Just south of Dhermi beach, under the rock of Saint Theodore, is one of the most famous caves on the Albanian Riviera: Pirates Cave. Here’s the story behind its name, and how to visit it by boat from Dhermi.
Where is Pirates Cave?
Pirates Cave is a sea cave a few minutes by boat south of Dhermi beach, in Alevra bay, below the rock where the Monastery of Saint Theodore stands. It’s the first stop on most boat tours of the caves south of Dhermi.
The legend of Pirates Cave
Local stories say pirates once took shelter in the cave with their ships. The bay is named after Al Evra, a famous pirate who, according to the legend, used this cave.
The cave is also known across Albania thanks to the novel The Pirates’ Cave (Shpella e Piratëve) by Petro Marko, one of Albania’s best-known writers, who was born in Dhermi.
What you’ll see
The cave has a large entrance from the sea and a small opening at the back that lets in light from above. When the sea is calm, the boat can sail inside.
How to visit Pirates Cave from Dhermi
Pirates Cave is on all of our tours south of Dhermi:
- Group Tour of the Caves: 2 hours, two departures a day, with swimming at the Secret Cave and Pigeons Cave beach. Great for families.
- Caves & Gjipe Beach tour: 3 hours, with a long stop of around 90 minutes at Gjipe Beach.
- Private tour of Pirates Cave & Pigeons Cave: the boat just for your group, at your own pace.
Near Pirates Cave you’ll also see the Monastery’s caves, Pigeons Cave and the Secret Cave. Read more in our guide: Things to do in Dhermi.
Good to know
- Whether the boat can enter the cave depends on the sea. On rough days, you’ll see it from outside.
- Children from 7 years old can join our caves tours.
- All tours leave from our office on Dhermi beach.
- July and August are the busiest months, so book a few days ahead.