Tuši's blog: 16949

Albania: Yearly Vacation - Albania - Boat Trip

Seventeen days, two motorcycles, one destination. For this year's holiday, Nada and I headed to Albania, planning to explore its coastline from north to south before turning towards the mountains and making our way home through some of the country's most scenic landscapes.

Having spent several days exploring Albania by motorcycle, it was finally time for a day without helmets, luggage and kilometres. Instead, we traded two wheels for a boat trip.

After breakfast, we walked down to the harbour in Sarandë, where we met the skipper of the boat we had booked the day before. Once all the passengers had arrived and the last places were filled, our small flotilla set off along the spectacular coastline north of the city.

The journey itself was just as enjoyable as the destination. Along the way, we visited several secluded bays and swimming spots, giving everyone the opportunity to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea. Surrounded by steep cliffs and hidden beaches accessible only by boat, it was easy to understand why this stretch of coastline is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Albania.

Eventually we reached Plazhi i Krorëz, the highlight of the trip. Here we had plenty of time to relax, enjoy a cold beer, take another swim and simply appreciate the scenery. With turquoise water, a secluded beach and the mountains rising behind it, the place looked almost too perfect to be real.

The return journey brought more stops in hidden coves and bays, but it was not entirely without excitement. Somewhere along the way, our boat unexpectedly ran out of fuel. Whether this was poor planning or simply part of the Balkan travel experience remains open for debate. Fortunately, the problem was solved quickly and before long we were back underway.

In true Balkan fashion, what could have been a problem turned into little more than an amusing story and another memorable moment from the trip.

Safely back in Sarandë, we celebrated the successful return the only sensible way, with another beer. On the walk back towards our apartment, we stopped at one of the more authentic local restaurants for a late lunch before spending the remainder of the afternoon taking things easy - Garmin Connect.

Previous days of Albania Moto trip 2025: Day 8 - 16948, Day 7 - 16947, Day 6 - 16946, Day 5 - 16945, Day 4 - 16944, Day 3 - 16943, Day 2 - 16942, Day 1 - 16941.

Sarandë takes its name from the Monastery of the Forty Saints (Agioi Saranta), whose ruins can still be found on the hillside above the city.

Approaching the port.

The marble dolphins are part of the Sea Magic Symposium held in Sarandë in 2016, when sculptors from Albania, Greece, Ukraine, Macedonia and Canada created six sea-inspired sculptures along the promenade.

Turtle Cave takes its name from a rock formation resembling a turtle's head. Accessible only by boat, it has become one of the most popular stops along the Sarandë coastline.

In front of Turtle Cave, known locally as Shpella e Milotit.

Continuing North.

Water and rock playing for centuries.

Qefali Cape - Kepi Qefalit had some inhabitants.

The folded limestone layers of Cape Qefali were formed when powerful tectonic forces compressed ancient seabed sediments, creating the dramatic patterns visible today.

Mother Nature showing off her stone artwork at Cape Qefali.

Model in the sea.

Looking south from Cape Qefali, the Greek island of Corfu emerges on the horizon.

Time for the first swim of the day.

For October, the water temperature was absolutely fantastic.

Our boat.

Two photographers, two cameras and far too many photos.

Towards our next stop, Kakomë Bay.

Although accessible by road, Kakome Bay remains far less visited than the beaches around Sarandë and Ksamil, helping preserve its wild and secluded atmosphere.