
When was the SH8 road in Albania built?
Albania, europe
158 km
1,043 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic Albanian road trip on SH8! This coastal gem hugs the Adriatic and Ionian shores, giving you views for days. Built way back in the '20s, this 158 km (98-mile) beauty connects Fier in the north to the resort town of Saranda down south.
But hold on, it's not all smooth sailing. This road climbs fast, topping out at 1,043m (3,422ft) above sea level! Expect a few thrills: narrow sections, hairpin turns, and sometimes, not much between you and the view. Three to four hours of pure driving bliss (or controlled chaos, depending on your perspective!).
You'll be glued to the turquoise water and rugged cliffs, passing inviting beaches and cozy hotels. It’s a classic Mediterranean coastal drive, but with a real Albanian twist. Keep an eye out for scenes straight out of a movie – grandmas hauling firewood, farmers on donkeys, and sheep (or even cows) just doing their thing on the roadside. Once you reach the end, you've officially earned your stripes as an Albanian road warrior!
Road Details
- Country
- Albania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 158 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,043 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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