There are many nice issues to do in Vlore, and it’s an incredible place to base your self to discover not solely the sights 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 simply’ll have heard of Vlore.
In addition to being residence to a captivating historical past, it’s additionally the beginning of the fantastic stretch of shoreline often known as the Albanian Riviera; residence to among the most spectacular shorelines.
I spent nearly two months exploring the shoreline of Albania, together with Vlore, and beloved exploring the area. Should you’re planning methods to spend your time in Vlore, listed below are my high 15 suggestions:
Greatest 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 good for historical past buffs in addition to these which can be searching 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 Take a Strolling Tour of the Outdated City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 glorious strolling tour in Vlore. You’ll be paired with a neighborhood information who will information you seamlessly by means of an important areas of Vlore and provide help to achieve an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
Probably the most widespread vacationer sights in Vlore is its stunning Outdated City. It’s lately 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 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In addition to the Outdated City, you’ll additionally go to the Independence Monument and Muradie Mosque, each of which function individually on this record.
Click on right here to study extra about this good introduction to the preferred Vlore sights.
Deal with: The Outdated City, Vlore
2. Take a Boat Journey to Sazan Marine Nationwide Park
This excellent 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 Specifically Protected Space of Mediterranean Significance as a result of immense variety of chook 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, probably the most stunning 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 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 midst 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 timber. You possibly can 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 superb 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 preserve your eye out for Narta Seaside on this record, which may be visited on the best way again.
It’s the most effective free issues to do in Vlore, though I’d advocate leaving a number of Albanian Lek within the donation field on the Church in the event you 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 a lot of bars, eating places, and inns.
The Vlore promenade actually involves alive at evening 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 glorious eating places alongside its size.
Among the finest issues to do in Vlore at evening is to easily stroll alongside the promenade with the remainder of the gang. 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 Unbelievable Blue Eye
Vlore is seen because the gateway to the Albanian Riviera, and in consequence, it’s a tremendous place to discover the remainder of Southern Albania. One in every of my absolute highlights is the Blue Eye. It’s probably the most unimaginable issues to do close to Vlore.
This beautiful, pure spring rises from a minimum of 50 meters under 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 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 beautiful stone metropolis of Gjirokaster, and discover Porto Palermo Fortress 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 essentially 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
Should you’re trying to perform a little sightseeing in Vlore, you need 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 probably the most necessary 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 observe the world go by. Seize a espresso and sit within the sunshine for some time, observing town. There’s a espresso store referred to as High Caffé simply 5 minutes away that I’d undoubtedly advocate.
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 need to undoubtedly try this paragliding expertise in Vlore.
The group is tremendous educated; making you are feeling fully protected all through the expertise. The views of the coast are completely unimaginable, and you’ll see the spectacularly blue water and white seashores for miles, in addition to the rugged, mountainous terrain.
Should you’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 residence with you. It’s undoubtedly probably the most 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 Seaside
Narta Seaside is, unquestionably, one of the best seaside in Vlore. It’s positioned to the north of town and is accessible by automotive or bicycle (in the event you’re feeling energetic!).
After 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, but it surely’s predominantly flat, and also you observe the shoreline up so it’s a pleasing journey.
The seaside itself is fantastically calm, and the sand is tender and golden, which is tough to seek out alongside the Albanian coast. There’s additionally a stunning restaurant there, Karafili Resort, which I’d advocate you attempt. Total, Narta Seaside 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 Seaside.
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 in the event you take your sneakers 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 advocate 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 Non-public Speedboat to Karaburan Peninsula
As Vlore is positioned subsequent to the Sazan Nationwide Park, it’s probably the most 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 possibly can discover the Karabarun Peninsula on this non-public speedboat tour.
It’s a non-public tour that provides you management of the place you wish to go and the way lengthy you wish to keep there earlier than transferring on. You’ll go to the attractive 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 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 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 in the event you love mountain climbing, with a lot 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 known as a sight to behold.
The Llogara Cross, which runs by means of the Nationwide Park, is an unimaginable (if not, barely terrifying) street that winds down the aspect of the mountain to disclose stunning views of the coast. It’s undoubtedly value 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 find out about Albania’s combat for independence, then you definitely’ll love this place. It’s additionally an incredible place to study all concerning the which means behind the Independence Monument, which additionally options on this record.
