It extends for approximately 100 km (62 mi) in a southeast-northwest direction near Sarandë, along the Albanian Riviera, close to Orikum.

[2][3] In classical antiquity, the name of the mountains was recorded in Ancient Greek as Κεραύνια ὄρη Keraunia ore,[4][5] meaning "thunder-split peaks".

[6] The western part of the mountain chain is called Ἀκροκεραύνια Akrokeraunia, meaning 'Cape Thunder' which referred to the modern Karaburun peninsula.

[7] Moreover, the Acroceraunian promontory located on the western side of the bay of Vlorë (ancient Aulon) equates to the modern Karaburun Peninsula also known as cape Linguetta.

[10] In classical antiquity, the Ceraunian Mountains represented a natural border between the historical and geographical regions of Illyria and Epirus.

In that period Çika also separated the territory of Oricum from the tribe of the Amantes to the east, who built the fortified settlement of Cerje beyond Shëngjergji Pass.

Julius Caesar first set foot on Llogara Pass and rested his legion at Palaeste on the Ionian coast during his pursuit of Pompey.