There are many nice issues to do in Vlore, and it’s an incredible place to base your self to discover not solely the points of interest in Vlore however these within the pretty neighboring cities alongside the coast too.
Vlore is taken into account to be the oldest metropolis in Albania, and so the historical past right here is lengthy and wealthy. For those who’ve spent any time within the museums of Tirana, it’s possible that you just’ll have heard of Vlore.
In addition to being house to an enchanting historical past, it’s additionally the beginning of the great stretch of shoreline generally known as the Albanian Riviera; house to among the most spectacular shorelines.
I spent nearly two months exploring the shoreline of Albania, together with Vlore, and beloved exploring the area. For those who’re planning methods to spend your time in Vlore, listed here are my high 15 suggestions:
Finest Issues To Do in Vlore
Thought-about the place to begin of the Albanian Riviera, there are some superb locations to go to in Vlore. It’s good for historical past buffs in addition to these which can be in search of boat journeys and seashores.
Listed below are a few of my high issues to do in Vlore:
1. Take a Strolling Tour of the Previous City
Get your bearings on this wonderful strolling tour in Vlore. You’ll be paired with an area information who will information you seamlessly by way of an important areas of Vlore and enable you to achieve an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
Probably the most widespread vacationer points of interest in Vlore is its stunning Previous City. It’s not too long ago been completely renovated and gives a picture-perfect setting with some superb bars and eating places to discover. You’ll stroll the cobbled streets and study all about its fascinating historical past.
In addition to the Previous City, you’ll additionally go to the Independence Monument and Muradie Mosque, each of which function individually on this checklist.
Click on right here to study extra about this good introduction to the preferred Vlore points of interest.
Tackle: The Previous City, Vlore
2. Take a Boat Journey to Sazan Marine Nationwide Park
This excellent full-day boat tour is the proper technique to go to the one marine nationwide park in Albania.
The park covers an space of over 125 sq. kilometers and consists of each Sazan Island and the Karaburan Peninsula. It’s been designated as a Specifically Protected Space of Mediterranean Significance because of the immense variety of hen and plant species it helps.
Discover the park by speedboat with a small group. You’ll discover Sazan Island and study its inhabited Previous City earlier than cooling off within the extremely clear waters that encompass the island.
The boat will subsequent take you rushing off to Haxhi Ali Cave, one of the vital stunning locations to go to close to Vlore, the place you possibly can swim and snorkel within the cave. Lastly, you’ll arrive at a shocking seashore on the Karanburan Peninsula the place you possibly can have lunch, some drinks, and discover the native seashores.
The marine nationwide park is likely one of the most scenic locations to go to in Vlore. Click on right here to study extra about this nice day journey.
Tackle: Sazan Island, Vlore
3. Go to Zvernec Monastery
Zvernec Monastery is considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Vlore. It’s a Thirteenth-century monastery that’s positioned on a small island in the course of a lagoon, to the north of Vlore.
The monastery and St Mary’s Church are positioned on a tiny island surrounded by a whole lot of pine bushes. You may attain the island from the mainland over a rickety wood bridge and might head contained in the Church to marvel on the stunning work inside.
It’s a wonderful journey from Vlore. I employed a push-bike from Vlore and reached the monastery in round an hour earlier than (I’d counsel hiring a scooter as an alternative, relying on the warmth…). Click on right here to rent a scooter and hold your eye out for Narta Seaside on this checklist, which will be visited on the way in which again.
It’s probably the greatest free issues to do in Vlore, though I might advocate leaving just a few Albanian Lek within the donation field on the Church in the event you can.
Tackle: St Mary’s Monastery, Zvernec, Vlore
4. Stroll the Vlore Promenade at Sundown
Vlore has been modernized over the latest years and nowhere is that this extra apparent than on the promenade.
The promenade stretches as much as 5 kilometers alongside the Ionian Coast in Vlore. It has cycle paths and a large pedestrian path and is lined with plenty of bars, eating places, and resorts.
