The Ionian coast of southern Albania

The coastal route leading from Vlora to Saranda is very scenic. From Vlora the road climbs up through dense forests over the Llogaraja Pass, more than 1000 m high. Coming out of the forest there are fantastic views across the blue Ionian Sea towards the Greek island of Corfu. The road leads past the small village of Dhërmi, clinging to the mountains and inhabited by mainly ethnic Greeks. A side road leads down towards Dhërmi beach, a wonderfully quiet and largely unspoilt beach (apart from the ubiquitous small round concrete bunkers dating back to the Communist regime of Enver Hoxha). The sea is crystal clear here and there are small hotels to stay.

From Dhërmi the road leads to the small town of Himara (or Himarë), and then the road ascends again, offering stunning views over a unspoilt coastline with its deserted beaches. After descending to Qeparo the road remains close to the coast, heading to Saranda.

	Village of Dhërmi	Concrete bunkers, Dhërmi	Bunkers on Dhërmi beach	Dhërmi beach
	From Jolly Hotel, Dhërmi	Mountains near Dhërmi	View to Dhërmi beach	Beach at Himara
	Road into Himara	Mother and daughter	Between Himara and Saranda	Bay of Palermos

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