A trip to Ilias can be planned around two different themes: historic sites and the landscape around Gjipe Canyon. Ilias Castle stands on Qafa e Pirgut hill; the canyon lies between Ilias and Vuno. There are also monasteries, a bridge designated as a cultural monument, and local natural monuments. You can first decide whether you want to focus on cultural heritage, landscapes, or a mix of both.

Castle and Monastery: History in Ilias

Ilias Castle, also known as “Pirgut,” is on the right-hand side of the Vlora–Himara road, near the village of Ilias. Its circular layout has a diameter of 25 metres. The castle preserves traces of an ancient settlement, including several sections of a perimeter wall. This site therefore brings together a clearly defined architectural form and evidence of earlier settlement.

Stavridhit Monastery was built in the 14th century over an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the gods Zeus and Artemis. The site therefore has two distinct historical associations: the ancient sanctuary and the later monastery. Traditionally, residents from the surrounding area gather on 15 August to celebrate the Day of Saint Mary. If you would like to include this date in your travel plans, check the arrangements in advance for your specific travel date.

Comparing Monasteries and Routes

The access routes differ: a turnoff from an unpaved road in Ilias leads to Stavridhit Monastery; the road to Shën Theodhor Monastery is paved. This monastery is on a hill between Ilias and Dhërmi. From the parking area, it takes about ten minutes to walk there; walking time may vary depending on conditions. Check road and trail conditions before driving or setting out on a tour.

Gjipe Canyon and Hiking Trail

Gjipe Canyon lies in the lower section of the Gjipe stream, between Vuno and Ilias. It is four kilometres long, up to 75 metres high and 10 to 20 metres wide. Visitors can go canyoning in the canyon. Check in advance whether conditions suit your plans and whether a provider is available. The Ilias–Gjipe panoramic hiking trail also runs between Ilias and Gjipe; you should check local trail conditions for this route as well.

Cultural Monuments and Local Traditions

Ura e Gjipesë Bridge is a cultural monument near Ilias, on the road to Stavridhit Monastery. Pëllumbave Cave is accessible only by sea. According to legend, it once served as a refuge for pirates. These two sites therefore stand out for different reasons: the bridge’s designated monument status, and the cave’s unusual access and local lore.

Natural Monuments Around Ilias–Vuno

Bokërrimat Ilias–Vuno is a local geomorphological-atmospheric natural monument. The Ilias–Vuno marine terraces are a local neotectonic geomorphological natural monument. Together with Gjipe Canyon, these differently classified landscape features complement the cultural highlights when planning a trip. This can help you decide whether to devote most of your time to historic sites, the canyon and hiking, or the various natural monuments.

Discover more destinations: Qazim Pali, Kaninë, Dhërmi, Borsh, Qeparo, Piqeras, Himarë

Back to the main travel overview: Vlora County.