Best Things to Do in Vlore (Guide 2024)
Located in the south of Albania, Vlore is a welcoming city that’s ideal for your next holiday. It’s steeped in tradition, culture, and stories, ensuring you’ll have a memorable visit. Vlore is famous throughout Albania for its strong sense of patriotism, being where Ismail Qemali raised the Albanian flag to declare independence in 1912.
This charming city has something for everyone—stunning natural scenery, fascinating history, and inviting sunny beaches.
Read also: The Best Beaches in Albania near Tirana
Where is Vlore Located?
Vlore is in southern Albania, near the Adriatic Sea. It’s surrounded by big mountains and has a typical warm climate. The city is busy all year, but most tourists come in the summer. If you want a beach vacation with lots of fun, July and August are the best times to visit Vlore. But if you prefer history, spring is good when it’s not too hot to explore museums and old places.
How to Get to Vlore?
If you’re thinking about how to get to Vlore, here are the different ways you can travel there, based on what you can afford and what you like:
1. How to Get to Vlore By Car
If you have a car, it’s the best way to travel from Tirana to Vlore, or anywhere else in Albania. You can enjoy a nice drive along the Albanian coast, as the roads are good. You can stop along the way to see the coast from different places. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one from many places in Albania, like Europcar or iRent Albania. But driving in Albania can be tricky, so it’s best if you have some experience to have a smooth trip.
2. How to Get to Vlore By Bus
Taking the bus to Vlore is the cheapest way to get there. You can catch buses regularly from the Bus Terminal in Tirana. It’s about €5 or 500 Albanian Lek for a ticket from Tirana to Vlore. The journey takes around two hours. The buses are usually comfy and have air conditioning, which is great, especially in summer.
3. How to Get to Vlore By Taxi
If you’re not in the mood to drive and want to reach Vlore fast, you can take a taxi. It’s simple and hassle-free, but it can be expensive. Depending on the taxi company, a trip there could cost between €60 to €100 for a one-way ride, much more than the €5 bus fare.
Some taxi options are SpeedTaxi and CityTaxi.
Read also: Exploring Ksamil, Albania: Must-Do Activities in 2024
Best Things To Do in Vlore
Here’s our list of great activities to enjoy as a tourist in Vlore and make the most of your visit!
1. Go for a walk by the seaside
While you’re in Vlore, you’ll definitely want to check out the Lungomare, which is the most well-liked area here. It’s a really long pathway by the sea, lined with palm trees, and you’ll have the beautiful coastline beside you wherever you walk. It’s the perfect spot for a summer evening, packed with bars, cafes, and restaurants, and always bustling with people. Plus, there are bike paths if you fancy a fun ride by the beach.
2. Visit Zvernec Monastery
The St. Mary Monastery in Zvernec island is a beautiful spot in Albania. You can reach it easily via a wooden bridge from the city. The island is full of green plants, and the monastery stands tall there. It’s an Orthodox place, so there’s always a priest and a guard looking after it. In the monastery’s courtyard, there’s the grave of Marigo, a famous girl known for making Albania’s red and black flag. Inside the monastery, you’ll find lots of old paintings and furniture from Orthodox churches dating back to the 13th century.
3. Visit the Museum of National Independence
This old landmark is a must-visit in Vlore. It’s where Ismail Qemali first raised the Albanian flag to declare independence, laying the foundation for a strong nation. The museum has two floors and four rooms, each telling Albania’s story of independence. You’ll see old newspapers, government papers, and other items from that time. The museum is near Vlore’s port, and it costs €3 to get in.
4. Take a Boat Trip to the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park
The Karaburun Peninsula has amazing sights and beautiful scenery, making it perfect for many different kinds of animals. The Marine Park has over 12% of the plants and animals found in the Mediterranean Sea, like adorable sea turtles, seahorses, and dolphins.
In the Marine Park, there are some beautiful beaches and quiet places to swim. It’s also a good spot for people who like walking to take a break and enjoy the view of the Adriatic Sea. You can hop on a boat from the harbor to explore old caves, castles, and maybe even see some dolphins!
Read also: Albanian Currency: Tourist Complete Guide
5. Visit the Old Town
Although it’s called the Old Town, it’s not super ancient! It’s a neighborhood with colorful houses that are a few years old, with stone streets and benches. You’ll find charming souvenir shops where you can pick up little keepsakes from your visit. The Vlore old town is just 15 minutes from the coast, and it’s probably not too crowded with tourists. Plus, there are some restaurants and museums you can check out while exploring the old town.
6. Visit Muradie Mosque
Constructed in 1537 by architect Mimar Sinan, Muradie Mosque is among the oldest buildings in Vlore. It’s made of stone, with brown-framed windows on all sides, and has a minaret standing at 18 meters tall. The mosque, serving as a prayer hall, is open for visits anytime. You can find it in downtown Vlore, right on the central square, making it easy to find.
7. Visit Llogara National Park
Nestled in the Ceraunian Mountains, Llogara National Park is a stunning spot in Albania for nature enthusiasts. Although not vast, spanning just around 4 square miles, it boasts lush greenery and various tree species. If you’re fortunate, you might catch sight of deer, foxes, wildcats, or even wolves roaming the area. Plus, it’s perfect for hiking with plenty of trails to explore and soak in the beauty of Albanian nature!
8. Visit Kaninё Castle
In the small village of Kaninё near Vlore, there’s Kaninё Castle. It’s an ancient place with great views and a long history. Over time, it was ruled by different empires like the Byzantine, Serbian, and Ottoman ones, until it came under Albanian control.
The castle has been rebuilt many times, especially by Justinian I in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, it’s a popular spot for tourists. Although there’s not much of the original castle left to explore, the area and the views make it worth a visit!
You can enter Kaninё Castle for about €3 or 300 Albanian Lek.
Read also: The Best Things to do in Dhermi, Albania 2024
9. See the Independence Monument
On Ismail Qemali Street, close to important government buildings, you’ll find the Monument of Independence. It’s a sincere tribute to Albania’s freedom, showing Ismail Qemali and his friends waving the Albanian flag proudly. This monument was crafted with skill and effort by Albanian sculptors Muntaz Dhrami and Kristaq Rama, carved from black stone. It stands out against the greenery and vibrant gardens nearby, with a nice spot to sit and enjoy the view.
Read also: Best Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania (Guide 2024)
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