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Albania’s coastline is full of hidden treasures waiting to be found.
Taking a boat trip along the Albanian Riviera reveals secluded bays, clean beaches, and clear waters that delight the senses.
As you sail on the blue waters of the Ionian and Adriatic seas, you’ll see stunning views that show the untouched beauty of this Mediterranean paradise.
From the steep cliffs of the Karaburun Peninsula to the calm beaches of Sazan Island, each trip gives a special look at Albania’s rich sea history and natural beauty.
The salty air, the gentle sound of waves against the boat, and the endless horizon before you—it’s an experience that makes you forget everything else.
Albania’s coastline is a paradise ready to be explored, offering an adventure that mixes excitement, peace, and discovery.
Where to Find a Boat in Albania
Boat trips in Albania are easily accessible from several coastal towns and cities, each offering unique excursions:
Velipojë – Located in northern Albania, this coastal village is perfect for peaceful boat trips along the Adriatic Sea.
Shëngjin – Known for its long sandy beaches and fishing culture, this port town offers fantastic local boat tours.
Durrës – Albania’s largest coastal city, offering private yacht charters and group boat tours.
Vlorë – A major departure point for the famous Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island tours.
Himarë – A charming coastal town with boat trips to Gjipe Beach and the hidden caves nearby.
Sarandë – The gateway to some of the most stunning boat trips, including Ksamil’s Three Islands and Kakome Bay.
If you’re looking to book a boat trip, you can easily find local tour agencies, marinas, or private boat owners offering excursions. Many tours offer snorkeling gear, refreshments, and local guides to enhance your experience.
Top 7 Boat Trips in Albania
Krorëz and Kakome: Albania’s Untouched Coastal Paradises
Tucked away along Albania’s southern Riviera, Krorëz and Kakome are two of the most pristine and secluded beaches in the country.
These hidden gems, only accessible by boat or a challenging hike, have remained largely untouched for centuries.
Kakome Bay, a breathtaking horseshoe-shaped inlet, was once home to a small fishing community.
However, during the communist era, the area was declared military property, restricting public access for decades.
Krorëz, just a short distance away, remained even more remote, protected by steep hills and dense Mediterranean vegetation.
Today, these two beaches stand as symbols of unspoiled beauty, offering visitors a glimpse of Albania’s coastline as it was before tourism.
As your boat approaches, the first thing that strikes you is the crystal-clear turquoise water, so transparent that you can see fish darting beneath the surface.
The soft white sand, framed by rugged cliffs and olive groves, creates an almost dreamlike contrast.
Unlike the more famous beaches of the Riviera, Krorëz and Kakome remain blissfully quiet, with no loud music, no sprawling resorts—just the sounds of gentle waves and the occasional seagull overhead.
The isolation gives the beaches an almost mystical feel, as if they exist outside of time.
A perfect day here starts with an early morning boat trip from Sarandë or Himarë, cutting through the glassy Ionian waters as the rising sun paints the cliffs gold.
Once you arrive, the morning is best spent swimming or snorkeling, as the calm, clear waters are ideal for spotting marine life.
By midday, the warm sands invite you to lie back and relax, while those seeking adventure can explore the rocky trails that lead to stunning panoramic viewpoints.
Bring a picnic, as there are no restaurants or facilities—just you, the sea, and nature at its most raw and beautiful.
Getting here requires some planning.
Boats leave daily from Sarandë and Himarë during peak season, with prices ranging from €20 to €40 per person, depending on whether you opt for a private tour or a group trip.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a scenic but challenging hike from the nearby village of Lukovë, a trek that rewards you with stunning coastal views before descending to Krorëz’s soft sands.
Karaburun Peninsula & Sazan Island: A Journey Through Albania’s Wild Beauty and Hidden History
There’s a feeling of stepping into another world when you embark on a Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island tour.
These two destinations, though close to each other, offer completely different experiences—one a rugged, unspoiled peninsula and the other an island steeped in history and mystery.
Sazan Island, Albania’s largest island, has long been shrouded in secrecy.
Once a strategic military base, it was used by the Italians during World War II, later falling under communist control as a heavily fortified outpost.
For decades, it was off-limits to the public, a ghost island hiding underground tunnels, abandoned barracks, and the remnants of a Cold War past.
Walking through its eerily quiet streets today, it’s easy to feel the weight of history.
The air is thick with stories of soldiers stationed here, waiting for an invasion that never came.
But beyond the military relics, the island boasts breathtaking natural beauty—secluded beaches, lush forests, and panoramic views of the Adriatic and Ionian seas colliding on the horizon.
After exploring Sazan, the tour continues to the Karaburun Peninsula, Albania’s only marine national park.
Unlike Sazan, which carries an air of forgotten history, Karaburun is raw, wild, and utterly untamed.
The coastline is a spectacle of towering cliffs, hidden sea caves, and coves where the water glows an impossible shade of turquoise.
