Vlora, which is often also called Vlore (from the Albanian Vlorë) or Valona (in Italian), is one of the main cities of Albania. It is a modern and lively city, which acts as a gateway to the Albanian Riviera. Vlora is also an important port city and several international ferries depart and arrive from here, including those to Italy and Greece.
However, it is enough to move a little further north or south to discover wonderful beaches, high mountains and authentic and unspoiled landscapes. This, combined with its pleasant and relaxed lifestyle, makes Vlora a city worth visiting. In recent years, many good hotels have sprung up in the city, as well as restaurants and bars. The hotel’s rates are among the best on the Riviera and this makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surroundings, which are full of things to do and see.
What you will find in this travel guide to Vlora:
- Best Things to Do in Vlora
- Best Hotels & Hostels in Vlora
- Best Restaurants in Vlora
- How to Get to Vlora
Best Things to Do in Vlora
Vlora Old Town (Former Jewish Quarter)
Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Vlora Old Town is one of the most picturesque places in the city. Until a few years ago it was a shabby and dilapidated place, but now it has been lovingly restored and has returned to its old glory, as it was when it was a lively neighborhood inhabited by a large community of Jews from Ioannina.
Vlora Old Town stretches over a couple of narrow streets with a newly reconstructed square that is now a good place to have a coffee or a drink. The facades of the houses have been repainted in bright pastel colors, making this place, located just behind the Flag’s Square and the Independence Monument, one of the prettiest places to see in Vlora.
VLORA’S Independence Monument
Vlora is one of the most important cities for Albanian national history, because it was the first capital after the declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire, which took place in 1912. Vlore was the capital from 1912 to 1914. In 1914, power passed from the provisional government to the official Principality of Albania and the capital was moved to Durres. The capital was finally moved to Tirana in 1920, after an agreement between the different representatives of the north and south of the country.
The imposing monument located on the Flag’s Square, the main square of Vlora, is called the Independence Monument, and celebrates the 1912 declaration of independence. Built in 1972, the monument was designed by Mumtaz Dhrami, who was a famous sculptor during the socialist era and was the author of various government-commissioned monuments around the country.
Today, this excellent example of Albanian socialist-realist style is a memorial to the independence and to the troubled history that this country experienced in the 1900s. Just next to the monument you can see the ruins of the ancient city of Aulon, the Roman ancestor of Vlorë.
Muradie Mosque
The oldest mosque in Vlora is located just a few steps from the main square, surrounded by roads on each of its four sides. This is one of the most interesting ancient buildings in Vlora and is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, perfectly preserved despite its origins dating back almost a thousand years. Built on the site of an older mosque, the current Muradie Mosque dates back to 1537 and was built during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
It is a masterpiece of the Turkish-Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, one of the most appreciated of the time, author of some of the most sumptuous palaces and mosques in the world. The architectural style of the 18-meter-high minaret is slightly different from that of the prayer room and, while the exteriors are decorated with arabesques and with a skilful alternation of stones of different colors, which overall give harmony to the building, the interiors are simple and modest.
Orikum, the Church of Marmiroi and the Castle of Kanina
The surroundings of Vlora are full of places worth exploring. Head southeast to Kaninë Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the countryside, just 5km from the center of Vlora. Today only a few ruins remain of this fabulous castle, but here once stood one of the most impressive castles in Albania. Built in the 3rd century, Kaninë Castle was later transformed into a hamlet enclosed by mighty defensive walls.
Over time the fortress fell into disuse and the town, which was actually just a modest village of peasants, moved to the foot of the hill, just below the castle, where it still stands today. Although there is not much to see, you will be able to enjoy an unparalleled view of the bay of Vlora.
From here, continue along the new panoramic road opened in 2021, known as the Vlora Bypass, to reach the town of Orikum, nestled at the end of a quiet bay. Here, on a small hill located just outside the town, there is an authentic hidden gem: the small and picturesque Church of the Marmiroi. To reach it you will have to travel a few hundred meters of dirt road.
