Haxhi Ali Cave is the moment on every Karaburun boat trip when everyone goes quiet. The boat noses towards a dark opening in the white limestone cliffs, the engine drops to a murmur, and suddenly you are floating inside one of the largest sea caves in Albania — about 30 metres deep, 10–12 metres wide and 18 metres high — with the water glowing an impossible blue beneath you.
The legend
The cave takes its name from Haxhi Ali, a sailor and warrior from Ulcinj who, according to legend, hid here with his ship and his son. Locals also call it the Cave of the Illyrians. Archaeological finds suggest that sailors and traders sheltered here long before him.
Visiting
The cave lies near Cape Gjuhëz on the open-sea side of the Karaburun Peninsula, inside the Karaburun–Sazan National Marine Park, and can only be reached by boat. Speedboat tours leave from Vlorë and Orikum and usually combine the cave with Dafina Bay, Grama Bay or Sazan Island. When the sea is calm, many boats stop so you can swim or snorkel inside — the colours are at their best in the late-morning sun. If the wind is up, captains may skip the cave, so keep a spare day in your plans.
Shqip
Shpella e Haxhi Aliut ndodhet në Gadishullin e Karaburunit, pranë Kepit të Gjuhëzës, dhe është një nga shpellat detare më të mëdha në Shqipëri. Arrihet vetëm me varkë nga Vlora ose Orikumi. Sipas legjendës, këtu u strehua detari Haxhi Aliu nga Ulqini.
