Nautical Information-Ports and Anchorages in Albania
Albania- The country is outside European Union, but is open and friendly towards visitors and leisure sailors. The Albania coastline is a 150nm coast of transit between Greece (Corfu) and Montenegro. South to north, ports and anchorages en route are:
Saranda (39°52′32.00″N 20°0′19.00″E) is the southernmost port of entry into Albania. The port has been recently renovated and extended making it possible for cruise ships to moor. Its very close position to Corfu (only six miles) makes it a favourable and frequented port by sailors not only to clear into Albania but also to visit the surrounding area which has indeed a lot to offer to its visitors.
Before entering the harbor, it is necessary to arrange an agent as he can help you moor up and complete formalities.
Please note that there’s one hour difference regarding Greek and Albanian time. Greek time is one hour ahead.
Ksamil Islands are four small islands located in southern Albania. Ksamil is 15 km (9 miles) south of Saranda. It is very nice to spend the day swimming in the wonderful clear waters of the islands. You can go there by boat (after completing formalities in Saranda).
Porto Palermo Bay is just fifteen miles north-west of Saranda, a few kilometers south of Himara along the Albanian Riviera. The water is deep here (30m plus) almost up to the old fish quay hidden behind the northern side of Ali Pasha's fortress. A useful stopping point and a very protected bay.
Interesting to visit here is Porto Palermo Castle built by Ali Pasha in the beginning of the 19th century.
Himara is a coastal town in southern Albania, 22 miles (35 km) from Saranda. Himara has a small fishing port, which doesn’t offer good wind or swell protection but you can stay in good weather and enjoy visiting the bilingual town.
Dhermi, 5.2 miles away from Himare, offers crystal waters to swim. The place is only to anchor but doesn’t offer any shelter from wind or swell.
Karaburun Peninsula, is the largest peninsula of Albania, located in the District of Vlorë, southwestern Albania, at the eastern side of the Strait of Otranto, where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. It has an area of 62 km2 (24 sq mi) and has no population. It is 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) long with a width that varies from 3 to 4.5 kilometres (1.9 to 2.8 mi). The peninsula is a Managed Nature Reserve, and contains the Pasha Liman military base. The surrounding sea waters form part of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park. The western coast of Karaburun peninsula consists of small bays and rocky beaches. One of them is Gramma Bay.
Gramma Bay, located in Karaburun, has a deep and mostly rocky coast. The bay is known for its high quality waters and isolated position from the noises.
The entrance to Gramma Bay itself is a little fjord and have some shallow on each side, therefore proceed carefully, best in day light and keep the middle.
At night, the place can get some quiet violent wind casts coming down from the mountain. Be aware of it when choosing your anchor spot.
Orikum Marina (40° 19' 31" North, 19° 28' 17" East). It is located at the south end of Vlora Bay. It’s Albania’s only marina. The Italian run Marina has all the usual facilities, and it is pretty safe to leave the boat. There is water and electricity to all berths. Nice sandy anchorage just E of the lighthouse off the headland opposite with seasonal restaurant.
The port of Vlore (40°28′0.00″N 19°30′0.00″E) is located about 5 km from the center of Vlora, about 120 km from Saranda.
The main town is a commercial port of entry, busy with ferries and other traffic. Suitable only for short visits. It is the second largest port city of Albania, after Durrës. Vlore remains a major seaport and commercial centre, with a significant fishing and industrial sector. The port of Vlora is closer in proximity than any other to the port of Bari, Italy, and is just 70 nautical miles (130 km) from Otranto Lecce in the Salento's coasts of Puglia Italy. The island of Sazan is nearby, strategically located at the entrance to the Bay of Vlora. The best beaches are located between Vlora and Saranda, often surrounded by pine forests and olive groves, and are characterized by very fine golden sand. Among the most popular beaches in the surroundings of Vlorë, include: Dhermiu, Drymades, Jal and Palasa.
Durrës Port (41°18′35″N 19°27′26″E) is the biggest port of Albania in the city of Durrës.
It is an artificial basin that is formed between two moles, with a west-northwesterly oriented entrance approximately 183 metres (600 ft) wide as it passes between the ends of the moles. The Port of Durrës is located at the north end of the Bay of Durrës ,an extensive body of water between Kala e Turrës and Cape Durrës. Cape Durrës is located approximately 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) west of the Port of Durrës.
The Port of Durrës has approximately 763 metres (2,503 ft) of alongside pier space on the West Mole and a fishing harbor lies at the north end of the East Mole. Several wrecks are located near the entrance channel to the Port of Durrës. The use of tugboats is compulsory in the Port of Durrës.
Shëngjin Port, is the northernmost seaport in Albania and is frequently accessed by cargo and fishing vessels. The Port provides the area with a strong industrial foundation. Shëngjin has the third largest port in Albania and the Harbor’s access point is located on the northwest part of the city. The port is protected by lengthy rock walls that extend into the sea. . A well sheltered outer harbour, 600m x 300m, just 10nm from the Montenegro border, is surrounded by popular holiday beaches. Shëngjin has approximately 3 km of beach front.