The Vlore promenade actually involves alive at night time when the bars play quite a lot of music to go well with all tastes. Head out for a meal early night at one of many wonderful eating places alongside its size.
Probably the greatest issues to do in Vlore at night time is to easily stroll alongside the promenade with the remainder of the group. Cease for some meals, or a drink, or simply benefit from the occasion ambiance. There’s one thing right here for everybody.
Tackle: Lungomare, Vlore
5. Dive into the Unbelievable Blue Eye
Vlore is seen because the gateway to the Albanian Riviera, and because of this, it’s a tremendous place to discover the remainder of Southern Albania. One among my absolute highlights is the Blue Eye. It’s one of the vital unbelievable issues to do close to Vlore.
This gorgeous, pure spring rises from at the very least 50 meters under floor and flows into the Blue Eye Nationwide Park. It’s positioned in a jungle-like setting and is likely one of the most stunning spots in Albania. Be part of this superb day tour of Southern Albania and tick off among the finest issues to do round Vlore.
Dive into the crystal clear waters of the Blue Eye, discover the gorgeous stone metropolis of Gjirokaster, and discover Porto Palermo Citadel on the way in which again. This complete day journey is likely one of the finest methods to discover this a part of the nation and is likely one of the finest methods to see probably the most stunning sights.
Tackle: The Blue Eye, Sarande. Click on right here for instructions to the Blue Eye.
6. Go to the Independence Monument
For those who’re trying to perform a little sightseeing in Vlore, it is best to undoubtedly go to the Independence Monument.
This large monument depicts the primary Prime Minister of Albania and one of many leaders of the Independence motion, Ismail Qemali, and represents Albania’s declaration of independence from the Ottomans in 1912. It’s one of the vital necessary historic issues to see in Vlore.
The monument is positioned in Flag Sq., which is lined with palm and pine bushes and has seats to observe the world go by. Seize a espresso and sit within the sunshine for some time, observing the town. There’s a espresso store referred to as High Caffé simply 5 minutes away that I’d undoubtedly advocate.
Tackle: Independence Monument, Sheshi i Flamurit, Vlore
7. Go Tandem Paragliding
For those who’re an journey traveler and are in search of enjoyable issues to do in Vlore, it is best to undoubtedly try this paragliding expertise in Vlore.
The staff is tremendous educated; making you’re feeling utterly secure all through the expertise. The views of the coast are completely unbelievable, and you’ll see the spectacularly blue water and white seashores for miles, in addition to the rugged, mountainous terrain.
For those who’re feeling daring, the pilots can even carry out some in-flight acrobatics for you which ones are recorded on a go-pro so that you can take house with you. It’s undoubtedly one of the vital exhilarating issues to do in Vlore. Click on right here to ebook your flight.
Tackle: Vlore, Albania. Click on right here to view the assembly level for the tour.
8. Catch Some Rays at Narta Seaside
Narta Seaside is, for sure, one of the best seashore in Vlore. It’s positioned to the north of the town and is accessible by automobile or bicycle (in the event you’re feeling lively!).
Once I visited Narta Seaside, I rented a bicycle and rode up the cycle path to the shore. It’s round 9 kilometers, so it’s not a brief distance, nevertheless it’s predominantly flat, and also you comply with the shoreline up so it’s a nice journey.
The seashore itself is fantastically calm, and the sand is tender and golden, which is difficult to seek out alongside the Albanian coast. There’s additionally a beautiful restaurant there, Karafili Resort, which I’d advocate you attempt. General, Narta Seaside is considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Vlore.
Tackle: Plazhi i Nartes, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to Narta Seaside.
9. Admire Muradie Mosque
Muradie Mosque is a really cute stone mosque that was in-built 1537 by the Ottomans. Though it’s small, it’s gorgeous and was really constructed by the identical architect who constructed the spectacular Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.
