Kakome Beach, Albania: Guarded Gate, Boat Trips & Hidden Trails

If you want to visit Kakome Beach, this updated expert guide will save your time.

I live in Albania and explore the Ionian coast regularly. Kakome is a deep natural bay surrounded by high mountains. It lies approximately 12 kilometers north of the main regional hub, Saranda.

Many travelers try to drive directly to the beach. However, you will face unexpected land restrictions on the coastal road. I visited this valley to check the actual situation for you.

The Picturesque Reality of Kakome Bay

Kakome features a beautiful valley between steep mountain ridges. Dense green shrubs cover the massive hills around the water. The sea looks bright blue and very clean here.

However, independent tourists face a closed gate on the road. A security guard in a uniform watches this entrance 24/7. As of September 1st, land access for vehicles is completely closed.

Important: I talked to the security guards through the gate window. They confirmed that the private beach valley is closed after the high season.

Kakome Beach Characteristics and Boat Trips

The closed beach has a sandy shore with coarse white sand. This private coastline stretches for about 300 meters. Local beach infrastructure remains completely underdeveloped and mostly inactive.

The area functions only during the peak summer season. Tourist boats from Saranda regularly bring visitors to the bay. You can swim in the water directly from these tour boats.

You can find boat excursions from Saranda to Kakome and Krorez on GetYourGuide. Book your boat tickets online to secure your summer trip in advance.

💡 My Advice: If you want to swim here, arrive by sea. Daily tourist boats from Saranda still anchor inside the quiet bay.

Detailed Road Guide From Saranda Hub

Turnoff from the Main Coastal Road

Drivers must follow the main road from Saranda to the north. A brown-colored road sign marks the turnoff to the bay. This clear sign is highly visible from the highway.

Driving Conditions and Distance

A narrow asphalt road leads down into the deep valley. Some road sections need resurfacing because repairs stopped last year. The distance from the highway to the gate is 2 kilometers.

It takes another 1 kilometer from the gate to the sand. Drivers see the whole valley from the high mountain road. There is no official car parking near the closed gate.

A standard economic car easily handles this main asphalt road. I recommend comparing local rental prices on DiscoverCars before your arrival.

Hiking Trails Near the Guarded Gate

The Mountain Trail to Krorez Beach

The famous mountain trail to Krorez Beach begins near the gate. This challenging trail is about 3.2 kilometers long. The path goes directly over a rocky mountain peak.

Summer heat makes this long mountain walk quite difficult. Bring enough drinking water and wear sturdy sport shoes. The active hike takes 1.5 hours in one direction.

The Old Monastery of Saint Mary

You will find an old monastery near the security gate. The historical Monastery of Saint Mary stands 300 meters away. This inactive religious site serves as a cultural monument.

Ancient wall frescoes and a stone altar remain inside the building. The historical courtyard feels very quiet, authentic, and peaceful. I really enjoyed walking among these medieval stone structures.

Exploring Cape Qefalit by Car

A wild dirt road starts 200 meters before the gate. This track runs along the left side of the valley. It leads travelers toward the remote Cape Qefalit.

Sharp rock formations emerge on the rough road surface. Overhanging tree branches can easily scratch standard family cars. The path is narrow, rocky, and heavily overgrown with bushes.

Important: Only powerful four-wheel-drive SUVs can safely navigate this rough track.

Practical Travel Tips for Expat Visitors

You can take beautiful nature photos from the mountain road. The surrounding landscape shows the pure power of Albanian nature. Tourists can combine several interesting activities in one day trip.

You can find good accommodation options in nearby Saranda. Check available hotels and apartments on Expedia to plan your comfortable holiday.

If you plan your vacation on the Ionian coast, use Saranda as your main base. You can easily organize your route from the city to these remote spots.

• After checking the Kakome gate, you can hike to the wild Krorez beach.
• For detailed trail coordinates, check my step-by-step guide on the Kroreza Beach Hiking Trail.
• Learn how to get around the region in our updated guide to things to do in Saranda.

You can also book excellent day boat tours via GetYourGuide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Kakome beach open to the public by land?

No, a guarded security gate blocks the road to the shore. You cannot walk or drive to the beach on foot.

How can I visit the bay during the summer?

You should take a tourist boat from the port of Saranda. These ships anchor in the bay for swimming and photos.

Can I visit the local monastery for free?

Yes, the historic Monastery of Saint Mary stands before the gate. Travelers can explore this old cultural site without paying any fees.

Video: Kakome Beach Albania

Filming Date: September 4, 2024.

The video shows the current road to the Monastery of St. Mary. You can see the empty valley and the closed gate. A beautiful sailing ship anchors in the blue distance.

More videos about locations and travel routes in Albania are available on the Life in Albania YouTube channel.