Is Vlore Worth Visiting? What To Know Before Going

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If you’re not familiar with Albania and are trying to plan your trip, you might be wondering – is Vlore worth visiting?

Vlore, Albania has a great variety so if you want a little luxury or impressive natural attractions, it’s the right place for you! Vlore is worth visiting if you want to spend a fun and convenient weekend away on the Albanian Riviera!

Is Vlore Worth Visiting?

Vlore is a coastal city in Albania, situated in the southwestern part of the country along the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Not only is Vlore a popular beach destination but it’s the third most populated city in Albania.

Vlora boasts a stunning natural setting due to its geographic location – rocky coastline, sandy beaches, a dramatic mountain pass, an immense bay, rare wildlife, and more. Its blue waters are complemented by the dramatic Ceraunian Mountains sitting behind the city.

Top Outdoor Activities In Vlore

Is Vlore worth visiting? — Cool bunker art near Vlore, Albania

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What To Know About Visiting Vlore

Vlore is not only known for its scenic beauty but also its historical significance, as it played a crucial role in Albania’s path to independence in the early 20th century.

Vlora’s waterfront is adorned with palm-lined promenades, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the sea breeze and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. With its rich history and coastal allure, Vlore is one of the most popular seaside city destinations in Albania.

Nicknamed The LA Of Albania

I know I know, you might be laughing at this right now, but Vlore is jokingly called the Los Angeles of Albania. This is due to the high-end apartments, villas, and hotels that are available to rent along the beautiful coastline. The SH8 road that runs through Vlore hugging the seaside, has palm trees lining the road giving off an LA vibe.

Gateway To The Albanian Riviera

Driving along the Albanian Riviera is one of the most popular things to do in Albania. You can drive it north to south, starting in Vlore and ending in Sarande, or vice versa. There are plenty of cute towns, ancient ruins, amazing seafood, and beautiful beaches to see. This makes Vlore a very popular place to stop before road-tripping along the Riviera.

Vlore’s Historic Significance

Vlorë holds profound historical significance for Albania’s struggle for independence. On November 28, 1912, the city played an important role in the declaration of Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire.

The Assembly of Vlorë, comprised of leaders and representatives from different regions of Albania, gathered in the city to make the historic proclamation of independence, officially establishing Albania as a sovereign nation.

Ismail Qemali, a prominent figure in the Albanian national movement, raised the national flag at the time, solidifying the nation’s autonomy.

Vlorë’s strategic location along the Adriatic coast and its historical role as the birthplace of Albania’s independence makes it a symbol of national pride and a site of great historical importance.

Today, the city commemorates this momentous event with various monuments and museums, preserving the legacy of Vlorë as the birthplace of the modern Albanian state.

You can learn more by doing a walking tour in the Old Town, visiting the National Museum of Independence and Kanina Castle.

Visit One Of The Best Beaches In Vlore!

There’s no shortage of wonderful beaches in Vlore, so there are a lot of options for you. Like any place, the beaches closer to the city will always be the busiest. If you don’t have a car or don’t want to take a taxi, Plazhi te Akademia e Marinës and Plazhi Vjetër will be the easiest to access.

Best beach in Vlore Albania — One of the best beaches in Vlore Albania

Renting a car in Albania is almost always the best way to get around, especially because there are a lot of cool attractions outside of the city that you can’t miss. Whether you head north or south, there are some amazing beaches in Vlore to spend the day at.

Only 25 minutes driving out of the city is the area of Zvernec which I will go into more detail about it below, but the beach there was so beautiful! It is a little bit difficult to access because the road isn’t good, especially for low-riding rental cars, so beware of that.

This beach is small and you have to shimmy down the hill to access it, but this means there will be fewer people. So if you want to have a non-beach club day (no loud music/not crowded), it is worth a visit.

Other Fun Things To Do In Vlore

Here are a few other fun things to do in Vlore that you might not know about! There is a good mix of nature, history and swimming!

