There are many nice issues to do in Vlore, and it’s an ideal place to base your self to discover not solely the points of interest 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 simply’ll have heard of Vlore.
In addition to being dwelling to a captivating historical past, it’s additionally the beginning of the great stretch of shoreline generally known as the Albanian Riviera; dwelling to a few of the most spectacular shorelines.
I spent nearly two months exploring the shoreline of Albania, together with Vlore, and liked exploring the area. Should you’re planning methods to spend your time in Vlore, listed below 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 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 Take a Strolling Tour of the Outdated City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 via a very powerful areas of Vlore and provide help to acquire an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
One of the crucial well-liked vacationer points of interest in Vlore is its stunning Outdated City. It’s just 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In addition to the Outdated City, you’ll additionally go to the Independence Monument and Muradie Mosque, each of which function individually on this listing.
Click on right here to study extra about this excellent introduction to the most well-liked Vlore points of interest.
Handle: The Outdated City, Vlore
2. Take a Boat Journey to Sazan Marine Nationwide Park
This very good full-day boat tour is the proper 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 because of the immense variety of fowl 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, some of the stunning 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 seaside on the Karanburan Peninsula the place you possibly can 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.
Handle: Sazan Island, Vlore
3. Go to Zvernec Monastery
Zvernec Monastery is one among 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 a whole bunch of pine bushes. You possibly can attain the island from the mainland over a rickety picket bridge and may 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 a substitute, relying on the warmth…). Click on right here to rent a scooter and maintain your eye out for Narta Seaside on this listing, which might be visited on the way in which again.
It’s the most effective free issues to do in Vlore, though I might suggest leaving a couple of Albanian Lek within the donation field on the Church if you happen to can.
Handle: 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 lodges.
The Vlore promenade actually involves alive at evening when the bars play quite a lot of music to swimsuit 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 group. Cease for some meals, or a drink, or simply benefit from the celebration ambiance. There’s one thing right here for everybody.
Handle: Lungomare, Vlore
5. Dive into the Unimaginable Blue Eye
Vlore is seen because the gateway to the Albanian Riviera, and consequently, it’s an incredible place to discover the remainder of Southern Albania. One in all my absolute highlights is the Blue Eye. It’s some of the unbelievable issues to do close to Vlore.
This gorgeous, 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 part of this superb 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 gorgeous stone metropolis of Gjirokaster, and discover Porto Palermo Citadel on the way in which again. This complete day journey 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 probably the most stunning 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 do some sightseeing in Vlore, it’s best to undoubtedly 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 some of the vital 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 High Caffé simply 5 minutes away that I’d undoubtedly suggest.
Handle: 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, it’s best to undoubtedly take a look at this paragliding expertise in Vlore.
The crew is tremendous educated; making you are feeling fully secure 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 can even 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 some of the exhilarating issues to do in Vlore. Click on right here to ebook your flight.
Handle: Vlore, Albania. Click on right here to view the assembly level for the tour.
8. Catch Some Rays at Narta Seaside
Narta Seaside is, indubitably, the most effective seaside in Vlore. It’s positioned to the north of the town and is accessible by automobile or bicycle (if you happen to’re feeling energetic!).
Once 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, however it’s predominantly flat, and also you observe the shoreline up so it’s a pleasing journey.
The seaside itself is superbly calm, and the sand is smooth 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 strive. General, Narta Seaside is one among my favourite locations to go to in Vlore.
Handle: 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 gorgeous 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 sneakers 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 Personal Speedboat to Karaburan Peninsula
As Vlore is positioned subsequent to the Sazan Nationwide Park, it’s some of the well-liked issues to see throughout your go to, and for good motive. 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 offers you management of the place you need to go and the way lengthy you need to keep there earlier than shifting 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 gorgeous Grama Bay.
On the speedboat, you’ll have the ability to sip recent drinks or beers when you benefit from the superb views of the caves and bays of the coast. It’s a very particular factor to do in Vlore as a pair. Click on right here to ebook.
