Beyond the Karaburun Peninsula and beneath the 2000 m high Ceuranian Peaks, the Albanian Riviera stretches until the Greek border and attracts thousands of beachgoers during the hot summer. In spring and autumn, the mountains and beaches are all yours to enjoy, ideally combined on this self-guided tour. Start underneath the highest coastal peaks with stunning views of the deep blue sea and the rugged coastline. Hike on empty shepherd’s trails, through citrus groves and olive trees, from one quaint stone village to another. Swim in the shimmering, crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea on some of the most secluded beaches. Breathe in the herb-scented mountain air every day and enjoy the finest of Albanian food, a mix of fresh Mediterranean and hearty mountain cuisine. Experience what lies beyond the seashore and what most are missing out on, all at your own pace and carefree.
Highlights:
♦ Idyllic villages of the Ionian Coast
♦ Vlora Bay - significant for its stunning natural beauty and historical importance, serving as the site where Albania proclaimed its independence in 1912
♦ Ceraunian Mountains - known for their rugged terrain, stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna
♦ Llogara National Park - renowned for its dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, making it a key natural and cultural landmark in Albania
♦ Tirana - the vibrant capital of Albania, remarkable for its dynamic blend of Ottoman, Italian, and Soviet-era architecture, and lively cultural scene
Day 1. Arrival to Albania - transfer to Himare
We will meet in Tirana (airport or city), where you receive the materials (roadbook, maps, GPS unit, SIM-Card) and a briefing on the upcoming days. The extended drive South to the Albanian Riviera passes the Vjosa River, the salt pans of the Narta Lagoon, and above the Bay of Vlore with a coastal vista before reaching the Llogara tunnel. On its other end, the sun-kissed Albanian Riviera awaits and a winding road takes you through the charming Mediterranean villages to the small seaside city of Himare. A hotel by the sea will be your base for the upcoming five nights, from where you will transfer for daily hikes to the picturesque pebble beaches and the idyllic villages of the Ionian Coast.
(Transfer: 4 h) -/-/-
Day 2. Himare - Kudhes - Qeparo - Himare
The scenic morning drive along glistening bays ends at the foot of the inland village of Kudhes. The winding cement road takes you through olive trees and houses up to the heart of the village, where the generous shade of the plane trees invites you for a coffee in the company of the friendly locals. The rocky shepherds' path that follows upon exiting the village is adorned by bright pink oleanders and lush green cypress trees. Slowly ascending, flocks of goats grazing the grounds raise their heads towards you with curiosity. Arriving at the terraced fields, the view opens to the deep blue sea and over to the island of Corfu in the close background. Soon, you arrive at the Oldtown Qeparo on the hilltop. Time seems to stand still in the maze of stone houses and cobbled streets, and a “hidden” viewpoint overlooks the olive fields and tranquil shore. From here, you can descend to the New Qeparo by the beach or continue the walk above the shoreline, across the hillside towards Borsh, to enjoy the coastal landscape a little longer.
(Total: 12km, ascent +425m, descent -425m, Time: 4h) B/-/-
Day 3. Himare - Vuno - Jal - Livadh - Himare
Instead of mountains, today's route takes you across cliffs and through Mediterranean macchia from one dazzling beach to another. It is by no means a flat walk, but it offers the perfect hike & swim day through the beaches that have turned the Albanian Riviera into a rising hot spot. In the morning, a 30-minute drive takes you to one of the most distinct upper coastal villages, Vuno. The white, stacked-up houses on the hillside, the centuries-old orthodox churches, the central open-air café, and the partisan memorial next to it invite for an exploratory stroll. The idyllic descent through olive groves is enjoyable, as you slowly feel the salty aroma nearing the sea. Jal was dubbed the country’s Ibiza, and close to it is the secluded “Aquarium”. Reachable on foot only, it is named after its unusually clear water. Accompanied by the awe-inspiring colors and the sound of the crashing waves, you walk the red-earthed trail until you reach Livadhi Beach. You can choose to stop here for some more swimming, walk through the city to reach your hotel, or go the thousand-year-old cobblestone path up to the old town Himara and its castle of ancient origins. The hilltop town offers a similar atmosphere to Qeparo, a high-up view of the surroundings, and is especially beautiful right before sunset.
