Karaburun Peninsula has some of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Albania

Spreading across 12,428 hectares in the southern part of Albania, a magical peninsula is located right across from the beautiful Gulf of Vlore and Sazan island. Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea from the north and the Ionian Sea from the other, the Karaburun peninsula is a real Albanian paradise for those who love to enjoy tanning for hours and the clean turquoise sea.

The Karaburun peninsula, also known as the Ceraunian Peninsula, received its name after the beautiful Ceraunian mountain range, which spreads from Vlore to Borsh, that is, the Albanian Riviera.

Karaburun, Photo: Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs, CC BY-SA 4.0

The area of Karaburun, together with Sazan Island, is part of the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, a nature reserve spreading over 125.70 square kilometers. It consists of a mountain range and an island, caves, bays, and cliffs, that contribute to unbelievable biological diversity.

Due to its shape and wonderful Mediterranean climate, Karaburun is extremely famous for its bays and beaches hidden within the rocky cliffs, attracting visitors looking for hidden gems during the summer months.

Karaburun, Photo: Albinfo, CC BY 4.0

Although there are many smaller beaches all around the peninsula the most famous ones are:

Bay of Dafinë

Situated on the southwest side of the peninsula, the Bay of Dafine is a magical beach to visit. Right beside it is a small cave that you can swim into as well.

Cave Define, Karaburun, Photo: Fation Plaku, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bay of Brisanit

The Bay of Brisanit is located just a few bays south of the Bay of Dafine, at the very border of the Karaburun peninsula. It’s an adorable smaller bay with a rocky beach. There is also a very old building located just above it.

Bay of Brisanit, Karaburun, Photo: Fation Plaku, CC BY-SA 4.0

In addition to the bays, within the Karaburun peninsula, you can also witness the amazing Cave of Haxhi Ali, which is located at the very north of the peninsula. The cave was formed in limestone cliffs near the Cape of Gjuhëz and was named after Haxhi Aliu, a prominent Albanian warrior, and sailor from Ulcinj who used the cave together with his son.

The cave is about 18 meters tall and around 30 meters in depth.

Cave Haxhi Aliu, Karaburun, Photo: Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs, CC BY-SA 4.0

Besides being crowded by tourists, the Karaburun peninsula is a famous resting spot and home to various kinds of species, and it is rich in both flora and fauna. If you visit it, you will most probably come across many dolphins and sea turtles following you along the way.

For you to visit the bays or caves at Karaburun, you must either book an organized or private boat tour and in case you do visit it, remember to bring your waste back with you! 🙂