Karaburun's Secret Gems: Unmissable Coves in Wild Albania
Those seeking a destination far from mass tourism , where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet in a symphony of natural beauty, should head to the Albanian Riviera. But not the most famous resorts like Ksamil and Saranda, but a still little-known one, especially because it's not exactly easy to get to.
We're talking about the Karaburun Peninsula , a secluded destination known for its pristine natural beauty, located in Vlora County, within the larger Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park . Embark on a unique adventure to discover its breathtaking beauty, rich biodiversity, and its most beautiful caves and coves, accessible only by sea .
These are the ones that, in our opinion, you absolutely cannot miss.
Dafina BayIts seclusion is what makes it alluring: Dafina Bay nestles among the spectacular cliffs and mountains of the Karaburun Peninsula, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the Riviera. Its turquoise waters are bordered by a pristine pebble beach, perfect for relaxing and taking a refreshing dip.
There are only two ways to reach it: by following a poorly marked trek , recommended only for experienced hikers, or by booking a boat tour that allows you to discover the peninsula's various coves.
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Another paradise on Albania 's Karaburun Peninsula is English Bay. Its singular beauty draws adventurers seeking natural charm and historical intrigue: formerly known as "Gjiri i Gjon Gjilekës," this hidden gem is also accessible only by sea .
The name derives from a historic event that occurred during World War II, when the British Army, Anthony Quayle, used this bay to clandestinely distribute weapons and aid to Albanian resistance fighters, leaving a historical mark on this isolated and wild place. Entering the cave, you can admire thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites , while underwater, numerous historical relics dating back to 1943-1944 are still present.
Brisani BayWe now head to the western coast of the Karaburun Peninsula, where a small cove of sand and pebbles surrounded by steep limestone cliffs is called Brisani Bay. Also known as "Shepherd's Bay" or "Bear Bay," it harks back to ancient local roots and surprises with its incredibly crystalline waters with turquoise hues, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing away from the tourist crowds.
It's still a relatively unfrequented cove, especially since it can only be reached in two ways: either by speedboat departing from Vlora or Dhërmi, which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, or on foot . The route, which lasts 3.5 hours, starts from the Marmiroi church in Orikum.
Skaloma BaySkaloma Bay, also known as Beget Bay , also boasts unspoiled nature. With its fine white sand and turquoise waters, it's the ideal place for swimming, snorkeling to explore the seabed, or simply relaxing in a wild corner of Albania .
The cove is framed by steep cliffs and mountain ridges typical of the region's karst landscape, where you can experience a sense of authentic adventure . We recommend bringing binoculars because here, from the sea, you can spot dolphins , turtles, and even seals. Like the other coves on the Karaburun Peninsula, the bay can be reached either by sea or by a challenging trek, which should only be undertaken by those well-prepared and equipped.
