Ilias: Historic Sites and Gjipe Canyon – Find a Hotel

Ilias Castle, also called “Pirgut”, is located on Qafa e Pirgut Hill on the right-hand side of the Vlora–Himara road, near the village of Ilias. Gjipe Canyon stretches between Vuno and Ilias.

Culture and History

Ilias Castle preserves traces of an ancient settlement. These include several sections of a surrounding wall. Its ground plan is circular and has a diameter of 25 metres.

Stavridhit Monastery was built in the 14th century over an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the gods Zeus and Artemis. Traditionally, residents from the surrounding area gather there on 15 August to celebrate the day of Saint Mary. Ura e Gjipesë Bridge is a cultural monument located near Ilias on the road to Stavridhit Monastery. A path to Stavridhit Monastery branches off from an unpaved road within Ilias.

Nature and Landscape

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

The locally designated natural monuments include Bokërrimat Ilias–Vuno and the Ilias–Vuno Sea Terraces. Bokërrimat Ilias–Vuno is a local geomorphological-atmospheric natural monument. The Ilias–Vuno Sea Terraces are considered a local neotectonic geomorphological natural monument. Both designations preserve the precise geological classification of the respective landform.

Paths and Special Places

Shën Theodhor Monastery is located on a hill between Ilias and Dhërmi. The road to Shën Theodhor Monastery is paved; the walk from the car park to the monastery takes about 10 minutes.

Pëllumbave Cave is accessible exclusively from the sea. According to tradition, it is said to have once served as a refuge for pirates.

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More Destinations

More linked places: Kaninë, Dhërmi, Borsh, Himarë, Piqeras, Qazim Pali, Qeparo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Vlora County.