1. Visit Interesting Bunkers

Near the small, more secluded beach I spoke about earlier (in Zvernec) there are very cool bunkers nearby, just a short walk on a coastal path away. If you’ve been in Albania for a while, then you’ll know bunkers are everywhere and might not be that impressed.

These are slightly different because they are more tunnels that connect to a larger underground complex going into the side of the cliff. The tunnel entrances have been painted with some beautiful artwork on the outside. On some of the tunnels, you can go in and see military diagrams painted on the walls.

The handpainted images are of the different types of ships, submarines, and planes/jets that were used by the military at that time. It also lists below each one, certain specifications such as the weight, speed, etc.

A bit further away, there are also these 4 bunkers more in the traditional style, above-ground, sphere-shaped concrete structures. They are decorated with some art too.

2. Narta Lagoon / Vjosë-Nartë Delta Protected Area

The Vjosa River, known as Europe’s last wild river, holds immense ecological and cultural importance. Flowing through Albania and Greece, the Vjosa is celebrated for its untouched natural beauty, biodiversity, and free-flowing character.

As one of the last undammed rivers on the continent, the Vjosa plays a crucial role in supporting diverse ecosystems and maintaining water quality. Its waters host various species of fish, including endangered ones, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.

The river is also culturally significant, as it weaves through landscapes that have been inhabited for centuries, reflecting a rich history and traditional way of life.

In recent years, the Vjosa has gained attention due to conservation efforts and the campaign to preserve its free-flowing status, emphasizing the importance of protecting such rivers as vital components of both natural ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Before the Vjosa empties into the Adriatic Sea, it has one last important ecological area, the Narta Lagoon, and the surrounding area. This is a protected area since it is a haven for special flora and fauna.

If you’re into birdwatching especially, this lagoon is great for it. Here’s a specific bird-watching point – it’s not unheard of to even see flamingos!

For those who don’t want to rent a car, you can explore with this trip to Vjosa River and Byllis Archeological site as well as a birdwatching tour to Narta – it also includes visiting nearby Salinas (saltworks), Pine Forest, Narta Dunes, and Kallenga Lagoon.

3. Zvërnec Island & St Mary’s Monastery

This is a trendy Instagram photo spot and it’s common to have professional photos done here for weddings. There is a curving wooden walkway from the mainland to Zvërnec Island, a small island situated in Narta Lagoon.

It doesn’t take long to cross, but be careful because some parts aren’t well fortified. On the island itself, you can find St Mary’s Monastery, a small medieval Byzantine place of worship with a peaceful and reverent interior. Zvërnec Island is also home to a pine forest that you can walk through.

For a full-day trip from Vlore, you could pack a lunch and snacks, check out the island, monastery, the nearby bunkers, and spend some time swimming a the beach I mentioned!

Check out the best places to stay in Vlore!

4. Explore Llogara National Park

Llogara Pass is a breathtaking mountain pass along the Albanian Riviera, traversing the Ceraunian Mountains and offering some of Albania’s most spectacular panoramic views.

The pass is well known due to its winding road that hugs the cliffs and provides a dramatic transition from the coastal plains to a decent elevation of over 1,000 meters.

Llogara Pass is great for getting an awe-inspiring vantage point of the stunning sea below, as well as the Albanian Riviera coastline.

As you make your way to the top of the pass, you will pass through Llogara National Park. If you’d like to stop you can see the encompasses the dense forests, diverse flora and fauna, and walk on the hiking trails.

The park conserves the unique ecosystems found in the Ceraunian Mountains, making both the pass and park a must-visit destination. Check out this hiking day trip to Llogara from Vlore.

5. Go Paragliding

If you’re into adventure sports, you have to do paragliding! This is a very popular activity because the geographical location of Llogara makes it good for it. Driving the pass is great, but paragliding will give you a completely difference experience and tons of adrenaline!

It’s tandem paragliding, so you don’t have to worry about flying anything – no skill is required because the pilot will do everything. There are a few companies to do it, check them out here and here.

