This is the signature week of Albanian sailing — the route we brief at check-in for most crews. It works bareboat and skippered, on monohulls and catamarans, and every overnight stop below is a place our partner fleets' skippers use themselves.
The week, day by day
| Day | Leg | Distance | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat | Marina Orikum check-in, provisioning, briefing → first anchorage inside Sazan strait | ~8 NM | Karaburun north cove |
| Sun | Down the Karaburun west side — swim stops in the coves | ~18 NM | Grama Bay or Dhërmi roadstead |
| Mon | Riviera run south, lunch stop at Jalë or Gjipe | ~20 NM | Himarë harbour/anchorage |
| Tue | Short hop to Porto Palermo, then Saranda | ~22 NM | Saranda marina |
| Wed | Ksamil islands — the turquoise day, shallow anchorages | ~10 NM | Ksamil or back to Saranda |
| Thu | Long sail back north, favourite bay revisited | ~35 NM | Karaburun south anchorage |
| Fri | Home leg to Marina Orikum, check-out formalities | ~15 NM | Orikum marina |
Distances are indicative sailing legs; the skipper (or we, for bareboat crews at briefing) adjusts the plan daily around wind and your pace. Saturday-to-Saturday is the standard charter week.
Why this route works
Short legs, long swims: no day needs more than 4–5 hours under sail. Shelter logic: Karaburun gives protection on both sides — there's always a flat cove whatever the wind. Two personalities in one week: wild, road-less Karaburun and the lively Riviera harbours. The Ksamil finale: Caribbean-grade water 10 miles from Corfu — and a catamaran's shallow draft earns its keep here.
What it costs
The itinerary is free — you pay for the boat: bareboat sailing yachts from €1,500/week (typical €2,200–4,500), catamarans from €3,000/week, plus skipper €150–200/day if you want one. Marina nights (Saranda, Orikum) and fuel are extra and modest by Mediterranean standards. Send your dates on WhatsApp: within 24 hours you have boats and a route brief matched to your crew.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for this itinerary?
Yes — it's designed for a charter week: total ~120 NM with no leg longer than 4–5 hours of sailing. If you want a more relaxed pace, drop one Riviera stop and add a second night at Karaburun or Ksamil.
Can beginners sail this route?
With a skipper, absolutely — it's actually the ideal first charter: short hops, sheltered anchorages, harbour options every evening. Bareboat, we recommend it to skippers with at least a couple of previous charters.
Where do we provision?
At Marina Orikum before departure: supermarkets and the Vlorë market are minutes away, and we share a provisioning list matched to your crew size. Mid-week, Saranda has full resupply.
Can we add Corfu to this week?
Yes — with a cross-border endorsement on the charter contract, Ksamil to Corfu is about 10 NM. See the Albania–Corfu route page for how the week is usually re-planned.
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Ready to sail Albania?
One message is enough: send us your dates, group size and sailing experience. We reply within 24 hours with real boats, real availability and indicative prices — the final quote follows your dates. No online payment.
Get my charter quote on WhatsAppor call: +39 351 476 6918