Albania Coast Guided Walk

Your trip begins in Tirana, where you’ll meet your local guide and fellow travellers before heading south as a group. A shared transfer departs first from the city centre, then picks up guests at the airport, making it easy to join no matter how you arrive. As the journey unfolds, your guide will introduce the landscapes and culture that await in the days ahead—pointing out the winding Vjosa River, the mirrored salt pans of Narta Lagoon, and the wide blue expanse of the Bay of Vlorë. After crossing the Llogara Tunnel, the scenery shifts dramatically as alpine slopes give way to the warm hues of the Albanian Riviera. A stunning coastal drive follows, past hillside villages and olive groves, before reaching the seaside town of Himarë. Here, a welcoming, family-run hotel right by the beach will be your home base for the next five nights. This evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner—your first chance to sample the fresh, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine of the region and get to know your fellow walkers in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Leaving the Ionian coastline behind, your day begins with a scenic drive to the start of today’s walk in the small village of Kudhës. From here, the path winds gently uphill through olive groves and narrow stone alleyways, with the scent of oleander floating on the breeze. The route soon opens into the heart of the village where, under the shade of an ancient plane tree, locals gather in quiet conversation. From here, the trail gradually climbs above the rooftops, flanked by cypress trees and curious goats that watch from the slopes. After one last short ascent, you’re rewarded with a sweeping vista – the Ionian Sea unfurling in deep blue beneath you, with the island of Corfu visible on the horizon. Soon, the old town of Qeparo appears, perched proudly above terraces of olive trees and overlooking the quiet bay below. Cobbled streets and stone homes tell stories of generations past, and there's time to linger over a light lunch at a local taverna. This afternoon, follow a shepherd’s trail down through olive-draped hills to Borsh. Depending on weather and conditions, your guide may opt for a shorter option, descending directly to Qeparo Beach – a beautiful chance to cool off with a swim in the sea. The day ends with a return drive along the coast, possibly with a stop at the protected inlet of Porto Palermo. Here, a fortress built by Ali Pasha Tepelena still guards the bay – a remarkable spot that blends history, strategic ingenuity, and striking sea views. Distance 12km/7.5mi, +425m/1400ft, -1400ft/-425m Transfer: 1 x 20 min, 1 x 30min

Today’s walk begins in the charming hillside village of Vuno, down to the beaches that have made the Albanian Riviera famous. Starting with a short drive from Himare, you’ll step into the narrow stone lanes of this hillside hamlet, flanked by whitewashed homes and Orthodox churches that have stood for centuries. Beneath the partisan memorial in the village square, locals sip coffee in the shade. The path winds downhill through sunlit olive groves and fragrant coastal scrub to the beach at Jal, a lively curve of coast before arriving at the stunning cove known as the Aquarium. True to its name, the waters here are so clear you might forget you’re not snorkelling. It’s an idyllic place for a refreshing swim. Following the shoreline, you’ll walk along a scenic trail edged in red earth and wild herbs to Livadhi Beach, another inviting spot to relax, swim or simply take in the views. The final stretch follows a coastal path into the seaside town of Himarë, where your hotel and the sound of the sea await. Depending on conditions, your guide may choose to reroute from Vuno to Gjipe Beach, offering a shorter but equally scenic day along the Ionian coast. Distance: 12.5km/8mi, +250m/825ft, -550m/1815ft Transfer: 30 min

After a short transfer up a winding mountain road, we reach the village of Pilur, often called the “Balcony of the Riviera” – perched at 700m (2300ft) above the Ionian Sea. From the partisan memorial beside the local café, our walk begins on the old caravan trail, descending through wild terrain toward the coast. The air is fragrant with wild mint and oregano, particularly at the entrance to a narrow gorge steeped in legend, once said to be haunted, though today it’s mostly goats and birds that keep you company. Ancient pine trees add an alpine feel to the upper slopes before the landscape gradually shifts into classic Mediterranean scrub. As we lose altitude, olive trees begin to appear, and tall ferns fill the undergrowth. Hidden among them lie remnants of Albania’s past, a few abandoned concrete bunkers, silent witnesses to a different era. Our route follows a backcountry road that leads into the old hilltop quarter of Himarë, set high on a rocky ridge at 250m (820ft). Wandering its medieval laneways, we pass oleanders and stone walls, with time to take in panoramic views of the coastline below. From here, we descend once more along the old cobbled donkey path, which winds its way toward the sea. The final stretch follows the coastal trail through low vegetation and quiet coves, where the turquoise water offers an irresistible invitation for a swim. Depending on the conditions, your guide may select an alternate route starting in Lukovë, crossing the Lavan Pass and finishing in Piqeras – offering a different, yet equally scenic view of the Riviera’s southern coastline. Distance: 9-14km/5.6-8.7mi, +250m/820ft, -950m/3117ft Transfer: 45 min

