DESTINATIONS
If you’re tired of the hot sun and busy beaches in Albania, then Llogara National Park is the place for you.
The cool mountain air, tall trees, and quiet nature will make you feel refreshed. You’ll find peace here that you don’t get by the sea.
From the moment you drive up the Llogara Pass, you start to feel the change. It gets cooler, greener, and quieter.
This article is all about how to enjoy Llogara National Park like a local. You’ll learn where to go, what to do, what to eat, and what not to miss.
Llogara National Park is not just a stop on the way to the coast. It’s a place where you can slow down, breathe fresh air, and feel alive.
You’ll walk through pine forests, spot wild animals, and see views that you’ll remember for life. The best part? It’s not far from the beach. So you can go from cool mountains to clear sea water in one day.
You’ll want to take photos of every turn on the Llogara road, but also take a break and just enjoy the moment.
Getting There and What to Expect
Getting to Llogara National Park is easy. If you’re in Vlora, just drive about an hour south. The road winds up into the mountains, and each turn gives you a better view than the last.
This drive is called the Llogara Pass, and it’s one of the most famous roads in Albania.
At the top, you’ll find a viewpoint where you can stop and look at the Ionian Sea below. It’s a great spot for photos.
You’ll also see signs for the Llogara Park entrance and some small hotels, cabins, and restaurants.
The first thing you’ll feel when you step out of the car is the fresh, cool mountain breeze.
Even in July, you may need a light jacket. That’s what makes this place special. When the coast is 35°C, Llogara is often under 25°C.
Inside the park, you can go hiking, eat at local restaurants, or stay the night.
There’s no big city noise here. Just birds, wind through trees, and maybe the sound of goats or cows in the distance. It’s quiet and simple, just like mountain life should be.
Hiking Trails You Can Try
Hiking in Llogara National Park is a must. The trails are not hard, and you don’t need to be a professional hiker. You can take short walks or longer ones, depending on how much time and energy you have.
One of the most famous hikes is to Caesar’s Pass. It’s said that Julius Caesar crossed here a long time ago.
The trail gives you a view over Dhermi beach, and on a clear day, you can even see Corfu in the distance. The walk takes around 2–3 hours round-trip.
There are other paths through the pine forests, where you can walk in the shade and listen to nature sounds. The air is clean, and every breath feels good.
Many locals also walk to the Radar Station, an old military site with a great view. It’s higher up, so bring water and wear good shoes.
Along the way, you’ll see shepherds, wild horses, and sometimes even eagles flying above. That’s what makes hiking here feel like an adventure — but also peaceful.
What to Eat and Where to Sleep
Food in Llogara National Park is simple but tasty. You’ll find small family-run restaurants with local dishes like fresh yogurt, grilled lamb, cornbread, and wild tea. Many use herbs they pick from the forest.
Try the mountain honey — it’s one of the best in Albania. And if you like meat, the goat meat stew is something you must try.
You’ll eat with a view of trees, and sometimes goats or chickens walk past the table. It’s a real Albanian village feeling.
If you want to stay the night, there are many places. You can sleep in a mountain hotel, a wood cabin, or even camp.
Some hotels have fireplaces, and you can sit by the fire even in summer nights. It’s cool and cozy.
Waking up in the mountains, with cold air on your face and birds singing, is a feeling you won’t forget.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Llogara National Park all year, but the best time is from May to September.
This is when the weather is warm, but the park stays cool. It’s also when most places are open, and you can meet locals who come here to escape the heat.
July and August are the most popular months, especially for people coming from the hot coast. But even in these months, Llogara never feels too crowded.
If you like quiet places, go in May or September. The air is fresh, and the trees are full of color. In autumn, the park becomes orange and red — very beautiful for photos.
In winter, it may snow. Some hotels stay open, and you can sit by a wood fire and drink hot mountain tea. Just know that some roads may be harder to drive when it’s icy.
Things to Do Nearby
Llogara is not far from the Albanian Riviera, so you can visit beaches like Dhermi, Jale, and Himara in the same trip. This is what makes the area special — mountains and sea together.
After walking in the cool forest, you can drive down and swim in the Ionian Sea. It only takes about 30 minutes.
You can also visit the Llogara Airstrip, where you might see people doing paragliding. Watching them fly above the forest is exciting.
If you drive a bit more, you can visit Gjipe Canyon, Palasa Beach, or even go all the way to Saranda. But many people say Llogara is their favorite stop because of the peace and the cold, fresh air.
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