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Sightkm 75Llogara & Dhërmi

Llogara Pass

The gateway moment — pine forests, paragliders, roast lamb, and the instant the whole Ionian appears beneath you.

Type
National park
Access
SH8 road
Crowd
Photo-stop busy
Best for
Views, hiking & lunch
Directions

Updated October 2026

Know before you go

Every drive down the Riviera has the same turning point: the Llogara Pass. The road climbs through the pines of Llogara National Park, crests at just over a thousand metres — and suddenly the entire coastline is below you, Palasë and Dhërmi like white ribbons against the blue.

Don't treat it as just a viewpoint. The pass has hiking trails through black pine forest, paragliding launches that land on the beach at Palasë, mountain air that's ten degrees cooler than the coast, and a strip of famous restaurants where roast lamb is practically mandatory.

PanoramaParaglidingHikingNational park

Tunnel or pass? Planning your Llogara stop

Tunnel or old road?

The Llogara tunnel has run continuously since May 2025, so the SH8 can now skip the pass entirely. The tunnel is quick and tolled; the old road over the top is free, still open, and the only way to see the view. Use the tunnel when you're in a hurry — drive the pass at least once.

Getting there

The crest is about 40 km from Vlorë via Orikum and Dukat — allow around 50 minutes. Coming from the south, climb up from Palasë.

The road

Hairpins on both sides. Drive at 30–40 km/h, use the pull-outs to let faster traffic by, and expect tour buses in July and August.

Paragliding

Tandem flights launch near the top and land on the beach at Palasë. The season runs roughly May to October, weather permitting.

Weather

It's around ten degrees cooler at the top than on the coast. Bring a layer, and expect cloud on some mornings.

Where to stop

Pull in at the crest for the panorama, then stop again at the Big Bunker on the way down. The restaurants near the top are known for roast lamb.

Where to stay

Mountain lodges in the park

Wooden cabins and alpine-style hotels among the pines — a completely different night from the beach, and blissfully cool in August.

Touristic village resorts

Family resorts just below the pass on the inland side make a good first-night stop from Tirana.

Sleep by the sea instead

Most travellers stop for lunch and the view, then sleep down at Palasë or Dhërmi — under an hour away.

Where to eat

Roast lamb restaurants

The Llogara classic — lamb on the spit, mountain herbs, local cheese and honey, served on terraces among the trees.

Panoramic terraces at the crest

Cafés at the top of the pass serve coffee with the single best view in Albania.

Picnic in the park

Pick up supplies in Orikum and eat at the marked picnic areas under the pines.

Don’t leave without

Caesar's Pass trail

Hike the route where Julius Caesar is said to have crossed pursuing Pompey — forest paths with sudden sea views.

Paragliding to Palasë

Tandem flights launch from the pass and spiral down to the beach — twenty unforgettable minutes.

The Flag Pine

Find the wind-bent pine shaped like a flag (Pisha Flamur), a natural monument and the park's unofficial symbol.

Local businesses

Your business here

Hotels, tavernas, beach bars and boat trips can be featured on the Llogara Pass page. Visitors contact you directly — no booking commission.

Get featured

Llogara Pass questions, answered

Is the Llogara Pass still open?

Yes. The old road over the pass stays open alongside the tunnel, and it's the only way to see the famous view.

Should I take the Llogara tunnel or the pass?

The tunnel saves 20–40 minutes and is tolled. The pass is free and is the whole point if you want the view, the restaurants or paragliding. Many people do one each way.

How high is the Llogara Pass?

The road crests at 1,027 metres above sea level.

Can you paraglide at Llogara?

Yes. Tandem flights run roughly from May to October in good weather and land on Palasë beach.

Is the Llogara road dangerous?

It's well surfaced but steep, with many hairpins. Take it slowly, use the pull-outs and avoid driving it in the dark if you're not used to mountain roads.

What should I eat at Llogara?

Roast lamb is the classic. Most restaurants near the crest also sell local honey and mountain tea.

Nearby

Along the coast road

North along the coastKaraburun Peninsula