Albanian Coastal Trail Hike

Your adventure begins in Tirana, where you’ll meet your guide and group. After the pick-ups, we journey south. Your guide will outline the coming days and point out highlights like the Vjosa River, the glittering Narta Lagoon salt pans, and panoramic views over the Bay of Vlorë. Passing through the Llogara Tunnel, the landscape transforms as we descend to the sun-drenched Albanian Riviera. A scenic coastal drive leads past Mediterranean villages and olive groves to the seaside town of Himarë, our base for five nights. We’ll gather for a welcome dinner to savor local flavors and get acquainted.

Meals: Dinner (D) Accommodation: Family-run hotel (private facilities) Transfer: ~4 hours Location: Himarë

Walk: 4–5 hours | 9–12 km | Ascent/Descent: 375–425 m

A drive along the Ionian coast brings us to Kudhës. We ascend through olive groves into the village, pausing under the central plane tree with locals. A gentle climb on a path lined with oleander and cypress leads towards Qeparo, with curious goats dotting the slopes. From a final pass, the deep blue Ionian Sea unfolds, with Corfu on the horizon. The ancient stone houses of Old Qeparo appear, clinging to the hillside above olive terraces. We enjoy a light lunch in a taverna before descending a shepherd's trail to Borsh. (Depending on conditions, the guide may shorten the walk to Qeparo Beach for a swim). On our return, we may stop at Porto Palermo Bay to see Ali Pasha Tepelena’s formidable castle on its small peninsula.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B/L/D) Accommodation: Hotel in Himarë Transfers: 20 min to trailhead + 30 min return Location: Himarë

Alternate Routes:

• Kudhës – Old Qeparo – Qeparo Beach: 4h, 9km, 375m ascent/descent
• Kudhës – Old Qeparo – Borsh: 5h, 12km, 425m ascent/descent

Walk: ~5 hours | 12.5 km | Ascent: 250m | Descent: 550m

A short drive brings us to the hillside village of Vuno. We wander its narrow lanes of whitewashed houses, past old Orthodox churches and the local café. Descending through olive groves and scrub, the scent of the sea guides us to “Albania’s Ibiza,” Jal, and the stunning, clear waters of the Aquarium Cove—perfect for a swim. A coastal trail with red soil leads us to Livadhi Beach for another chance to relax. We then walk back into Himarë. (The guide may opt for a shorter route to Gjipe, depending on conditions).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Pack (B/LP) Accommodation: Hotel in Himarë Transfer: 30 min to Vuno Location: Himarë

Walk: 4–5 hours | 9.2–14 km | Ascent: 150–250m | Descent: 850–950m

We travel a narrow mountain road to the “Balcony of the Riviera,” the village of Pilur (700m). From the partisan memorial, we follow the old caravan route down a gorge scented with oregano and mint. Ancient pines give way to Mediterranean vegetation as we pass hidden communist bunkers in an olive grove. We enter Old Himarë, exploring its medieval lanes, Cyclopean walls, and stunning Riviera views from its rocky perch. A cobbled donkey path descends to the coast, where we follow a trail through scrub to secluded coves with crystal-clear water. (An alternate route from Lukovë over Lavan Pass to Piqeras may be used).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (B/L) Accommodation: Hotel in Himarë Transfer: 45 min to Pilur Location: Himarë

Alternate Routes:

• Pilur – Old Himarë – Livadh: 4h, 9.2km, 150m ascent / 850m descent
• Pilur – Old Himarë – Livadh – Himarë: 5h, 14km, 250m ascent / 950m descent

Walk: ~4 hours | 12 km | Ascent: 225m | Descent: 400m

We explore the gentle hills south of Himarë. In Lukovë, we stroll alleys before entering vast, hand-terraced olive groves—many carved by prisoners during the communist era. A gentle descent with sea views leads to the serene, pebbly Bunec Beach. We follow the shore, pass an old concrete quay, and climb a little-used path back into the terraced hills with turquoise waters below. The trail continues along the fragrant hillside to Borsh, home to the Riviera’s longest beach, where we can swim and relax before returning to Himarë.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Pack, Dinner (B/LP/D) Accommodation: Hotel in Himarë Transfers: 45 min to Lukovë + 30 min from Borsh Location: Himarë

Walk: 4–5 hours | 5–11 km | Ascent: 425–550m | Descent: 500–625m

We depart Himarë for the Llogara Pass (1,043m). Our hike begins with a steady climb to radio towers, then follows the rocky Thanasi Ridge, with the Karaburun Peninsula plunging into the Ionian Sea on one side and the Adriatic visible on the other. We ascend Mt. Gjipali (1,446m) for a panoramic picnic. (Ascent may be omitted in poor weather). We descend through alpine pasture into the lush, rainforest-like Llogara National Park, arriving on foot at our forest-edge mountain hotel for a relaxing evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Pack, Dinner (B/LP/D) Accommodation: Mountain hotel (private facilities) Transfer: 45 min to Llogara Pass Location: Llogara National Park

Alternate Routes:

• Llogara – Karaburun – Mt. Gjipali – Llogara: 5h, 11km, 425m ascent / 625m descent
• Llogara – Dhjopuri Pass – Llogara: 4h, 5km, 550m ascent / 500m descent

Note: The guide may swap the program with Day 7 for the best experience.

Walk: 4–7 hours | 5–7 km | Ascent/Descent: 550–1000m

A short transfer takes us to the Llogara Pass trailhead. A narrow path climbs through ancient snakeskin pines, once tapped for resin, amid chamomile and sage. A zig-zagging shepherd's path leads to a breathtaking viewpoint over the Ionian Sea and the Riviera. Our main goal is the Dhjopuri Saddle (1,600m) beneath Mt. Qorre’s summit, perfect for a high picnic. For those seeking a challenge, the guide may offer an extension to the summit of Mt. Qorre (2,018m). Others can return to the pass to sample sheep’s yogurt with honey and walnuts. The group reunites before transferring to Tirana, arriving in the early evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B/L/D) Accommodation: Hotel in Tirana Transfer: ~3.5 hours to Tirana Location: Tirana

Alternate Routes:

• Llogara – Dhjopuri Saddle – Llogara: 4h, 5km, 550m ascent/descent
• Llogara – Mt. Qorre Summit – Llogara: 7h, 7km, 1000m ascent/descent

Enjoy a final stroll in Tirana. Savor a coffee at a bustling café, explore the New Bazaar for souvenirs, or visit museums like Bunk’Art 2 or the House of Leaves near Skanderbeg Square. A transfer to Tirana International Airport or the international bus station is provided, scheduled 2.5–3 hours before your flight. Please confirm your exact transfer time by the start of the tour; changes cannot be accommodated later.

Thank you for traveling with us—we hope to welcome you back to the Balkans soon!

Meals: Breakfast (B) Transfer: 30 min