There are many nice issues to do in Vlore, and it’s a fantastic place to base your self to discover not solely the sights 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. If you happen to’ve spent any time within the museums of Tirana, it’s doubtless that you just’ll have heard of Vlore.
In addition to being dwelling to an interesting historical past, it’s additionally the beginning of the great stretch of shoreline often known as the Albanian Riviera; dwelling 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. If you happen to’re planning methods to spend your time in Vlore, listed here are my prime 15 suggestions:
Finest Issues To Do in Vlore
Thought of 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 Previous City
Get your bearings on this wonderful strolling tour in Vlore. You’ll be paired with a neighborhood information who will information you seamlessly via crucial areas of Vlore and assist you achieve an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
One of the fashionable vacationer sights in Vlore is its stunning Previous 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 Previous City, you’ll additionally go to the Independence Monument and Muradie Mosque, each of which function individually on this listing.
Click on right here to study extra about this good introduction to the preferred Vlore sights.
Deal with: The Previous City, Vlore
2. Take a Boat Journey to Sazan Marine Nationwide Park
This very good full-day boat tour is the proper option 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 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 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 study extra about this nice day journey.
Deal with: Sazan Island, Vlore
3. Go to Zvernec Monastery
Zvernec Monastery is one in all 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 lots of of pine bushes. You possibly can 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 on right here to rent a scooter and maintain your eye out for Narta Seashore on this listing, which might be visited on the best way again.
It’s among the best free issues to do in Vlore, though I might advocate leaving a number of 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 motels.
The Vlore promenade actually involves alive at evening 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 wonderful eating places alongside its size.
The most effective issues to do in Vlore at evening 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 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. Certainly one of my absolute highlights is the Blue Eye. It’s one of the vital unbelievable issues to do close to Vlore.
This beautiful, pure spring rises from not less than 50 meters beneath floor and flows into the Blue Eye Nationwide Park. It’s positioned in a jungle-like setting and is without doubt one of the most stunning 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 best way again. This complete day journey is without doubt one of the finest methods to discover this a part of the nation and is without doubt one of the finest methods to see probably the most stunning sights.
Deal with: The Blue Eye, Sarande. Click on right here for instructions to the Blue Eye.
6. Go to the Independence Monument
If you happen to’re trying to do some sightseeing in Vlore, it is best to undoubtedly 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 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 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 known as Prime Caffé simply 5 minutes away that I’d undoubtedly advocate.
Deal with: Independence Monument, Sheshi i Flamurit, Vlore
7. Go Tandem Paragliding
If you happen to’re an journey traveler and are searching for 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.
If you happen to’re feeling daring, the pilots may also 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 undoubtedly one of the vital 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, undoubtedly, one of the best 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!).
After 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 gentle 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 Seashore is one in all 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 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, in fact, a historic place of worship, however if you happen to take your footwear off and are dressed suitably, you may 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 function 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 Non-public Speedboat to Karaburan Peninsula
As Vlore is positioned subsequent to the Sazan Nationwide Park, it’s one of the vital fashionable issues to see throughout your go to, and for good cause. In addition to the choice of a ship journey to Sazan Island, you might discover the Karabarun Peninsula on this personal speedboat tour.
It’s a non-public 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 when you benefit from the wonderful 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 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 among the best locations to go to in Vlore if you happen to love climbing, with plenty of scenic, and well-marked trails on provide.
It’s open virtually all 12 months spherical and sees little or no rain, so that you’re prone 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 is known as a sight to behold.
The Llogara Go, which runs via 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.
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 crammed to the brim with historical past and if you wish to study Albania’s battle for independence, you then’ll love this place. It’s additionally a fantastic place to study all in regards to the that means behind the Independence Monument, which additionally options on this listing.
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 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 alternative rulers, from Byzantine to Serbian to Ottoman.
The fortress isn’t something spectacular and has seen its justifiable share of destruction through the years, extra lately being bombed throughout WWII. Nonetheless, the grounds and the unbelievable views greater than make up for it.
If you happen to take a picnic with you, it’s among the best 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 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 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 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 without doubt 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 unbelievable boat journey alongside the Vlore coast at sundown.
