The Best Things to Do in Vlore
The coastal town of Vlore sits in the heart of the Albanian Riviera. As the third largest city in Albania, and sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, it certainly has a lot to offer. In this post, we highlight the very best things to do in Vlore. We also share some really useful practical tips, and a little local knowledge, to make your trip even better!
Where is Vlore
The city of Vlore sits on the shores of the Adriatic Sea in southwestern Albania. Just across the water is Italy, however most ferries from Italy dock in Saranda instead. Vlore is surrounded by the foothills of the rugged Ceraunian Mountains, giving it an enviable location between the mountains and the sea.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to Vlore is Tirana. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive from here. From Saranda, in the south of Albania, to Vlore will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes by car or closer to 4 hours by bus. It might not appear to be the most accessible town, but certainly Vlore is worth visiting!
The Best Things to Do in Vlore
Vlore is jam packed with awesome things to do. Each time we visit we find something else interesting to discover. Here are some of the very best things to do in Vlore.
Muradie Mosque
The Muradie Mosque (or Lead Mosque) is one of the most important structures in Vlore. Built in 1537 by Ottoman Turkish architect Mimar Sinan and is distinctive for its exceptional brick work.
Rruga Justin Godar, Vlorë, Albania
Things to Do in Vlore – Independence Monument
This impressive statue is dedicated to the Albanian Declaration of Independence from the Ottomans in 1912. It is located just near the old town.
Sheshi i Flamurit, Vlorë 9401, Albania
Ethnographic Museum and Museum of History
Just near the Independence monument is the Ethnographic museum and the Museum of History. These museums describe the daily lives of the people who have lived in Vlore over the centuries, including things like traditional housing, clothing, work, etc.
Rruga Perlat Rexhepi, Vlorë, Albania
The Museum of National Independence
Check out this quirky little museum dedicated to Albania’s Independence. It is quite small but worth a visit to learn a bit about the country’s recent history.
Port of Vlore, Vlorë 9401, Albania
Things to Do in Vlore – Vlore Old Town
So, Vlore Old Town, isn’t really that old. However, it is a nice area to wander around and get some food or a coffee in one of the many eateries and cafes.
Try the Local Food
Being so close to Italy, there is a lot of pizza and pasta around Vlore. And it’s pretty tasty! As the town sits on the coast of the Adriatic, there are loads of great seafood places.
We tried Tre Forchette Restaurant and loved the sophisticated vibe and delicious food. For a casual, relaxed meal, or just a coffee and cake, try Poema. We had a delicious breakfast time coffee and cake for 200Lek (€1.70). We also really love Mulliri Vjetër. Its a chain of coffee shops that sells a great choice of coffees and light snacks and can be found all over Albania.
Tre Forchette Restaurant – Bulevardi Ismail Qemali, prane Pallatit te Sportit AL, 9400, Albania
Poema Bistro – Rr Pertit Bisha, Nd.19, H.9, 9401, Vlorë, Albania
Mulliri Vjetër – Sheshi Pavaresia, Qendra Tregtare Univers Riviera, Vlorë 9401, Albania
Things to Do in Vlore – Hit the Beach
This is one of the best things to do in Vlore, at any time of the year! The town itself has several beaches worth visiting. However, there are also a few within easy reach, if you fancy taking a little trip. We would recommend Orikum, which is about 30 minutes by car.
Stroll Along the Vlore Promenade at Sunset
Vlore looks west over the Adriatic making it a perfect spot for watching the sunset. We made sure to make some time to watch the beautiful colours as the sun disappeared behind the islands in the distance.
Sazan Island
Sazan Island is home to a former military base. It only recently opened it’s doors to the public in 2015. The island is covered in abandoned bunkers and tunnels and tourists can visit between May and October. You can even spend the night there if you’re feeling brave…
Kuzum Baba
Kuzum Baba is the best spots for a view across the city. Take a walk up the hillside and admire the amazing panorama. If you decide to walk from the old town, prepare for the many, many steps! It is also possible to drive and park at the top. There is a restaurant with a terrace where you can admire the view.
Things to Do in Vlore – Apollonia
Apollonia is a reminder of the ancient Greeks in Albania. It began life in 600 BC as a Greek trade colony before the Romans developed it into a thriving city around 200 BC. The Emperor Augustus is said to have studied Philosophy here. Unfortunately, the city came to a murky end in the 3rd century after a huge earthquake literally changed the landscape. The swamps moved closer to the city and eventually took over.
Today you can still visit the ruins of the ancient city. They are damaged but enchanting and very worthy of a day trip from Vlore. To drive it will take around 2 hours. However, the roads can be a little hairy so take care and plan your trip well.
It is possible to travel by bus but this route can by a bit more complicated. The simplest way is to take a bus to Fier. From there, just ask someone at the bus station and they will tell you how to get to the village of Pojan. From the centre of Pojan, there is a 20 minute walk to the site – there are signs to follow if you look carefully. Alternatively, ride the bus from Vlore to Fier then take a taxi to the site. Remember, always negotiate the fare before getting in the cab.
