Things to Do in Vlore, Albania: Gateway to the Riviera
Even though Vlore is mostly famous for being the largest city on Albania’s Riviera, there’s lots of things to do besides the beach. Of course the beaches are one of the main draws, but you don’t have to be a beach person to enjoy Vlore.
One of my favourite things to do in Vlore is just walking the Lungomare promenade and enjoying the sea views. My other favourite thing is the ancient city of Apollonia – a little outside of Vlore, but it’s so beautiful.
Things to Do in Vlore, Albania
I’ve explored Vlore thoroughly – my dog and I have spent 6 weeks there over 2 trips. These are the things I think are most worthwhile doing in Vlore:
1. Walk the Lungomare Promenade
Lungomare is the lively seafront promenade in Vlore. It’s about 3 km long and runs alongside Plazhi i Ri (New Beach). Along the promenade are hotels, restaurants, cafes and markets.
It’s the most popular area of Vlore and busy almost any time of day or night. Closer to the centre are a few amusement park rides and a pyramid style hill with good views.
It’s a favourite spot for ‘xhiro’ the traditional evening stroll. You can also rent bicycles on the promenade and bike it.
2. Have a Beach Day
Vlore is the official start of the Albanian Riviera, where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. The beaches that run south from Vlore are on the Ionian coast and very nice.
The beaches in town, Plazhi i Ri (New Beach) and Plazhi i Vjeter (Old Beach) are okay, but not the best. Water quality is sometimes an issue in summer. But, most of these beaches are public, meaning you don’t have to pay for a sunbed and umbrella.
If you want a beach day, I recommend heading south to Radhime Beach or Orikum Beach. Radhime is closer to Vlore and very developed – all hotels, beach clubs and restaurants. Orikum is a little further south, but quieter.
3. Stroll through Vlore Old Town
Vlore Old Town is a restored area within the historic centre of Vlore. It’s not big – just a few streets, but it’s very charming. Cobblestone streets are lined with pastel coloured homes from the Venetian period, now mostly restaurants, galleries and guest houses.
There’s some cute cafes and hidden squares down the side lanes. I like Komiteti Bar for coffee on the main lane – it has kind of a boho/traditional vibe.
After the beaches and seafront promenade, Old Town is Vlore’s most popular site.
4. Visit the National Museum of Independence
This is a very small museum in the old customs office built in 1844, which was used as the seat of the first Albanian government in 1914.
I can understand the importance of the museum for Albanians, but as a foreigner it was very underwhelming. Most of the exhibits are in Albanian only, and there’s limited items on display. Closed Monday.
Check out the grass pyramid next to the museum with stairs on one side. There’s good views of the centre from the top.
5. See Flag Square & the Independence Monument
Flag Square is the main square in the centre where Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire was declared in 1912 (by Ismail Qemali), commemorated by the Independence Monument.
This part of Vlore is the historic centre, and behind the monument are the ruins of ancient fortification walls possibly dating back to the 4th century.
You’ll notice just about every city in Albania has an Ismail Qemali street – he was the first prime minister of Albania, and was instrumental in securing Albania’s independence from Ottoman rule.
6. View the Walls of Aulona
When work was being done to extend the park in 1985, these ancient walls were discovered. There is some dispute about how old they are. Even the signage on site dates them between the 4th and 14th centuries.
Some archeologists think the walls go back to when the Greeks founded the ancient city of Aulon (now Vlore), but others attribute them to the Roman period which came much later.
In any event, they’re right behind the Independence Monument and close to Muradie Mosque – so take a look.
7. Visit Muradie Mosque
This is one of Albania’s oldest mosques, built in 1537. Albania was under Ottoman rule for 400 years, so historically has an Islamic culture.
During communism (1944-1992) almost all religious buildings were destroyed or repurposed. Only a few that were cultural or historic monuments were spared – and Muradie Mosque is one of them.
I’ve never been inside because I always forget to bring a scarf for my hair, but I’m sure you could go in if you were dressed appropriately and removed your shoes.
Side note: Today, Albania is one of the most religiously tolerant countries in the world. The population is a mix of Orthodox Christian, Muslim and atheist.
I was there last spring and Ramadan, Christian Easter and Orthodox Easter were all observed and celebrated with equal enthusiasm.
8. Explore the Museum of History
Small museum about the history of Albania. I haven’t been in this one – every time I’ve gone by it’s been closed. But you might have better luck.
9. Climb up to Kuzum Baba
Kuzum Baba is a Bektashi Sufi order holy site with amazing views overlooking Vlore. It’s named for Sayyid Ali Sultan (aka Kuzum Baba) who spread the Bektashi faith throughout Albania. His tomb is inside the shrine.
This is the highest point of Vlore and the views over the city are fantastic. It’s a steep climb up many stairs from Boulevard Ismail Qemali, but worth it. If you have a car you can drive there – there’s parking.
There’s a couple of restaurants at the top with dining areas overlooking the city.
10. Enjoy Xhiro on Boulevard Ismail Qemali
Taking an evening stroll is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition in Albania. It’s called ‘xhiro.’ No matter where you are in Albania, the main boulevard comes alive at dusk as locals head out to walk and socialize.
Ismail Qemali is the main shopping street in Vlore and a favourite spot for xhiro. I like to walk up to my favourite bakery, Furre Buke Karabash on Rruga Gjergj Araniti for a pastry or gelato.
11. Take a Boat Trip to Karaburun Sazan Marine Park
Take a boat trip to the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, part of the Karaburun Sazan National Marine Park, and not accessible by car.
The Karaburun Peninsula is actually a military zone, and only certain areas are accessible to the public, including some beach areas. A boat tour is one of the only ways to see it up close.