6. Hiking On The Karaburun Penninsula

Karaburun Peninsula, located along the Albanian coastline, is a pristine and rugged stretch of land that juts out into the Adriatic Sea. Known for its untouched natural beauty, Karaburun is a haven for outdoor lovers.

The peninsula is characterized by steep cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear water. The coastal landscape is complemented by dense forests and a variety of flora and fauna, adding to the area’s ecological significance.

You can explore Karaburun’s hiking trails, discover secluded beaches, and enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic. The peninsula is also known for its rich marine life, making it an excellent destination for diving and snorkeling.

With limited development, the Karaburun Peninsula offers a nice escape from the city and to see the Adriatic coastline how it was even centuries ago. You can check out the day trip to Karaburun here.

7. Kanina Castle

Kanina Castle is another place to visit that sits atop a hill near Vlorë in southwestern Albania, The castle is better described as ruins but it has historical significance because it has been witness to centuries of shifting civilizations.

With origins dating back to the ancient Illyrians, the castle has undergone numerous renovations and reconstructions over the centuries, leaving behind quite a layered tapestry of architectural styles, including Byzantine and Ottoman influences.

From its position, Kanina Castle offers great views of the city, sea, and plains below, making it a great spot for sunset. If you want an easy option to get there, you can do this organized trip to Kanina Castle.

Best Day Trips From Vlore

Vlore is such a great place to base yourself to explore central and south Albania. You will need to rent a car from Tirana since most of the day trips from Vlore will need it. Make sure to also check out the best day trips from Tirana if you’re thinking of basing yourself there.

1. Boat Trips

The best thing to do in Vlore that doesn’t involve driving is to take a boat trip! Usually, these trips take all day, so you get plenty of time to see interesting cliffs, beautiful bays, and amazing beaches.

One of the most popular trips will take you alongside the Karaburun Peninsula – a massive finger-like piece of land that juts out into the sea, forming a crucial part of Vlore Bay.

2. Sazan Island

Sazan Island is Albania’s largest island! It used to be a military base, which makes sense if you look at the map to see its strategic location at the mouth of Vlore Bay. You’ll have to access Sazan Island by boat – you can combine this with a Karaburun Peninsula day trip.

3. Day Trip From Vlore To Berat

Berat, often referred to as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site, an hour and a half (more in summer traffic) from Vlore. It is renowned for its unique blend of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Albanian architecture.

Situated on the banks of the Osum River and surrounded by rugged mountains, Berat offers a mesmerizing setting that combines natural beauty with historical charm – check out this day trip from Vlore to Berat and Apollonia!

The city’s well-preserved medieval character is evident in its collection of white Ottoman houses, complete with numerous windows that seem to cascade down the hills, creating a captivating visual spectacle.

Berat’s historic core, known as the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, invites visitors to stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, explore ancient mosques, and churches, and visit the iconic Berat Castle perched on a hilltop.

A day trip to Berat means you can check out the architecture and local wine scene, appreciate the scenic landscapes, and savor the local cuisine in the traditional restaurants. It’s a great day trip from Vlore because of the history, architecture, wine, and mountain vibes!

Other cool alternatives to Berat:

4. Day Trip From Vlore To Apollonia

Visiting the archaeological site of Apollonia in Albania is a journey through time, where ancient history comes to life amid the serene landscapes. Located near the town of Fier, Apollonia stands as one of the most important ancient Greek colonies in Illyria, showcasing a remarkable fusion of Hellenistic and Roman influences.

The site is dedicated to the god Apollo and boasts well-preserved ruins that include a stunning ancient theater, a boulevard adorned with intricate statues, and the remnants of temples and public buildings.

Walking through the ancient Agora, one can imagine the bustling activity that once defined this cultural and intellectual center. The Archaeological Museum of Apollonia, housing artifacts excavated from the site, provides further context to the city’s rich past.