(Total: 12.5km, ascent +250m, descent -550m, Time: 4h) B/-/-
Day 4. Himare - Lukove - Piqeras - Himare
Today you visit the lesser-known southern part of the Riviera for a coastal mountain hike, opposite the beaches. From Lukova, an initially steep shepherd’s path takes you towards the ridge, with views of the terraced hills plunging into the turquoise sea. Soon, Corfu appears on the horizon too, and once at the pass you peek at the wild, solitary inland on the other side of the mountain. Weather permitting, it’s even possible to follow a steep and trail-less, yet straightforward path up to Lavani Peak, the highest point in sight. The olive tree-covered coastal landscape and the bays of tomorrow’s walk offer one of the most special views of the entire trip, yours to fully enjoy in peace on your picnic break. The descent follows a wide, exposed gravel road, allowing you to immerse yourself in the views down to Piqeras, where you regain contact with the world again. Driving over the serpentine, you're transferred back to Himara for some rest. In the evening, you can go on an evening stroll at the busy center or for a cocktail by the beach.
(Total: 6km, ascent +450m, descent -500m, Time: 3h) B/-/-
Day 5. Himare - Lukove - Borsh - Himare
A relaxed and diverse walk takes you to the Southern side of the Riviera once more. Starting in Lukova, you walk through the flower-adorned houses, down the old cobblestone alleys, and even discover a small waterfall. Continue through uniform paths and endless terraces of olive groves, constructed by human hand only, without the help of any machinery. Here, during communism, political prisoners were converted to forced laborers. After a smooth descent, you land at Bunec Beach. The open skyline, tranquil sea, and the unusual emptiness of the pebbly shore make it seem like a scene from a stranded film. You walk along the shoreline, pass by a relict concrete quay, and ascend on a little-used path, admiring the shimmer of the turquoise waters from above. Continuing the stroll along the hillside, dwelling into the Mediterranean atmosphere, the endless seeming Borsh beach slowly comes into view. It calls for a refreshing swim and one last mental picture of the romantic surroundings, before returning for the final overnight to Himare.
(Total: 12km, ascent +225m, descent -400m, Time: 4h) B/-/-
Day 6. Himare - Karaburun - Llogara
Today the heights of the Ceraunian Mountains and Llogara National Park are calling. Alternatively, you may skip the most demanding walk of this journey, spend the day in Himare, and transfer up in the late afternoon. A driver will take you to the highest point of the Llogara pass at 1000 meters above sea level. Here a wide gravel path steadily leads to the radio towers at the ridge, where the lush green Karaburun Peninsula's western slopes plunge steeply into the deep blue Ionian Sea. Panoramic views of the rugged Albanian Riviera and the Bay of Vlora on the other side accompany the walk along the peninsula’s spine. A rocky, partly trailless path allows climbing Mt. Gjipali (1.446 m) for a high-up picnic break, taking a moment to memorize the harsh beauty of the entire coastal line. Afterward, you descend into a mountain pasture and then enter the Deep Pass, and enter a rainforest-like green corridor that offers generous shade in the afternoon. This is an important biosphere reserve, famous in particular for its 500-year-old black pines and firs. The curious shapes the trees take from the winds, especially when engulfed by fog, create the atmosphere of an enchanted forest. Tonight you spend the night in a comfy mountain hotel in the national park.
(Total: 11km, ascent +425m, descent -625m, Time: 4h) B/-/-
Day 7. Llogara - Tirane
A short transfer takes you to today's trailhead, at the highest point of the Llogara Pass (1.043 m). A narrow, partly steep trail takes you up through ancient snakeskin pines. During communism, the tree giants were tapped for resin, today they rest peacefully surrounded by chamomile and sage. You steadily walk up the zig-zag shepherd's trail and the first viewpoint rewards with views over the endless blue of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian Riviera. Today’s goal lies beneath the rocky peak of Qorre (2.018 m) at the Dhjopuri Saddle (1.600 m). There you can take a rest and enjoy the views of the Llogara Pass, separating the Karaburun Peninsula from the rest of the riviera, and the village Dukat at the foot of the mountain. Why not use the time for a high-up picnic? Later on, stroll down the same way down to one of the beer garden restaurants. A driver will pick you up from here for the transfer to Albania's modern capital, where you will arrive in the late afternoon. If you prefer to spend more time in Tirana, please let us know in advance to arrange a morning transfer instead.
(Total: 5km, ascent +550m, descent /-500m, Time: 3:30h) B/LP/-
Day 8. Tirane - TIA
Time permitting, Tirana invites you to explore its streets and sights on a stroll. Sip an espresso in one of the charming bars, observe the busy morning flow, and select special treats as edible souvenirs at the lively “New Bazaar”. Interested to learn more about the communist past? “Bunkart 2” and “The House of Leaves” provide insights and are only a 5-minute walk away from Tirana’s main "Skanderbeg Square". Your multi-faceted journey in Albania ends with a 30-minute transfer to the airport. Thank you for joining our adventure, we hope to see you again in the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains, and sun-kissed beaches. B/-/-