ExperienceBy boat from Vlorë, Radhimë or Orikum

Karaburun Peninsula

A wild, roadless peninsula of sea caves, white hidden beaches and ancient inscriptions — the Riviera's greatest adventure.

Type: Hidden beaches & caves
Access: Boat (or serious hike)
Crowd: Almost no one
Best for: Adventure & snorkelling

Directions

Updated October 2026

Know before you go

Karaburun is the long mountainous arm that shelters Vlorë Bay — and it has no roads, no hotels and no towns. Together with Sazan Island it forms Albania's only national marine park, and its seaward side hides some of the most dramatic coastline in the Mediterranean: cliffs dropping into deep blue water, white pebble coves, and caves you can sail straight into.

Day trips run all summer from Vlorë, Radhimë and Orikum — speedboats and larger tour boats that hop between caves and beaches with time to swim at each. Bring everything you need for the day: there are no facilities once you leave the harbour.

Marine parkSea cavesNo roadsSnorkelling

Where to stay

Sleep in Vlorë or Orikum

There's no accommodation on the peninsula itself — base yourself across the bay and take a day trip.

Licensed overnight camping

A few operators run organised overnight stops in summer — book ahead, wild camping in the marine park is restricted.

Sailing charters

Multi-day sailboat charters from Orikum marina anchor overnight in the peninsula's bays.

Where to eat

Pack a cooler

No bars, no tavernas — bring water, fruit and lunch from Vlorë's market or Orikum's bakeries.

Boat-trip lunches

Many full-day tours include a simple lunch and drinks on board — check what's covered when you book.

Dinner back in port

Trips return late afternoon — perfectly timed for fish on the Radhimë terraces or the Vlorë Lungomare.

Don’t leave without

Haxhi Ali Cave

The peninsula's showpiece — a sea cave big enough for the boat to drive into, named after a 17th-century sailor who sheltered here.

Grama Bay

A remote cove whose cliffs are carved with inscriptions left by ancient sailors over two thousand years — and brilliant swimming below them.

Sazan Island

The mysterious former military island at the mouth of the bay — tours visit its abandoned tunnels and bunkers in summer.

Local businesses

Your business here

Hotels, tavernas, beach bars and boat trips can be featured on the Karaburun Peninsula page. Visitors contact you directly — no booking commission.

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Nearby

Beachkm 47

Radhimë Beach

A string of calm pebble coves and family resorts on the quiet side of Vlorë Bay — famous locally for its fish tavernas.

Beachkm 53

Orikum Beach

A long beach at the foot of the mountains, Albania's first marina, and an ancient Greek city hiding at the edge of town.

Town or villagekm 35

Vlorë Beach

The Riviera starts in a real city — beaches with every amenity, a palm-lined promenade, and history on every corner.

SightJust north of Vlorë

Zvërnec Island & Narta Lagoon

A 270-metre wooden footbridge to a pine-covered islet and its Byzantine monastery — with flamingos in the lagoon if your timing is right.

Along the coast road

North along the coastOrikum Beach South along the coastLlogara Pass