Holiday apartment in Ilias – Discover the Castle, Gjipe Canyon and Monasteries

Ilias combines striking testimonies to bygone eras with an impressively varied landscape. The Castle of Ilias, also known as “Pirgu”, stands on Qafa e Pirgut hill. It is located on the right-hand side of the Vlora–Himara road near the village of Ilias. Its circular layout has a diameter of 25 metres and preserves traces of an ancient settlement, including several sections of a surrounding wall.

Culture and history

The Stavridhit Monastery also dates far back: it was built in the 14th century over an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the gods Zeus and Artemis. A turn-off from an unpaved road within Ilias leads to the monastery. On 15 August, residents from the entire surrounding area traditionally gather there to celebrate the day of Saint Mary. The Ura e Gjipesë Bridge is also located near Ilias on the road to Stavridhit Monastery; it is a cultural monument.

Another historic destination is Pëllumbave Cave. According to tradition, it is said to have once served as a refuge for pirates. The cave is accessible exclusively from the sea. Shën Theodhor Monastery stands on a hill between Ilias and Dhërmi. The road there is paved, while the walk from the car park to the monastery takes about 10 minutes.

Landscape and nature

Gjipe Canyon lies in the lower section of the Gjipe stream between Vuno and Ilias. The gorge is 4 kilometres long, up to 75 metres high and 10 to 20 metres wide. Visitors can go canyoning in this canyon. The Ilias–Gjipe panoramic hiking trail also runs between Ilias and Gjipe.

The landscape is characterised by several designated natural monuments. Bokërrimat Ilias–Vuno is a local geomorphological-atmospheric natural monument. The Ilias–Vuno sea terraces are classified as a local neotectonic geomorphological natural monument. Thus, historic buildings, geological formations and connecting paths coexist in and around Ilias without the individual sites losing their own character.

When comparing holiday apartments in Ilias, it is worth taking a close look at the respective listing page. Check the exact location, accommodation type and permitted occupancy, as well as the included services. You can also compare price components and booking and cancellation conditions before making a booking. Pay attention to which services are actually included and which costs are listed separately. In addition, the stated arrival and departure conditions, deadlines for free cancellation and possible additional costs may play a role. A clear comparison of the information makes it easier to identify differences between individual offers objectively. Only the information explicitly stated on the respective listing page is relevant; any unclear points should be checked there again before completing the booking.

More destinations

More destinations in the same wider travel region: Piqeras, Kaninë, Borsh, Dhërmi, Qazim Pali, Qeparo, Himarë.

To the overview of the wider travel region: Vlora County.