Radhimë Beach Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Radhimë Beach has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Radhimë Beach is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Confirm your position relative to the military zone before anchoring near Vlorë — the Bay of Vlorë (W of the commercial port) and Sazan Island are strictly restricted. Stay E and S of the port approach.
2. Approach in daylight only — unlit fish farm gear in the Vlorë bay approaches. Time arrivals at least 2 hours before sunset.
3. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 4–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Radhimë Beach are feasible in settled conditions but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m alarm radius for the main beach anchorage in 4–7m. The sand bottom and the consistent NW shelter make this a reliable overnight anchorage in the dominant summer weather pattern. The alarm radius of 80m accounts for the full scope deployment in 6–7m with 5:1 ratio plus manoeuvring buffer. The S and SW exposure is the primary limitation — monitor the evening forecast for any southerly component; if SW swell is building the position becomes uncomfortable by midnight. In NW Maestral conditions (the typical summer scenario) the anchorage is calm and comfortable; the protection from N and NW is the main asset. Seasonal tavernas on the beach are a bonus — a genuinely pleasant overnight stop in good conditions.

Good May–October. Radhimë is at its best in July–August when the beach tavernas are open and the village has a pleasant summer atmosphere. May and June are excellent for anchoring — calm, clear water, and uncrowded beach; the tavernas may not be open but the anchorage itself is first-rate. September is very good — warm water, less NW Maestral, and the village transitions to quiet end-of-season mode. October: viable in settled weather but services are closed; treat as a wild anchorage. Not recommended November–April.

Navigation Hazards

• S and SW Ionian swell exposure: the main beach anchorage is exposed to S and SW — in southerly conditions swell enters from the Ionian and the anchorage becomes uncomfortable; this is the dominant hazard; monitor the overnight forecast before settling; if any southerly component is forecast, proceed to Orikum Marina (2nm N)
• Beach swimming zone conflicts: in July–August the beach has a designated swimming zone marked with buoys; anchor clear of this zone to avoid conflicts with swimmers; the swimming zone boundary shifts year to year — observe the current markers on arrival
• Dinghy landing surf: in any SW swell the beach landing becomes difficult and potentially dangerous for the dinghy; a stern anchor or kedge from the beach may be needed in swell to prevent the dinghy being swamped on landing; check beach conditions before going ashore
• Military zone proximity to N: the Bay of Vlorë military zone is 8km to the N; while not immediately adjacent, the approach from Vlorë passes through the outer edge of the regulated area; follow the recommended corridor along the E coast and do not deviate W
• Seasonal services only: outside July–August the beach tavernas are closed and the village has very limited services; boats arriving in May, June, September, or October should treat this as a fully self-sufficient anchorage with no shore facilities

Rules & Regulations

• MILITARY ZONE: Bay of Vlorë and Sazan Island — do NOT enter or anchor. Armed patrol vessels enforce this restriction.
• Albania entry — clearance agent mandatory: All foreign yachts must use a local clearance agent (~€100–150). VHF Ch 16/12 at Vlorë. Fly yellow Q flag on entry.
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor. No fee.
• Maximum stay: 2 days
• Restrictions: Keep clear of the beach swimming zone (marked with buoys in July–August). Approach in daylight — no lit hazards on the approach but the beach is unlit at night. Do NOT proceed NW beyond the headland into the Bay of Vlorë military zone. Keep E of Karaburun Peninsula at all times.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Orikum (4km N, taxi) or Vlorë (12km N, taxi) (2.2nm)
• Restaurant: Seasonal beach tavernas in Radhimë village (open July–August primarily; cash payment in ALL or EUR). Basic seasonal snacks and drinks available from beach kiosks in summer. No dockside water or fuel — arrive provisioned from Vlorë or Orikum. Outside July–August, no food services are reliably available.
• Provisions: None on site — Orikum (4km N, taxi) or Vlorë (12km N, taxi) (2.2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Radhimë works perfectly as a first-night stop after Vlorë clearance — arrive mid-afternoon, anchor in the main beach zone in 4–6m, take the dinghy ashore for a beach walk or taverna dinner (July–August), and continue S toward Porto Palermo the following morning
2. The beach is genuinely attractive — white/grey pebble and sand mix with clear water — and the Albanian mountain backdrop (the Karaburun range) makes for a dramatic setting; the light in the late afternoon is outstanding for photography of the coastline
3. In July–August the seasonal tavernas serve good Albanian food — grilled fish, burek (pastry), and local salads at very reasonable prices (ALL cash); the hospitality is typical of Albanian coastal villages — warm and unpretentious
4. Anchor in 5–6m on the sandy bottom just S of the N headland for the best combination of holding and protection — clear of the beach swimming zone, with the headland providing NW shelter and the bay geometry protecting from direct N; this is the sweet spot of the anchorage
5. The morning passage from Radhimë S toward Porto Palermo (approximately 25nm) is one of the finest coastal passages in Albania — the Karaburun cliffs, the deep blue Ionian, and the Albanian Riviera coast unfolding to the S; depart before 08:00 to arrive at Porto Palermo by early afternoon in the typical settled summer conditions