The Marmiroi Church is practically untouched. Dating back to the 10th century, it is one of the most beautiful (and rare) testimonies of the Christian faith in Albania, as well as being an excellent example of Byzantine sacred architecture in the Balkans. You will rarely meet someone else during your visit, perhaps some local shepherd, but the door is usually left open and you can then visit the striking interior, where you can still see the remains of ancient colorful frescoes from the Byzantine era.
The church has stood on the hill for over 1000 years, practically intact, with a wonderful view of the sea and the Pasha Liman Lagoon below. And even if you are one step away from the touristy Albanian Riviera, you will feel like you are wandering through unexplored places.
National Museum of Independence
One of the best things to do in Vlora is to find out more about Albania’s compelling recent history, starting with the bold 1912 declaration of independence. This museum, established in 1936 as the Historical Museum of Albania, was the first ever museum of Albania. Initially its collection was limited to the archaeological finds of Apollonia and other objects related to ancient history.
But over time it has become the most important museum on the history of Albanian independence, featuring an interesting collection of artifacts, photographs and even the original manuscript of the declaration of independence, signed by the founder of independent Albania, Ismail Qemali. The building that houses the museum was once the office of the first government of Albania and you can still see today what was the office of Ismail Qemali, who was also the first Albanian head of state.
Ethnographic Museum of Vlora
Opposite the Historical Museum, which houses a collection of archaeological finds and images and objects about the city’s history, is the small but interesting Ethnographic Museum of Vlora, which gives a deeper insight into local customs.
Housed in an old traditional house, it exhibits a beautiful collection of traditional clothing items and daily tools, which allow you to see the (recent) evolution of the Albanian lifestyle. Albania is a country that is changing very fast. If you came here in the 70s it would have been quite common to see people in traditional clothes and with the typical qeleshe and plis, the traditional Albanian caps. Unfortunately, nowdays globalization and westernization are making these wonderful traditions disappear, but you can still take a look at traditional costumes, weapons (in perfect Ottoman style), household items and tools related to fishing and farming.
Zvernec Monastery and the Lagoon of Narta
One of the unmissable things to do in Vlore is a walk to the wonderful Zvernec Monastery. To get there from Vlora city center you can drive along Rr. Sazani, a desolate road lined with old factories located along the coast going north towards Narta.
Even if the road seems not too inviting, you will soon pass through a beautiful and fresh pine forest and from there you can reach the Lagoon of Narta (Laguna and Nartës) in less than 5 minutes. The road ends with a small parking lot. In the middle of the lagoon is Zvërnec Island, connected to the mainland by a scenic 270m-long wooden bridge.
Take a stroll to the beautiful Zvërnec Island, covered in tall pine trees, which is home to the marvelous and well preserved Byzantine Zvërnec Monastery, dating back to the 13th-century. Walk through the door of the monastery to see the enchanting, finely decorated wooden elements that characterize the austere interior.
The place is still off the beaten track, but you might see some local newlywed couple coming here to take their wedding photos. The lagoon itself is also quite scenic, especially at sunset, and is home to over 3,000 flamingos and 35,000 wintering birds.
Llogara National Park
One of the most beautiful places in Vlorë County is Llogara National Park, a truly amazing place located just 40km south of Vlora and perched on the top of the Ceraunian Mountains, a mountain range overlooking the Ionian Sea, which boasts peaks such as Maja and Çikës, which is 2,044 meters-high.
From the sunny Albanian Riviera you can take the scenic road that climbs up to the Llogara Pass (1,027m above the sea level), with an astonishing view of the Ionian Sea, the Albanian Riviera and several islands. The view along the SH8 highway is amazing. The road connects Vlore with Dhërmi passing through a very rugged and steep landscape. Along the twisting road are several local vendors of honey and mountain tea, lookout points, and even an old fort with a large abandoned bunker.
The area is perfect for beautiful nature hikes. I recommend you to stay overnight here and fully enjoy this authentic corner of wild Albania. I love spending a few days here taking long walks and enjoying the succulent mountain cuisine: the restaurants around the Llogara Pass make delicious spit-roasted goat, lamb and mutton. Also try the excellent lamb-based specialties, such as the legendary Tavë kosi, and yogurt served with honey.
