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. In the event 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 house to an enchanting historical past, it’s additionally the beginning of the fantastic stretch of shoreline generally known as the Albanian Riviera; house to a number of the most spectacular shorelines.
I spent virtually two months exploring the shoreline of Albania, together with Vlore, and liked exploring the area. In the event you’re planning methods to spend your time in Vlore, listed below are my prime 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 prime 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 Take a Strolling Tour of the Outdated City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 a very powerful areas of Vlore and make it easier to acquire an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
Probably the most widespread vacationer sights in Vlore is its stunning Outdated City. It’s not too long ago 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 be taught 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In addition to the Outdated City, you’ll additionally go to the Independence Monument and Muradie Mosque, each of which function individually on this record.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 be taught extra about this excellent introduction to the most well-liked Vlore sights.
Tackle: The Outdated City, Vlore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 contains 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 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, one of the crucial 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 shocking seashore 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 be taught extra about this nice day journey.
Tackle: Sazan Island, Vlore
3. Go to Zvernec Monastery
Zvernec Monastery is one in every 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 timber. You possibly can attain the island from the mainland over a rickety wood 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 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 might be visited on the best way again.
It’s among the finest free issues to do in Vlore, though I’d suggest leaving a number of Albanian Lek within the donation field on the Church in case you can.
Tackle: 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 plenty of bars, eating places, and lodges.
The Vlore promenade actually involves alive at evening 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.
Top-of-the-line 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 ambiance. There’s one thing right here for everybody.
Tackle: Lungomare, Vlore
5. Dive into the Unbelievable Blue Eye
Vlore is seen because the gateway to the Albanian Riviera, and consequently, it’s a tremendous place to discover the remainder of Southern Albania. Considered one of my absolute highlights is the Blue Eye. It’s one of the crucial unimaginable issues to do close to Vlore.
This beautiful, pure spring rises from no less than 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 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 beautiful stone metropolis of Gjirokaster, and discover Porto Palermo Citadel on the best way 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 essentially the most stunning sights.
Tackle: 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 trying to do some sightseeing in Vlore, you need 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 one of the crucial vital 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 look at the world go by. Seize a espresso and sit within the sunshine for some time, observing the town. There’s a espresso store referred to as Prime Caffé simply 5 minutes away that I’d undoubtedly suggest.
Tackle: 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, you need to undoubtedly take a look at this paragliding expertise in Vlore.
The group is tremendous educated; making you’re feeling fully secure 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.
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 house with you. It’s undoubtedly one of the crucial exhilarating issues to do in Vlore. Click on right here to e book your flight.
Tackle: 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, the perfect seashore in Vlore. It’s positioned to the north of the town and is accessible by automotive or bicycle (in case you’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, nevertheless it’s predominantly flat, and also you observe the shoreline up so it’s a pleasing journey.
The seashore itself is superbly calm, and the sand is delicate and golden, which is tough to seek 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 in every of my favourite locations to go to in Vlore.
Tackle: 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 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, after all, a historic place of worship, however in case you take your footwear 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 suggest seeing them multi functional go throughout a morning or afternoon of sightseeing in Vlore.
Tackle: 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 one of the crucial widespread issues to see throughout your go to, and for good purpose. In addition to the choice of a ship journey to Sazan Island, you could possibly discover the Karabarun Peninsula on this non-public speedboat tour.
It’s a personal 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 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 e book.
Tackle: 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 among the finest locations to go to in Vlore in case you love mountain climbing, with plenty 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 prone to have a dry hike. Individuals go mountain climbing right here for the views of the coast, and the distinction between the ocean and the forest is mostly 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.
Tackle: 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 combat for independence, then you definitely’ll love this place. It’s additionally a fantastic place to be taught all concerning the which means behind the Independence Monument, which additionally options on this record.
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.
Tackle: 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 citadel has seen many various rulers, from Byzantine to Serbian to Ottoman.
The citadel isn’t something spectacular and has seen its justifiable share of destruction through the years, extra not too long ago being bombed throughout WWII. Nevertheless, the grounds and the unimaginable views greater than make up for it.
In the event you take a picnic with you, it’s among the finest issues to do in Vlore.
Tackle: Kanine Citadel, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to the citadel.
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 brilliant white, pebbly seashore 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 have the ability to take in the solar and swim within the clearest brilliant 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.
