Gjiri i Spirancave

Anchor Bay, Gjiri i Spirancave in Albanian, is a quiet, rock-rimmed cove on the Ionian coast near Sarandë. The water glows turquoise against pale cliffs, the bay is tucked away from any road, and the whole place has a calm, sheltered feel.

It is a stop you take in from the deck: the skipper slows down, the bay opens up between the cliffs, and you get a few minutes for photos before moving on to the first swim of the day.