My favorite place to stay at the Llogara Pass is the Llogora Tourist Village which is an attraction in itself. In addition to being a great resort, with modern and comfortable rooms, swimming pool, sauna and children’s playground, it is also home to a beautiful family of deer and baby deer.
Karaburun and Sazan National Marine Park
An unmissable thing to do in Vlora is a day trip to the wild island of Sazan and the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, a marine reserve that stretches in the area between Sazan and the Karaburun peninsula, famous for its stunning emerald bays.
Sazan Island is located just in front of Vlora, and is easily visible from the coast. Until 2015 the island was inaccessible, as it was a designated military exclusion zone. Here, in fact, there was a Soviet top secret military base. Yes, you got it right! During the Cold War the Albanian communist government relied heavily on the Soviet Union (at least until the mid-1950s). In the early 1950s the Soviets built a base for Whiskey-class submarines and a chemical biological weapons plant on the island and surrounding areas. The Sazan base was probably left by the Soviets in the early 1960s, after the breakdown of relations between Albania and the USSR.
Now Sazan Island is a wild place, with stunning beaches, forests and the remains of the old base for you to explore. The Karaburun Peninsula is one of the most scenic places on the Ionian coast. There are some wonderful bays here, such as the Bay of Grama, with its golden beach and emerald water and the small beach of the Bay of Skaloma.
Notable are the sea caves, the largest of which is the Cave of Haxhi Ali, which is said to have been an ancient pirate den. The cave and beaches of Karaburun can only be reached by boat. Several endangered species swim in the crystal clear waters of the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, such as the loggerhead and green sea turtle but also the mediterranean monk seal, the rarest seal species in the world.
Guided boat day trips can be booked online and depart every morning from Vlora, touring Sazan Island, the Cave of Haxhi Ali and the best beaches in Karaburun.
Best Hotels & Hostels in Vlora
Vlora is the gateway to the amazing Albanian Riviera and is one of the most famous and vibrant coastal towns in Albania. Overlooking a scenic stretch of the Ionian Sea, Vlora boasts excellent hotels and is perfectly situated for exploring the surroundings. In addition, hotel rates in Vlora are slightly lower than those of other popular summer destinations in Albania, which is why many travelers opt for a stay in one of its beautiful luxury beach hotels or spa hotels.
However, Vlora also boasts some good cheap accommodation, especially around the port, where ferries leave for Italy. And for backpackers, there are also a couple of decent and cheap hostels, located within walking distance of all the major attractions.
☞ DISCOVER THE BEST HOTELS IN VLORE: FROM LUXURY TO CHEAP HOSTELS
Best Restaurants in Vlora
Vlora’s restaurants mainly serve seafood, local specialties and Italian cuisine. In the city there are good seafood restaurants, with elegant and refined settings, as well as modest and informal restaurants serving succulent specialties of the regional cuisine.
We give you three good addresses to try:
- Tre Forchette Restaurant, which serves excellent fried fish, grills, pasta and grilled meat. It is an Italian restaurant, serving decently cooked quality food.
- Restorant Joni Vlore, an elegant restaurant serving good courses of the catch of the day, including crudités, mussels, pasta and grilled fish.
- Novus Traditional Food Restaurant, a modern and informal restaurant, serving excellent local specialties at moderate prices. You will want to try everything!
How to Get to Vlora
The best way to get to Vlora and explore the surroundings is by car. Vlora is well connected to Tirana and Durres, as well as to the main towns of the Albanian Riviera. You can rent a car in Vlora or any major city in Albania. By booking in advance the rates are quite cheap. You can find the best rates and the best car rentals – honest, reliable and cheap – at Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com.
There are no trains to and from Vlora. The old railway is no longer functional and is in decay.
There are some buses and minibuses (furgons) from Tirana, Saranda and Fier. They arrive and depart near the Independence Monument. To find out the departure times, ask the drivers on site, because they can be extremely variable.
There are overnight ferries that connect the port of Vlore with Brindisi (Italy).