Handle: 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 if you happen to love climbing, with plenty of scenic, and well-marked trails on provide.
It’s open nearly all yr 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 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.
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 study Albania’s combat for independence, you then’ll love this place. It’s additionally an ideal place to study all concerning the which means behind the Independence Monument, which additionally options on this listing.
I’d suggest 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 charge.
Handle: 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 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 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 the most effective issues to do in Vlore.
Handle: Kanine Citadel, 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 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 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 vivid 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.
Handle: Grama Bay, Vlore. Click on right here to search 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 unbelievable 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 gentle 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 on your final day in Vlore to keep away from disappointment. You possibly can ebook 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 prompt itineraries so that you can observe or adapt relying on how a lot time you must spend in Vlore. These embrace a few of the greatest locations to go to in Vlore which are featured on this listing that will help you plan an epic journey!
1 Day in Vlore Itinerary
Should you solely have someday and need to do some sightseeing in Vlore, I’d suggest that you simply do the strolling tour of Vlore within the morning to study a bit concerning the historical past and tradition of the town. This will even tick off a couple of of the opposite objects on this listing.
Within the afternoon, go and chill out on the seaside or take a sundown tour to see the fantastic thing about the shoreline.
2-3 Days in Vlore Itinerary
In case you have a few additional days, I might nonetheless do the strolling tour on day one that will help 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, be sure you take a look at 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 shall be an ideal finish to your journey to Vlore.
1 Week in Vlore Itinerary
In case you have a complete week in Vlore, you’ll have the ability to take a look at all the most effective issues to do in Vlore that function on this listing. 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.
Together with your additional few days, I might undoubtedly suggest spending a day within the Llogara Nationwide Park, notably if you happen to 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, notably on this someday tour.
The place to Keep in Vlore
These are a couple of 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 beautiful. It’s additionally near most of the predominant historic and cultural monuments within the Metropolis, together with the Muradie Mosque and Independence Monument.
Within the night, the Outdated City is dwelling to plenty 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 seaside, 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- 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 Seaside. 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 Lodge because it’s very near the seaside whereas being off the principle road, 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 Outdated City and the seaside; only a quick stroll to each. There are a number of bars, cafes, eating places, and outlets dotted alongside the principle highway which joins the previous 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.
Finest 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’d like pizza, the Anchor Pizzeria is the place to go. I’ve visited a couple of occasions and have by no means been disenchanted. It’s proper on the seaside highway and the service is usually improbable. 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 to don’t miss out on any of the completely different flavors Albanian delicacies has to supply. Should you’re ordering a predominant dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is truly a bakery moderately than a restaurant, however I needed to embrace 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 possibly 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 dearer choice than the opposite eating places on this listing, 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 outside space and a comfy inside. It’s important to strive the pasta if you happen to’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. Positively price a go to.
Getting To Vlore
Should you’re touring to Vlore, it’s probably that you simply’ll be touring from Tirana as that is the place the principle airport is. It’s tremendous straightforward to get to Vlore from Tirana. The best approach 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 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 cozy.
Whenever 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 simply lease a motorbike, or take taxis, that are very reasonably priced 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 understood for being the primary city on the Albanian Riviera. It’s additionally an vital 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 individuals on the seaside.
Sure, Vlore is price visiting. It’s an ideal base for exploring a few of the greatest issues to do on the coast.
I believe that 2 to three days in Vlore is an efficient 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 secure. I felt fully 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. Individuals additionally go to Vlore as a base for exploring the south coast of Albania.
One of the best seaside in Vlore is Narta Seaside. You must undoubtedly spend a day right here, it’s the most effective locations to go to in Vlore.
You must undoubtedly go to a bakery in Vlore, they actually know tips on how to 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. Nonetheless, there are some improbable issues to do in Vlore, and it’s an ideal 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 publish helps you propose your journey to Vlore and that you’ve a superb time!