Whereas the mosque is used as a gathering level for vacationers, it’s, after all, a historic place of worship, however in the event you take your sneakers off and are dressed suitably, you possibly can enter the mosque to respectfully view from the within.
It’s positioned proper by Flag Sq., and Independence Monument, so I’d advocate seeing them multi functional go throughout a morning or afternoon of sightseeing in Vlore.
Tackle: Rruga Justin Godar, Vlore. Click on right here to get instructions to the mosque.
10. Rent a Non-public Speedboat to Karaburan Peninsula
As Vlore is positioned subsequent to the Sazan Nationwide Park, it’s one of the vital widespread issues to see throughout your go to, and for good cause. In addition to the choice of a ship journey to Sazan Island, you can discover the Karabarun Peninsula on this non-public speedboat tour.
It’s a personal tour that provides you management of the place you wish to go and the way lengthy you wish to keep there earlier than shifting on. You’ll go to the gorgeous Sazan Island, in addition to Haxha Ali Cave, and have the prospect to make a journey to the gorgeous Grama Bay.
On the speedboat, you’ll have the ability to sip contemporary drinks or beers whilst you benefit from the superb views of the caves and bays of the coast. It’s a extremely particular factor to do in Vlore as a pair. Click on right here to ebook.
Tackle: Karaburun Peninsula, Vlore. Click on right here to view the situation.
11. Hike Llogara Nationwide Park
The Llogara Nationwide Park is to the south of Vlore, and simply earlier than you get to the city of Dhermi. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Vlore in the event you love mountain climbing, with plenty of scenic, and well-marked trails on provide.
It’s open nearly all 12 months spherical and sees little or no rain, so that you’re prone to have a dry hike. Folks go mountain climbing right here for the views of the coast, and the distinction between the ocean and the forest is mostly a sight to behold.
The Llogara Cross, which runs by way of the Nationwide Park, is an unbelievable (if not, barely terrifying) highway that winds down the facet of the mountain to disclose stunning views of the coast. It’s undoubtedly price going to the viewpoint.
Tackle: Llogara Nationwide Park, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to the park.
12. Go to the Museum of Nationwide Independence
This small museum is taken into account to be the primary one in Albania earlier than the 90s and the autumn of communism.
It’s stuffed to the brim with historical past and if you wish to study Albania’s struggle for independence, you then’ll love this place. It’s additionally an incredible place to study all in regards to the that means behind the Independence Monument, which additionally options on this checklist.
I’d advocate taking a information across the museum to actually perceive the significance of the occasions of 1912 and the reveals on show. The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday and there’s a small entrance payment.
Tackle: Museum of Independence, Vlore 9401. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Discover Kanine Citadel
Kanine Citadel is within the village of Kanine, simply 6 kilometers from Vlore, and has superb views of the Vlore coast. Like the remainder of Albania, the fortress has seen many alternative rulers, from Byzantine to Serbian to Ottoman.
The fortress isn’t something spectacular and has seen its justifiable share of destruction over time, extra not too long ago being bombed throughout WWII. Nevertheless, the grounds and the unbelievable views greater than make up for it.
For those who take a picnic with you, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Vlore.
Tackle: Kanine Citadel, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to the fortress.
14. Take a Boat to Grama Bay
Grama Bay is so stunning, it deserves an entry all to itself. This boat tour explores the gorgeous bay of Grama, together with different hidden bays and caves alongside the coast, all of that are untouched with good water for snorkeling.
You’ll spend three hours exploring the brilliant white, pebbly seashore of Grama Bay, a really small bay that’s surrounded by hills lined in greenery, which is the ultimate cease on the tour. Right here, you’ll have the ability to take in the solar and swim within the clearest shiny blue and inexperienced water.
The Karaburun Peninsula and Grama Bay are actually particular locations as a result of, in contrast to many different bays and seashores within the south of Albania, they largely stay untouched. Grama Bay is a must-see and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Vlore.
Tackle: Grama Bay, Vlore. Click on right here to seek out the situation on the map.