One of the most spectacular sights is the Haxhi Ali Cave, named after a legendary pirate who once used it as a hideout.
As your boat enters the cave, sunlight filters through the opening, illuminating the emerald-green waters in a surreal, almost otherworldly glow.
Jumping into the water here feels like diving into a secret paradise.
A full day here is best spent exploring, swimming, and simply soaking in the isolation.
There are no roads, no buildings—just nature at its most untamed. Bring a picnic and plenty of water, as there are no facilities, only vast stretches of untouched coastline.
Boat tours to Karaburun and Sazan leave daily from Vlorë, with prices ranging from €30 to €60 per person, depending on whether you opt for a group tour or a private charter.
Gjipe Beach: A Hidden Paradise Between Cliffs and Canyons
There are few places in Albania that feel as secluded and untouched as Gjipe Beach.
Nestled between towering cliffs where the Gjipe Canyon meets the Ionian Sea, this hidden gem is one of the last truly wild beaches in the country.
To get there, you either need to hike a rugged trail or, for the ultimate experience, arrive by boat from Himarë or Jale.
As your boat glides toward the shore, the scene is almost surreal—golden sands stretching between dramatic rock formations, the deep blue sea lapping gently against the beach, and not a building in sight. It feels like a place that time has forgotten.
The history of Gjipe is just as fascinating as its landscape. During the communist era, this remote canyon was used as a military training ground, completely off-limits to civilians.
There are even remnants of old bunkers hidden within the cliffs, relics of Albania’s heavily fortified past.
Before that, the area had long been considered a sacred place, with locals believing the canyon held mystical energy.
Today, it’s a paradise for adventurers, attracting those who seek solitude and nature in its purest form.
A day at Gjipe Beach is all about embracing the wild beauty that surrounds you. The soft, golden sand is perfect for sunbathing, while the crystal-clear waters invite you in for a swim.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the Gjipe Canyon, a breathtaking natural wonder filled with narrow rock passages, hidden caves, and lush vegetation.
Hiking into the canyon, you’ll hear nothing but the sounds of nature—birds, rustling leaves, and the distant crash of waves.
For those who love rock climbing, the canyon walls offer some of the best climbing routes in Albania.
Getting to Gjipe is an adventure in itself.
If you’re not arriving by boat, you can drive to the top of the canyon near the Monastery of St. Theodore and hike down—a 30- to 40-minute trek through rugged terrain, best done in the cooler hours of the morning.
The boat option is more expensive, with prices ranging from €20 to €50 per person, but it offers a stunning coastal perspective of the cliffs and sea caves along the way.
Discover the Beauty of Ksamil: A Tour of the 3 Breathtaking Islands
Just a short boat ride from the shore, these tiny islets rise from the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, creating a scene that looks almost too perfect to be real.
The moment you step onto the soft white sand and feel the warm, shallow waters surrounding you, you’ll understand why this place is called the ‘Maldives of Europe.’
The islands are uninhabited, untouched by modern development, making them the perfect escape for anyone seeking pristine nature and serenity.
Historically, Ksamil’s Three Islands have remained largely undisturbed, apart from the occasional fisherman seeking shelter along their shores.
During the communist era, when Albania was cut off from the world, these islands remained out of reach, their beauty known only to locals.
After the country opened up, Ksamil quickly gained fame as one of the most spectacular coastal destinations in Europe.
Today, the islands remain an oasis of peace, offering visitors a rare chance to experience an unspoiled Mediterranean paradise.
A day at Ksamil’s Three Islands is pure magic.
You can swim in the shallow, crystal-clear waters, where the sea shimmers in shades of blue and green. Snorkeling here is a must—the underwater world is alive with colorful fish, sea urchins, and even occasional starfish clinging to the rocks.
If you love adventure, rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the hidden corners of the islands at your own pace.
For those who prefer relaxation, simply lay back on the warm sand, sip a fresh coconut from a beachfront bar, and let the gentle sound of waves lull you into a state of bliss.
Getting to the islands is easy. Small boats and kayaks can be rented directly from Ksamil Beach, and a short ride—just 5 to 10 minutes—will take you across the water to your private paradise.
Boat rentals range from €10 to €30, depending on the type of vessel and the duration of your stay.
If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, some private boat tours offer day-long excursions, including stops at other hidden beaches along the coast.
Exploring Haxhi Ali Cave: A Journey Through History and Natural Beauty
Situated along Albania’s rugged Karaburun Peninsula, Haxhi Ali Cave stands as a testament to the country’s rich history and natural splendor.
This karst cave, formed in limestone cliffs, is located near the Cape of Gjuhëz in Vlorë County.
Named after Haxhi Ali Ulqinaku, a 17th-century Albanian sailor renowned for defending the coast against foreign invaders and pirates, the cave served as his strategic refuge during naval battles.
Over the centuries, it has been a sanctuary for traders, travelers, and even French pirates in the 16th century.
