AL
Vlorë
Where Albania declared independence: a seafront promenade, beaches and the gateway to the Riviera
Where Albania declared independence: a seafront promenade, beaches and the gateway to the Riviera
The monument marks the declaration of independence in 1912. The nearby National Independence Museum, in the building where the first government met, displays documents from the time.
Photo: Arianit, CC BY-SA 4.0
The seafront promenade runs along the bay, lined with cafés, restaurants and beaches, and fills with people on summer evenings.
Photo: Leeturtle, CC BY-SA 4.0
This 16th-century Ottoman mosque in the centre is one of the city’s oldest buildings.
Photo: Neo Oens, CC BY-SA 4.0
On an island in the Narta Lagoon, north of the city, this small monastery is reached by a long wooden footbridge. The lagoon is an important bird habitat.
Photo: Leeturtle, CC BY-SA 4.0
Across the bay, the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, Albania’s first marine park, has sea caves and secluded beaches reached by boat.
Boat trips leave from the Vlorë seafront in summer.
Photo: Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs, CC BY-SA 4.0
Seafood is the highlight: grilled fish, mussels and octopus are served along the Lungomare and in the old fishing area. Try local olive oil and Albanian specialities such as fërgesë and grilled meats.
Prices are lower a few streets back from the seafront.
Vlorë is around two to two and a half hours from Tirana by road, with frequent buses. Ferries also run between Vlorë and Brindisi in Italy. Tirana International Airport is the nearest airport.
Local buses run along the bay; taxis or a car are useful for beaches further south.
Albania uses the lek (ALL). Vlorë is good value outside peak summer.
Three days covers the city, a boat trip and the coast.
Visit Independence Square and museum, the Muradie Mosque and Kaninë Castle, then the Lungomare at sunset.
Take a boat trip to the Karaburun Peninsula and its sea caves.
Visit Zvërnec Monastery, or drive over the Llogara Pass to the Riviera.
Book Karaburun trips from the seafront.
July and August are busy.
Carry lek for smaller places.
A scenic drive south.
Quick answers for planning time in Vlorë.
Albania declared independence there on 28 November 1912.
Around two to two and a half hours by road.
Albania’s first marine park, across the bay from Vlorë.
Yes, to Brindisi.
June to September for beach weather.
Planning a wider trip? Our Albania travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.