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. Should you’ve spent any time within the museums of Tirana, it’s probably 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 referred to as the Albanian Riviera; dwelling to a number of 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 of the place to begin 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 might be searching for boat journeys and seashores.
Listed here 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 Take a Strolling Tour of the Outdated City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 an area information who will information you seamlessly by way of crucial areas of Vlore and assist you to acquire an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
One of the vital in style vacationer sights in Vlore is its lovely Outdated City. It’s just lately been completely renovated and provides 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In addition to the Outdated City, you’ll additionally go to the Independence Monument and Muradie Mosque, each of which characteristic individually on this checklist.
Click on right here to study extra about this excellent introduction to the preferred Vlore sights.
Handle: The Outdated City, Vlore
2. Take a Boat Journey to Sazan Marine Nationwide Park
This very good full-day boat tour is the right technique 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 as a result of immense variety of hen 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, one of the crucial lovely locations to go to close to Vlore, the place you possibly can swim and snorkel within the cave. Lastly, you’ll arrive at a shocking seashore on the Karanburan Peninsula the place you possibly can have lunch, some drinks, and discover the native seashores.
The marine nationwide park is among the most scenic locations to go to in Vlore. Click on right here to study extra about this nice day journey.
Handle: 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 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 a whole bunch of pine bushes. 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 lovely 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 maintain your eye out for Narta Seashore on this checklist, which will be visited on the best way again.
It’s probably the greatest free issues to do in Vlore, though I’d suggest leaving just a few Albanian Lek within the donation field on the Church in the event you can.
Handle: 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 resorts.
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.
Probably the greatest 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 get together environment. There’s one thing right here for everybody.
Handle: Lungomare, Vlore
5. Dive into the Unbelievable Blue Eye
Vlore is seen because the gateway to the Albanian Riviera, and because of this, 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 crucial unbelievable issues to do close to Vlore.
This gorgeous, pure spring rises from at the very least 50 meters beneath floor and flows into the Blue Eye Nationwide Park. It’s positioned in a jungle-like setting and is among the most lovely spots in Albania. Be a part of this superb day tour of Southern Albania and tick off a number of the greatest issues to do round Vlore.
Dive into the crystal clear waters of the Blue Eye, discover the gorgeous stone metropolis of Gjirokaster, and discover Porto Palermo Fort on the best way again. This complete day journey is among the greatest methods to discover this a part of the nation and is among the greatest methods to see essentially the most lovely sights.
Handle: 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, it’s best to positively go to the Independence Monument.
This large 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 crucial essential 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 observe 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 positively suggest.
Handle: 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, it’s best to positively take a look at this paragliding expertise in Vlore.
The staff is tremendous educated; making you’re feeling fully protected 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.
Should you’re feeling daring, the pilots may carry out some in-flight acrobatics for you which of them are recorded on a go-pro so that you can take dwelling with you. It’s positively one of the crucial exhilarating issues to do in Vlore. Click on right here to guide your flight.
Handle: 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, one of the best seashore in Vlore. It’s positioned to the north of the town and is accessible by automotive or bicycle (in the event you’re feeling energetic!).
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, nevertheless it’s predominantly flat, and also you comply with the shoreline up so it’s a nice journey.
The seashore itself is fantastically calm, and the sand is gentle and golden, which is tough to search out alongside the Albanian coast. There’s additionally a stunning restaurant there, Karafili Resort, which I’d suggest you attempt. General, Narta Seashore is certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Vlore.
Handle: 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 gorgeous and was really 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 footwear off and are dressed suitably, you possibly can 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.
Handle: 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 crucial 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 may discover the Karabarun Peninsula on this personal speedboat tour.
It’s a personal tour that offers you management of the place you need to go and the way lengthy you need to keep there earlier than transferring 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 gorgeous Grama Bay.
On the speedboat, you’ll be capable of sip recent drinks or beers when 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 guide.
Handle: Karaburun Peninsula, Vlore. Click on right here to view the placement.
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 in the event you love climbing, with a number of scenic, and well-marked trails on supply.
It’s open nearly 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 known as a sight to behold.
The Llogara Cross, which runs by way of the Nationwide Park, is an unbelievable (if not, barely terrifying) highway that winds down the facet of the mountain to disclose lovely views of the coast. It’s positively value going to the point of view.
Handle: 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 battle for independence, then you definitely’ll love this place. It’s additionally a fantastic place to study all in regards to 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.
Handle: Museum of Independence, Vlore 9401. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Discover Kanine Fort
Kanine Fort 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 alternative rulers, from Byzantine to Serbian to Ottoman.
The fort isn’t something spectacular and has seen its fair proportion of destruction over time, extra just lately 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.
Handle: Kanine Fort, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to the fort.
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 excellent water for snorkeling.
You’ll spend three hours exploring the intense white, pebbly seashore 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 be capable of 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 among the greatest issues to do in Vlore.
