Hidden boat-access beaches near Saranda
The beach right behind our house is two minutes on foot and perfectly does the job for everyday swimming. But if you want one day that feels different, there are coves just outside Saranda with no road leading to them at all. The water is clear, the crowds are thin and the surroundings are wild. We keep going back ourselves, and we are happy to point guests toward the best way in.
What these hidden coves are like
A few kilometres north of Saranda, between the town and the village of Lukovë, sit coves you simply cannot drive to. The best known are Kakome and Krorëza. Kakome is a deep bay ringed by cliffs and greenery, a little reminiscent of a Thai lagoon. Krorëza is a stretch of white sand and smooth pebbles that the rocks naturally split into smaller pockets. Both have crystal-clear, turquoise water and, outside the busiest weeks, a lovely calm. They are among the last genuinely untouched beaches in this part of Albania, which is exactly why they are worth a little effort.
Getting there by boat
The easiest way in is over the water. In season, plenty of boats moor along the promenade in Saranda harbour and run full-day loops with several stops. From the port to Kakome is roughly 30 to 45 minutes, and trips usually leave mid-morning and return toward evening. Along the way they often pause at sea caves, smaller coves and a little chapel. It is the most comfortable option and you get to see the coastline from the water. Exact prices and departure times shift with the season and the operator, so it is best to check on the spot or simply ask us.
Private boat or a rented dinghy
If you would rather set your own pace than follow someone else's schedule, you can hire a small motorboat in Saranda, sometimes with a skipper. You stop exactly where you like, swim away from the crowd and move on after lunch whenever you feel like it. It costs more than a group trip, but for a special day, an anniversary or a small group it is worth it. We are glad to help you find someone reliable so you do not pay more than you need to.
Overland: the trail and the rough track
You can also reach Krorëza on foot, but it is a half-day effort and not a stroll. Cars are usually left at the guarded gate before Kakome, and from there it is a rocky, sometimes steep path. From the signpost to the beach is about 3 km and you should allow roughly an hour and a half on foot. Wear proper shoes, carry plenty of water and expect little shade. With small children or without some fitness, I would take the boat. But if you enjoy hiking, you are rewarded with views you would never catch from a deck.
What to prepare for
Do not expect the conveniences of town on these beaches. In summer a seasonal bar or small snack stand sometimes pops up, but you cannot count on it. Bring your own water, something to eat, sunscreen, a hat and water shoes for the pebbles. Phone signal tends to be weak. Look for shade under the cliffs, and plan to carry your rubbish back out. The very fact that there is nothing there is what makes these coves so beautiful, so a little forethought goes a long way.
Why the effort pays off
Our home beach is brilliant for everyday swimming with zero planning. The hidden coves are the opposite: a trip you remember, with glassy water, quiet, and the feeling of having a piece of the sea almost to yourself. One day like this over a whole stay gives the holiday a completely different flavour. Before you arrive or once you are here, just get in touch and we will tell you which boats are running and what makes sense given the weather and your pace.
FAQ
Can I drive to Kakome or Krorëza?
Not right to the beach, there is no road. The most comfortable way is a boat from Saranda harbour. You can also hike to Krorëza along a rocky trail in about an hour and a half, leaving the car at the gate before Kakome.
Are there facilities on these beaches?
Amenities are minimal. In season a seasonal bar or small snack stand sometimes operates, but it is not guaranteed. It is safer to bring your own water, food and sun protection, and to check the current situation when you arrive.
How much does a boat trip cost and when does it leave?
Group full-day loops in season usually leave mid-morning and return toward evening, but prices and departures vary by operator and time of year. Please check current information on the promenade or ask us.
