16 boats available
Can't find what you want?Talk to our holiday planners today.
We partner with the top insurance providers for maritime tourism. Find out more
Can't find what you want?Talk to our holiday planners today.
Albania might not be your usual sailing destination in Europe, but this hidden gem offers some of the most interesting landscapes, the most beautiful beaches and the most stunning mountains - without the mass tourism that has already hit other Mediterranean countries. Rent a boat in Albania to discover the hidden gems that often look like the Caribbean rather than Europe. You will feel inspired and want to return very soon.
Albania has an interesting history, which you can learn more about in the many castles that are spread all over the country and a rich cultural heritage that you will see for yourself when coming to visit
Casual dining in Albania:
Restaurants with a view in Albania:
Fine dining in Albania:
Albania has an interesting and rich history. The mountainous landscape houses multiple castles and fortresses. Various historical sites dating back to as far as 6.000 BC have been found in the country and one of the most important ones from that era include Gruemirë in Northern Albania. Throughout antiquity Albania has been invaded both by Romans and Greeks, which is shown by the beautiful ancient sites Apollonia and Butrint.
Albania is a country that is filled with myths and legends. One in particular stands out. It is the legend of Sari Salltëk which came to symbolize the togetherness of Christians and Muslims. Nobody knows exactly where he came from, but Albania and its neighbouring countries claim ownership of this mythical figure. He is even said to be buried in seven graves. How is that possible?
One of the best parts about sailing in Albania is the fact that it is an incredibly beautiful country, but you get to explore it without the masses like in Greece or Croatia. Relatively untouched nature, scenic beaches and delicious local food await you here.
Albania is where the Adriatic sea meets the Ionian sea and with over 450 km of coastline, it is a truly wonderful place to discover by boat. The South of Albania is particularly magical. However, as Albania is not a popular tourist destination, it doesn’t have the same infrastructure as its neighbouring countries. Marinas are not the most well-equipped, well-stocked places when it comes to planning a boat holiday here and you can mostly find bigger ports intended for commercial trading - not necessarily the best place for a little sailboat or yacht to be. Even the process to get petrol for your boat might be a challenge - which might lead to crazy prices.
You can find great spots for anchoring along the Southern Albanian coast, however, you should also keep in mind that the coast was once a minefield. Although the authorities claim that it is safe to go, you should always proceed with caution. There are also maps indicating where minefields have been placed. Albanian authorities will stop you from anchoring in the North, although the reasons for this are not clear.
Just like other Mediterranean countries, Albania is blessed with hot summers and relatively mild winters. July and August are the most popular months to visit the country as you get to enjoy the maximum of sunshine and warm sea temperatures.
Albania is one of the cheapest holiday destinations in all of Europe. So you don’t need to spend a lot of money on your boat rental in Albania.
Before you decide what kind of boat you want to rent in Albania, you should first decide what kind of boat holiday you would like to experience here. Planning on visiting all the beautiful and scenic beaches? Rent a boat with a shallow draft. Want to feel the wind on your skin, forget about your worries for a week and do something that doesn’t harm the environment? Charter a boat with a sail. No matter what kind of boat you decide to charter, remember that it should match your expectations - otherwise you might be left disappointed.
Pros of renting a motorboat in Albania
Rent a motorboat in Albania if you want to explore the stunning coastline. Plenty of remote beaches, secluded coves and places that look like paradise are awaiting you. Motorboats have a shallow draft, so you can easily sail closer to the shore and reach those beaches that you have come here for.
Charter a motorboat in Albania if you are the type of person who enjoys driving everywhere at full speed. You can race across the Adriatic or Ionian sea and get everywhere a lot faster than with other types of boats.
Do you want to stretch your legs while on deck your boat? A motorboat rental in Albania is going to make it happen. Unlike sailboats or gulets, you don’t need to store any necessary equipment for sailing on deck. This allows you to enjoy a relaxing boat holiday to the fullest.
Renting a motorboat in Albania is also a great choice for anyone who is a complete beginner. Motorboats are way easier to operate than other types of boats. So you can practice your skills on the water without having to worry about needing any advanced skills.
Cons of renting a motorboat in Albania
One of the downsides of a motorboat rental in Albania is the fact that you can’t operate a motorboat if it’s not filled with enough petrol. The further and faster you want to go, the more petrol you’ll need. This makes motorboats quite an expensive option for anyone who wants to enjoy Albania particularly as a budget-friendly destination.
Another downside of a motorboat charter in Albania is the noise and the smell of the engine. You might get annoyed by the sound and the smell of the engine quite quickly, so be prepared when choosing to book a motorboat.
Charter a motorboat in Albania
Pros of renting a sailboat in Albania
A sailboat rental in Albania will give you a sense of freedom, a sense of taking matters into your own hands and being completely dependent on that. Feel the wind on your skin and embark on a great adventure to sail alongside the stunning Albanian coastline.
