Driving from Durres to Himara
Himara is the most beloved town on the Albanian Riviera: a Venetian castle, small pebble beaches, and seafood worth the drive. The approach from Vlora crosses Llogara (1,027 m) — a road that’s a destination in itself.
Why book a car in Durres for Himara
- Every operator is a verified Albanian business — not a foreign reseller.
- Pick up in Durres and drop off in Himara (confirm with the operator).
- Local 24/7 support in English, Italian and Albanian — no overseas hotline.
Arriving in Himara
Himara is the most beloved town on the Albanian Riviera: a Venetian castle, small pebble beaches, and seafood worth the drive. The approach from Vlora crosses Llogara (1,027 m) — a road that’s a destination in itself.
Llogara: 20+ switchbacks on the descent
After cresting Llogara, you face roughly 20 hairpins down to Palasë. The road is paved and safe — but don’t start the descent after dark without mountain-driving experience.
Beach parking
Major beaches (Filikuri, Livadhi, Spile) have paid parking (€3–5/day). Smaller coves don’t — leave the car a walk away on the road.
Fill up before the Riviera
The closest stations to Himara are in Vuno and Borsh. Fill up before leaving Vlora or Saranda — fuel is sparse along the Riviera.
Other trips from Durres
To Tirana Airport (TIA / Rinas)
Tirana International Airport “Mother Teresa” (TIA) is the country’s main air gateway. Picking up here saves time — 25 minutes puts you in central Tirana or on the highway to Durrës.
To Tirana
Tirana is Albania’s arrival hub: 800,000 residents, busy traffic, and a road network that’s being rebuilt fast. Pick a small car for the city and an SUV only if you’re heading into the mountains.
To Kruja
Kruja is the city of Skanderbeg — a castle 600 m above the sea and an Ottoman bazaar with authentic crafts. It works perfectly as a day trip from Tirana.
To Berat
Berat is the UNESCO “City of a Thousand Windows”. The Mangalem quarter is car-free — leave the vehicle by the Osumi river and walk up to the castle. The cobblestones don’t forgive sudden braking.
To Shkodra
Shkodra is Albania’s northernmost major city and the best base for exploring the Alps (Theth, Valbona). The city itself is flat — bicycles dominate — making it relaxed driving for tourists.
To Vlora
Vlora is the largest city in southern Albania and the natural launchpad for the Albanian Riviera. The new bypass that opened in 2025 has dramatically reduced through-traffic in the city centre.
Questions about Durres → Himara
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Do I need a 4x4 for the Riviera villages?
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