Kroreza, Kakome and Turtle Cave Luxury Yacht Tour Saranda

The Saranda seafront and the yacht

The day starts on Rruga Jonianët, the seafront street of Saranda, where the crew welcomes you at their stand and the yacht departs at 10:00. Saranda faces the island of Corfu across a narrow strait of the Ionian Sea, and as the yacht leaves the harbour you get a wide view of the town climbing the hills behind the promenade.

The yacht is larger and steadier than the usual small tour boats, with comfortable seating in the sun and in the shade, a toilet and food for purchase on board. It is a good choice for travellers who want the hidden beaches of the coast with more space and comfort.

Gremina and the cliffs of Cape Qefali

The first stop is Gremina, by Cape Qefali, where the cliffs rise straight from the water. The yacht slows here for about ten minutes so you can admire the coastline and take panoramic photos of the rock walls, the green slopes and the deep blue sea.

The guide explains the geography of this coast, which stayed undeveloped for decades and is still reached mainly by sea. It sets the tone for the rest of the day: wild shores, clear water and very few buildings. Have sunscreen and a hat ready: much of the day is spent on deck in the sun, though the shaded seating is never far away.

Kakome and Soldiers' Beach

Kakome is a peaceful cove of white pebbles and emerald water framed by olive and cypress trees. The yacht stops here for about 30 minutes, time to jump in, swim and snorkel in some of the clearest water near Saranda. Later in the day there is a second 30-minute swim stop at Soldiers' Beach, Plazhi i Ushtarit, another quiet cove reached only by boat.

Snorkelling equipment is provided, though you can bring your own if you prefer. These coves are sheltered, so the water is usually calm and good for swimmers of all levels. Between the two coves the yacht passes green slopes and small inlets, a chance to relax on deck while the guide talks about the coast.

Kroreza Beach

Kroreza Beach is the highlight of the tour and one of the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera. You spend about two and a half hours here, with an umbrella and sunbeds included, so you can swim, sunbathe, walk along the shore or snorkel among the rocks at either end of the cove.

There are restaurants on the beach for lunch, and food is also sold on board (meals are paid separately). Many visitors search for how to get to Kroreza Beach; it has no easy road access, so a yacht or boat tour from Saranda is the simplest way to spend a day here. Remember to bring some cash for the beach.

Turtle Cave

The last sight before returning is Turtle Cave, known locally as Shpella e Breshkës, a low arch in the limestone cliffs whose shape gives it its name. The yacht stops for about ten minutes for photos of the cave and the bright blue water at its entrance.

From here the yacht cruises back along the coast to the Saranda seafront, arriving about six hours after departure, in time to enjoy the late afternoon on the promenade. It is a fine final photo stop, and the guide explains how the sea carved these arches out of the limestone over thousands of years.