Orikum could be the next Vlore! The town is a combination of history and beautiful beaches

There are still undiscovered gems all over Albania, and one of them is a small town about which I will now tell you a little more.

Orikum has exceptional potential for tourism development, which will surely happen soon since Vlore is only 20 kilometers away and is becoming more and more visited. Therefore, this summer, or maybe next, if you are planning a trip to Albania and want to discover a new, quieter place, be sure to visit this charming town while you still have the chance.

Here are a few reasons why!

Orikum, Photo: Wildman Depositphotos

1. POSITION

Located only 30 minutes from one of the biggest tourist hotspots, Vlore, Orikum is a small town located at the very beginning of the Karaburun peninsula on the very border of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. It is positioned right under the Tragjas and Paliska mountains, and on the coast, it is surrounded by beautiful magical coves.

2. HISTORY

Orikum is an ancient town that was founded sometime in the 6th century BC. It was a port on the Illyrian coast that developed in the ancient Greek polis on the very border of Epirus and Illyria. A little later, it also became an important Roman city, a naval and strategic base, and today you can find its remains within the archaeological park of Oricum.

Right next to the archaeological park is the Pasha Liman Lagoon, which has become home to numerous species of birds.

Oricum Archaeological Park, Photo: ElisabetaGramatiko, CC BY-SA 4.0

3. BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Orikum can really boast of beautiful beaches, and you can still choose what you like the most, sand or pebbles. With the arrival of hotels and beach bars, the offer has also improved, so you will have the opportunity to find a great position with even better sunbeds. While you are drinking a cold drink in front of you is only the beautiful Adriatic blue and the island of Sazan in the distance.

We heard that the sunsets are also indescribable.

Orikum, Photo: Dynamoland Depositphotos

4. KARABURUN PENINSULA

Spreading over 12,428 hectares in the southern part of Albania, the magical peninsula is right next to Orikum. Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea from the north and the Ionian Sea from the other side, it is a real Albanian paradise for those who like to enjoy sunbathing and the clear turquoise sea for hours.

If you have settled in Orikum, then now is a great opportunity to explore it in depth and breadth. The area of ​​Karaburun, together with the island of Sazan, is part of the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, and in its embrace hides many hidden bays and one of the most famous sea caves in Albania, that of Haxhi Ali.

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

5. INTERESTING LOCATIONS

Don’t miss visiting the Gjon Boçari fortress, which has the best view of Orikum, or the old town and village of Tragjasi and Vjetër, which was completely abandoned after the bombing in 1943. Of course, you have to approach the village with caution because of the possible collapses.

Of course, you can’t forget to visit the famous Llogara National Park.

Llogara, Photo: jana_janina, Depositphotos