There are many nice issues to do in Vlore, and it’s an ideal place to base your self to discover not solely the points of interest in Vlore however these within the beautiful 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. Should you’ve spent any time within the museums of Tirana, it’s probably that you simply’ll have heard of Vlore.
In addition to being house to a captivating historical past, it’s additionally the beginning of the fantastic stretch of shoreline often called the Albanian Riviera; house to a number of the most spectacular shorelines.
I spent virtually two months exploring the shoreline of Albania, together with Vlore, and cherished exploring the area. Should you’re planning methods to spend your time in Vlore, listed below are my prime 15 suggestions:
Greatest Issues To Do in Vlore
Thought-about the place to begin of the Albanian Riviera, there are some wonderful locations to go to in Vlore. It’s good for historical past buffs in addition to these which can be searching for boat journeys and seashores.
Listed here are a few of my prime issues to do in Vlore:
1. Take a Strolling Tour of the Outdated City
Get your bearings on this glorious strolling tour in Vlore. You’ll be paired with an area information who will information you seamlessly by crucial areas of Vlore and enable you to acquire an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
One of the crucial in style vacationer points of interest in Vlore is its lovely Outdated City. It’s lately been completely renovated and presents a picture-perfect setting with some wonderful bars and eating places to discover. You’ll stroll the cobbled streets and study all about its fascinating historical past.
In addition to the Outdated City, you’ll additionally go to the Independence Monument and Muradie Mosque, each of which characteristic individually on this checklist.
Click on right here to study extra about this good introduction to the preferred Vlore points of interest.
Deal with: The Outdated City, Vlore
2. Take a Boat Journey to Sazan Marine Nationwide Park
This very good full-day boat tour is the proper method 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 chicken and plant species it helps.
Discover the park by speedboat with a small group. You’ll discover Sazan Island and find out about its inhabited Outdated 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, some of the lovely locations to go to close to Vlore, the place you’ll be able to swim and snorkel within the cave. Lastly, you’ll arrive at a surprising seaside on the Karanburan Peninsula the place you’ll be able to 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.
Deal with: Sazan Island, Vlore
3. Go to Zvernec Monastery
Zvernec Monastery is one among my favourite locations to go to in Vlore. It’s a Thirteenth-century monastery that’s positioned on a small island in the midst of a lagoon, to the north of Vlore.
The monastery and St Mary’s Church are positioned on a tiny island surrounded by tons of of pine timber. You may attain the island from the mainland over a rickety picket bridge and might head contained in the Church to marvel on the lovely 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 a substitute, relying on the warmth…). Click on right here to rent a scooter and hold your eye out for Narta Seashore on this checklist, which will be visited on the way in which again.
It’s the most effective free issues to do in Vlore, though I might suggest leaving just a few Albanian Lek within the donation field on the Church if you happen to can.
Deal with: 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 inns.
The Vlore promenade actually involves alive at night time when the bars play a wide range of music to go well with all tastes. Head out for a meal early night at one of many glorious eating places alongside its size.
The most effective 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 social gathering environment. There’s one thing right here for everybody.
Deal with: Lungomare, Vlore
5. Dive into the Unimaginable Blue Eye
Vlore is seen because the gateway to the Albanian Riviera, and because of this, it’s an incredible place to discover the remainder of Southern Albania. One in all my absolute highlights is the Blue Eye. It’s some of the unimaginable issues to do close to Vlore.
This beautiful, pure spring rises from a minimum of 50 meters beneath floor and flows into the Blue Eye Nationwide Park. It’s positioned in a jungle-like setting and is likely one of the most lovely spots in Albania. Be a part of this wonderful day tour of Southern Albania and tick off a number of the finest issues to do round Vlore.
Dive into the crystal clear waters of the Blue Eye, discover the beautiful 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 lovely sights.
Deal with: The Blue Eye, Sarande. Click on right here for instructions to the Blue Eye.
6. Go to the Independence Monument
Should you’re seeking to perform a little sightseeing in Vlore, you must positively go to the Independence Monument.
This big 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 some of the vital historic issues to see in Vlore.
The monument is positioned in Flag Sq., which is lined with palm and pine timber and has seats to look at 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 positively suggest.
Deal with: Independence Monument, Sheshi i Flamurit, Vlore
7. Go Tandem Paragliding
Should you’re an journey traveler and are searching for enjoyable issues to do in Vlore, you must positively try this paragliding expertise in Vlore.
The crew is tremendous educated; making you are feeling utterly secure all through the expertise. The views of the coast are completely unimaginable, and you may see the spectacularly blue water and white seashores for miles, in addition to the rugged, mountainous terrain.