Explore Kaninë Castle
A short drive south from Vlore is the ruins of Kaninë Castle. This castle dates back to the 3rd century BC and sits 380m above sea level. There is loads of history in the area but it’s worth the trip just for the views across Vlore County alone.
Things to Do in Vlore – Llogara National Park
Llogara National Park is one of the most visited natural parks in Albania. About 40km from Vlora, its definitely worth visiting while you are in the area. The park covers only 10.1 sq km (3.90 square miles) but is home to roe deer, fallow deer, chamois, European wildcat, red fox, otter, and even the mighty wolf. There are also diverse bird species including the majestic golden eagle and the griffon vulture roaming the skies.
Narta Lagoon
Well known locally for its sand dunes and birdlife, Narta Lagoon is a beautiful spot for nature lovers, just north of Vlore. Nearby Narta Village is also famous for its vineyards and delicious wine.
Experience the Nightlife
During the summer, people from across Albania, Kosovo and even Italy flock to Vlore to enjoy the nightlife. The town really comes alive during the summer nights, especially along the promenade.
How Expensive is Vlore
Vlore is very inexpensive compared to other European destinations. It is easy to find good quality food in a nice restaurant for around €10 per person. On our most recent visit, we paid €20 per night for a 1 bed Air BnB apartment in the centre of town in October. Travel is also good value, if not a little unpredictable. For example, the bus to from Vlore to Tirana costs 6oo Lek (about €5).
What is the Weather Like?
The summers in Vlore can get hot! With some days reaching towards 40°C (104°F). For us, this is a bit too much. Spring and autumn are warm, pleasant and a lot quieter. Winters can get cool and temperatures can drop to around 5°C ( 41°F).
When to Visit Vlore
Vlore is at its busiest during the summer months. The sun is out and everything is open. However, that of course means there are more crowds. Saying that, it is not really that touristy compared to places like Corfu or Dubrovnik.
The shoulder seasons are cheaper and quieter and the sun is not so scorching hot. This would be our preferred time to visit.
How Long to Stay in the City
How long to spend in Vlore really depends on the time of year that you visit. Ideally you will need a week in the summer. This will allow plenty of time to relax by the beach and fit in a few day trips to explore the surrounding area.
If you are visiting off season, a weekend will probably be enough. Either way, Vlore is definitely worth visiting.
How to Travel Around Vlore
Vlore is a medium sized town and the centre is easily walkable. There are City Buses that travel around the centre, and other routes, if you don’t feel like walking. The city buses cost 40 Lek flat fare to go anywhere around the town. The intercity bus station is located close to the old town. This is where you should go for transport outside of Vlore, such as Fier, Tirana or Saranda.
Is Vlore Worth Visiting?
As you can see, there are many amazing things to do in Vlore. So we would say yes, absolutely Vlore is worth visiting! We used Vlore as a base to explore more of Albania. However, the town itself was well worth visiting on its own, especially if you enjoy a scenic costal town with stunning beaches and plenty to do.
What to Pack for your Trip to Vlore
We have put together a convenient packing list for the little extras that you might need for your trip to Vlore.
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Backpack
- Snacks for travel
- Mini handheld fan (buses get incredibly hot in the summer!)
- Book/audiobook/music
- Water bottle
- Weather appropriate clothing, such as windbreaker and fleece OR swimsuit, flip flops and beach towel
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Map or downloaded GPS or map application on your phone
- Phone
- Charger and power bank
- Decent camera (phone) with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
- Cash – Albania Lek
Should I Rent a Car to Explore the Best Things to Do in Vlore?
This is a tricky one, and definitely down to personal preference. Albania’s public transport is cheap and cheerful and most places are accessible by bus. However, there are very few railways in Albania. The buses – or furgons – are great for travelling between towns and cities. However, the timetable can be a bit restrictive. If you can haggle, a taxi driver will take you anywhere!
Hitchhiking in Albania is a popular way to get around and is supposedly perfectly safe. We have not tried this ourselves but have spoken to many successful hitchers.
If you decide to rent a car in Albania, please make sure you take out the full insurance. Drivers in the Balkans have their own unique style… On our last visit to Saranda we spent 3 days in the town and witnessed 2 crashes.
Plan your journey in advance as there are many small roads that are not more than dirt tracks. Several mountain routes can be perilous if you do not plan ahead and take great care.
The Albanian Language
Many Albanians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Albanian. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers, but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:
Hello Tungjatjeta (toon-jah-TYEH-tah)
Please Ju lutem (yoo LOO-tehm)
Thank you Faleminderit (fah-lehm-meen-DEH-reet)
Yes Po (poh)
No Jo (yoh)
Goodbye Mirupafshim (meer-oo-PAHF-sheem)
Where to go next
Ready for more inspiration? Why not try exploring the town of Saranda, just a bit further south? This beautiful seaside resort is full of surprises!
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Vlore or anywhere else in Albania? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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I am thinking about heading to Albania this year, and Vlore looks absolutely magical. I definitely want to visit. I mean, that sunset alone makes me want to hop on a plane right now.
Those pictures at sunset are stunning! Would love to visit Albania one day and this guide is great, thanks for sharing.
Old towns in any part of the world are such a charm. I can spend days living in this part of the city.