Tackle: Grama Bay, Vlore. Click on right here to seek out the situation on the map.
15. Take a Boat Journey at Sundown
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Vlore for {couples} is to take this unimaginable boat journey alongside the Vlore coast at sundown.
When 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 to your final day in Vlore to keep away from disappointment. You possibly can e book your boat journey right here.
Tackle: Vlore, Albania. Click on right here to view the assembly level for the tour.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Vlore
Listed here are a few advised itineraries so that you can observe or adapt relying on how a lot time it’s a must to spend in Vlore. These embrace a number of the greatest locations to go to in Vlore which might be featured on this record that will help you plan an epic journey!
1 Day in Vlore Itinerary
In the event you solely have in the future and wish to do some sightseeing in Vlore, I’d suggest that you just do the strolling tour of Vlore within the morning to be taught a bit concerning the historical past and tradition of the town. This may also tick off a number of of the opposite objects on this record.
Within the afternoon, go and calm down on the seashore or take a sundown tour to see the great thing about the shoreline.
2-3 Days in Vlore Itinerary
When you’ve got a few further days, I’d nonetheless do the strolling tour on day one that will help you perceive the 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, make sure to take a look at the Outdated City and go for a drink at Komiteti.
On the third day, you could possibly both do a seashore 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
When you’ve got a whole week in Vlore, you’ll have the ability to take a look at all the perfect issues to do in Vlore that function on this record. I like to recommend that you just 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 further few days, I’d undoubtedly suggest spending a day within the Llogara Nationwide Park, notably in case 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 straightforward to get to from Vlore, notably on this in the future tour.
The place to Keep in Vlore
These are a number of of the perfect neighborhoods in Vlore for vacationers:
Outdated City – Greatest for Historical past and Tradition
The Outdated City is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Vlore, and it’s attractive. It’s additionally near lots of the essential historic and cultural monuments within the Metropolis, together with the Muradie Mosque and Independence Monument.
Within the night, the Outdated City is house 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 way more genuine than on the seashore, 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
In the event 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 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 Resort because it’s very near the seashore whereas being off the principle road, away from the noise late at evening.
Metropolis Centre – Greatest For First-Time Guests
The Metropolis Centre is a good alternative in case 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 quite a lot of bars, cafes, eating places, and outlets dotted alongside the principle street which joins the previous city to the seashore.
This cozy one-bed condo 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’d like pizza, the Anchor Pizzeria is the place to go. I’ve visited a number of instances and have by no means been upset. It’s proper on the seashore street and the service is mostly improbable. It does get actually busy after round 9 pm, however in case 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 plenty of small dishes to be sure to don’t miss out on any of the completely different flavors Albanian delicacies has to supply. In the event you’re ordering a essential dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is really a bakery fairly than a restaurant, however I needed to embrace Pasticeri Likaj as a result of in case you’re after a candy deal with, you have to go right here. The croissants are completely scrumptious and possibly the perfect 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 record, however the meals and repair are wonderful.
The seafood is totally 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 calming out of doors space and a comfy inside. You must strive the pasta in case you’re consuming right here – it’s do-it-yourself 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. Undoubtedly value a go to.
Getting To Vlore
In the event you’re touring to Vlore, it’s probably that you just’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 method 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 possibly can test the timetable right here.
You possibly can after all seize a taxi to Vlore, however this shall be dearer, and I discovered the bus to be straightforward and cozy.
While 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 seashore and vice versa.
I like to recommend that you just lease a motorbike, or take taxis, that are very reasonably priced in Vlore. You possibly can lease 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 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 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 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 effective period of time to expertise the perfect issues to do in Vlore earlier than heading additional south.
Sure, together with the remainder of Albania, Vlore could 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.
The most effective seashore in Vlore is Narta Seaside. It’s best to undoubtedly spend a day right here, it’s among the finest locations to go to in Vlore.
It’s best to undoubtedly go to a bakery in Vlore, they actually know the best way to bake! When it comes to savory meals, the seafood is superb.
In Closing
Vlore is usually a spot that’s ignored by vacationers, who decide to remain in Saranda or Ksamil. Nevertheless, there are some improbable 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 seek out as you journey additional south.
I hope this weblog put up helps you intend your journey to Vlore and that you’ve got a superb time!