Should you’re feeling daring, the pilots also can carry out some in-flight acrobatics for you which of them are recorded on a go-pro so that you can take house with you. It’s positively some of the exhilarating issues to do in Vlore. Click on right here to e book your flight.
Deal with: Vlore, Albania. Click on right here to view the assembly level for the tour.
8. Catch Some Rays at Narta Seashore
Narta Seashore is, definitely, the most effective seaside in Vlore. It’s positioned to the north of the town and is accessible by automotive or bicycle (if you happen to’re feeling lively!).
Once I visited Narta Seashore, 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, but it surely’s predominantly flat, and also you comply with the shoreline up so it’s a nice journey.
The seaside itself is fantastically calm, and the sand is delicate and golden, which is difficult to seek out alongside the Albanian coast. There’s additionally a stunning restaurant there, Karafili Resort, which I’d suggest you attempt. General, Narta Seashore is one among my favourite locations to go to in Vlore.
Deal with: Plazhi i Nartes, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to Narta Seashore.
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 beautiful and was truly 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, in fact, a historic place of worship, however if you happen to take your footwear off and are dressed suitably, you’ll be able to enter the mosque to respectfully view from the within.
It’s positioned proper by Flag Sq., and Independence Monument, so I’d suggest seeing them multi functional go throughout a morning or afternoon of sightseeing in Vlore.
Deal with: Rruga Justin Godar, Vlore. Click on right here to get instructions to the mosque.
10. Rent a Personal Speedboat to Karaburan Peninsula
As Vlore is positioned subsequent to the Sazan Nationwide Park, it’s some of the in style issues to see throughout your go to, and for good purpose. In addition to the choice of a ship journey to Sazan Island, you can discover the Karabarun Peninsula on this personal speedboat tour.
It’s a personal tour that offers 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 possibility to make a journey to the beautiful Grama Bay.
On the speedboat, you’ll be capable of sip recent drinks or beers whilst you benefit from the wonderful views of the caves and bays of the coast. It’s a very particular factor to do in Vlore as a pair. Click on right here to e book.
Deal with: 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 the most effective locations to go to in Vlore if you happen to love climbing, with plenty of scenic, and well-marked trails on supply.
It’s open virtually all 12 months spherical and sees little or no rain, so that you’re more likely to have a dry hike. Individuals go 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 the Nationwide Park, is an unimaginable (if not, barely terrifying) highway that winds down the aspect of the mountain to disclose lovely views of the coast. It’s positively price going to the viewpoint.
Deal with: 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 find out about Albania’s struggle for independence, then you definitely’ll love this place. It’s additionally an ideal place to study all concerning the which means behind the Independence Monument, which additionally options on this checklist.
I’d suggest taking a information across the museum to actually perceive the significance of the occasions of 1912 and the displays on show. The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday and there’s a small entrance price.
Deal with: 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 wonderful views of the Vlore coast. Like the remainder of Albania, the fortress has seen many various rulers, from Byzantine to Serbian to Ottoman.
The fortress isn’t something spectacular and has seen its justifiable share of destruction over time, extra lately being bombed throughout WWII. Nevertheless, the grounds and the unimaginable views greater than make up for it.
Should you take a picnic with you, it’s the most effective issues to do in Vlore.
Deal with: Kanine Citadel, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to the fortress.
14. Take a Boat to Grama Bay
Grama Bay is so lovely, 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 intense white, pebbly seaside of Grama Bay, a really small bay that’s surrounded by hills coated in greenery, which is the ultimate cease on the tour. Right here, you’ll be capable of 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.
Deal with: Grama Bay, Vlore. Click on right here to seek out the situation on the map.
15. Take a Boat Journey at Sundown
The most effective issues to do in Vlore for {couples} is to take this unimaginable boat journey alongside the Vlore coast at sundown.
When 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 e book your boat journey right here.
Deal with: Vlore, Albania. Click on right here to view the assembly level for the tour.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Vlore
Listed here 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 embody a number of the finest locations to go to in Vlore which can be featured on this checklist that will help you plan an epic journey!
1 Day in Vlore Itinerary
Should you solely have at some point and wish to do some sightseeing in Vlore, I’d suggest that you simply do the strolling tour of Vlore within the morning to study a bit concerning 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 chill out on the seaside or take a sundown tour to see the fantastic thing about the shoreline.
2-3 Days in Vlore Itinerary
In case you have a few further days, I might nonetheless do the strolling tour on day one that will help you perceive the town and discover your approach 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 lovely water in Vlore and there are some nice snorkeling alternatives. Within the night, make sure you try the Outdated City and go for a drink at Komiteti.
On the third day, you can both do a seaside day at Narte Seashore or head out on one other boat journey to Grama Bay. Both can be an ideal finish to your journey to Vlore.