With its strategic position overlooking the Aous River and its captivating historical remains, a visit to Apollonia offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant civilization that flourished here centuries ago, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a connection to Albania’s ancient heritage. Combine both Berat and Apollonia on this trip from Vlore.

5. Day Trip From Vlore To The Albanian Riviera

Going on a day trip from Vlore to the Albanian Riviera is definitely one of the best options! For a while now, the Riviera has been known as a coastal paradise that has turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, and charming villages.

Stretching along the Ionian Sea, the Albanian Riviera is famed for its breathtaking scenery and laid-back atmosphere. On the day trip, you can explore pristine beaches like Dhërmi or Jale, where the crystal-clear waters meet white sands – you can even go canyoning in Gjipe.

You can also visit picturesque villages like Himara or Upper Qeparo to get a taste of traditional southern Albanian life with their stone houses and olive groves.

You can also check out fortress ruins such as Himara Castle and Port Palermo Castle. The Llogara Pass, a winding mountain road with panoramic views, is a must-visit, providing a stunning perspective of the coastline – check out this hiking day trip to Llogara.

Doing this day trip from Vlore means you combine a lot of things in one day – savoring fresh seafood in a taverna, sunbathing on hidden beaches, and panoramic views, and exploring charming coastal towns. There’s even a day trip that includes Gjirokaster (which is one of my favorite foodie destinations in Albania!).

Is Vlore Safe?

Yes, Vlore is very safe. Like the rest of Albania, there isn’t much to worry about when visiting Vlore. Safety in general is great, especially for tourists. Even as a solo traveler, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Are you covered? ➡️ I always reccommend trip protection. My favorite is SafetyWing Insurance because it's affordable & flexible.

How Do I Go From Tirana To Vlore?

Traveling from Tirana to Vlorë offers a scenic journey through Albania, heading south. The most common mode of transportation is by bus. Several bus companies operate frequent services between Tirana and Vlorë, with departures from one of Tirana’s main bus stations, often referred to as “Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut”.

The journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Alternatively, one can choose to drive, as there are well-maintained roads connecting the two cities and it is the most convenient way to get to Vlore.

The route by car provides the flexibility to explore points of interest along the way, such as Apollonia.

Other FAQ About Visiting Vlore

Here are a few more frequently asked questions about Vlore that might be useful for you.

Where is Vlore?

Vlorë is a coastal city located in southwestern Albania, situated along the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Nestled between the Ceraunian Mountains and the coastline, Vlorë boasts a stunning natural setting. It is part of the Albanian Riviera, known for its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and historical significance.

Is Vlore expensive?

Vlore is generally considered more affordable compared to Western European destinations. The cost of living, including accommodation, food, and transportation, tends to be lower. It’s worth noting that prices can fluctuate based on the tourist season – like many beach towns do.

Higher demand can potentially mean increased costs for some services. Compared with other cities in Albania, Vlore is more likely to be more expensive since it is a seaside, tourist hotspot.

You can assume any place along the Albanian Riviera will be more expensive than inland towns. You can check the accommodation price per night for your dates here.

How Many Days Should I Spend In Vlore?

If you have limited time and want to experience the highlights of Vlorë, you can plan a day trip. This might include visiting key attractions such as Kanina Castle, the Independence Monument, and enjoying the beach.

Two to three days is good if you have a bit more time, you can delve deeper into the city’s history, explore nearby areas like the Llogara Pass and the Riviera, and take strolls along the waterfront.

This allows for a more relaxed experience. 4+ days would be good if you want an extended holiday, especially if you’re planning to work remotely in Albania.

What are the best places to visit near Vlore?

Is Vlore Worth Visiting? – Final Thoughts

So, is Vlorë worth visiting? Absolutely. This coastal city in Albania packs a punch with its mix of history, stunning landscapes, and that little bit of luxury.

From the bunkers to beaches to the Llogara National Park, Vlorë’s got it all. Whether you’re up for a quick day trip or diving into a week-long adventure, this place is worth visiting for sure!