The tour operators are all along the Lungomare Promenade. There’s speed boats, sunset cruises and day trips.
Here is a highly rated half day boat tour to the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island.
Things to Do in Vlore at Night
There isn’t much to do in Vlore at night. I’m not a night life person, but I did ask locals what they do at night and even they were at a loss. But here’s a few ideas:
- Stroll the Lungomare Promenade. There’s lots of small bars, cafes and a few amusement park rides.
- Enjoy a cocktail at a beach bar: Most close around 11 pm, but a few stay open later, like Seasons Cocktail Bar.
- Take a sunset boat cruise. This sunset cruise goes to Haxhi Ali Cave and includes wine.
Day Trips from Vlore
These are the day trips I did from Vlore. For all of them except Berat (I did that during my first stay in Vlore and hired a private transfer), I rented a car.
In Albania, I usually use Discover Cars to find car rentals. But in Vlore I rented from Luka’s Rental Car, and I can recommend them. Their phone number and WhatsApp is 355 69 202 1035.
Berat (UNESCO)
This is Albania’s most beautiful historic city. It’s called the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’ for the traditional Ottoman era homes with many windows. If you can, stay 2 or 3 days in Berat – it’s that lovely.
Berat has a beautifully preserved old town with one of the oldest living castles in Europe, historic Christian and Muslim quarters, medieval churches, ancient mosques, and several museums.
There are direct buses between Berat and Vlore every day (takes 2 hours each way).
Apollonia Archeological Park
This is an ancient Greek city dating back to the 6th century BC. It’s a beautiful site set in nature with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. I went in March and everything was blooming. It’s on the UNESCO tentative list.
It’s an easy drive from Vlore Beach. I stopped at Zvernec and St. Mary’s Monastery on the way. Apollonia is a dog friendly.
Zvernec & St. Mary’s Monastery
Zvernec is a picturesque village 11 km from Vlore. The village is famous for the small island which is home to a 13th century Orthodox monastery called St. Mary’s. The island is connected to the mainland by a long wooden pedestrian bridge that crosses over Narta Lagoon.
I drove, but you could rent bicycles and bike there – the road is mostly flat.
If you don’t want to worry about logistics, take this day tour that includes all 3 sites:
Apollonia Archaeological Park, Zvernec & Berat Day Tour
Kantina Balaj
This small winery is halfway between Zvernec and Apollonia. I drove here for lunch and a wine tasting on my way back to Vlore after Apollonia.
I highly recommend this place. Not only was the food excellent (no menu – you choose ‘terre or mer’ land or sea), the wine tasting was amazing and generous.
The cellar is in an old communist era bunker tunnel built into the mountainside. The owner’s daughter game me a tour.
Orikum Archeological Park & Beach
Orikum Beach is the one that’s 18 km south of Vlore. Even if you don’t want to swim, there’s restaurants and cafes by the water for a meal or coffee. I visited Orikum mostly to see the archeological park, the site of an ancient 6th century city.
The archeological site is on the Karaburun Peninsula, which is now a military zone. I had to register at the military check point and leave my ID, then follow a military escort (by car) to the entrance of the archeological park. It’s not a big park, you can easily explore it in less than an hour.
To make this more of a full day trip, I recommend visiting Kantina & Ferma Dukat, a winery with restaurant only 6.5 km from Orikum Beach. I wanted to go when I was at Orikum in March, but Dukat doesn’t open for the season until May.
How to Get From Tirana to Vlore
It’s very easy to get to Vlore from Tirana by bus or private transfer (taxi). Vlore is 157 south of Tirana, just over 2 hours by car.
- Bus: There are multiple buses each day from the North South Bus Terminal in Tirana, as well as the Hermes shuttle bus from the airport. Above is the year round airport shuttle schedule. Airport buses leave from the parking lot beside the terminal.
- Private transfer/taxi: Airport taxis drive to Vlore and charge approx. 11,000 lek ($133 USD). For private transfers from Tirana, I use Taxi Landi. They are professional and reliable.
For the bus schedule from Tirana’s North South Bus Terminal, check the Gjirafa Travel website. It’s not always 100% accurate, but close enough.
How Many Days Do You Need in Vlore
Three or four days is enough to see Vlore. This will give you time to explore the sites, enjoy a couple of beaches and take a day trip to the ancient city of Apollonia or go winetasting.
Where to Stay
The best area to stay in Vlore is Lungomare, the seafront promenade. This is the nicest part of Vlore and closest to the beach. Here are my favourite hotels in Vlore:
- Luxury hotel: Abi’s Hotel & Spa
- Mid-priced hotel: Hotel Brooklyn Vlore
- Budget hotel:Â Ulcas Guest Huse
Where to Eat
Make sure you try the seafood in Vlore – it’s so fresh and good. There’s also fantastic traditional Albanian food.
These are my favourite restaurants in Vlore:
- Sofra e Lakrorit: Very traditional Albanian food. You have to make a reservation on WhatsApp (355 068 510 7653).
- Restaurant Esmiani: Great restaurant for seafood that locals like.
- Gusta la Puglia: Italian sandwich shop behind the Lungomare promenade.
- Furre Buke Karabash: Bakery with sandwiches, lunch items, pastry, coffee and gelato.
Last Words on Things to Do in Vlore, Albania: Gateway to the Riviera
The main draw in Vlore is definitely the seaside and beaches, but there’s more than the coastline. Between the Lungomare, a few historic sites and some great day trips, you can easily fill a few days.
For me, the highlights were walking the promenade and getting out to places like Apollonia and Orikum. It may be the start of the Riviera, but Vlore is a worthwhile destination all on its own.
