Walking the Albanian Coast and Llogara National Park (Guided)

Day 1: Arrival in Himarë

Arrive in Tirana (airport or city centre) for a briefing with your guide and fellow travellers before taking a group transfer to Himarë (4h). Along the drive, you have an opportunity to take in the Vjosa River, salt pans at Narta Lagoon and the Bay of Vlore. Spend the evening exploring Himarë or relaxing on the pebbled beaches. In the evening, the group gathers for a welcome dinner where everyone can try local Albanian dishes and get to know one another.

• Accommodation: Dhima Hotel or similar in Himarë
• Meals included: dinner

Day 2: Himarë loop to Qeparo | 9/12km

Begin with a short transfer to Kudhes and follow the route through olive groves and past rural houses up to the heart of the village. Ascend on a rocky shepherd’s path bordered with oleanders and cypress trees. From the terraced fields, the view opens up over the Ionian Sea and Corfu. Continue on to Old Qeparo on the hilltop, where lunch is served in a local taverna. In the afternoon, descend towards Borsh via a shepherd’s path or, depending on conditions, directly towards Qeparo Beach. You are transferred back to Himarë (30mins) with the option to stop at Porto Palermo to take a short walk around the peninsula and visit its castle that overlooks the bay.

• Walking for the day: 9km, 3h, ↑375m ↓375m or 12km, 4h, ↑425m ↓425m
• Accommodation: Dhima Hotel or similar in Himarë
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Ionian coastal trail | 12.5km

Start with a short transfer to Vuno and take in the ancient orthodox churches and open-air cafe in the village centre. Descend to Jalë beach and continue to a nearby small cove commonly known as the Aquarium and continue along the red-earthed trail to Livadhi beach. Take the chance to stop off and swim before walking back to the hotel via the cobbled path.

• Walking for the day: 12.5km, 4h, ↑250m ↓550m
• Accommodation: Dhima Hotel or similar in Himarë
• Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Day 4: Southern villages hike | 9/14km

Transfer to Pilur to start the walk. Hike near a partisan memorial cemetery, which dates back to the 1960s, before continuing along the old caravan route towards the coast. As the route descends, the vegetation shifts gradually to Mediterranean shrubs. Further down, the trail takes you through olive groves where tall ferns remain visible. Continue on a rural road into Himarë’s Old Town before following a cobbled path toward the shoreline. The final section continues along a coastal trail passing several small coves before returning to the accommodation.

Depending on conditions, the guide may choose an alternative, longer route which begins in Lukova and continues onto Piqeras.

• Walking for the day: 9km, 3-4h, ↑150m ↓150m or 14km, 5h, ↑250m ↓950m
• Accommodation: Dhima Hotel or similar in Himarë
• Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Day 5: The prisoners trail | 12km

After a short transfer to Lukova, follow the route along cobbled alleys past flower-adorned houses to cross terraces of olive groves. Remnants of past times, these terraces were constructed by hand by political prisoners during the communist era. Descend to Bunec beach, walking along the shoreline before ascending once again to stroll along the hillside to Borsh beach. Take the chance to refresh with a swim in the sea before returning to Himarë for your final evening.

• Walking for the day: 12km, 4h, ↑225m ↓400m
• Accommodation: Dhima Hotel or similar in Himarë
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Himarë – Llogara | 5/11km

You are transferred to Llogara Pass (1,043m) where the trail takes you along a gravel path towards the radio towers on the ridge, with views of both the Karaburun Peninsula and Albanian Riviera. Ascend to the summit of Mount Gjipali (1,446m), where there is a pause for a picnic with a view. In poor weather, the guide may omit the ascent. Descend into mountain pastures and enter Deep Pass, a rainforest-like green corridor, famous for its 500 year-old black pines and firs. Continue on the trail to Llogara National Park to spend the night in a mountain hotel.

• Walking for the day: 11km, 4h, ↑550m ↓625m or 5km, 3-4h, ↑425m ↓425
• Accommodation: Hotel Restorant Dervishaliu or similar in Llogara
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Llogara – Tirana | 5/7km

You are transferred to follow a steep trail up through ancient snakeskin pines to Dhjopuri Saddle (1,600m), located beneath the summit area of Qorre (2,018m). Take in views of the Llogara Pass, separating the Karaburun Peninsula and stop for a picnic lunch. From this point, the guide may offer an optional extension to the summit of Qorre. Those not taking the extension return toward the pass and wait at the nearby restaurant, where local dishes such as sheep’s yoghurt with honey and walnuts are available. In the afternoon, the group reconvenes at the pass before the transfer (3.5h) to Tirana, Albania’s capital. We recommend a stroll around the city to see the blend of Ottoman-era buildings, art galleries and Skanderbeg Square.

• Walking for the day: 5km, 3-4h, ↑550m ↓500m or 7km, 6h, ↑1000 ↓1000
• Accommodation: Hotel La Favorita or similar in Tirana
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: Departure

Departure after breakfast. Complimentary private transfer to Tirana airport