Today’s walk takes us into the quiet hills south of Himarë, where life unfolds at a gentler pace. We begin in the traditional village of Lukovë, wandering through its narrow lanes before entering a landscape shaped by centuries of olive cultivation. Many of the terraced slopes were carved entirely by hand during the communist era, when prisoners were forced to transform this rugged terrain. The path descends gradually, offering sweeping views of the coastline before reaching the southern end of Bunec Beach, a peaceful stretch where pebbled shore meets calm, open sea. With its wide horizon and sense of stillness, it feels like stepping onto the set of a forgotten film. From here, we follow the shoreline past the remains of old concrete quays before climbing a little-used trail back into the hills. The view expands to take in the shimmering turquoise waters below, the fresh scent of the sea carried on the breeze. The trail continues above the coastline until we reach Borsh, the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera. There’s time here to swim, unwind and perhaps enjoy a cool drink before our transfer takes us back to the hotel. Distance: 12km/7.5mi, +225m/745ft, -400m/1320ft Transfer: 45 min + 30 min

This morning we leave Himarë and head inland, climbing by road into the highlands of the Llogara Pass (1,043m / 3,422ft). Flanked by the towering peaks of Mt Qorre and Mt Cika, this rugged landscape sets the stage for the most challenging hike of the journey so far. Our walk begins with a steady ascent toward the ridge-top radio towers, followed by a traverse along the rocky spine of Thanasi Ridge. The views here are spectacular – to the west, the forested Karaburun Peninsula falls steeply into the Ionian Sea, while to the east, the land opens toward the distant Adriatic. From the ridge, we climb higher to reach the summit of Mt Gjipali (1,446m / 4,744ft), where we pause for a picnic lunch. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to sweeping views across coastal mountains and out to sea. In poor weather, the summit section may be omitted for safety reasons. The descent leads us into the Deep Pass – a wide alpine pasture scattered with grazing land – and continues into the thick forests of Llogara National Park. Here, the landscape shifts to one of rich biodiversity, with an almost rainforest-like feel in places. By late afternoon, we arrive on foot at our mountain accommodation, nestled at the edge of the forest. There’s time to relax or stretch your legs on a short walk before dinner, breathing in the cool, crisp mountain air. Please note: Depending on conditions, your guide may choose to swap today’s and tomorrow’s walks to ensure the best possible experience. Distance: 11km/6.9mi, +425m/1400ft, -625m/2065ft Transfer: 45 min

A short transfer takes us to the top of the Llogara Pass (1,043m / 3,492ft), where today’s trail begins. A narrow, sometimes steep path leads us through a forest of ancient snakeskin pines – many scarred from the communist era, when their resin was harvested by hand. Now, they stand quietly among wild chamomile, sage and mountain herbs. Climbing steadily along a zig-zagging shepherd’s path, we gain elevation until the trees part and views open wide over the Ionian Sea and the entire curve of the Albanian Riviera. The ascent continues to our main goal: the Dhjopuri Saddle (1,600m / 5,250ft), nestled beneath the rocky flanks of Mt Qorre (2,018m / 6,620ft). This wide saddle offers a perfect highpoint to pause, rest and enjoy a well-earned picnic with panoramic mountain and sea views. For those keen to take the challenge further, the guide may offer an optional extension to the summit of Mt Qorre. This adds time and effort, but rewards with even grander views from one of the region’s highest peaks. For a more relaxed option, walkers can begin the descent early, returning to the pass to enjoy a traditional treat at the mountaintop restaurant – sheep’s yoghurt served with honey and local walnuts. In the afternoon, the group reunites at the pass, where a final refreshment can be enjoyed in the open-air beer garden before we begin our transfer to Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. We arrive in the early evening, ready to celebrate the journey with a final night in the city. Distance: 5-7km/3.1-4.4mi, +-550-1000m/1815/3280ft Transfer: 3.5h

Depending on your flight time, there may be a chance to enjoy a final walk through Tirana before departing. Soak in the morning atmosphere with a coffee at one of the city’s lively cafés, or browse the stalls of the New Bazaar – a great place to pick up edible souvenirs or local treats for the journey home. If time allows, consider a visit to one of Tirana’s most fascinating museums just steps from Skanderbeg Square. Bunk’Art 2, housed in an underground nuclear bunker, and the House of Leaves, the former surveillance headquarters, both offer powerful insights into Albania’s recent past. The trip concludes with a group transfer to Tirana Airport. This is typically scheduled 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight or onward travel.