There are many nice issues to do in Vlore, and it’s an important 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 seemingly that you just’ll have heard of Vlore.
In addition to being dwelling to an enchanting historical past, it’s additionally the beginning of the fantastic stretch of shoreline generally known as the Albanian Riviera; dwelling to a few 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 here are my high 15 suggestions:
Finest Issues To Do in Vlore
Thought-about the start line of the Albanian Riviera, there are some superb locations to go to in Vlore. It’s excellent for historical past buffs in addition to these which are on the lookout for boat journeys and seashores.
Listed below are a few of my high issues to do in Vlore:
1. Take a Strolling Tour of the Outdated City
Get your bearings on this excellent walking tour in Vlore. You’ll be paired with a neighborhood information who will information you seamlessly by means of crucial areas of Vlore and show you how to acquire an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
One of the vital fashionable vacationer points of interest in Vlore is its stunning Outdated City. It’s not too long ago been completely renovated and presents a picture-perfect setting with some superb bars and eating places to discover. You’ll stroll the cobbled streets and be taught 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In addition to the Outdated City, you’ll additionally go to the Independence Monument and Muradie Mosque, each of which function individually on this checklist.
Click here to learn more about this excellent introduction to the most well-liked Vlore points of interest.
Tackle: The Old Town, Vlore
2. Take a Boat Journey to Sazan Marine Nationwide Park
This superb full-day boat tour is the proper approach to go to the one marine nationwide park in Albania.
The park covers an space of over 125 sq. kilometers and contains each Sazan Island and the Karaburan Peninsula. It’s been designated as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance because of the immense variety of chook and plant species it helps.
Discover the park by speedboat with a small group. You’ll discover Sazan Island and study 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, one of the stunning locations to go to close to Vlore, the place you may swim and snorkel within the cave. Lastly, you’ll arrive at a shocking seaside on the Karanburan Peninsula the place you may have lunch, some drinks, and discover the native seashores.
The marine nationwide park is without doubt one of the most scenic locations to go to in Vlore. Click on right here to be taught extra about this great day trip.
Tackle: Sazan Island, Vlore
3. Go to Zvernec Monastery
Zvernec Monastery is certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Vlore. It’s a Thirteenth-century monastery that’s situated on a small island in the midst of a lagoon, to the north of Vlore.
The monastery and St Mary’s Church are situated on a tiny island surrounded by a whole lot of pine timber. You’ll be able to attain the island from the mainland over a rickety picket 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 recommend hiring a scooter as an alternative, relying on the warmth…). Click here to hire a scooter and preserve your eye out for Narta Seashore on this checklist, which might be visited on the best way 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 when you can.
Tackle: St Mary’s Monastery, Zvernec, Vlore
4. Stroll the Vlore Promenade at Sundown
Vlore has been modernized over the current 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 a number of bars, eating places, and lodges.
The Vlore promenade actually involves alive at night time when the bars play quite a lot of music to swimsuit all tastes. Head out for a meal early night at one of many wonderful eating places alongside its size.
Among the finest 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 celebration environment. 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 consequently, it’s a tremendous place to discover the remainder of Southern Albania. Certainly one of my absolute highlights is the Blue Eye. It’s one of the unbelievable issues to do close to Vlore.
This beautiful, pure spring rises from at the very least 50 meters under floor and flows into the Blue Eye Nationwide Park. It’s situated in a jungle-like setting and is without doubt one of the most stunning spots in Albania. Be part of this amazing day tour of Southern Albania and tick off a few of the greatest 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 Castle on the best way again. This comprehensive day trip is without doubt one of the greatest methods to discover this a part of the nation and is without doubt one of the greatest methods to see essentially the most stunning sights.
Tackle: The Blue Eye, Sarande. Click on here for instructions to the Blue Eye.
6. Go to the Independence Monument
Should you’re seeking to do some sightseeing in Vlore, you need to positively go to the Independence Monument.
This enormous 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 necessary historic issues to see in Vlore.
The monument is situated in Flag Sq., which is lined with palm and pine timber 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 Top Caffé simply 5 minutes away that I’d positively advocate.
