# Albanian Riviera

> The Albanian Riviera follows the SH8 coastal road from Vlorë over the Llogara Pass to Sarandë and Butrint. Steep hairpins and narrow side roads call for care

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/albanian-riviera/

The Albanian Riviera follows the SH8 coastal road from Vlorë over the Llogara Pass to Sarandë and Butrint. Steep hairpins and narrow side roads call for care in a motorhome.

- **Region:** Vlorë to Sarandë, Albania
- **Length:** About 150 km (Vlorë – Butrint)
- **Road:** SH8
- **Top elevation:** Llogara Pass, just over 1,000 m
- **Best season:** May–Jun and Sep–Oct

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €6 (Greece).

## What should you know before visiting Albanian Riviera?

- The SH8 climbs over the Llogara Pass to just over 1,000 m. The north side has steep hairpins; drive slowly and keep brake reserve. Sources give slightly different heights (1,027 to 1,043 m).
- The road to Lukova's cave beach is a narrow serpentine track. With longer vehicles, check the detour beforehand or go on foot or with a smaller vehicle.
- The best times are May–June and September–October. High summer is very busy on the Riviera. The SH8 is maintained by the Albanian road authority, Autoriteti Rrugor Shqiptar.

## The drive

From Tirana to Vlorë it is about two to two and a half hours. From Vlorë the SH8 climbs over the Llogara Pass, where views can reach Corfu, and descends to the coast at Dhërmi. Next come Himarë, Porto Palermo with its fortress, Borsh and Lukovë, then Ksamil and Butrint. The road is winding and mountainous, with sea views for long stretches. One source allows three to four driving days but recommends a week.

## Camping

Travel articles name campsites along the route, for example near the Llogara Pass and around Borsh. Clarify opening times and room for large motorhomes with the site beforehand. Rules for free camping in Albania are not covered by the sources used here; ask the authorities locally. Swimming in the Blue Eye spring itself is not permitted.

## FAQs

**How long is the Albanian Riviera route?**
From Vlorë to Butrint it is about 150 km. The SH8 as a whole is around 126 km long and ends in Sarandë. Because of the bends and stops, allow much more time than the distance suggests.

**Are there tolls on the route?**
One travel source says no tolls apply on the route. This can change; check beforehand with the Albanian road authority and current travel information.

**When is the best time to go?**
May to June and September to October are recommended. In high summer the Riviera gets very busy, and popular spots such as the Blue Eye are crowded. Clarify sites and beach bars beforehand.

## Places to see

- [Corfu Old Town](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gr-corfu-old-town/)
- [Angelokastro](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gr-angelokastro/)
- [Achilleion Palace](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gr-achilleion/)
- [Paleokastritsa](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gr-paleokastritsa/)
- [Canal d'Amour, Sidari](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gr-canal-damour/)
- [Mount Pantokrator and Old Perithia](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gr-pantokrator/)
- [Paxos and Antipaxos](https://camping-spirit.com/places/gr-paxos-gaios/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Greece](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/greece/)