Sailing Albania

Most sailors pick up a charter boat in Albania at one of the larger marinas, and Durres Marina (Port of Durres) is the usual starting point. It sits on the central Adriatic coast, close to the capital Tirana, which makes flight connections and provisioning straightforward. From Durres you can head south along the coast, or north toward Shëngjin, depending on how much time you have and which direction the wind is blowing.

The southern coast is where the scenery gets dramatic. Vlora Marina sits at the entrance to the Bay of Vlora, and from there you can cross to the Karaburun Peninsula or work your way down toward the Ionian Sea. Orikum Marina (Pashaliman) is a short hop further south, tucked inside a protected bay that has been used by ships for centuries. The water is clearer here, and the hills come straight down to the sea.

Further down still, Saranda Marina is the main hub for the Ionian coast. It is the closest large base to the Greek island of Corfu, which makes it a practical spot to start or end a longer charter. Just north of Saranda, Porto Palermo Marina offers a quieter alternative, with a narrow entrance that leads into a sheltered natural harbour. The bay is dominated by a castle on a small peninsula, and the anchorage is well protected from most winds.

If you prefer the northern Adriatic, Shëngjin Marina is a smaller facility that suits a relaxed cruise along the flat coastal plain. It is not as developed as Durres or Saranda, but it gives you a different side of Albania, with long sandy beaches and fewer boats. Whichever base you choose, the distances between marinas are short, so you can plan a week-long itinerary without spending all day under sail.