Vlora by Car: The Ultimate Guide to Day Trips, Beaches & Hidden Gems Why Vlora Is the Best Base for Exploring Albania by Car Top Day Trips from Vlora by Car (with Distances) Best Beaches Near Vlora You Can Drive To Hidden Gems and Local Experiences by Car Parking in Vlora and Along the Riviera Driving Tips and Essential Information Best Time to Visit Vlora for Activities { return ( Vlora by Car: The Ultimate Guide to Day Trips, Beaches & Hidden Gems Vlora sits at a strategic crossroads, where the deep blue Adriatic meets the turquoise Ionian Sea. That makes it the natural hub for road trips in Southern Alba By the Vlora Car Rental team · Published 2026-04-14 Why Vlora Is the Best Base for Exploring Albania by Car Vlora sits at a strategic crossroads, where the deep blue Adriatic meets the turquoise Ionian Sea. That makes it the natural hub for road trips in Southern Albania. For decades, the Llogara Pass was the only route south—a beautiful but slow 45-minute mountain climb. That changed in late 2024 with the opening of the 5.9km Llogara Tunnel, a major engineering project that cuts the journey to just 7 minutes and puts the entire southern Riviera within easy reach. The new tunnel, combined with the legendary SH8 coastal road, cements Vlora’s place as the best base for exploring by car. Here, a car is not a luxury; it’s essential. Public transport is infrequent and rarely reaches hidden beaches, mountain villages, or agrotourism farms. With your own vehicle, you control one of Europe’s most spectacular coastal drives and experience Albania on your own terms. Top Day Trips from Vlora by Car (with Distances) Your rental car turns Vlora into a launch point for ancient history, dramatic mountains, and UNESCO World Heritage cities. These day trips are all doable in a single day, with enough time to return to Vlora for sunset dinner. Drive times can vary in summer, especially on the SH8. Distance from Vlora Drive Time (One Way) Road & Conditions Highlights & Insider Tips Apollonia Archaeological Park 35.8 km 31-40 mins A sprawling 7th century BC Greek colony. The road is flat and easy, cutting through agricultural land. Park on the meadow in front. A must for history buffs. Llogara Pass Viewpoint 37 km 45-60 mins The 'old road'. A classic serpentine mountain drive with fair-to-good tarmac. Stop at the 1,043m summit for panoramic views and a coffee. A true driving the Albanian Riviera Dhermi Beach 55 km 40-50 mins SH8 + Llogara Tunnel The fastest way to reach the heart of the Riviera. The modern tunnel bypasses the mountain pass, dropping you right into the Dhermi valley. Perfect for a quick beach day. Himara (Town Center) 63-71.6 km 1h 05m - 1h 30m Continue past Dhermi on the winding coastal road. Himara offers a lively promenade, great seafood, and a more authentic town feel than the resort beaches. Porto Palermo Castle 70.1 km 1h 36m A striking triangular castle built by Ali Pasha on a small peninsula. You can also spot the eerie, abandoned Cold War submarine bunker built into the hillside opposite. Borsh Beach 88.7 km 1h 50m - 2h 10m Home to the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach on the Ionian coast (7 km). It’s so vast you can always find a quiet spot, even in August. Lined with olive groves. Berat (UNESCO City) 79.7-85 km 1h 45m - 2h 23m The "City of a Thousand Windows." A very feasible day trip with about 3h 40m total driving. Explore the hilltop castle (Kala) and the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters. Gjirokaster (UNESCO City) 126.5 km 2h 30m - 2h 45m The "City of Stone." A longer day trip, but worth it for the imposing castle and unique Ottoman-era stone-roofed houses. The drive is straightforward on the main inland road. The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) 127-136 km 2h 41m - 3h SH4 (Inland Route) A mesmerizing natural spring of unknown depth. Crucial tip: Take the inland SH4 route via Gjirokaster. The coastal route looks tempting but adds hours to the journey. Best Beaches Near Vlora You Can Drive To The southern Riviera gets the attention, but the coastline around Vlora has plenty of excellent beaches of its own. Having a car lets you skip the crowded city center and head straight for the spot that suits you best. Plazhi i Ri (New Beach): Vlora’s main city beach sits along the Lungomare promenade. It’s convenient, with ample public parking right by the sand, though it fills quickly in summer. The water is clean, and the beach is backed by a wide choice of restaurants and bars.