Balkans Holiday Revisited - Day 7

Day 7 Saranda to Vlore

The day dawned with a fine drizzle spoiling the view out across the bay, and I was a little worried over what effect the rain would have on the diesel that was liberally coating every bit of road I'd seen. Despite this we decided to press on and having settled our bill ( 30 euros per night including breakfast for the ensuite with air conditioning ) we set off. The bikes had been parked behind the hotel next to a police bike!

After no more than 10 miles, and as the road rejoined the coast we were rewarded with bright sunshine, and dry tarmac ( although quite often littered with bits of rock which had fallen onto the road, causing the occasional mid corner change of direction.) The views were stunning.



We spotted these few bunkers guarding an otherwise empty beach.



Just around the corner we spotted the Restaurant Panorma ( their spelling not mine ) and stopped off for a fanta. The view was stunning.



We met this family out for the day, and they told us that the local area had at one time been a restricted area, but that the owner as a child had vowed to own a cafe on the spot, and his dream had come true. Just around the corner of the bay Elvie spotted a submarine base!



From here we continued up the coast and crossed the Llogaraja pass. From sea level to 1,027 meters up this road.



A great ride, and Elvie stopped off on the way up to take a few shots.



She's particularly pleased with this one showing the way we had come.



From the top it was a gentle descent back down to sea level, and then on to Vlore, where we stayed at the Hotel Alpine.



We asked about parking for the bikes, I wasn't sure whether the receptionist had understood, but then the hotel owner arrived and opened up his own garage and the bikes were safely snuggled down for the night.
The desire to have safe parking for the bikes was well understood wherever we stayed, and there were no extra charges.

After settling in we wandered into town to take in the Xhiro ( the local take on the evening stroll which seems to happen in many Mediterranean countries ) We had a Pizza on a balcony overlooking the main street where we people watched with great interest.

This bike with the custom paint job was parked on the pavement outside.



No lock or chain, and no-one as much as touched it while we were eating. We had enjoyed an wonderful day's riding, and seemed to be getting the hang of Albanian roads, and Albanian drivers, which was just as well as in the morning we were heading further north where the traffic was likely to be much busier.

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