Vlora & Llogara Pass

Vlora — Gateway to the Riviera

Vlora (also Vlorë) is the third-largest city in Albania and the northern gateway to the Riviera. Here, Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire on November 28, 1912 — the Independence Monument on Flag Square commemorates this. Vlora itself is not a beauty, but it has a long sandy beach (one of the few sandy beaches in Albania), a lively promenade, and serves as a springboard for the coastal road south.

Culturally interesting: the Muradiye Mosque (16th century) and the Independence Museum. Culinary: Vlora is Albania's fish capital — fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. A fish dinner on the promenade: 8–15€.

The Llogara Pass — Albania's Most Spectacular Road

The national road SH8 leads from Vlora southwards and crosses the Llogara Pass at 1,027 meters — and that moment when you reach the top and suddenly see the entire Albanian Riviera below you is one of the great wow moments of the Balkans.

The pass separates the Adriatic coast from the Ionian coast. On the north side: dry Adriatic landscape. On the south side: steep cliffs dropping directly into the turquoise Ionian Sea. The Llogara National Park at the pass height offers hiking trails through black pine forests, where eagles sometimes circle. At the pass height, there are several restaurants with panoramic views — perfect for a stop.

Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

The Blue Eye is technically in the south (near Saranda), but it is an absolute must-see from the Riviera. This karst spring is a geological wonder: crystal-clear water gushes to the surface from over 50 meters deep, forming a natural "eye" — deep blue in the center, light blue-green at the edge. The water temperature is a constant 12°C year-round. Swimming is allowed, but the shock is intense. The site is nestled in a dense oak forest, accessible via a short forest path. Admission: 100 Lek (1€). Best visited early in the morning before the tour buses arrive.