Llogara National Park is situated about 40 km in south- east of Vlora on the border between Adriatic and Ionian sea. Its altitude varies from 470 to 2018 meters above the sea level, making it one of the highest peaks in Albania. It has a significant importance, both as a tourist attraction and a transit bridge to the Ionian Coast, also known as the Albanian Riviera.
The northern side of Llogara, facing the Vlora Bay, is covered with vegetation consisting mostly of conifers such as the black pine and the ash-tree, which cling firmly to the rocky slope in order to resist to the ferocious winds throughout the year. Strong wind currents have created interesting crown shapes in some trees, such as Pisha Flamur, a rare monument of nature with scientific and tourist values. Several species of bushes and trees are found only in this area, which explains why it has become a National Park. The southwestern side is completely barren but offers even more of an attractive landscape.
The park is rich in wildlife, in particular with roe deer, squirrels, foxes, wolves and wild boar.
The “Llogara Pass” is by far the most attractive feature of the park situated at 1027 meters. The road goes about 100 meters into narrow strip of flat land between Karaburun Peninsula and Gerxhi mountain before it starts descending both ways. As you are driving toward south, the sight plays a nice trick to the eye as the road seems suddenly to disappear into thin air, into a cloud, or into the morning mist creeping up the southwestern flank from the sea. A great illusion of which spiritualists and mystics would be jealous of.
As you keep driving, the illusion disappears and the most magnificent sight unravels itself to the human eye. The Ionian sea is revealed to us in its deep blue as far as the eye can reach. The horizon becomes your limit. The mountain range slowly ascends as far south as Saranda, Corfu stands silently in the west as a quiet and gentle giant. The Albanian Riviera is there, with gorgeous white beaches following each other like pearls in a necklaceƄrivers, keep your eyes on the road, please!!!
It is a custom for travelers to stop in Llogara to enjoy the landscape, its fresh air, refresh themselves in the numerous springs with crispy cold water, and enjoy a bite. There are some 13 restaurants spread along the way through the park and each of them would be great, unless the sight is a priority. All of them offer the same menu, such as lamb and veal chops roasted slowly over the fire, with a full flavor all of its own. Forget about knife and forks, this is a dish better enjoyed with your bare hands. Licking your fingers at the end would be just the natural way to finish your delicious meal. The yogurt from sheep milk is also famous. Whether you get it plain or with honey and nuts, it will be a great refreshment from the summer heat.
But the place offers so much more. You can lodge a the Llogara Tourist Village and enjoy an infinity of activities: trekking, hiking, picnic, mountain biking, and for the one who dare most there is parachuting. After all, the altitude and the beauty of the place entitles you to fly, whether its with your mind, your soul, or with a parachute.
1.The Llogora Tourist Village blends perfectly in the landscape of a high pine forest.It is located about 1000 meters above sea level. It offers accommodation in its hotel with 25 rooms or in one of 16 personal wooden villas. A swimming pool and an Irish Pub complete the structure. If the resort has no available place, they would be kind enough to accommodate you to a different location according to your likening. Write to Email:info@llogora.com for more information and rezervations
2.The Strada Bianca is a broad torrent-bed of white stones, which originates in the summit of the mountain and descends directly to the sea in a white delta known as the Palasa Beach. The name Strada Bianca (White Road), comes from Julius Ceaser. Following Pompey’s troops in Illyricum, the great Ceaser embarked in the Palasa Beach and impressed by this monument of nature, gave it the name Strada Bianca.
3.The road that goes through Llogara and along the whole Ionian coast was build by the Italians during WWII. It was finally reconstructed in the early years of 2000 with the help of the Albanian army. The sightseeing it offers is probably one the most memorable ones in the world.
4. Pisha Flamur (literally: Flag Pine) is one of the main attractions. Strong wind tides have curved its branches toward the same direction giving it the shape of a flag. Easily, the weird looking pine has become a national monument of nature all in its own.
