Apollonia, Albania: How to Visit the Ancient City (2026)

The ruins of Apollonia are one of the most intriguing and beautiful sites in Albania. Imagine evocative ruins in a natural setting, surrounded by wildflowers, green fields and sweeping valley views – that is Apollonia.

Apollonia is an ancient Greek city, built in 588 BC. At the time it was the most important town and port in the region. It’s currently on the UNESCO tentative list.

Apollonia, Albania: How to Visit the Ancient City

The archeological park is close to Vlore, and easy to reach. When I visited Apollonia, I rented a car and stopped at Zvernec and St. Mary’s Monastery on my way there. On my way back I had lunch and a wine tasting at Kantina Balaj. It was the perfect day trip.

Where is Apollonia & How to Get There

Apollonia is in south west Albania, 122 km from Tirana and 36 km from Vlore. I don’t think it makes much sense to visit Apollonia as a day trip from Tirana – it’s too far, but if you’re on your way to Vlore, it’s easy to fit in.

I drove there from Vlore and it’s an easy drive, about 35 minutes.

There are no buses from Tirana or Vlore to Apollonia. The only way to reach Apollonia is by car, private transfer (taxi) or day tour.

I rented a car for the weekend when I visited Apollonia. I made a day trip of it and stopped at Zvernec and St. Mary’s Monastery on the way there and visited Kantina Balaj on my way back.

• Rental Car: I usually use Discover Cars, but in Vlore I rented from Luka’s Rental Car and was happy with the service. Their phone number and WhatsApp is 355 69 202 1035.
• Private Transfer (Taxi): I use Albes Taxi in Vlore. You can contact them on WhatsApp: 355 67 600 0200 to get a quote.
• Day Tour: Here’s a day tour from Vlore that includes, Zvernec Monastery, Apollonia and a wine tasting at a local kantina.

Brief History of Apollonia, Albania

Apollonia was founded in the 6th century BC by Greek colonists from Corfu in Illyrian (the ancient people of Albania) territory. It is named after the Greek sun god, Apollo.

At the time it was one of many cities named Apollonia, but this was the largest and most important. Up to 50,000 people lived here. Even Julius Caesar visited Apollonia.

After centuries of prosperity, the city declined following an earthquake in the 3rd century AD. The earthquake altered the course of the Vjosa River almost 10 km to the south, and Apollonia lost its link to the Adriatic Sea. It was abandoned by the 5th century AD.

What to See & Do at Apollonia

The peaceful archeological site has ruins, a monastery and church, and a couple of restaurants.

I like the restaurant at the top of the ruins called Bar Restorant Leon Rey. It’s a beautiful spot and has a nice outdoor area. The reviews aren’t good, but I had a coffee and it was fine.

Here’s what to see at Apollonia archeological park:

• Bouleuterion: The most prominent ruin – it also known as the Monument of Agonothetes. It was used as the city council building and built in the 2nd century AD. It is decorated with a colonnade of Corinthian style columns.
• Odeon: The second largest and most prominent ruin at Apollonia. The theatre was built in 2nd century AD and used for performances and political meetings of the city’s elite.
• Prytaneion: Ruins adjacent to the Bouleuterion. It was the highest executive office of the city and 11 marble sculptures were found during excavations, representing high ranking officials from the Roman period.
• Obelisk: It symbolises Apollo Ageius, protector of the city. The symbols of Apollo are carved into the obelisk (bow and arrows, and a lyre).

• Temenos: A sacred area of Apollonia with an arched stone entrance.
• Portico: Ruins of the Doric style columns can still be seen. It was a two-story building originally built in the 3rd century BC.
• Acropolis: Not much remains today, but it was the most fortified part of the city. There’s a few bunkers and tunnels left from the communist regime.
• Museum and St. Mary Monastery: The medieval monastery is now the museum and holds quite a few artefacts found during the excavations. It’s definitely worth a look. The pretty church of Saint Mary is in the middle of the monastery courtyard.

What to Expect

You can easily see Albania’s Apollonia in two hours. There is a bit of walking, but it’s mostly flat and there’s footpaths. There are toilets by the museum and two restaurants. One is just outside the monastery, the other is at the highest point of the park, near the ruins.

There is some shade, but the ruins are mostly out in the open, so keep that in mind if visiting during summer. Apollonia is dog friendly.

There’s plenty of free parking. The drive is straight forward, just the last bit is not paved, but I managed in a mid-size sedan.

Where to Eat Near Apollonia

I wouldn’t eat at the restaurants in Apollonia – they’re going to be overpriced and probably not that good. Instead, eat at Oliva Tradicion in Fier. This is where I was planning to eat – I’ve heard really good things about it.

When I visited Apollonia I decided to have lunch and do a wine tasting instead at Kantina Balaj, one of the best kantinas in Albania.

I was researching agritourism in Albania during this trip, so opted for the winery! It turned out to be one of the most memorable meals and tastings I’ve had in Albania, so I highly recommend it! And it’s on the way back to Vlore, convenient if that’s where you’re staying.

Where to Stay Near Apollonia

Apollonia is close to the town of Fier, but it’s better to stay in Vlore, 36 km south of Apollonia. Vlore is one of Albanian’s most popular coastal cities – it’s where the Albanian Riviera starts. There’s a lot more things to do in Vlore, than Fier.

These are my favourite hotels in Vlore:

• Luxury: Abi’s Hotel & Spa Vlore
• Mid-range: Hotel Brooklyn Vlore
• Budget: Ulcas Guest Huse

If you choose to stay in Fier, Elite Luxury Boutique has very good reviews.

Last Words on Apollonia, Albania: How to Visit the Ancient City

I really enjoyed visiting Apollonia – I think it’s one of the nicest sites in Albania. While it’s a bit of a stretch from Tirana, it’s definitely worth visiting from Vlore or even Berat.

Between the ancient ruins, medieval monastery and beautiful natural setting, Apollonia is one of Albania’s most peaceful and relaxing historic sites.

Also Recommended:

• Vlore Beach: First Time Visitors Guide
• 28 Best Things to Do in Albania
• 10 Day Albania Road Trip – See the Whole Country
• Butrint National Park: How to Visit Albania’s World Heritage Site (2026)

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