Ceraunian Mountains
Topographic Map of the Albanian Riviera with Ceraunischem Mountains
High alpine landscape with Maja e Čikeš at Llogara
The Ceraunische Mountains ( Alb. Mali Kanalit, Greek Κεραυνίων όρος, Cerauni Latin montes ) is a coastal mountain range in southern Albania. It extends on the Ionian Sea starting at Saranda over 100 kilometers south-east - north- westerly direction along the Albanian Riviera to the neighborhood of Oricum. The highest peaks of the mountains are Ceraunischen: Maja e Čikeš ( 2045 m) [Note 1] and Maja e Qorres (2018 m).
Near the 1027 m high Llogara Pass the mountains is divided into a western and an eastern mountain range. The coastal western chain is also called Akroceraunisches Mountains. In geological terms, the north then Karaburun Peninsula is one of them, which separates the bay of Vlora to the open sea. The part of the mountain south of the Llogara Pass is called Malet e Vetëtimes (Eng. Thunder Mountain ).
Along the mountain passes a winding road that Saranda, Himara and other coastal towns with Vlora connects. It traverses the crest of the ridge at Llogara Pass. The pine forests standing there as a national park under protection. The area is also known in Albania for the honey produced there is of outstanding quality.
The Ceraunische Mountain is mentioned by ancient writers such as Ptolemy, Strabo and Pausanias, who described his situation. Thus, also its ancient name in German-speaking countries is known as the common today in Albania designations.
Photo Gallery
Coast of Albanian Riviera with snowy mountains Ceraunischen