15. Take a Boat Journey at Sundown
Probably the greatest issues to do in Vlore for {couples} is to take this unbelievable boat journey alongside the Vlore coast at sundown.
Whilst you sip away in your drink of selection, you’ll get to see the coast of Vlore drenched in orange daylight, and the ocean gentle up because the solar goes down on this good journey.
One phrase of warning, journeys could also be canceled if the ocean is just too uneven, so don’t save this to your final day in Vlore to keep away from disappointment. You may ebook your boat journey right here.
Tackle: Vlore, Albania. Click on right here to view the assembly level for the tour.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Vlore
Listed below are a few instructed itineraries so that you can comply with or adapt relying on how a lot time you need to spend in Vlore. These embrace among the finest locations to go to in Vlore which can be featured on this checklist that can assist you plan an epic journey!
1 Day in Vlore Itinerary
For those who solely have someday and wish to do some sightseeing in Vlore, I’d advocate that you just do the strolling tour of Vlore within the morning to study a bit in regards to the historical past and tradition of the town. This may also tick off just a few of the opposite gadgets on this checklist.
Within the afternoon, go and loosen up on the seashore or take a sundown tour to see the great thing about the shoreline.
2-3 Days in Vlore Itinerary
You probably have a few further days, I might nonetheless do the strolling tour on day one that can assist you perceive the town and discover your means round.
For the remaining two days, head out on a boat journey to Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula. That is the place you’ll discover probably the most stunning water in Vlore and there are some nice snorkeling alternatives. Within the night, you should definitely try the Previous City and go for a drink at Komiteti.
On the third day, you can both do a seashore day at Narte Seaside or head out on one other boat journey to Grama Bay. Both might be an ideal finish to your journey to Vlore.
1 Week in Vlore Itinerary
You probably have a complete week in Vlore, you’ll have the ability to try all one of the best issues to do in Vlore that function on this checklist. I like to recommend that you just comply with the itinerary for 2-3 days, however possibly unfold the boat journeys out just a little bit if you wish to.
Together with your further few days, I might undoubtedly advocate spending a day within the Llogara Nationwide Park, significantly in the event you like to be in nature and hike. I’d additionally advocate paragliding tandem flights as a result of the views are unequalled. Lastly, the Blue Eye is a must-visit and is simple to get to from Vlore, significantly on this someday tour.
The place to Keep in Vlore
These are just a few of one of the best neighborhoods in Vlore for vacationers:
Previous City – Finest for Historical past and Tradition
The Previous City is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Vlore, and it’s beautiful. It’s additionally near most of the major historic and cultural monuments within the Metropolis, together with the Muradie Mosque and Independence Monument.
Within the night, the Previous City is house to plenty of bars, cafes, and eating places that come alive and it’s most likely my favourite place to be at night time in Vlore. It’s additionally the extra native space of city, so it feels rather more genuine than on the seashore, the place it’s extra touristy.
I like to recommend Bohemian Boutique Suites because the rooms are beautiful, and it’s proper within the coronary heart of Previous City.
Plazhi i Ri- Finest For Nightlife
For those who’re going to Vlore to benefit from the seashore and discover the coast, I like to recommend you keep by the seashore, Plazhi i Ri, or Central Seaside. There’s heaps occurring right here, and also you’ll discover many bars, golf equipment, and eating places alongside the primary embankment.
I like to recommend Lungomare Lodge because it’s very near the seashore whereas being off the primary road, away from the noise late at night time.
Metropolis Centre – Finest For First-Time Guests
The Metropolis Centre is a good selection in the event you’re visiting Vlore for the primary time because it’s proper between the Previous City and the seashore; only a brief stroll to each. There are a whole lot of bars, cafes, eating places, and retailers dotted alongside the primary highway which joins the outdated city to the seashore.
This cozy one-bed condominium is inside strolling distance of the Previous City and the seashore and has nice metropolis views.