Rent a sailboat in Albania if you want to save money. Sailboats are one of the most affordable options when it comes to a sailing vacation in Albania. The price of a bareboat charter is already quite cheap and the fact that you don’t need to pay extra for fuel makes them even more affordable. You simply sail with the wind and let mother nature take care of the rest.
Cons of renting a sailboat in Albania
A disadvantage of a sailboat rental in Albania is the fact that they run solely on the wind. While many modern sailboats might be equipped with a small engine for reaching your mooring spot when the winds are not quite right or in case of emergency, they are not made to sail longer distances.
Pros of renting a gulet in Albania
A gulet rental in Albania is perfect for anyone who likes to go on an adventure and head straight into the unknown. It is not for everyone, but if you’re open to relaxing and working hard while on your sailing vacation in Albania, you will have the time of your life.
Chartering a gulet in Albania means that your safety is a major concern that is already taken care of. Gulets are big and sturdy, making them safe in most situations. Another great thing about a gulet charter in Albania is the fact that they often offer more space than on other types of boats - even on deck. Simply sit back and relax - while stretching out your whole body and soaking up the sun.
The space is not just a luxury you can benefit from on deck a gulet, it’s also a major luxury in the cabins. Spacious rooms offer an amazing sleeping experience. You will feel like sleeping in your room at home - or at least like in a beautiful hotel room. This gives gulets an advantage over sailboats if you prefer comfort over practicality.
Cons of renting a gulet in Albania
Gulets are generally more difficult to navigate than other types of boats. This doesn’t make them particularly beginner-friendly. As gulets are quite difficult to operate, you might also be cautious taking them out to sea by yourself without any prior experience.
If you want to go all out on your summer vacation, why not charter a private luxury yacht in Albania? You get all the basics like a fridge, freezer, stove, kettle, barbecue and coffee maker, but also add-ons like a SUP, snorkelling gear and free wifi on board. If you’re really fancy and you have an extra couple of grand just lying around, you might even get a jacuzzi on board your luxurious yacht.
Compared to other countries, it is relatively easy to rent a boat in Albania as you don’t need a boat licence when renting a motorboat that drives at less than 30 hp. Always make sure that a motorboat doesn’t exceed this speed limit as you could run into trouble with the Albanian authorities if they catch you without a licence on a faster boat. When renting a boat here, you simply show your valid document of identity and in case of a boat exceeding 30 hp a valid boat licence.
If you are neither in possession of a valid boat licence nor want to obtain one in the near future, you could always go on a skippered boat holiday in Albania. That way you can lean back, relax and enjoy your boat holiday without having to lift a finger.
Sailors who make it to Albania, will particularly appreciate the South of Albania. It is incredibly beautiful and offers better opportunities for mooring at the marinas and anchoring in nature. A beautiful sailing route is starting from Saranda and taking you along the Ionian coast.
Day 1 - Sail from Sarandë to Kakome: This scenic route starts at the beautiful port city of Sarandë, where you will find turquoise water, scenic mountains and delicious food. Before heading out to sea, you should definitely walk around the city and go for a swim. Kakomea is a scenic beach north of Sarande and the perfect place to anchor for the night as it lies in a protected bay.
Day 2 - Sail from Kakome to Borsh and Porto Palermo: Borsh is a quaint little seaside town with charming bars and beaches. In Porto Palermo you can relax and swim in the beautiful water or head up to the magnificent fortress overlooking the sea.
Day 3 - Sail from Porto Palermo to Dhermi and Gjiri i Grames: Head to Dhërmi to enjoy a relaxing beach day with the locals. It is one of the nicest beaches in the country and very well maintained. Gjiri i Grames is a picturesque bay with a beach surrounded by the clearest water you can wish for. The stunning hills framing this beautiful bay make it even more beautiful.
Day 4 - Sail from Gjiri i Grames to Radhime/Vlore and Sazan: Radhime is yet another wonderful seaside town you can easily reach by boat in Albania. If you want to take a break from sailing for a few hours, you should also hike up the mountains to breath in some fresh mountain air and enjoy the stunning views of the sea from above. The island of Sazan is a true secret gem in Albania. Wild beaches, scenic bays and other natural wonders await you here. Gjiri i Djallit is a popular tourist attraction on the island as the massive cliffs reach high above the sea, giving it a unique look resembling the landscapes of a fantasy movie.
Day 5 - Sail from Sazan to Jale: Yet another fabulous seaside destination in Albania is Jale, a beautiful town located right by the sea. Offering fantastic beaches and turquoise waters, it is a great spot for a swim and to enjoy the sunset.
Day 6 - Sail from Jale to Bunec and Lukove: Bunec beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing or hiking up the mountains you can admire in the back. What more could you want on a sailing vacation in Albania? Lukove is another great destination on the Albanian coast. Discover the cute little streets and enjoy a delicious dinner at The Old Anchor, where you can dine outside and people watch.
Day 7: Sail from Lukove to Ksamil and Saranda: Take in the breathtaking views from Ksamil, where you get to see the island of Corfu and admire its natural beauty from a distance. In Ksamil you can swim at Plazhi Ksamilit or discover the little island just off the coast of the little town.
