Karaburun Peninsula

Karaburun is a long limestone peninsula running north-west from the mainland near Vlora, separating the Adriatic from the Ionian at the Otranto narrows, and it has no roads, no settlements and no permanent population: it was a closed military zone for decades and is now a national marine park with Sazan island offshore. The coast is a run of cliffs, sea caves, arches and small pebble bays reachable only from the water, with the Haxhi Ali cave the largest, and the water is exceptionally clear with sea grass meadows and, occasionally, monk seals. Boat trips from Vlora and Orikum work the coast in summer. The interior is bare karst with maquis and a few shepherds' paths.

What you actually see

• Sea caves and arches - the cliff coast worked by the water.
• Empty pebble bays - inlets with no road and no development.
• Very clear water - sea grass meadows and rock in the marine park.
• A roadless peninsula - no settlement anywhere along it.

When to go

June to September when boat trips run; sea conditions govern everything and trips are cancelled often. A day. Mornings are calmest. Trips usually combine the caves, Sazan and one or two bays.

Honest expectations

Boat only, and cancellations for weather are frequent. There are no facilities anywhere on the peninsula. Some areas remain restricted. Operators vary in quality and some overload boats. Monk seal sightings are very rare.

Nearby

Sazan Island lies offshore; Vlora is at the base of the peninsula.