Local sailors honor Haxhi Ali’s legacy by casting olive oil and bread into the sea near the cave, a tradition that continues to this day.
The cave’s natural beauty is equally captivating. Its vast entrance, nearly 60 meters high, leads to inner chambers adorned with impressive limestone formations.
The surrounding Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park is a haven for diverse marine life, including dolphins and various fish species.
The area is also rich in Mediterranean flora, such as wild olives and aromatic herbs, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Visiting Haxhi Ali Cave offers a blend of adventure and relaxation.
A boat trip from Vlore provides stunning views of Albania’s coastline, with the cave as a highlight.
Upon arrival, you can explore the cave’s interior, swim in its clear waters, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
The area is also ideal for hiking, offering panoramic views of the rugged terrain.
To reach the cave, consider booking a guided boat tour from Vlore, which often includes visits to nearby attractions like Sazan Island and Grama Bay.
Exploring Porto Palermo: A Blend of History and Natural Beauty on Albania's Ionian Coast
As you continue your journey along Albania’s Ionian coastline, the enchanting bay of Porto Palermo emerges, offering a harmonious blend of historical intrigue and natural splendor.
Dominated by the impressive Porto Palermo Castle, this area invites exploration and reflection amidst its serene landscapes.
The centerpiece of the area is the Porto Palermo Castle, constructed in the early 19th century by the Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha Tepelena.
This fortress, with its strategic location, offers panoramic views of the surrounding bay and stands as a testament to the region’s storied past.
Beyond its historical significance, Porto Palermo is renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The bay is dotted with secluded coves, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
A day in Porto Palermo can be both enriching and rejuvenating. Begin with a guided tour of the Porto Palermo Castle to delve into its history and enjoy the sweeping vistas.
Afterward, unwind on the beach, indulge in water sports, or embark on a boat tour to discover hidden caves and nearby attractions.
Local eateries offer fresh seafood and traditional Albanian dishes, allowing visitors to savor the regional flavors.
Reaching Porto Palermo is convenient, with the area being approximately a 30-minute drive from the town of Himarë.
The drive along the coastal road offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the Albanian Riviera.
Public transportation options are limited, so renting a car or joining a guided tour is recommended for ease of access.
Regarding costs, visiting the Porto Palermo Castle typically requires a small entrance fee, which contributes to the preservation of this historical site.
Guided tours are available for a more in-depth experience, with prices varying based on the tour’s length and inclusions.
Local accommodations range from budget-friendly guesthouses to more upscale options, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Komani Lake Tour: A Journey Through History and Natural Beauty in North Albania
Komani Lake, situated in northern Albania, is a man-made reservoir formed between 1979 and 1988 with the construction of the Koman Dam.
This dam, one of Europe’s tallest at 115 meters, created a lake with a volume of about 500 million cubic meters of water.
The area is also historically significant, with the village of Koman believed to be the site where the Illyrian people transitioned to the Albanian identity between the 6th and 8th centuries.
The natural beauty of Komani Lake is often compared to the Norwegian fjords, featuring steep cliffs, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters.
A day tour of Komani Lake typically includes a ferry ride that offers breathtaking views of the landscape.
The journey often extends to the Shala River, known for its pristine waters and secluded beaches, providing opportunities for swimming and relaxation.
Tours usually depart from the town of Shkodra, with transportation to the ferry departure point included.
A one-day tour of Komani Lake and the Shala River is priced at approximately €29 per person when booked online in advance.
This price typically includes transportation from Shkodra, the ferry ride, and a guided tour.
Additional activities, such as meals or extended excursions, may incur extra costs.
Prices and Tips for Your Boat Trip in Albania
When planning your boat trip in Albania, it’s essential to consider pricing and what to expect.
Costs vary depending on the type of boat, the length of the tour, and whether you’re booking a private charter or a group excursion.
On average, group boat tours range from €20 to €50 per person, while private charters can start at €150 and go up to €500 or more, depending on the duration and the size of the boat.
Popular tours like the Karaburun-Sazan Island tour or Ksamil’s Three Islands trip tend to be on the higher end due to demand and the breathtaking destinations included.
- Book in Advance – During peak season (June to September), boat trips can sell out quickly. Secure your spot early, especially for private tours.
- Negotiate Prices – If you’re booking directly with local boat owners, there’s often room for negotiation, especially for group bookings or multi-day rentals.
- Check What’s Included – Some tours offer snorkeling gear, refreshments, and guided commentary, while others may charge extra. Always confirm what’s covered before booking.
- Arrive Early – For group tours, arriving 15–30 minutes before departure ensures you get the best seats on the boat.
- Bring Essentials – Pack sunscreen, a hat, a waterproof bag, and water shoes for exploring rocky shores and caves.
- Respect Nature – Many of Albania’s coastal gems are protected areas, so avoid littering and respect marine life.
No matter which tour you choose, a boat trip in Albania promises an unforgettable adventure, offering a unique perspective of the country’s stunning coastline and hidden treasures.
