As we move down the Albanian coast we have reached the Albanian Riviera, a stunning, mountainous stretch of coastline in southwestern Albania running along the Ionian Sea, from the city of Vlorë down to Sarandë near the Greek border.
Honestly, the past few days along this coastline are best told through photos. But, before we dive in, here’s a look at the stretch of coastline we’ve been exploring along the Albanian Riviera.
On our way there we spotted three dolphins off KORA’s stern, surfacing and playing nearby us for several minutes. It’s our second dolphin sighting ever since arriving in the Mediterranean, and every bit as exciting as the first!
Every bay seems more beautiful than the last, with dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and water so impossibly colorful in every possible shade of blue that it almost looks edited. We’ve spent our days swimming, paddle boarding, exploring caves in the cliff walls, and simply soaking in some of the most spectacular coastline.
A quick stop at the Blue Cave revealed electric-blue water glowing beneath the cliffs, creating one of those natural wonders that almost looks too vibrant to be real.
Our first night at anchorage was in the Himarë Harbour. A quick dinghy ride ashore gave us the chance to explore Himarë’s lively waterfront, where cafés, restaurants, and beachgoers line the promenade against a backdrop of mountains and water. And as the sun slipped below the mountains, the water transformed yet again. The brilliant turquoise we’d admired all day gave way to soft shades of pink, lavender, and gold, reflecting the sunset above like a giant mirror.
The next day we spent hopping between stunning bays, including Jale Beach, Aquarium Beach, and Livadhi Beach, amongst others, each offering its own blend of turquoise water, dramatic scenery, and the kind of swimming conditions that make it difficult to leave.
Our final night was spent anchored off Kakome Beach, where sapphire, turquoise, and cobalt waters meet rugged green hills and the outside world feels wonderfully far away. Of course, we spent more time having fun in the water. Honestly, these pictures don’t quite do it justice. The colors are richer, the water clearer, and the scenery somehow even more impressive in person.
In the morning before departing we hiked up to Manastiri i Shën Marisë, an old Orthodox monastery dating back to the 1600s. Along the way we passed a few wild horses and took in spectacular views over the bay.
Family & friends – if you’re feeling a little jealous while scrolling through the photos, remember: you’ve all had an open invitation to join us aboard KORA!
And speaking of guests, KORA is about to get a whole lot livelier.
In just 2 days Buzz’s son, Mack, will be joining us aboard. Shortly after that, Buzz’s daughter Ainsley and good friend SamO (both former Tulane beach vb teammates & roommates of Em 💚) will arrive as well. We can’t wait to welcome some younger energy, add another paddleboard to the water, and create a whole new set of stories.
Until then, we’ll continue doing our best to “suffer through” these crystal-clear waters and spectacular views.
Stay tuned!