I’d advocate taking a information across the museum to essentially 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 payment.
Deal with: Museum of Independence, Vlore 9401. Click on right here for instructions.
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 fort has seen many various rulers, from Byzantine to Serbian to Ottoman.
The fort isn’t something spectacular and has seen its fair proportion of destruction through the years, 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 Fortress, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to the fort.
14. Take a Boat to Grama Bay
Grama Bay is so stunning, it deserves an entry all to itself. This boat tour explores the attractive 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 lined 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, not like 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
Among the finest issues to do in Vlore for {couples} is to take this unimaginable boat journey 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 mild up because the solar goes down on this good journey.
One phrase of warning, journeys could also be canceled if the ocean is simply too uneven, so don’t save this to 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 below are a few instructed itineraries so that you can observe or adapt relying on how a lot time it’s important to spend in Vlore. These embrace among the finest locations to go to in Vlore which can be featured on this record that can assist you plan an epic journey!
1 Day in Vlore Itinerary
Should you solely have someday and wish to do some sightseeing in Vlore, I’d advocate that you simply do the strolling tour of Vlore within the morning to study a bit concerning the historical past and tradition of town. This will even tick off a number of of the opposite gadgets on this record.
Within the afternoon, go and chill out on the seaside or take a sundown tour to see the great thing about the shoreline.
2-3 Days in Vlore Itinerary
In case you have a few further days, I’d nonetheless do the strolling tour on day one that can assist you perceive town and discover your method 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 essentially the most stunning water in Vlore and there are some nice snorkeling alternatives. Within the night, you’ll want to try the Outdated City and go for a drink at Komiteti.
On the third day, you possibly can both do a seaside 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
In case you 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 record. I like to recommend that you simply observe the itinerary for 2-3 days, however possibly unfold the boat journeys out a bit of bit if you wish to.
Along with your further few days, I’d 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 unmatched. 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:
Outdated City – Greatest for Historical past and Tradition
The Outdated 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 important historic and cultural monuments within the Metropolis, together with the Muradie Mosque and Independence Monument.
Within the night, the Outdated City is residence to a lot 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 far 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 Seaside. There’s tons 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 – Greatest For First-Time Guests
The Metropolis Centre is a good alternative in the event 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 primary street which joins the outdated city to the seaside.
This cozy one-bed residence 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
If you would 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 street and the service is mostly implausible. 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 a lot of small dishes to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the totally different flavors Albanian delicacies has to supply. Should you’re ordering a important dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is truly a bakery fairly 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 without doubt one of the finest 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 dearer choice than the opposite eating places on this record, however the meals and repair are glorious.
The seafood is completely unimaginable, I shared the seafood platter with a good friend and it was superb.
Gaia
Gaia is my favourite restaurant within the Outdated City, with a soothing out of doors space and a comfy inside. You must attempt the pasta in the event you’re consuming right here – it’s selfmade and so tasty. The cheese ravioli is scrumptious.
I’d say it’s fairly low-cost (by UK requirements) however a mid-range restaurant in Albania. Positively value a go to.
Getting To Vlore
Should you’re touring to Vlore, it’s seemingly that you simply’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 method 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 possibly can test the timetable right here.
You possibly can in fact seize a taxi to Vlore, however this might be dearer, and I discovered the bus to be simple and comfy.
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 Outdated City to the primary seaside and vice versa.
I like to recommend that you simply hire a motorcycle, or take taxis, that are very reasonably priced in Vlore. You possibly can hire 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 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 seaside.
Sure, Vlore is value visiting. It’s an incredible base for exploring among 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 protected. I felt fully comfortable wandering 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 Seaside. It’s best to undoubtedly spend a day right here, it’s the most effective locations to go to in Vlore.
It’s best to undoubtedly go to a bakery in Vlore, they actually know bake! When it comes to savory meals, the seafood is superb.
In Closing
Vlore is commonly a spot that’s missed by vacationers, who decide to remain in Saranda or Ksamil. Nevertheless, there are some implausible 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 tough to seek out as you journey additional south.
I hope this weblog publish helps you propose your journey to Vlore and that you’ve an excellent time!
