Hikes in Llogara National Park
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“When Mountains End in the Deep Blue Sea” Llogara - Qafa e Thellë - Llogara
This is a short and one of the most beautiful hikes in Llogara National Park. The ascent travels through the dense forest of the national park to a saddle on the Karaburun Peninsula (1.200m). Here the western slopes plunge steeply into the deep blue Ionian Sea. Expect more panoramic views of Vlorë, the coast’s highest summit Mt. Çika and the rugged shore of the Albanian Riviera during the walk on the peninsula’s spine. The walk finishes at the highest part of the Llogara Pass, where Caesar crossed with his army two millennia ago. The hike starts at 820 m altitude. At the moment there isn’t a trailhead sign. Follow the road for about 200 m uphill from Hotel Alpin and take a right at the trailhead next to Hamiti Hotel. The initially partly paved, but even otherwise well-trodden and clearly visible trail ascends steeply through the woods. As the lush, fairytale-like pine forest clears, the path continues along rockier terrain and passes through a small shepherd’s settlement shortly before it arrives at Qafa e Thellë pass (1215 m), rewarding you with views of the open sea.
TOTAL TIME
TOTAL DISTANCE
TOTAL UPHILL
4.5H
11Km
625m
TOTAL DOWNHILL 400m
12 km
10 km
Distance
8 km
6 km
4 km
m m m m m m m
2 km
1444 1300 1200 1100 1000 900 813.3
0 km
Elevation
From the pass, take the initially trailless ascent on the left side and as you keep following the ridge, aiming for the radio transmission towers, the trail soon becomes clearer. After while the path becomes a gravel road, which passes the radio towers and winds down all the way to the asphalted national road, almost the highest point of Llogara pass. There are a few restaurant right at the pass where you can reward yourself with a cold drink and more stunning views. There is no public transport to return to the starting point, but your accommodation can arrange a taxi for you.
DIFFICULTY Moderate