A long beach at the foot of the mountains, Albania's first marina, and an ancient Greek city hiding at the edge of town.
Long pebble & sand
On the SH8 road
Relaxed
Marina & ancient Oricum
Orikum sits where Vlorë Bay ends and the Ceraunian Mountains begin — the last town before the road climbs to the Llogara Pass. Its beach is long and open, with plenty of space even in August, and the town has kept a low-key, local feel.
It's also a place with serious history: the ancient city of Oricum, founded by Greek colonists and fought over by Caesar and Pompey, lies in the pine forest at the edge of town, next to Albania's first yachting marina.
Simple, good-value rooms a short walk from the beach — Orikum is one of the cheaper overnight stops on the coast.
A row of mid-size hotels faces the water along the main beach road.
Campsites operate towards the marina end of the beach, under the pines.
Eat alongside the sailboats — seafood and pasta with a view of the masts and the mountains behind.
Family tavernas in Orikum serve big portions of grilled meat, fish and oven dishes at local prices.
Stock up on byrek and bread here — it's the last proper town before the pass and the Riviera villages.
Walk the ruins of the 2,700-year-old harbour city — theatre steps, cut-stone channels and lagoon views (check opening arrangements, it sits by a naval base).
Orikum and its marina are the closest launch point for the peninsula's caves and hidden beaches.
From Orikum the SH8 begins its switchback ascent — even if you're staying put, drive up for dinner with a view.
Hotels, tavernas, beach bars and tour operators can be recommended right here — Your Business · Orikum Beach — in front of travellers planning this exact stop.
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