1 Week in Vlore Itinerary
In case you have a complete week in Vlore, you’ll be capable of try all the most effective issues to do in Vlore that characteristic on this checklist. I like to recommend that you simply comply with the itinerary for 2-3 days, however possibly unfold the boat journeys out a bit bit if you wish to.
Together with your further few days, I might positively suggest spending a day within the Llogara Nationwide Park, notably if you happen to like to be in nature and hike. I’d additionally suggest paragliding tandem flights as a result of the views are unequalled. Lastly, the Blue Eye is a must-visit and is straightforward to get to from Vlore, notably on this at some point tour.
The place to Keep in Vlore
These are just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Vlore for vacationers:
Outdated City – Greatest for Historical past and Tradition
The Outdated City is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Vlore, and it’s attractive. It’s additionally near lots of the most important historic and cultural monuments within the Metropolis, together with the Muradie Mosque and Independence Monument.
Within the night, the Outdated 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 way more genuine than on the seaside, the place it’s extra touristy.
I like to recommend Bohemian Boutique Suites because the rooms are attractive, and it’s proper within the coronary heart of Outdated City.
Plazhi i Ri- Greatest For Nightlife
Should you’re going to Vlore to benefit from the seaside and discover the coast, I like to recommend you keep by the seaside, Plazhi i Ri, or Central Seashore. There’s tons happening 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 seaside whereas being off the primary avenue, away from the noise late at night time.
Metropolis Centre – Greatest For First-Time Guests
The Metropolis Centre is a good selection if you happen to’re visiting Vlore for the primary time because it’s proper between the Outdated City and the seaside; only a quick stroll to each. There are loads of bars, cafes, eating places, and outlets dotted alongside the primary highway which joins the outdated city to the seaside.
This comfortable one-bed house is inside strolling distance of the Outdated City and the seaside and has nice metropolis views.
Greatest Eating places in Vlore
There are such a lot of eating places in Vlore to select from, listed below are a few of my favorites:
Anchor Pizzeria
In order for you pizza, the Anchor Pizzeria is the place to go. I’ve visited just a few occasions and have by no means been disillusioned. It’s proper on the seaside highway and the service is usually incredible. It does get actually busy after round 9 pm, however if you happen to go earlier than, you’ll be capable of 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 be sure to don’t miss out on any of the completely different flavors Albanian delicacies has to supply. Should you’re ordering a most important dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is truly a bakery slightly than a restaurant, however I needed to embody Pasticeri Likaj as a result of if you happen to’re after a candy deal with, you have to go right here. The croissants are completely scrumptious and possibly the most effective 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 a bit extra upmarket, this restaurant is the place to go to. It’s a costlier possibility than the opposite eating places on this checklist, however the meals and repair are glorious.
The seafood is totally unimaginable, I shared the seafood platter with a pal and it was wonderful.
Gaia
Gaia is my favourite restaurant within the Outdated City, with a calming out of doors space and a comfy inside. It’s important to attempt the pasta if you happen to’re consuming right here – it’s home made 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. Undoubtedly price a go to.
Getting To Vlore
Should you’re touring to Vlore, it’s probably that you simply’ll be touring from Tirana as that is the place the primary airport is. It’s tremendous straightforward to get to Vlore from Tirana. The best approach is by bus, which can take round 3 hours, and price you round $6.
The buses depart from Tirana Airport or the Bus Station roughly each half-hour. You may verify the timetable right here.
You may in fact seize a taxi to Vlore, however this can be costlier, and I discovered the bus to be straightforward and cozy.
Whenever 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 Outdated City to the primary seaside and vice versa.
I like to recommend that you simply lease a motorcycle, or take taxis, that are very reasonably priced in Vlore. You may lease from Moto Hire Vlore. It’s €5 a day for a bicycle or €20 a day for a scooter.
Issues To Do in Vlore: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Vlore:
Vlore is thought for being the primary city on the Albanian Riviera. It’s additionally an vital 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 can be good and there can be fewer folks on the seaside.
Sure, Vlore is price visiting. It’s an ideal base for exploring a number of the finest issues to do on the coast.
I believe that 2 to three days in Vlore is an effective period of time to expertise the most effective 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. Individuals additionally go to Vlore as a base for exploring the south coast of Albania.
One of the best seaside in Vlore is Narta Seashore. You must positively spend a day right here, it’s the most effective locations to go to in Vlore.
You must positively go to a bakery in Vlore, they actually know the way to bake! By way of savory meals, the seafood is wonderful.
In Closing
Vlore is usually a spot that’s neglected by vacationers, who choose to remain in Saranda or Ksamil. Nevertheless, there are some incredible issues to do in Vlore, and it’s an ideal 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 submit helps you intend your journey to Vlore and that you’ve got an excellent time!