When you sip away in your drink of alternative, you’ll get to see the coast of Vlore drenched in orange daylight, and the ocean mild 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 in your final day in Vlore to keep away from disappointment. You possibly can 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 prompt 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 listing that can assist you plan an epic journey!
1 Day in Vlore Itinerary
If you happen to 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 will even tick off a number of of the opposite objects on this listing.
Within the afternoon, go and loosen up on the seaside or take a sundown tour to see the fantastic thing about the shoreline.
2-3 Days in Vlore Itinerary
You probably have a few additional days, I might nonetheless do the strolling tour on day one that can assist 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 stunning water in Vlore and there are some nice snorkeling alternatives. Within the night, you’ll want to try the Previous City and go for a drink at Komiteti.
On the third day, you might both do a seaside day at Narte Seashore or head out on one other boat journey to Grama Bay. Both shall be an ideal finish to your journey to Vlore.
1 Week in Vlore Itinerary
You probably have a whole week in Vlore, you’ll have the ability to try all one of the best issues to do in Vlore that function on this listing. I like to recommend that you just comply with the itinerary for 2-3 days, however perhaps unfold the boat journeys out just a little bit if you wish to.
Together with your additional few days, I might undoubtedly advocate spending a day within the Llogara Nationwide Park, significantly if you happen to 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 a number of of one of the best neighborhoods in Vlore for vacationers:
Previous City – Finest for Historical past and Tradition
The Previous City is without doubt 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 Previous City is dwelling to plenty of bars, cafes, and eating places that come alive and it’s in all probability my favourite place to be at evening 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 Previous City.
Plazhi i Ri- Finest For Nightlife
If you happen to’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 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 evening.
Metropolis Centre – Finest For First-Time Guests
The Metropolis Centre is a superb alternative if you happen to’re visiting Vlore for the primary time because it’s proper between the Previous City and the seaside; only a quick stroll to each. There are numerous bars, cafes, eating places, and retailers dotted alongside the primary highway which joins the outdated city to the seaside.
This cozy one-bed condominium is inside strolling distance of the Previous 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’d like pizza, the Anchor Pizzeria is the place to go. I’ve visited a number of occasions and have by no means been dissatisfied. It’s proper on the seaside highway and the service is mostly implausible. It does get actually busy after round 9 pm, however if you happen to go earlier than, you’ll have the ability to get a desk simply.
Novus Conventional Restaurant
Novus is a superb place to go to to pattern Albanian delicacies. I like to recommend ordering plenty of small dishes to be sure you don’t miss out on any of the completely different flavors Albanian delicacies has to supply. If you happen to’re ordering a most important dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is truly a bakery fairly 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 perhaps one of the best I’ve ever had. Additionally, the ice cream is primary on the town.
Tre Forchette
Tre Forchette is without doubt 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 dearer choice than the opposite eating places on this listing, however the meals and repair are wonderful.
The seafood is totally unbelievable, I shared the seafood platter with a good friend and it was wonderful.
Gaia
Gaia is my favourite restaurant within the Previous City, with a soothing out of doors space and a comfortable inside. You must attempt the pasta if you happen to’re consuming right here – it’s do-it-yourself 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
If you happen to’re touring to Vlore, it’s doubtless that you just’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 simplest approach is by bus, which is able to take round 3 hours, and value you round $6.
The buses depart from Tirana Airport or the Bus Station roughly each half-hour. You possibly can verify the timetable right here.
You possibly can in fact seize a taxi to Vlore, however this shall be dearer, and I discovered the bus to be straightforward 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 Previous City to the primary seaside and vice versa.
I like to recommend that you just lease a motorcycle, or take taxis, that are very inexpensive in Vlore. You possibly can 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 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 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 shall be good and there shall be fewer folks on the seaside.
Sure, Vlore is price visiting. It’s a fantastic 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 efficient 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 may 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 most effective seaside in Vlore is Narta Seashore. You must undoubtedly spend a day right here, it’s among the best locations to go to in Vlore.
You must undoubtedly go to a bakery in Vlore, they actually know how one can bake! By way of savory meals, the seafood is wonderful.
In Closing
Vlore is commonly a spot that’s ignored by vacationers, who choose to remain in Saranda or Ksamil. Nonetheless, there are some implausible issues to do in Vlore, and it’s a fantastic 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 put up helps you intend your journey to Vlore and that you’ve a superb time!