Today your adventure begins with the 11th stage of an enchanting tour through Albania. This particularly historically rich route takes you from picturesque Permet to the impressive Butrint National Park. Along the way, there are countless opportunities for you to explore historical highlights, in addition to some breathtaking natural wonders. The choice is huge. Zagoria National Park, Butrint National Park, Syri i Kalter (the Blue Eye), Lëkurësi Castle, Phoenicia Archaeological Park, Hadrianopolis, and Gjirokaster are on the list.

After perhaps spending a few blissful nights at the charming Joan Guesthouse, it is now time to continue your journey to the southernmost part of Albania, just beyond Ksamil. The route is relatively short (and the road is generally good), giving you enough time to explore one or more sights along the way.
After you leave Permet behind you, you can refuel on the main road. But you soon turn onto a winding road that leads up through the Zagoria National Park. This is the only unpaved road of the day and that immediately adds an adventurous touch. The views are stunning. From the highest point of the route (about 360 meters) you can look out over the valley where the town of Këlcyrë is located and the Aoos River meanders through the landscape. The descent is now asphalted, so you can look around at your leisure. Even the bridge is new and forms a stark contrast to the old, wobbly wooden bridge that is still right next to the new bridge.

The Aoos River (also known as the Vjosë) will be your companion for the next few kilometers. Beyond Këlcyrë, the 272 kilometer long river cuts deeper into the landscape, creating an enchanting gorge with beautiful rock formations. Just at a bridge, on the other side of the river, you see a waterfall plunging into the river. From the bridge you have a great view of the gorge and the waterfall.
Ultimately, the Aoos River joins the Drini River, which also offers enchanting views. You can take a break at a small restaurant along this river. If you have the time and inclination, you can walk along the shore and enjoy the crystal clear blue water.

If you still have energy left, you can skip this stop and continue straight to Gjirokastër. This oldest city in Albania is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and cobbled streets. The highlight of the city is the impressive Gjirokastër Castle, which sits on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Below the castle you can wander around the narrow streets of the bazaar and visit the old mosque. Or explore one of the museums in the center and immerse yourself in the history of the diverse peoples who have crossed this region.

Just outside Gjirokastër you will find another pearl: Hadrianopolis. This is an ancient Roman archaeological site with remains of an amphitheater, thermal baths and mosaic floors. It offers insight into the life and architecture of the ancient Roman Empire. The site is unguarded, meaning you can practically drive into the amphitheater.

The main road past Gjirokastër and Hadrianopolis is not particularly challenging. The road is straight and is heavily used by all kinds of traffic. Fortunately, you can leave this road after 10 kilometers and exchange it for a winding route towards Sarandë on the Ionian Sea.

But before you get that far, there are a few more stops to explore along the way.

Syri i Kalter (the Blue Eye) is one of those stops. This freshwater spring is notable for a cave that reaches a whopping 50 meters deep. The crystal clear blue water creates a unique turquoise hue, especially when the sun shines on it. In recent years it has become increasingly popular and is now a busy place. So if you're not into tourist hotspots, you might want to head on over to the Drilona Traditional Restaurant, where you can enjoy local specialties.
The next stop is the Phoenicia Archaeological Park. Fortunately, this location is much less busy than Syri i Kalter. Thanks to the narrow and steep road, few people come to the park. Here you will find an intriguing mix of historic Greek ruins and bunkers from the Hoxha period. Allow about 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire park.

Then you continue your route west and drive into the picturesque coastal city of Sarandë. This city is known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. The Lëkurësi castle, high above the city on a hill, is also worth a visit. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea and the nearby islands. Originally built in the 16th century by the Ottomans, this castle served as a defensive fortress against potential sea invasions and now offers strategic views over the region. Today it is a popular tourist destination for its panoramic views.

And finally, after a day full of sightseeing, you'll drive along the coast towards Ksamil and the Butrint National Park - your final destination for the day. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The park includes the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Butrint, which bears traces of several civilizations, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian influences. You can wander among well-preserved ruins such as a theater, temples, city walls and an episcopal basilica. The park is surrounded by a mosaic of landscapes, including lakes, swamps and forests, which also makes it attractive for nature lovers. Hotel Livia is located right in the heart of the National Park, which means you can explore the remains on foot and also take one or more beautiful nature walks.