, stacked up houses on the hillside, centuries-old orthodox churches and village life make this a perfect place to stroll, continuing on as far as Livadhi beach. You can choose to stop here for some more swimming, walk through the town to reach your hotel or follow the ancient cobblestone path up to Old Town of Himara and its castle. The hilltop town offers a similar atmosphere to Qeparo, and the elevated view of the perfect at sunset.

Walking for the day: 12.5km, 4h, ↑250m ↓550m

Today you visit the lesser-known southern part of the Riviera for a coastal mountain hike. From Lukova, a steep shepherds’ path takes you towards the ridge, with views of the terraced hills plunging down to the sea. Soon, Corfu appears on the horizon too, and once at the Pass you get a great view of the wilder, inland terrain. Weather permitting, it’s even possible to follow a steep, straightforward path up to Mount Lavani at 861m, the highest summit in sight. Transfer back to Himara in the evening and enjoy an evening stroll in the lively town centre or a cocktail by the beach.

Walking for the day: 6km, 4h, ↑400m ↓400m

A relaxed and diverse walk takes you to the southern side of the Riviera once more. Starting in Lukova, walk through the flower-adorned houses, down told cobblestone alleys and seek out a small waterfall. Continue through uniform paths and countless terraces of olive groves where, during the Communist Era, political prisoners were forced to work. After a smooth descent, you arrive at Bunec beach. Walk along the shoreline to Borsh beach for a refreshing swim. From here you are transferred back to the Ceraunian Mountains and Llogara National Park.

Walking for the day: 12km, 4h, ↑150m ↓400m

Today, the trail head lies at Llogara Pass again, this time opposite Mounts Cika and Qorre. A wide gravel path steadily leads to some radio towers on the ridge. Here, the lush green Karaburun Peninsula’s western slopes plunge steeply into the Ionian Sea. Panoramic views of the rugged Albanian Riviera and Bay of Vlora on the other side accompany the walk along the peninsula’s spine. A rocky path climbing Mount Gjipali (1,446m) allows for an elevated picnic spot, taking a moment to memorise the harsh beauty of the entire coastal line. Afterwards, descend into a mountain pasture and then enter the Deep Pass, a rainforest-like green corridor offering generous afternoon shade. Return to the hotel for your transfer to Tirana, with plenty of time to enjoy dinner and a stroll in the capital.

Walking for the day: 11km, 5h, ↑425m ↓625m

Time permitting, Tirana invites you to explore its streets and sights on a stroll. Sip an espresso in one of many charming bars, visit the New Bazaar or check out remnants from the Communist Era at Bunkart 2 and The House of Leaves, just 5mins from Skanderbeg Square. Your coastal Albania walking holiday ends with a 40min transfer to the airport.