Driving the Llogara Pass and the Albanian Riviera: Vlorë to Sarandë

The Most Beautiful Drive in Albania

The SH8 road from Vlorë over the Llogara Pass and down the Riviera to Sarandë is one of the great coastal drives of Europe. It is fully paved, well signposted, and easy to do in a day — but it is much better over two or three.

Route Overview

Llogara Pass

The road climbs through pine forest in the Llogara National Park to 1,027 m. Stop at the viewpoints near the top: on clear days you see the Karaburun peninsula and the island of Corfu. There are restaurants serving grilled lamb and mountain tea at the pass.

Driving tip: the descent towards Dhërmi has tight hairpins. Use a low gear instead of riding the brakes, and expect slow buses in summer.

Dhërmi and Drymades

White pebble beaches and clear water. In July and August parking near the beach fills up early — arrive before 10:00.

Gjipe Beach

Gjipe is reached only by a dirt track or on foot. With a rental car, park at the top near the Monastery of St. Theodore and walk down (about 30 minutes). The dirt track is off-road driving, which the rental terms do not allow.

Himarë and Porto Palermo

Himarë has a lively seafront and a hilltop old town. A little further south, Porto Palermo castle sits on a small peninsula in a quiet bay — a perfect photo stop.

Borsh and Lukovë

Borsh has the longest beach of the Riviera and olive groves behind it. Lukovë and its small coves are quieter alternatives to Ksamil.

Practical Tips

Find your car for the Riviera or read our guide to the best cars for the Albanian Riviera.