Orikum sits where Vlora Bay ends, at the foot of the Karaburun Peninsula and the road up to the Llogara Pass. It has a long beach, a marina and a lagoon — and, on what was once an island beside that lagoon, the ruins of ancient Oricum.
Oricum grew up as a Greek town from around the 5th century BC and became one of the harbours of Roman Epirus. In 48 BC, during the civil war with Pompey, it was the first city Julius Caesar took after landing on this coast, and his ships sheltered in the lagoon. The site is now an archaeological park protected as a cultural monument.
The ruins lie next to the Pashaliman naval base, so access passes through a military area and has been restricted at times. Ask locally whether the archaeological park is open before you make the trip for it alone; the beach, the lagoon and the drive along the bay are worth it either way.
Highlights
- Remains of a Greek and Roman harbour town
- The bay’s southern beaches and lagoon
- Gateway to the Llogara Pass and boats to Karaburun
Practical
- Getting there
- About half an hour south of the centre by car, taxi or minibus
- Typical duration
- Half day, more with the beach
- Good to know
- Access to the archaeological park crosses a military area — check it is open before you go
