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. In the event 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 dwelling to a captivating historical past, it’s additionally the beginning of the great stretch of shoreline referred to as the Albanian Riviera; dwelling to a few of the most spectacular shorelines.
I spent virtually two months exploring the shoreline of Albania, together with Vlore, and beloved exploring the area. In the event 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 wonderful locations to go to in Vlore. It’s good for historical past buffs in addition to these which might 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 Take a Strolling Tour of the Outdated City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 wonderful strolling tour in Vlore. You’ll be paired with an area information who will information you seamlessly by means of an important areas of Vlore and assist you to acquire an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
One of the vital well-liked vacationer sights in Vlore is its lovely Outdated City. It’s not too long ago been completely renovated and affords 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In addition to the Outdated City, you’ll additionally go to the Independence Monument and Muradie Mosque, each of which function individually on this listing.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 good introduction to the most well-liked 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Handle: The Outdated City, Vlore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 method 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 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, some of the 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 surprising seaside on the Karanburan Peninsula the place you possibly can have lunch, some drinks, and discover the native seashores.
The marine nationwide park is likely 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 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 tons 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 lovely 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 a substitute, relying on the warmth…). Click on right here to rent a scooter and hold your eye out for Narta Seaside on this listing, which could be visited on the way in which again.
It’s probably the greatest free issues to do in Vlore, though I’d advocate 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 a lot of bars, eating places, and resorts.
The Vlore promenade actually involves alive at night time when the bars play a wide range of music to swimsuit all tastes. Head out for a meal early night at one of many wonderful eating places alongside its size.
Among the finest issues to do in Vlore at night time 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 Unimaginable 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. Certainly one of my absolute highlights is the Blue Eye. It’s some of the unimaginable issues to do close to Vlore.
This beautiful, pure spring rises from at the very least 50 meters under floor and flows into the Blue Eye Nationwide Park. It’s positioned in a jungle-like setting and is likely one of the most lovely spots in Albania. Be a part of this wonderful day tour of Southern Albania and tick off a few 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 way in which again. This complete day journey is likely one of the finest methods to discover this a part of the nation and is likely one of the finest methods to see probably 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
In the event you’re seeking to perform a little 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 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 look at the world go by. Seize a espresso and sit within the sunshine for some time, observing town. There’s a espresso store known as High Caffé simply 5 minutes away that I’d undoubtedly advocate.
Handle: Independence Monument, Sheshi i Flamurit, Vlore
7. Go Tandem Paragliding
In the event you’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 are feeling fully protected all through the expertise. The views of the coast are completely unimaginable, and you may see the spectacularly blue water and white seashores for miles, in addition to the rugged, mountainous terrain.
In the event you’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 some of the exhilarating issues to do in Vlore. Click on right here to e-book 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, indisputably, one of the best seaside in Vlore. It’s positioned to the north of town and is accessible by automotive or bicycle (if you happen to’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, nevertheless it’s predominantly flat, and also you comply with the shoreline up so it’s a pleasing journey.
The seaside itself is fantastically calm, and the sand is delicate and golden, which is difficult to seek out alongside the Albanian coast. There’s additionally a stunning restaurant there, Karafili Resort, which I’d advocate you strive. Total, Narta Seaside is one in all 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 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 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 advocate seeing them multi function 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 purpose. In addition to the choice of a ship journey to Sazan Island, you possibly can 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 transferring on. You’ll go to the gorgeous Sazan Island, in addition to Haxha Ali Cave, and have the prospect to make a journey to the beautiful Grama Bay.
On the speedboat, you’ll be capable of sip recent drinks or beers whilst you benefit from the wonderful 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 e-book.
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 if you happen to love climbing, with a lot of scenic, and well-marked trails on provide.
It’s open virtually all yr spherical and sees little or no rain, so that you’re more likely 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 can be a sight to behold.
The Llogara Cross, which runs by means of the Nationwide Park, is an unimaginable (if not, barely terrifying) highway that winds down the facet of the mountain to disclose lovely views of the coast. It’s undoubtedly value 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 find out about Albania’s struggle for independence, then you definitely’ll love this place. It’s additionally an incredible 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 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 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 fair proportion of destruction over time, extra not too long ago being bombed throughout WWII. Nonetheless, the grounds and the unimaginable views greater than make up for it.
