Albania yacht charter
The Albanian Riviera is a wild coast of mountains and small beaches, a short hop from Corfu, often added to an Ionian week. June and September are calmer than high summer. It suits couples and relaxed families.
Albania's southern coast, the Albanian Riviera, is the least visited stretch of the Mediterranean you can reach from somewhere famous. Corfu is a short hop across the strait. From the water you see mountains running straight into a clear sea, small beaches with no road to them, an Ottoman-era fortress and a national park at sea. It has changed fast in the last decade, and parts are now busy in summer, but it is still very different from its neighbours.
Why go, and whom it suits
Couples and honeymoons
This is for people who want somewhere that still feels new. The coves under the Karaburun peninsula and the fortress bay at Porto Palermo are quiet places to anchor.
Friends and celebrations
Ksamil and Dhërmi are among the Riviera's best-known beaches, and between them are bays the group can have to itself.
Families
The beaches and the clear water suit families, and Butrint's ancient site is good for older children. There are fewer marinas and services than in Greece or Croatia, so it suits families who are relaxed about that.
Less suited to anyone who wants polished harbours and a choice of marinas every night. The coast is still building its infrastructure.
The areas
Sarandë and Ksamil
Across from Corfu. Sarandë is the main town; Ksamil has small islets you can swim to. Butrint, an ancient city in a lagoon, is a UNESCO World Heritage site a short drive inland.
The Riviera proper
Himarë, Porto Palermo with its fortress, Dhërmi and Jalë. Pebble beaches backed by mountains, many reached only by sea.
Karaburun and Sazan
The peninsula and island across the Bay of Vlorë form Albania's only marine national park. They are wild and empty, with sea caves.
Vlorë and Orikum
The bay and the marina at Orikum, the usual northern end of a Riviera week.
When to go
- June to September, with July and August the busiest on the beaches near Sarandë and Ksamil.
- June and September are calmer, and the sea is warm in September.
- Wind. The summer wind from the north-west builds in the afternoons on the open coast. The captain plans around it, using the sheltered bays.
Month | Weather and sea | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
June | The afternoon north-westerly on the open coast | Calmer than high summer | A good month to go |
July and August | The afternoon north-westerly on the open coast | The busiest, on the beaches near Sarandë and Ksamil | Weekly rates are higher |
September | The sea is warm; the afternoon north-westerly on the open coast | Calmer than high summer | A good month to go |
What it costs
The charter fee is each yacht's own weekly rate. Her page shows it "from", which is her lowest season; July and August cost more.
- Tax. Albania is not in the EU, and how tax applies to a charter there depends on where the charter starts and on the yacht. Each yacht's quote shows it.
- APA, the Advance Provisioning Allowance, is paid with the balance. It is money held by the captain for fuel, food, drinks, berths and similar costs, spent on your instructions and accounted for at the end; anything unspent is returned. Budget up to 40% of the charter fee for it.
- Port entry. Entering Albania has its own formalities, and any port costs are paid from the APA.
For what a crewed charter costs, line by line, see our guide.
The weekly rate on each yacht’s page. "From" is her lowest season.
An advance for fuel, food, drinks and berths, spent on your instructions and settled at the end.
Set by the country the charter starts in, added to the fee.
Corfu and the Albanian Riviera
This is a round trip from Corfu, crossing to Albania for the middle of the week. The yacht, the weather and the formalities decide the real route.
Board in the afternoon, with a swim on Corfu's north-east coast and dinner in Corfu town or on board.
Cross the strait, swim off Ksamil's islets, and take the tender into Sarandë.
The ancient city in the morning, then north along the coast to a bay for the night.
The bay under its fortress, with a swim and a quiet evening; the captain decides where the yacht spends the night.
The marine park: sea caves, empty coves and snorkelling, within the park's rules.
Beaches and lunch ashore, then the run back towards the strait.
Clear back into Greece and disembark.
The yachts that cruise here
Most of the yachts we show in Albania are larger motor yachts, many of them over 40 metres, and nearly all of them also cruise Greece. Most Albanian weeks are planned as part of an Ionian charter.
We look across the market for every Albanian enquiry. The yachts on this site are a selection, not the limit of what we arrange: ask about any yacht, of any size.
Practical questions
Rene GaspersicYour broker
How far is Albania from Corfu?
Very close: Sarandë lies opposite Corfu, a short passage from Corfu town. That is why most Albanian weeks start in Corfu.
What are the formalities for crossing?
The yacht clears out of Greece and into Albania, with your passports. The crew handle it; you need your passports to hand.
Is it safe?
Check your government's travel advice before you go. As anywhere, the crew knows the local situation.
Which currency is used?
The lek, Albania's currency. Carry some; the crew will tell you where euros or cards are taken.
Are there marinas?
Few. Orikum has one. Most nights are at anchor, which suits a crewed yacht well.
Is it good for children?
Yes, if the family is relaxed about fewer facilities. The beaches and the water are lovely, and Butrint is a good outing.
Do we need a visa?
Visa rules depend on your passport; check your government's travel advice before you go.
Can we combine Albania with Montenegro?
Some yachts do, going north from the Riviera along the coast. It is a longer passage. See Montenegro.
If you are also weighing Greece's Ionian
The Ionian is green, calm and well served. Albania is wilder and emptier, with fewer facilities. A Corfu week that crosses to Albania for two or three days gives you both. See Greece and the Ionian.
Talk to a broker
Tell us roughly when, how many of you there are, and what the week is for: a family summer, a honeymoon, a birthday with friends. Dates and budget can stay loose. We come back with a short list of yachts that fit, say plainly what each one is like, and stay your contact from the first email to the last day on board.
Rene Gaspersic
charter broker
Email info@soretoyachting.com · Phone +44 7342 933198 · WhatsApp +44 7342 933198
Plan
Albania.
Two short steps. Dates and budget can stay loose. We reply personally, by email, phone or WhatsApp.