Finest Eating places in Vlore
There are such a lot of eating places in Vlore to select from, listed here are a few of my favorites:
Anchor Pizzeria
If you need pizza, the Anchor Pizzeria is the place to go. I’ve visited just a few occasions and have by no means been disenchanted. It’s proper on the seashore highway and the service is usually improbable. It does get actually busy after round 9 pm, however in the event you go earlier than, you’ll have the ability to get a desk simply.
Novus Conventional Restaurant
Novus is a good place to go to to pattern Albanian delicacies. I like to recommend ordering plenty of small dishes to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the completely different flavors Albanian delicacies has to supply. For those who’re ordering a major dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is really a bakery somewhat than a restaurant, however I needed to embrace Pasticeri Likaj as a result of in the event you’re after a candy deal with, you have to go right here. The croissants are completely scrumptious and possibly one of the best I’ve ever had. Additionally, the ice cream is primary on the town.
Tre Forchette
Tre Forchette is likely one of the finest eating places in Vlore, and if you wish to eat someplace just a little extra upmarket, this restaurant is the place to go to. It’s a costlier choice than the opposite eating places on this checklist, however the meals and repair are wonderful.
The seafood is totally unbelievable, I shared the seafood platter with a pal and it was superb.
Gaia
Gaia is my favourite restaurant within the Previous City, with a soothing outside space and a comfy inside. It’s important to attempt the pasta in the event you’re consuming right here – it’s selfmade and so tasty. The cheese ravioli is scrumptious.
I might say it’s fairly low-cost (by UK requirements) however a mid-range restaurant in Albania. Positively price a go to.
Getting To Vlore
For those who’re touring to Vlore, it’s possible that you just’ll be touring from Tirana as that is the place the primary airport is. It’s tremendous simple to get to Vlore from Tirana. The best means is by bus, which can take round 3 hours, and value you round $6.
The buses depart from Tirana Airport or the Bus Station roughly each half-hour. You may examine the timetable right here.
You may after all seize a taxi to Vlore, however this might be costlier, and I discovered the bus to be simple and cozy.
If you arrive in Vlore, it’s good to know that the areas are fairly spaced out. For instance, it’ll take you round 50 minutes to stroll from the Previous City to the primary seashore and vice versa.
I like to recommend that you just lease a motorcycle, or take taxis, that are very reasonably priced in Vlore. You may lease from Moto Lease Vlore. It’s €5 a day for a bicycle or €20 a day for a scooter.
Issues To Do in Vlore: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Vlore:
Vlore is understood for being the primary city on the Albanian Riviera. It’s additionally an necessary metropolis in Albanian tradition and historical past, because the place the place Albanian independence was declared.
I like to recommend visiting Vlore in April-June or September-October. The climate might be good and there might be fewer individuals on the seashore.
Sure, Vlore is price visiting. It’s an incredible base for exploring among the finest issues to do on the coast.
I feel that 2 to three days in Vlore is an effective period of time to expertise one of the best issues to do in Vlore earlier than heading additional south.
Sure, together with the remainder of Albania, Vlore could be very secure. I felt utterly comfy wandering the town always of the day.
Paragliding is a well-liked exercise in Vlore as a result of the views are spectacular right here. Folks additionally go to Vlore as a base for exploring the south coast of Albania.
The perfect seashore in Vlore is Narta Seaside. It’s best to undoubtedly spend a day right here, it’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Vlore.
It’s best to undoubtedly go to a bakery in Vlore, they actually know the best way to bake! By way of savory meals, the seafood is superb.
In Closing
Vlore is commonly a spot that’s neglected by vacationers, who decide to remain in Saranda or Ksamil. Nevertheless, there are some improbable issues to do in Vlore, and it’s an incredible base to discover the coast. The seashores, coves, and bays are comparatively untouched too, which is difficult to seek out as you journey additional south.
I hope this weblog publish helps you propose your journey to Vlore and that you’ve got a superb time!