Handle: Grama Bay, Vlore. Click on right here to search out the placement on the map.
15. Take a Boat Journey at Sundown
Probably the greatest 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 selection, 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 sensible journey.
One phrase of warning, journeys could also be canceled if the ocean is just too uneven, so don’t save this on your final day in Vlore to keep away from disappointment. You’ll be able to guide your boat journey right here.
Handle: Vlore, Albania. Click on right here to view the assembly level for the tour.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Vlore
Listed here are a few urged itineraries so that you can comply with or adapt relying on how a lot time you must spend in Vlore. These embody a number of the greatest locations to go to in Vlore which might be 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 need to do some sightseeing in Vlore, I’d suggest 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 can even tick off just a few of the opposite gadgets on this checklist.
Within the afternoon, go and loosen up on the seashore or take a sundown tour to see the great thing about the shoreline.
2-3 Days in Vlore Itinerary
When you have a few additional days, I’d 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 ship journey to Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula. That is the place you’ll discover essentially the most lovely water in Vlore and there are some nice snorkeling alternatives. Within the night, be sure you take a look at the Outdated City and go for a drink at Komiteti.
On the third day, you may both do a seashore day at Narte Seashore or head out on one other boat journey to Grama Bay. Both will likely be an ideal finish to your journey to Vlore.
1 Week in Vlore Itinerary
When you have a whole week in Vlore, you’ll be capable of take a look at all one of the best issues to do in Vlore that characteristic 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 little bit bit if you wish to.
Together with your additional few days, I’d positively suggest spending a day within the Llogara Nationwide Park, significantly in the event you 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 simple to get to from Vlore, significantly on this sooner or later tour.
The place to Keep in Vlore
These are just a few of one of the best neighborhoods in Vlore for vacationers:
Outdated City – Greatest for Historical past and Tradition
The Outdated City is among the greatest locations to go to in Vlore, and it’s beautiful. 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 dwelling to a number of bars, cafes, and eating places that come alive and it’s most likely 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 seashore, the place it’s extra touristy.
I like to recommend Bohemian Boutique Suites because the rooms are beautiful, 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 seashore and discover the coast, I like to recommend you keep by the seashore, Plazhi i Ri, or Central Seashore. There’s heaps happening right here, and also you’ll discover many bars, golf equipment, and eating places alongside the primary embankment.
I like to recommend Lungomare Resort because it’s very near the seashore whereas being off the primary road, away from the noise late at evening.
Metropolis Centre – Greatest For First-Time Guests
The Metropolis Centre is a superb selection in the event you’re visiting Vlore for the primary time because it’s proper between the Outdated City and the seashore; only a quick stroll to each. There are a number of bars, cafes, eating places, and outlets dotted alongside the primary highway which joins the outdated city to the seashore.
This comfortable one-bed house is inside strolling distance of the Outdated City and the seashore 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 need pizza, the Anchor Pizzeria is the place to go. I’ve visited just a few instances and have by no means been upset. It’s proper on the seashore highway and the service is usually incredible. It does get actually busy after round 9 pm, however in the event you go earlier than, you’ll be capable of get a desk simply.
Novus Conventional Restaurant
Novus is a superb 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 most important dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is really a bakery reasonably than a restaurant, however I needed to embody 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 perhaps one of the best I’ve ever had. Additionally, the ice cream is primary on the town.
Tre Forchette
Tre Forchette is among the greatest eating places in Vlore, and if you wish to eat someplace a little bit extra upmarket, this restaurant is the place to go to. It’s a dearer choice than the opposite eating places on this checklist, however the meals and repair are glorious.
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 soothing out of doors space and a comfortable inside. You need to attempt the pasta in the event you’re consuming right here – it’s home made 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 probably that you just’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 approach is by bus, which is able to take round 3 hours, and price you round $6.
The buses depart from Tirana Airport or the Bus Station roughly each half-hour. You’ll be able to examine the timetable right here.
You’ll be able to in fact seize a taxi to Vlore, however this will likely be dearer, and I discovered the bus to be simple and cozy.
Once 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 seashore and vice versa.
I like to recommend that you just lease a motorcycle, or take taxis, that are very reasonably priced in Vlore. You’ll be able to 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 essential 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 will likely be good and there will likely be fewer individuals on the seashore.
Sure, Vlore is value visiting. It’s a fantastic base for exploring a number of the greatest issues to do on the coast.
I feel 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 could 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. Individuals additionally go to Vlore as a base for exploring the south coast of Albania.
The most effective seashore 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 how you can bake! By way of savory meals, the seafood is superb.
In Closing
Vlore is usually 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 a fantastic base to discover the coast. The seashores, coves, and bays are comparatively untouched too, which is tough to search out as you journey additional south.
I hope this weblog submit helps you propose your journey to Vlore and that you’ve a superb time!
