Logara
Llogara National Park is located about 40 km south of the city of Vlore. It is located on the slopes of Mount Llogara and covers an area of 810 hectares with altitudes from 470 to 2018 m above sea level. The park combines the beauty of the mountains with the seaside climate. You can enjoy its magical beauty while traveling along the Vlora-Saranda national road to Kafa e Llogaras, at an altitude of 1025 m above sea level. Medicinal and ornamental plants alternate here in the pine forest. The park is home to several animal species. After 20 minutes of driving along the national highway, you will reach the Albanian Riviera. Here you can spend the night in the park and enjoy different restaurants, modern clubs, entertainment and excursions.
Palasa
After passing Qafa e Llogarasë along the road dating back to the time of Pompey, you descend to the Albanian Riviera. This warm Mediterranean zone has about 300 sunny days a year. The first beach worth visiting is Draleo (Palace), famous for its clear waters. Pompey and his army stopped at this beach in ancient times, when it was known as Palestra.
Dermi
Dhermi is known for its crystal clear waters and small cozy pebble beaches such as Jaliksari, Shkambo and Jipea. Situated at the foot of a 70-meter cliff, Hypea is a rare marvel. Not far from Dhermi is the legendary Pirate Cave. Dhermi is a picturesque village believed to have been first settled in 49-48 BC. The village has Shen Maria Monastery, Shen Todri Church, Ypapandiya Church and Shen Mitri Church with 12th-14th century frescoes. The main activities in Derma are swimming, water sports and diving. There are many hotels, restaurants, bars, discos. Restaurants combine traditional and foreign cuisines and offer a variety of seafood dishes.
Vuno
8 km south of Dhermi is the village of Vuno, built on a hill overlooking the sea and well known for its traditions and patriotism. Here you can visit old churches such as the Shen Spiridoni Church built in 1778 and the Mesodkhia Church with murals from 1783. There are also several architectural landmarks such as the ruins of Odis Kosneci’s house and a tower-like house. Shane Kote. From here, follow the road to the beautiful Jal Beach, a bay that is different from those found on the rest of the Riviera.
Himara
Continuing your journey south, you will come across the small town of Himara, which has two districts: Old Himara, built on a hill, and New Himara, in the bay of Spille. Himara has five beaches: Filikuri, Spille, Llamani, Potami and Livadhet. All these are pebbly beaches with deep clear water. The city comes alive during the summer tourist season, when guests stay in hotels or rented houses. Himara is the ancient seat and city of the Illyrian Kaon clan. It was inhabited in the 5th century BC and its name is of Pelasgian (pre-Illyrian) origin. There are several religious sites worth visiting, such as Shen Maria e Atalit Church, Cassiopeia Church, All Saints Church and Lilo Llazari’s house converted into a cultural monument. Another place to visit is Ali Pashe Tepelena Castle, built on a small peninsula in the tectonic Gulf of Porto Palermo. The castle was built in a triangular shape with walls 20 meters high. Ali Pasha dedicated this castle to his wife Vasiliki. It is said that it was built on top of the ruins of an ancient castle. Himara is especially famous for its traditional isopolyphonic songs (included in the heritage of the oral art of UNESCO).
Qeparo
The village of Qeparo is located near the bay of Porto Palermo and has its own characteristic beach. Old Qeparo, built on a hillside, has several historical landmarks, including Ali Pasha’s three-story towers, Shen Dhimtri Monastery, and Minella Jiki’s house.
Borschi
The village of Borshi is located a few hundred meters from the coast and about 20 minutes from Himara. This is the largest beach of the Albanian Riviera, and its clear waters stretch for almost 6 km. Several hotels, clubs, discos and restaurants have been built along the beach. Distinctive features of Borscht are the hospitality of the peasants and the traditional grilled lamb dish.
