Bristan Bay (Bear’s Bay)

Bristan Bay, known locally as Bear’s Bay, is a quiet cove on the western side of the Karaburun Peninsula, inside the Karaburun-Sazan Marine National Park and reachable only from the sea. It is a small pebble shore backed by steep, undeveloped hillside, with deep, clear, cool water that makes it one of the better swimming and snorkeling stops on the long run down the coast.

What you will see

There is nothing built at Bristan, which is exactly the appeal. Boats pull into the shelter of the bay, cut the engine, and let you swim in water so clear the bottom is easy to see. The rocks around the edges hold small fish and good visibility on calm days, and the quiet is a real contrast to the busier spots closer to Vlora.

How to get there

Bristan sits on the outer Karaburun coast, far from any road, so the only way in is by boat. We stop here on the full-day Grama Bay and Blue Cave trip, as one of several swimming pauses between the caves and Grama Bay.

Best time to visit

June to September is best, with the sea calmest in the morning and water temperatures around 23 to 26 degrees Celsius. Because this stretch faces the open Ionian, the captain reads the wind on the day and chooses the calmest coves to stop in.

What to bring

Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water shoes for the pebbles. Snorkeling gear, life jackets and drinking water are provided on board, and there are no facilities at the bay, so everything for the stop comes on the boat.