Tackle: Independence Monument, Sheshi i Flamurit, Vlore
7. Go Tandem Paragliding
Should you’re an journey traveler and are on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Vlore, you need to positively try this paragliding experience in Vlore.
The group is tremendous educated; making you’re feeling fully protected all through the expertise. The views of the coast are completely unbelievable, 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 may carry out some in-flight acrobatics for you which ones are recorded on a go-pro so that you can take dwelling with you. It’s positively one of the exhilarating issues to do in Vlore. Click here to book your flight.
Tackle: Vlore, Albania. Click here to view the meeting point for the tour.
8. Catch Some Rays at Narta Seashore
Narta Seashore is, for sure, the most effective seaside in Vlore. It’s situated to the north of the town and is accessible by automotive or bicycle (when you’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, however it’s predominantly flat, and also you comply with the shoreline up so it’s a pleasing journey.
The seaside itself is superbly calm, and the sand is delicate and golden, which is difficult to search out alongside the Albanian coast. There’s additionally a stunning restaurant there, Karafili Resort, which I’d advocate you strive. Total, Narta Seashore is certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Vlore.
Tackle: Plazhi i Nartes, Vlore. Click here for directions to Narta Beach.
9. Admire Muradie Mosque
Muradie Mosque is a really cute stone mosque that was inbuilt 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, after all, a historic place of worship, however when you take your sneakers off and are dressed suitably, you may enter the mosque to respectfully view from the within.
It’s situated proper by Flag Sq., and Independence Monument, so I’d advocate seeing them multi function go throughout a morning or afternoon of sightseeing in Vlore.
Tackle: Rruga Justin Godar, Vlore. Click here to get directions to the mosque.
10. Rent a Non-public Speedboat to Karaburan Peninsula
As Vlore is situated subsequent to the Sazan Nationwide Park, it’s one of the fashionable 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 private 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 have the ability to sip recent 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 here to book.
Tackle: Karaburun Peninsula, Vlore. Click here to view the location.
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 when you love climbing, with a number of scenic, and well-marked trails on supply.
It’s open virtually all yr spherical and sees little or no rain, so that you’re more likely to have a dry hike. Folks go climbing right here for the views of the coast, and the distinction between the ocean and the forest can be a sight to behold.
The Llogara Move, which runs by means of the Nationwide Park, is an unbelievable (if not, barely terrifying) highway that winds down the aspect of the mountain to disclose stunning views of the coast. It’s positively price going to the viewpoint.
Tackle: Llogara Nationwide Park, Vlore. Click here for directions 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 combat for independence, then you definitely’ll love this place. It’s additionally an important place to be taught 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 essentially 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 here for directions.
13. Discover Kanine Fortress
Kanine Fortress 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 citadel has seen many various rulers, from Byzantine to Serbian to Ottoman.
The citadel isn’t something spectacular and has seen its fair proportion of destruction over time, extra not too long ago being bombed throughout WWII. Nonetheless, the grounds and the unbelievable views greater than make up for it.
Should you take a picnic with you, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Vlore.
Tackle: Kanine Fortress, Vlore. Click here for directions to the castle.
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 excellent 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 have the ability to absorb the solar and swim within the clearest vibrant 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Vlore.
Tackle: Grama Bay, Vlore. Click here to find the location on the map.
15. Take a Boat Journey at Sundown
Among the finest issues to do in Vlore for {couples} is to take this incredible boat trip alongside the Vlore coast at sundown.
Whilst you sip away in your drink of alternative, 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 sensible 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 can book your boat trip here.
Tackle: Vlore, Albania. Click here to view the meeting point for the tour.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Vlore
Listed below are a few prompt itineraries so that you can comply with or adapt relying on how a lot time it’s a must to spend in Vlore. These embody a few of the greatest locations to go to in Vlore which are featured on this checklist that can assist you plan an epic journey!
1 Day in Vlore Itinerary
Should you solely have sooner or later and wish to do some sightseeing in Vlore, I’d advocate that you just do the walking tour of Vlore within the morning to be taught a bit in regards to the historical past and tradition of the town. This can even tick off just a few of the opposite gadgets on this checklist.
