Driving the Albanian Riviera and the Llogara Pass: road SH8
From Vlorë to Sarandë over Llogara: the stops worth making and how to drive the country's most beautiful road calmly.
Road SH8 between Vlorë and Sarandë is perhaps the most beautiful road in Albania: it climbs from the Bay of Vlorë to the Llogara Pass and winds down to the Riviera beaches. Seeing the Albanian Riviera by car means stopping wherever you like, at beaches and villages the buses pass without stopping.
Up and down the Llogara Pass
From Vlorë the road passes Radhimë and Orikum, then climbs into the pine forest of Llogara. After the pass, the descent to Palasë and Dhërmi has tight bends with views over the Ionian Sea. There are places to stop at the viewpoints: never stop on a bend.
- On the way down use a low gear and brake in short bursts so the brakes do not overheat.
- Watch out for buses and lorries on bends: they often take part of your lane.
- In the morning and in winter there can be fog on the pass. Drive slowly with your lights on.
- In summer there are many cyclists and motorbikes: overtake only on long straights.
Stops worth making
Llogara Pass
Viewpoint
A viewpoint above the Riviera, with fresh air even in August.
Dhërmi beach
Beach
A long white-pebble beach with clear water, below the old village.
Porto Palermo castle
Castle
A fortress on a small peninsula in a sheltered bay, linked to Ali Pasha of Tepelena.
Himarë
Historic centre
A coastal town with its harbour, the Livadhi beaches and the old castle on the hill. Read our Himarë and Dhërmi guide.
Borsh
Beach
One of the longest beaches of the Riviera, with olive groves on the slopes around.
When to go and how long to stay
The road can be done in a day, but the Riviera deserves at least two nights. In July and August traffic in the coastal villages is heavy in the afternoon and parking near the beaches is hard: set off early. In May, June and September the road is quiet and the sea warm. See also when to travel.
Distances between cities
Kilometres and drive time between the main cities.
All distances →Where to stay along the Riviera
For drivers, the most practical bases are Vlorë or Orikum in the north, Dhërmi and Himarë in the middle and Sarandë in the south. Choose accommodation with secure parking: in summer, roadside spaces near the sea are scarce.
- Beaches with parking nearby: Dhërmi, Jala, Livadhi in Himarë, Borsh.
- Beaches that need a walk: Gjipe, about 20–30 minutes from the car park.
- No car access: some coves are reached only by boat from nearby harbours.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Llogara road dangerous?
Not if you drive carefully: it is paved and wide, but has many bends. Avoid hurrying, overtaking on bends and driving at night if you do not know it.
How long is the drive from Vlorë to Sarandë?
About 2 hours 45 minutes without stops, but with beach and viewpoint stops plan a full day.
Which car is best for the Riviera?
A compact with a decent engine or a small SUV, with air conditioning. Very small cars struggle uphill when full.
