Have you ever wanted to climb high into the sky?
To immerse yourself in the clouds while smelling sweet oregano, watching the glistening Mediterranean sea below?
If you’re planning on visiting Albania, you’re in luck – Llogara National Park, which sits at the junction before the start of the Albanian Riviera, provides the perfect opportunity to experience dazzling mountain peaks, wildlife, panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and more.
This mountain road used to be dangerous, but recent infrastructure improvements have improved the driving conditions on what many consider Albania’s most scenic driving route. This serpentine road zigzags across the 1,027 meter-tall (3,369 feet) mountain range and takes you down to the entrance to Palasë and Dhërmi, where you can find the best beaches in Albania and enjoy the country’s most sought-after destinations.
From Dhërmi to Himarë all the way down to Saranda, Albania’s beaches are among the most beautiful in Europe, and this mountain pass is the key to reaching them from Tirana. If you’re spending a night in Tirana, don’t forget to attend its newest attraction, Albanian Night – an evening show where you’ll get to dress like a villager from one of the country’s villages as you learn about its intangible cultural heritage.
If you’re curious to know more about Llogara National Park and why this mountain pass has become so popular in recent years, read on to discover five fascinating facts about Llogara Pass, Albania’s most picturesque mountain road.
1. Llogara Pass is one of Albania’s Most Scenic & Mythical Road Trip Spots
The park is located at the crossroads of two different climates: Mediterranean and continental. This unique blend allows a rare diversity of flora and fauna, where you can find alpine meadows, centuries-old black pines and sea eagles all in one area. This mountain pass is rumored to have been Julius Caesar’s route while pursuing Pompey during the Roman Civil War in 48 BC. It’s one of the few places in Albania where the mountains truly meet the sea. If you’re planning a road trip in Albania, don’t skip this incredible road! You’ll find plenty of panoramic viewpoints from which to snap incredible pictures and to enjoy magical vistas.
2. The Best Paragliding Albania Offers is in Llogara Pass
If you’re an adrenaline junkie who wants to soar into the sky in a unique destination that combines the best of alpine peaks and gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, look no further than Llogara National Park. Here, you can launch off the side of a soaring mountain peak with a professional guide and glide all the way down to a gorgeous Ionian beach. Skysports Albania provides paragliding services for 100 euros that take care of the logistics for you – you’ll jump off the top of the mountain and land down in nearby Palasë beach. If you want a memorable experience as you begin your southern Albanian holiday, we definitely recommend paragliding in Llogara!
3. The New Llogara Tunnel is Free (For Now)
With all the buzz surrounding the Albanian Riviera, the government has invested heavily in improving access to the southern half of the country. The Vlora bypass, a road that skirts the city of Vlora to make reaching the south from Tirana even easier, officially opened to traffic in July of 2022. The government has gone even further to help those who prefer to go straight to the best beaches in Albania avoid going up the massive Llogara mountain with a brand new six-kilometer-long tunnel that goes right through its rocky base! The tunnel is free for the rest of 2025 (according to media reports) and will help you shave off some time on your commute to the south – we recommend going up the mountain one way to enjoy the views, and to take it the way back to Tirana!
4. Llogara National Park is One of the Best Hiking Spots in Albania
Llogara is a hiker’s paradise, with many trails available depending on how intense or easy you want your trek to be! One of the most rewarding hikes in the park is the Mount Çika Trail, which leads you to the highest peak in the Ceraunian Mountains at 2,044 meters. On a clear day, you can see the Ionian islands, including Corfu. The trail is challenging and best for experienced hikers, but the views are among the most spectacular in southern Albania. If you want something short and easy, try the Caesar’s Pass Trail (Kalaja e Cezarit), which is said to follow the ancient route used by Julius Caesar and offers amazing views without requiring a full-grade hike.
5. Llogara Pass is Home to Amazing Restaurants and Hotels
Unlike more remote national parks, Llogara offers facilities right inside the forest on the drive up to the peak, and many of them also offer jaw-dropping views while you sip a coffee or sleep over a night. You’ll find several rustic hotels, mountain lodges and grill restaurants serving traditional Albanian food, often with incredible views – we recommend lunch with a view at Hotel Kështjella Llogara and sitting on their gorgeous balcony. Hotel Sofo Llogara also offers comfortable rooms and mouthwateringly good traditional Albanian food (try the baked meatballs!). Staying overnight in Llogara allows you to wake up right in nature, with access to trails right outside your door.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie or just want to enjoy the serenity of the mountains while gazing at the sea, Llogara Pass is a must-stop on your trip to the Albanian Riviera. Don’t forget to book your experience at Albanian Night in Tirana before you head to the country’s top panoramic viewpoint as you head to its best beaches in the south.
From the cultural magic of its capital to the raw beauty of the coast, Albania – and Llogara pass – offer a journey rich in tradition, natural beauty and unforgettable views.
