Llogara National Park

Llogara National Park is located in the southeastern region of Albania.  It is situated in the Ceraunian Mountains which overlook the Albanian Riviera.  The park is small covering an area of only 3.90 square miles (10.1 sq km), creating the second smallest national park in the country after Zall Gjocaj National Park.

Llogara is also neighbors with Butrint National Park providing an excellent opportunity to visit and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman city.

The majority of the park features terrain that is blanketed with rich forests.  Along with the mountainous forests, the park also displays alpine meadows and sharp steep rock faces that create striking landscapes.

The park is popular for its diversity which features majestic mountains and a beautiful sunshine-filled coastline.  Much of the vegetation is endemic as a result of the combination of the Mediterranean, mountain, and other geographical features that make the region fairly unique.

The rick forest is comprised of deciduous and coniferous trees which include ash, black pine, silver fir, kermes oak, and Bulgarian fir.  The trees are often leaning or displaying other shapes that have been sculpted by the winds of the Mediterranean.

The vegetation is a wonderful habitat for the roe deer, fallow deer, chamois, European wildcat, red fox, otter, and the wolf.  There are also diverse bird species with two of the highlighted sightings being the powerful golden eagle and the griffon vulture.

Photos

Llogara National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

The park is a highlight for most because of the extreme differences that nature affords in the same visit.  Travelers can experience colder temperatures and amazing hiking opportunities in the rugged mountains, and they can engage the sun and warmer weather along the beautiful coastline.

Ceraunian Mountains

The Ceraunian Mountains are at the heart of the national park.  Hiking and trekking amongst these majestic mountains are one of the leading draws of the park.  The mountains of the national park are part of the larger Ceraunian Mountain range situated in southwestern Albania.

The range stretches over a distance of 62 miles (100 km) running mostly in a southeast to northwest direction.  Maja e Cikes is the highest summit reaching a height of 6,706 feet (2,044 m).  As this vertical rise occurs from near sea level, it is quite impressive.

Llogara Pass

Llogara Pass is a scenic drive that crosses over the mountains at an elevation of 3,369 feet (1,027 m).  The pass features a scenic lookout that provides astounding panoramic views of the landscape and areas below.

The pass is one of the easiest ways to capture some of the splendor of the captivating mountains, however, the best way to experience the remarkable sense of the mountains is by hiking throughout the park’s boundaries.

Albania Riviera

The Albania Riviera is an enchanting part of the coastline in Albania that stretches from the districts of Sarande and Vlore.  Parts of the Riviera are within the boundaries of the national park.

Locally, it is also referred to as Bregu.  This is an area that delivers both natural and cultural facets of this fabulous part of the country.  From a cultural perspective, visitors can see old castles, historic churches and monasteries, and quaint Mediterranean villages.  They can also engage in many of the nightlife activities that keep you entertained in the evening.

However, nature is on full display as well.  The Albania Riviera is nestled on the coastline with towering majestic mountains serving as the backdrop.  The coastline is decorated with pristine beaches, beautiful blue waters, seaside caves, tranquil coves, and rivers returning to the sea.

Llogara National Park Trails

Hiking in Llogara National Park is one of the main attractions and one of the best ways to truly experience the splendor and majestic nature of the mountains that overlook the Albanian Riviera.

Caesars Neck-Ponace Spring Trail

This is one of the most popular trails in the park because it reflects the historical significance of being the place where Caesar’s army encamped to fight against Pompeii.  The trail is not too difficult and only covers a distance of 2.4 miles (4 km) before returning.

Llogara Maja Thanasit Trail

This trail is rated moderate and travels out 4.6 miles ( km) with an elevation gain of 1,141 feet (347.8 m) before returning back.  The trail is leveraged for physical activity and scenic views of the gorgeous terrain.

Thanas Peak Trail

This is a (7.2 km) loop trail that is rated moderate.  It features an elevation gain of 4,550.5 (1,387 m).  The trail meanders through the forest before ascending up the summit where amazing panoramic views will be experienced.

Piri Holes Trail

This is a trail rated moderate featuring an elevation gain of 3,231.6 feet (985 m) while traveling over (7.37 km) before returning back.  Hikers trek through thick parts of the forest before ascending into incredible picturesque views of the valley below and surrounding landscapes.

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Park Protection

Llogara National Park was created to protect the majestic nature of the region as well as the biodiversity and differing ecosystems that protect diverse bird and plant species.  It is identified as an Important Bird Area and an Important Plant Area in support of this diversity.  Many of the species are endemic to the area.

The park is also protecting the vegetation and habitat that supports the wildlife in the park.  Llogara is also protecting the pristine wilderness for future generations to enjoy and discover the beauty of Albania.