Overview
This coastal Albania walking holiday is an eight day, self-guided adventure, sauntering and swimming in Llogara National Park, in the shadow of the Ceuranian Mountains. Walk along trails that cling to the coast and stroll through traditional villages along ancient shepherds’ paths. There are days when you can push yourself up to the likes of Llogara Pass (1,043m) or Dhjopuri Saddle (1,600m) just beneath Mount Qorre (2,018m). Stay in traditional local guesthouses, with your luggage transferred for you.
- Walk and swim in secluded places of the Albanian Riviera
- Hike in the Ceuranian Mountains
- Karaburun Peninsula
- Learn about the culture of the Laberia region
- Enjoy delicious Albanian cuisine
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Albania/Llogara
We meet in Tirana for a briefing on the upcoming days, followed by a transfer to Llogara National Park. As per your preference, you can continue with the public bus (depending on timing) or a private transfer (best suited if you want to visit sites on the way).
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 an enchanted forest. Tonight you stay at 800m in a comfy mountain hotel, where you are treated to delicious traditional dishes.
- Complimentary transfer from Tirana airport to Llogara National Park
- Accommodation: Hotel Alpin or similar
Day 2: Llogara to Himara | 5km
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
- Accommodation: Hotel Dhima, Hotel Rondos or similar
Day 3: Kudhes to Qeparo | 12km
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
- Accommodation: Hotel Dhima, Hotel Rondos or similar
Day 4: Vuno to Himare | 6km
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
- Accommodation: Hotel Dhima, Hotel Rondos or similar
Day 5: Lukova to Piqeras | 6km
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
- Accommodation: Hotel Dhima, Hotel Rondos or similar
Day 6: Lukove to Borsh | 12km
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
- Accommodation: Hotel Alpin or similar
Day 7: Llogara to Tirana | 11km
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
- Accommodation: Hotel Villa 60 or similar
Day 8: Departure or onward travel
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.
- Complimentary transfer to Tirana airport
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. While we try to arrange accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, this might not be possible on this particular trip on all days, especially in the high mountain.
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Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level; sometimes you will need to spend the night in a different building in close vicinity to the main building. Exact accommodation details will be provided to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
All breakfasts, 6 packed lunches and 6 dinners are included.
Difficulty and terrain
The tour is suitable for active hikers with a moderate level of fitness. The itinerary includes either easier, medium duration walks or more challenging, shorter walks. Some walking on loose underfoot, steep sections and occasional longer/harder days may be involved; still, general conditions will be fair. A walking day is typically 3-5h, and daily ascents will likely be around 300m to 700m, with an odd day ascending around 800m to 900m (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes, maps and GPS devise with pre-loaded tracks. You can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
When to go
This trip is available from April to early June and from September to late October.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
Getting there
Recommended airport for this trip is Tirana. Complimentary private return transfers to the airport are included in the trip cost (one arrival and one departure transfer per party).
Inclusions
Included
- 7 overnights in city hotels and mountain guesthouses
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches (Days 2 and 7)
- Luggage transfers when changing hotels (one piece of luggage per person, max 20kg)
- Complimentary airport transfers
- Arrival briefing
- Detailed route notes, maps (one per room) and GPS device with pre-loaded tracks, SIM card
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers other than Tirana
- Travel insurance (get a quote online)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary as well as drinks
- Personal expenses
- Any other items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is NOT available for solo travellers
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