What Haxhi Ali Cave Is
Haxhi Ali Cave (Shpella e Haxhi Aliut) is a large karst sea cave on the western flank of the Karaburun peninsula, near Cape Gjuhëz, inside the Karaburun–Sazan National Marine Park. It is one of the biggest sea caves on the Albanian coast — a wide, dark arched entrance set in white limestone cliffs above deep, exceptionally clear water.
It takes its name from Haxhi Ali Ulqinaku (c. 1569–1625), an Albanian seafarer from Ulcinj who, by tradition, used the cave as a hideout in the early 17th century. Albania's Ministry of Tourism and Environment designates it a Natural Monument of National Importance.
Why It's the Far Reach
Haxhi Ali Cave is the farthest point most Himara boat tours reach. Getting there means committing to the long-haul Karaburun route — typically the same Grama Bay full-day tour that also takes in Saint Andrew's Bay and Grama Bay. The cave sits on the open western coast, so it's the route's natural turnaround point.
If reaching this cave is your priority and you can get to Vlorë, a Vlorë-based RIB tour reaches the western Karaburun coast faster and with a calmer crossing than the full run from Himara.
What the Stop Is Like
Standard swim time is around 30 minutes in calm conditions:
- The boat eases in through the wide cave mouth and holds position so passengers can swim
- The water is deep, clear, and still inside
- A waterproof camera or sealed phone case is worth bringing
Sea Conditions
The cave faces open western water and is exposed to swell from the Strait of Otranto, so operators watch the sea state closely. In choppy conditions a skipper may stop at the entrance only; in heavy swell the route is cut short and the tour returns from Grama Bay. If conditions are marginal on your day, ask before departure whether Haxhi Ali Cave is still on the itinerary.
