The Ceraunian Mountains (Albanian: Malet e Vetëtimës, literally “Thunderbolt Mountains”) are one of Albania’s most dramatic natural landscapes — a rugged coastal range rising sharply above the Ionian Sea and stretching for about 100 km along the Albanian Riviera in Vlorë County.

These limestone peaks form a breathtaking backdrop where sea and mountain meet. The range is anchored by its highest summit, Maja e Çikës, standing at around 2,044 m, offering panoramic views that reward every hiker and photographer.

The iconic Llogara Pass (1,027 m) cuts through the mountains, acting as a gateway between the coastal lowlands and highland trails, and is part of Llogara National Park, a hotspot of biodiversity and scenic overlooks.

Steep ridges plunge toward secluded bays, cliffs, and gorges. In places like Grama Bay, etched cliffs tell ancient stories — names and inscriptions left by Greek and Roman sailors — adding layers of human history to these wild landscapes.

More than just geological wonders, the Ceraunian Mountains have shaped cultures and myths. In antiquity, they marked the boundary between Illyria and Epirus and were regarded with awe by sailors who named them for the thunderous storms that often swept over the peaks.

For adventurers and photographers, this range is a treasure: striking contrasts of sea and stone, trails that weave through ancient terrain, and views that stretch from the coast to far beyond — a fitting centerpiece for any visual story of Vlora’s hidden beauty.