Llogara Nature Park: breathtaking views

Llogara, the wonders of nature in the footsteps of Julius CaesarmyTour takes you to discover Llogara National Park, a true paradise for nature lovers. Here we will be able to observe rare species of trees and birds, retrace Julius Caesar's steps during the civil war against Pompey, and stop to enjoy an excellent lunch of organic products. 

The Flag Pine and an encounter with deer

Departure at 9 a.m. from Valona to reach the Llogara Pass in about 45 minutes. Here we find a real vantage point where, on clear days, there is a view across the entire Ionian coast of Albania to the Greek island of Corfu. But the first real stop on our tour we find a few minutes later, when we reach the equipped area of the Sorkadhja spring. Here, in the shade of the trees, young and old can get up close to the main inhabitants of the place, the very tender roe deer. Over time, the roe deer community living in the area has become accustomed to human presence, and the animals get a closer look. Not far from Sorkadhja we find a true work of natural art. It is the Pine Flamur (Flag Pine), a plant that time and weathering have bent into the shape of a flag. We stop by the cafe a few minutes to enjoy a coffee in the open air and then set off again for the next leg of our Llogara Park tour.

The Steps and the Julius Caesar Trail

Back on board the myTour vehicles, on the way our gaze wanders to the coast. We are right at the seaside resort of Dhermi and can observe it from above. After a 30-minute drive we arrive at Caesar's Steps. Yes, that's right, passed through here over 2,000 years ago what would later become the first Emperor of Rome. Leading a powerful contingent, Caesar crossed the Otranto Channel and landed on the coast of Albania near Vlora and then headed for Palasa beach, knowing that Pompey had retreated among these mountains. Climbing toward the Llogara Pass, Caesar would receive a sound beating from Pompey's troops, albeit outnumbered. Caesar nevertheless left symbolic traces of his passage here. In addition to the steps in fact in the area is the famous Caesar's Trail (Caesar's Trail), a hiking trail of medium difficulty, which runs for about 30 minutes to Caesar's Gorge (Caesar's Neck), at which we stop to admire the historic village. Here there is a church erected in honor of St. Demetrius and the remains of a campus, a Roman settlement. Enveloped in this magical atmosphere steeped in history, we relax as we listen to stories of Rome's Civil War, the stories of Caesar and Pompey told by myTour's expert guides. The tour finally ends in the best possible way: having arrived at lunchtime, we stop to enjoy the characteristic dishes of the Llogara region, made from the organic products grown by a local farm.

The Llogara Natural Park: history and useful informationThe Llogara Natural Park is one of the first protected natural areas in Albania, it was in fact established back in 1966. This area, consisting of more than 1,000 hectares of forests, continues to be a true treasure chest of biodiversity, unique in the entire Mediterranean Sea basin. This is where hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts can enjoy themselves, as well as birdwatchers or simply anyone who likes to enjoy the beauty of the landscape photographed from privileged vantage points. Llogara is a mountainous region very close to the coast, located a few dozen kilometers south of Vlora. The area stretches from the 2,044-meter-high Mount Cika - the highest peak, via the vantage point of Llogara Pass (1,200 meters), down to the valleys near the sea. 

More than 100 species of birds live or migrate here, and the landscape is dominated by green trees. A very characteristic vegetation of pines, oaks and firs that have made their way between the limestone and dolomite rock. A typical vegetation of Eastern Europe, falling within the Illyrian Deciduous Forests macro region (extending from Trieste to southern Greece).

• This tour is not recommended for people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility

• If you want to swim, we suggest you bring sunscreen, swimsuit and a beach towel

• In case of bad weather, the tour may be changed or cancelled

• We recommend wearing comfortable footwear suitable for walking

• In warmer months, equip yourself with a hat or head protection

• Clients are asked to arrive 15 minutes before departure at the meeting point indicated