How to Get to Apollonia: A Complete Guide
How to get to Apollonia? Ever dreamed of walking through an ancient city with white marble columns, feeling the history of the Greeks and Romans around you? If so, a trip to Apollonia might be perfect for you. We were mesmerized by this peaceful, historical site and could have stayed for days. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Apollonia Archaeological Park, including directions, entrance fees, opening hours, and more.
What is Apollonia?
Apollonia is a significant archaeological site in Albania, originally founded as a Greek trade colony around 600 BC. Named after the Greek god Apollo, the city later thrived under Roman rule around 200 BC. Even the Roman Emperor Augustus is said to have studied philosophy here.
Sadly, the city declined in the 4th century after a massive earthquake altered the landscape, leading to encroaching swamps that made the area uninhabitable. Today, you can explore the ruins of this ancient city, which, though damaged, still offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Read also: Explore Albania: List of World Heritage Sites
Where is Apollonia?
Apollonia is located near the village of Pojan, close to the town of Fier in Albania. The larger town of Vlora is about a 40-minute drive away, while the nearest airport is in Tirana, approximately a 2-hour drive from Apollonia.
Why Visit Apollonia?
Visiting Apollonia is like stepping back in time. The ruins are well-preserved in many areas, and the park is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a nature lover, Apollonia has something to offer. Here are some highlights:
- The Bouleuterion: Once the meeting place of the city council, this monument features inscriptions in Greek and is also known as the “Agonothetes’ Monument.”
- The Triumphal Arch: Although damaged, the remains of this monument, once covered in white marble, are still impressive.
- The Odeon: A venue for musical and literary performances, this structure could seat around 300 people.
- Temenos: This sacred area includes the well-preserved Temple of Apollo and a decorative surrounding wall.
- The Museum and Monastery: The Museum of Archaeology is located near the old Monastery of Saint Mary, which dates back to the 13th century and features a stunning Byzantine church. Many materials used to build these structures were sourced from the ancient city.
How to Get to Apollonia
Getting to Apollonia can be challenging, especially without a car. Here are some options from nearby cities:
How to Get to Apollonia From Tirana
- By Car: The drive from Tirana takes just under 2 hours on a well-maintained road. Parking is available at the Archaeological Park.
- By Bus: Take a bus from Tirana to Fier, which takes about 2.5 hours and costs 300 Lek. From Fier, you can catch a bus to Pojan or take a taxi directly to Apollonia. Expect to pay around 2,000 Lek (€17) for a round trip by taxi, including a 2-hour wait at the site. Organized day trips from Tirana are also available.
How to Get to Apollonia From Vlora
- By Car: The drive takes about 40 minutes, mostly on the highway.
- By Bus: Regular buses run from Vlora to Fier, taking about 40 minutes and costing 250 Lek. From Fier, follow the same directions as above.
From Berat
- By Car: The drive takes just over an hour.
- By Furgon: You can take a furgon (a type of shared minibus) from Berat to Fier, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs 300 Lek.
How Much Time Do You Need?
You can explore Apollonia in a couple of hours, but we recommend spending at least half a day. To fully appreciate the site and its surrounding nature, a full day is ideal.
When to Visit Apollonia Archaeological Park
Apollonia is a hidden gem and not overcrowded with tourists. The weather is pleasant from spring to autumn, making any time a good time to visit. We visited in late October and enjoyed sunny weather and a quiet park.
Read also: Butrint National Park: Everything You Need to Know
Apollonia Archaeological Park Opening Hours
- Winter Season: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Summer Season: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Last Entry: One hour before closing
Most of the site is accessible, but some areas are hilly or have steps, which might be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs.
Entrance Fee to Apollonia Archaeological Park
The entrance fee is 600 Lek for adults, which includes access to all areas, including the museum and monastery. Parking is free.
What to Pack for Your Visit
Planning to explore Apollonia? Here’s what to bring:
- Plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited options nearby.
- Sturdy shoes for walking around the site.
- A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect against the sun.
- Long trousers to avoid scratches from the shrubs.
- A camera for capturing the stunning scenery.
- An extra layer in case the weather changes.
This guide should help you plan your visit to Apollonia with ease. Enjoy your journey through history!
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