From Tirana & Durrës: Vlora, Llogara Pass & Dhërmi Riviera Day Trip

Where dramatic mountains plunge into the turquoise Ionian Sea. Experience the Albanian Riviera in a single unforgettable day — the historic city of Vlora, the breathtaking Llogara Pass more than 1,000 metres above the sea, and the charming stone village of Dhërmi with its beautiful beaches.

Why you’ll love this tour

• Vlora — the historic city where Albania declared independence, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian
• Llogara Pass — one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain roads, with sweeping sea views
• Dhërmi — traditional stone village and some of the Riviera’s most beautiful beaches
• Llogara National Park — ancient pine forests and fresh mountain air
• Relax and enjoy the views while your local guide does the driving

Should you drive this yourself?

You can. The Llogara Pass is fully paved and in good condition — this isn’t one of Albania’s rough tracks, and a normal rental car handles it fine. So if you love driving, go and drive it. It’s one of the great roads in Europe.

The catch is that the pass is a long sequence of switchbacks with serious drops, and the driver doesn’t get to look at the view — which is the entire point of the road. It’s also a genuinely tiring day: 2.5 hours to Vlora, another 1.5 over the pass to Dhërmi, then all of it again in the dark. Our guests mostly book this one because they want to arrive at the beach relaxed and be driven home afterwards, not because the road is hard.

Your day, step by step

Leaving Tirana or Durrës, the landscape shifts from fertile plains to dramatic coastline. Our first stop is Vlora, where you’ll walk the seaside promenade, see the Independence Monument, and hear the stories behind this historic city where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet.

Next comes the legendary Llogara Pass. Climbing through Llogara National Park, the scenery transforms into pine forests, rocky peaks and jaw-dropping panoramas over the Ionian coastline — one of Albania’s most iconic photo stops. After time to breathe the mountain air, we descend to Dhërmi, where white stone houses, green mountains and deep-blue sea create an unforgettable setting. Enjoy free time on the beach and in the village before the scenic drive home.

Where you’ll go

Vlora — where the Adriatic meets the Ionian

Llogara Pass — panoramic mountain road

Dhërmi beach

© OpenStreetMap |

Photos from this tour

Tour highlights

• ✔ Explore the historic coastal city of Vlora
• ✔ Visit the spectacular Llogara Pass viewpoint
• ✔ Drive through Llogara National Park
• ✔ Breathtaking Ionian Sea panoramas
• ✔ Discover the charming village of Dhërmi
• ✔ Combine mountains, sea and culture in one day

Estimated itinerary

(Times vary with traffic, weather, season and group conditions.)

• 07:00–07:30 — Pickup begins in Tirana
• 08:00–08:30 — Pickup in Durrës / Golem
• 11:30–12:30 — Vlora: waterfront, history & free time
• 13:15–14:15 — Llogara Pass & National Park
• 14:15–15:15 — Optional mountain lunch stop
• 15:45–17:30 — Dhërmi: beach, village & photography
• 17:30 — Departure north
• 21:30–22:30 — Arrival back at pickup locations

What’s included

• ✔ Pickup and drop-off from selected locations
• ✔ Modern air-conditioned transportation
• ✔ Professional English-speaking guide
• ✔ Vlora city visit
• ✔ Llogara Pass scenic drive & National Park
• ✔ Dhërmi visit and local recommendations

What’s not included

• ✘ Food and drinks
• ✘ Optional boat activities
• ✘ Beach umbrellas and sunbeds
• ✘ Personal expenses
• ✘ Travel insurance

Good to know

• Bring a light jacket — this is the thing people forget. Temperatures at the top of Llogara Pass are noticeably cooler than the coast, even in summer.
• The route includes sustained mountain switchbacks. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take something before the pass.
• Dhërmi’s beach is pebble, not sand, and it’s very busy in July and August, with much of it given over to paid sunbeds.
• Swimming and optional boat activities depend on seasonal conditions.
• Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear in summer, sunscreen, a camera and cash in lek.
• Best for: couples, photographers, beach lovers, nature enthusiasts and first-time visitors.

At a glance

• Operator: Eagle’s Path Travel
• Destination: Vlora, Llogara Pass, Dhërmi, Albanian Riviera
• Duration: Full day (~15 hours)
• Departure: 07:00 from Tirana, Durrës & Golem
• Price: From €40 per person
• Includes: Hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, English-speaking guide

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Vlora and Dhërmi day trip from Tirana?
Around 15 hours door to door, with pickup from 07:00 and return between 21:30 and 22:30.

Is the Llogara Pass worth visiting?
Yes — it rises over 1,000 metres above the Ionian Sea and is considered one of Europe’s most spectacular scenic drives. Note it’s the journey rather than a separate stop.

Can you drive the Llogara Pass yourself?
Yes — it’s fully paved and in good condition. It’s a long series of switchbacks with steep drops, so it’s tiring for nervous drivers, and the driver misses the view. In winter it can close or need care in snow.

Is Dhërmi worth visiting?
Yes, but know that the beach is pebble rather than sand, and in peak summer it’s one of the busiest spots on the coast.

What’s included?
Pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, and visits to Vlora, Llogara Pass and Dhërmi. Food, drinks and sunbeds are not included.

Please note: the pickup time you select is an estimate. Your guide will confirm your exact pickup time and meeting point one day before the tour.