How to Visit Gramma Bay: The Ancient Sailor's Haven Accessible Only by Boat

Tucked away along the rugged Acroceraunian Peninsula, Gramma Bay (Gjiri i Gramës) is a magical harbor rich in history and natural beauty. Unlike traditional resort beaches, Gramma Bay is completely cut off from the road network. The only ways to reach this historic sanctuary are a challenging multi-hour mountain hike or a scenic speedboat charter departing from Dhërmi.

The History of Gramma Bay: The Living Stone Archive

The name "Gramma" is derived from the Greek word for letter or writing. For thousands of years, this deep, sheltered bay served as a crucial refuge for ships navigating the treacherous waters where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. During violent Mediterranean storms, sailors, soldiers, and merchants would seek safety within the bay's calm waters. While waiting for the winds to turn, they chiseled prayers, names, and messages of gratitude into the steep red stone cliffs. Today, over 1,500 ancient inscriptions dating from the 4th century BC to the Byzantine era are still visible on the cliff walls, making Gramma a living open-air maritime museum.

What You Will See on a Gramma Bay Boat Trip

A speedboat tour from Dhërmi to Gramma Bay is a complete coastal adventure. The route passes along high sea cliffs and includes several key stops:

• The Blue Cave (Shpella e Kaltër): A stunning sea cave where refracted light turns the water a deep, glowing blue. Our speedboats go right inside!
• Saint Andreas Bay: A quiet, white-pebble cove surrounded by wild olive trees, perfect for a peaceful swim.
• The Secret Cave: A narrow rock gap leading to a hidden cavern that is only accessible to smaller, highly maneuverable speedboats.
• The Seal Cave: A tiny, deep rock fissure where Mediterranean monk seals are occasionally spotted nesting away from human contact.

Practical Travel Tips for Gramma Bay

Because Gramma Bay is entirely wild and undeveloped, travelers must prepare accordingly. There are no restaurants, beach bars, or sunbed rentals. You should pack plenty of drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, and beach towels. If you are sensitive to the sun, a portable beach umbrella is highly recommended, as the limestone cliffs offer minimal shade during the middle of the day.

Booking Your Gramma Bay Adventure

Because Gramma Bay is further from Dhërmi than the standard caves tour, it requires a 4-hour excursion. You can book a seat on a shared group tour, or reserve a private speedboat charter (skaf me qira) for the ultimate luxury experience.