In the event you take a picnic with you, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in Vlore.
Handle: Kanine Citadel, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to the fortress.
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 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 coated 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 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 likely one of the finest issues to do in Vlore.
Handle: Grama Bay, Vlore. Click on right here to seek out the placement 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 selection, 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 in your final day in Vlore to keep away from disappointment. You possibly can e-book 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 below are a few steered itineraries so that you can comply with or adapt relying on how a lot time it’s a must to spend in Vlore. These embody a few of the finest locations to go to in Vlore which might be featured on this listing that can assist you plan an epic journey!
1 Day in Vlore Itinerary
In the event 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 in regards to the historical past and tradition of town. This will even tick off a couple of of the opposite gadgets on this listing.
Within the afternoon, go and calm down on the seaside 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 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 probably the most lovely water in Vlore and there are some nice snorkeling alternatives. Within the night, make sure 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 will probably be an ideal finish to your journey to Vlore.
1 Week in Vlore Itinerary
When you have a complete week in Vlore, you’ll be capable of try all one of the best issues to do in Vlore that function on this listing. I like to recommend that you simply comply with the itinerary for 2-3 days, however possibly unfold the boat journeys out just a little bit if you wish to.
Together with your additional few days, I’d undoubtedly advocate spending a day within the Llogara Nationwide Park, notably 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 straightforward to get to from Vlore, notably on this someday tour.
The place to Keep in Vlore
These are a couple of of one of the best neighborhoods in Vlore for vacationers:
Outdated City – Greatest for Historical past and Tradition
The Outdated City is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Vlore, and it’s beautiful. It’s additionally near lots of the major 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 lot of bars, cafes, and eating places that come alive and it’s most likely my favourite place to be at night time 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 beautiful, and it’s proper within the coronary heart of Outdated City.
Plazhi i Ri- Greatest For Nightlife
In the event 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 happening right here, and also you’ll discover many bars, golf equipment, and eating places alongside the principle embankment.
I like to recommend Lungomare Resort because it’s very near the seaside whereas being off the principle road, away from the noise late at night time.
Metropolis Centre – Greatest For First-Time Guests
The Metropolis Centre is a superb selection if you happen to’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 number of bars, cafes, eating places, and retailers dotted alongside the principle highway which joins the previous city to the seaside.
This cozy one-bed house 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 couple of instances and have by no means been upset. It’s proper on the seaside highway and the service is usually incredible. It does get actually busy after round 9 pm, however if you happen to 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 lot of small dishes to be sure you don’t miss out on any of the completely different flavors Albanian delicacies has to supply. In the event you’re ordering a major dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is truly a bakery moderately 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 possibly one of the best I’ve ever had. Additionally, the ice cream is primary on the town.
Tre Forchette
Tre Forchette is likely 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 costlier choice than the opposite eating places on this listing, however the meals and repair are wonderful.
The seafood is completely unimaginable, I shared the seafood platter with a good friend and it was wonderful.
Gaia
Gaia is my favourite restaurant within the Outdated City, with a soothing out of doors space and a comfy inside. You must strive the pasta if you happen to’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
In the event you’re touring to Vlore, it’s seemingly that you simply’ll be touring from Tirana as that is the place the principle 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 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 will probably be costlier, and I discovered the bus to be simple 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 motorcycle, 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 below 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 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 will probably be good and there will probably be fewer individuals on the seaside.
Sure, Vlore is value visiting. It’s an incredible base for exploring a few of the finest issues to do on the coast.
I believe that 2 to three days in Vlore is an effective 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 very best seaside in Vlore is Narta Seaside. You need to undoubtedly spend a day right here, it’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Vlore.
You need to undoubtedly go to a bakery in Vlore, they actually know methods to bake! By way of savory meals, the seafood is wonderful.
In Closing
Vlore is usually a spot that’s ignored by vacationers, who choose to remain in Saranda or Ksamil. Nonetheless, there are some incredible 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 difficult to seek 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!