5 Most Beautiful Destinations

1. Cave of Haxhi Ali

 

The Cave of Haxhi Ali is a karst cave formed in limestone cliffs, located in the Karaburun Peninsula near the Cape of Gjuhëz. The cave has a length of 30 m with a width which can vary between of 10–12 m and a height of 15 m.

 The cave was named after Haxhi Aliu, a prominent Albanian warrior and sailor from Ulcinj who fled with his son in this cave. Several archaeological objects has been found, that prove that this cave was used by traders and passers during the ancient times. The cave has also geologic values because all around it there are stalactites formations which are created over years.

 Besides its strategic location on the Karaburun Peninsula within the Albanian Riviera, this cave is considered as one of the country's most beautiful caves and attracts numerous visitors. Notably it has been recognized as a “Natural Monument” of national importance by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and is part of the MPA K-S.

 

2. Bay of Grama

 

The Bay of Grama is situated along the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast on the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of many bays of the western Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera, south of the Karaburun Peninsula.

The bay is home to precious archaeological, historical and cultural values, as it served as an important harbor and shelter for the boats sailing along the coast during classical antiquity. On the vertical cliffs and rocks, there are more than 1500 carved ancient inscriptions; the name of the bay is closely associated with engraved inscriptions. Due to this fact, Bay of Grama is considered as the richest “rocky diary” in the Mediterranean.

 Representing a rocky bay, the shore is dominated by coastal cliffs, sloping vertically into the sea, and rocky, pebbled beaches. It stretches within the MPA K-S and was designated as a “Natural Monument” because of its outstanding landscape.

 The precious landscapes of the bay are of global importance, because they contribute to the country's ecological balance and provide habitat for numerous globally threatened and endangered species. The marine caves are an exceptional ecosystem and give important refuge to the Mediterranean Monk Seal, the rarest seal species in the world.

 

3.Bay of Bristani

The Bay of Bristani is one of the top wonders of the Albanian coast. Like many other secret beaches in Karaburun Peninsula, Bristani is the perfect place for those, who are looking for an intimate swim. This must-visit site can be reached either by foot or sea. It takes a seven-hour walk from Llogara to Bristani Bay. The beach is safe for camping, yet it is not recommended when the wind is strong. Campers must take food, water, and other supplies because the area is isolated.

 The Bay of Bristani hosts an abandoned military building, a small jetty and several bunkers in its steep cliffs which are cut by canyons entering deeply into the coast. In the past, it was used as a safe place for ships during storms. Nearby there is a crashed commercial ships.

 

4. Sazani Island

 

The largest island off the coast of Albania located in a strategic, ecological and social very important crossroads position between the Eastern and the Western parts of the Mediterranean region.

 It is a unique site with exceptional biodiversity values at national level.

 Sazani Island was first mentioned by Polybius in a military episode taking place in 215 BC. The past of the island constitutes an important historical, cultural and military heritage. In view of its position between the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, the island has always been a strategic military defense point. There are present settlements of military basis of different countries in the 20th century (Greek, Italian, German, and Albanian).

 Presence of two churches, archaeological remains, ancient buildings, shipwrecks, past land uses, etc. constitute additional valuable assets.

 Can be accessed by sea, with boats that depart from Vlora Port.

 

5. Diving Trails

 

For all diving enthusiasts, MPA K-S offers underwater trails to enjoy the unique world and underwater assets of the area.

 The main habitats that are quite attractive for SCUBA diving activity are:

  • Posidonia meadows
  • Underwater caves
  • Coralligenous "sidewalk" formations

 The latter reach up to 1 meter large, and because of their diversity, they are considered one of the most attractive marine underwater landscapes for diving.

  • Bay of Gramata

    Bay of Gramata or as it is called by locals, Grams Bay is located at the foot of the western slope of Karaburun. In an uninhabited area, which can be reached mainly by the sea, (the land route passes on a mountainous terrain), there is a small natural beach, which has been exploited as quarry since the Shek. IV P.K. In the craggy crags there are various inscriptions from the ship crews that have passed there. The inscriptions date back to the 13th century. III p.k until the middle ages.

  • Church of Marmiroi

    Church of Marmiroi is a lonely cult facility, built on a hill near the lagoon. It is a Byzantine Byzantine church whose construction dates back to the nineteenth century. XII. Cross-shaped dome churches are typical of monastery complexes, and in fact, the ruins of a chimney, a window, and some niches imply that there might once have been a monastery. At the end of the boulevard "Princess Rugjina" is followed the road that leads to the foot of the canal. Until you drive here and walk on foot

  • Cave of Haxhi Aliu

    The cave of Haxhi Alia is called Illyrian cave. It has the shape of a cuboid with a length of 30m, a maximum height of 18m, a width of 12m and reaches 10m in depth. At the end of the cave flow fresh water. It is said that a prominent Ulcinj warrior and seaman named Haxhi Ali fled with his son in this cave. From there, they attacked the pirates of the sea and cooperating with the shepherds defended merchants and travelers crossing them. It is located on the Karaburun Peninsula near the Cape of Spirits. The most efficient way to visit this place is the maritime means.

  • Tower of Dervish Aliu

    In Dukat village is a construction complex with significant historical values. Built at the beginning of the 20th century. XIX this complex is named after Dervish Ali, a character known as the organizer of the village revolt against Tanzimat's reforms in Albania during 1847-1848. The building represents a tower-type flat with the most defensive features in all of South Albania. The tower is located in the Mazo neighborhood, near the center of Dukat village.

  • Castle of Gjon Boraci

    The castle of John Bocari is a medieval castle, located near the village of Tragjas. It is a fortification of the Century of VX, equipped with two hexagonal towers built with stone blocks. In this castle the Princess of Kanin and Vlora, Rugjina e Balshajve, had the last resistance to the Ottoman invaders in 1417. About 1km from the center of the village of Tragjas takes the right road and this road leads to the destination. Easy to reach the vehicle.

  • Ferrun Water Supply

    Ferrun's water supply is a characteristic stone-built construction built by the Dukat village masters in the 19th century around 1888. It is of open-type type, supported by three semicircular arches. has a length of 2 km and a width of 0.5 m. The bows of this water pipes are made of smooth stone tiles. How can we go: To the right of the national road Orikum - Dukat, go back to the "Ferrun" road, which leads to the place called the stream of Gjilan. When it arrives, it takes the road parallel to the stream on the left. About 500 meters further lies the Ferrun Waterworks.

  • National Park Llogara

    Llogara National Park is located southeast of Orikum City and 37 km from the city of Vlora. It covers an area of 1,010 ha. The fresh and healthy air, the wonderful view of the coniferous trees, the tourist village and the cold water flowing from the interior of the mountains give this park important tourist and national values. Foreign and domestic is considered one of the most beautiful places of the Albanian Riviera. It is located on the national road connecting Vlora with Saranda at 30 Km. This road runs through between the Park and divides it into two parts.

  • Pine Flag

    Pine Flag is a unique natural monument that carries unique value for the symbolism it represents. She is 100 years old and is the work of the South Winds. Pine flag has constantly attracted the attention of domestic and foreign visitors Pine Flag is located at the exit of Llogara Park on the right of the main road.

  • The ancient Tragjas

    The footprints of the ancient settlement are found on the hill "Sofa Town", without leaving aside some Illyrian summers belonging to the Bronze Age. The ruins of some constructions are of the IV-II century p.e.s. This village in the time records is mentioned with the names Traces, Dramas of the Market. He was part of the fortified centers of the Vlora Gulf and in antiquity in the administrative unit of Orik. The Old Village was populated in the XVI century and is located 7 km west of today's Tragjas.