Within the afternoon, go and loosen up on the seaside or take a sunset tour to see the great thing about the shoreline.
2-3 Days in Vlore Itinerary
When you’ve got a few further days, I might nonetheless do the strolling tour on day one that can assist you perceive the town and discover your method round.
For the remaining two days, head out on a boat trip to Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula. That is the place you’ll discover essentially the most stunning water in Vlore and there are some nice snorkeling alternatives. Within the night, you should definitely try the Outdated City and go for a drink at Komiteti.
On the third day, you can both do a seaside day at Narte Beach or head out on one other boat trip to Grama Bay. Both can be an ideal finish to your journey to Vlore.
1 Week in Vlore Itinerary
When you’ve got a whole week in Vlore, you’ll have the ability to try all the most effective 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 perhaps unfold the boat journeys out a bit of bit if you wish to.
Along with your further few days, I might positively advocate spending a day within the Llogara Nationwide Park, significantly when 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 straightforward to get to from Vlore, significantly on this one day tour.
The place to Keep in Vlore
These are just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Vlore for vacationers:
Outdated City – Finest for Historical past and Tradition
The Outdated City is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Vlore, and it’s attractive. It’s additionally near most of the fundamental historic and cultural monuments within the Metropolis, together with the Muradie Mosque and Independence Monument.
Within the night, the Outdated City is dwelling to a number 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 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- Finest 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 heaps occurring right here, and also you’ll discover many bars, golf equipment, and eating places alongside the principle embankment.
I like to recommend Lungomare Hotel because it’s very near the seaside whereas being off the principle avenue, away from the noise late at night time.
Metropolis Centre – Finest For First-Time Guests
The Metropolis Centre is a good alternative when you’re visiting Vlore for the primary time because it’s proper between the Outdated City and the seaside; only a brief stroll to each. There are a whole lot of bars, cafes, eating places, and retailers dotted alongside the principle highway which joins the outdated city to the seaside.
This comfy one-bed apartment is inside strolling distance of the Outdated City and the seaside 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 would like 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 seaside highway and the service is mostly incredible. It does get actually busy after round 9 pm, however when 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 a number of small dishes to be sure to don’t miss out on any of the totally different flavors Albanian delicacies has to supply. Should you’re ordering a fundamental dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is truly a bakery moderately than a restaurant, however I needed to embody Pasticeri Likaj as a result of when you’re after a candy deal with, you have to go right here. The croissants are completely scrumptious and perhaps the most effective I’ve ever had. Additionally, the ice cream is primary on the town.
Tre Forchette
Tre Forchette is without doubt one of the greatest eating places in Vlore, and if you wish to eat someplace a bit of 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 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 Outdated City, with a calming outside space and a comfortable inside. It’s a must to strive the pasta when 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. Undoubtedly price a go to.
Getting To Vlore
Should you’re touring to Vlore, it’s seemingly that you just’ll be touring from Tirana as that is the place the principle airport is. It’s tremendous simple to get to Vlore from Tirana. The simplest method 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’ll be able to verify the timetable here.
You’ll be able to after all seize a taxi to Vlore, however this can be costlier, and I discovered the bus to be simple and comfy.
While 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 principle seaside and vice versa.
I like to recommend that you just hire a motorbike, or take taxis, that are very inexpensive in Vlore. You’ll be able to hire from Moto Rent 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 can be good and there can be fewer individuals on the seaside.
Sure, Vlore is price visiting. It’s an important base for exploring a few of the greatest issues to do on the coast.
I feel 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 may be very protected. I felt fully relaxed 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.
One of the best seaside in Vlore is Narta Seashore. You need to positively spend a day right here, it’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Vlore.
You need to positively go to a bakery in Vlore, they actually know tips on how 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. Nonetheless, there are some incredible issues to do in Vlore, and it’s an important base to discover the coast. The seashores, coves, and bays are comparatively untouched too, which is difficult to search out as you journey additional south.
I hope this weblog put up helps you propose your journey to Vlore and that you’ve a superb time!
