Bay of Grama
© Shutterstock / Arton
Bay of Brisani
Bay of Arushe
Bay of Skaloma
Cave of Dafine
Haxhi Ali Cave
Karaburun Peninsula
Shen Vasili Bay
Karaburun Peninsula
© Shutterstock / Mitat malushi
Karaburun Peninsula
© Shutterstock / Kiev.Victor
Karaburun Peninsula Aerial View
PARK
The Karaburun Peninsula is part of Albania’s only marine park, the Karaburun–Sazan Marine Park. It lies close to the city of Vlorë, between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and is known for its clear turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, sea caves, and quiet beaches surrounded by untouched nature.
This 2026 travel guide shows you how to visit the Karaburun Peninsula and what to see once you’re there. Visitors come to experience one of the most peaceful and hidden parts of the Albanian Riviera. With no towns or hotels, it’s ideal for a calm day in nature, where you can swim, snorkel, or explore its many small bays.
Most travellers visit by boat from Vlorë, since road access is limited and only a few beaches can be reached by land. A typical day trip includes Haxhi Ali Cave, Grama Bay, and a relaxing stop at a beach with umbrellas and a small local café.
This sea cave is the most famous sight on Karaburun. It is named after Haxhi Ali, a sailor from the 1500s. The cave is large enough for boats to enter, and sunlight makes the water glow bright blue. Most tours stop here for swimming and photos.
Grama Bay lies further south and is known for its turquoise water, white cliffs, and ancient rock carvings made by sailors long ago. The beach is small, surrounded by high limestone walls, and known as one of Albania’s most beautiful hidden beaches.
Boat trips around the peninsula often include Blue Cave, Englishman’s Cave, and smaller bays like Dafina or Brisani. The clear water and marine life make this area great for snorkeling and diving. Some cruises also pass near Sazan Island, a former military area now open for visitors.
Boat tours to the Karaburun Peninsula run from spring to autumn, departing daily from Vlorë and taking visitors along dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and hidden beaches within Albania’s only marine park.
The easiest and most popular way to visit is by boat trip from Vlorë. Tours run daily from May to October and usually include stops at Haxhi Ali Cave, Grama Bay, and one beach for swimming or lunch.
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You can drive only to a few beaches on the east side, such as Zhanpovel and Shën Vasil. The road is unpaved and sometimes closed, so check local conditions before going. The main attractions, like Haxhi Ali Cave and Grama Bay, have no direct road access and are best reached by boat.
Yes, but only for experienced and well-prepared hikers. The peninsula has long, rough trails without clear signs or services. Hiking from Orikum or Dukat to Grama Bay can take several hours and requires good fitness, plenty of water, and navigation tools. Most visitors choose to go by boat instead.
Yes. Some bays, such as Zhanpovel and Shën Vasil, have sunbeds, umbrellas, and small restaurants. They are quiet places where you can relax by the sea. Services are basic and open mainly in summer.
There are no hotels or guesthouses inside the marine park. Most visitors stay in Vlorë or Orikum and visit Karaburun on a day trip by boat. Camping is not officially allowed inside the park.
The best time is from May to September, when the sea is calm and tours run every day. The weather is warm, and the water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
