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 residence to an enchanting historical past, it’s additionally the beginning of the fantastic stretch of shoreline generally known as the Albanian Riviera; residence 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 here are my prime 15 suggestions:
Finest Issues To Do in Vlore
Thought of 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 can 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 Previous 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 a very powerful areas of Vlore and allow you to achieve an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
One of the common vacationer sights in Vlore is its lovely Previous City. It’s not too long ago been completely renovated and gives 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 Previous 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 be taught extra about this excellent introduction to the most well-liked Vlore sights.
Tackle: The Previous City, Vlore
2. Take a Boat Journey to Sazan Marine Nationwide Park
This very good full-day boat tour is the proper solution 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 chook and plant species it helps.
Discover the park by speedboat with a small group. You’ll discover Sazan Island and study its inhabited Previous 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 vital lovely locations to go to close to Vlore, the place you may swim and snorkel within the cave. Lastly, you’ll arrive at a surprising seaside on the Karanburan Peninsula the place you may 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 situated on a small island in the course of a lagoon, to the north of Vlore.
The monastery and St Mary’s Church are situated on a tiny island surrounded by lots of of pine bushes. You’ll be able to 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 an alternative, relying on the warmth…). Click on right here to rent a scooter and maintain your eye out for Narta Seaside on this listing, which will be visited on the way in which again.
It’s among the best free issues to do in Vlore, though I might advocate leaving just a few Albanian Lek within the donation field on the Church should you can.
Tackle: 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 inns.
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 group. Cease for some meals, or a drink, or simply benefit from the occasion environment. 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 an incredible place to discover the remainder of Southern Albania. Certainly one of my absolute highlights is the Blue Eye. It’s one of the vital unimaginable 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 situated in a jungle-like setting and is without doubt one of the most lovely spots in Albania. Be a 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 Fortress 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 essentially the most lovely 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 seeking to perform a little sightseeing in Vlore, you need 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 one of the vital necessary historic issues to see in Vlore.
The monument is situated 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 Prime Caffé simply 5 minutes away that I’d undoubtedly advocate.
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 try this paragliding expertise in Vlore.
The staff is tremendous educated; making you’re feeling utterly protected 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 carry out some in-flight acrobatics for you which ones are recorded on a go-pro so that you can take residence with you. It’s undoubtedly one of the vital 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, unquestionably, one of the best seaside in Vlore. It’s situated to the north of town and is accessible by automotive or bicycle (should you’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, but it surely’s predominantly flat, and also you observe the shoreline up so it’s a pleasing journey.
The seaside itself is fantastically calm, and the sand is comfortable and golden, which is difficult to search out alongside the Albanian coast. There’s additionally a beautiful restaurant there, Karafili Resort, which I’d advocate 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 gorgeous 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 should you take your footwear off and are dressed suitably, you may enter the mosque to respectfully view from the within.
It’s situated 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.
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 situated subsequent to the Sazan Nationwide Park, it’s one of the vital common issues to see throughout your go to, and for good cause. In addition to the choice of a ship journey to Sazan Island, you would discover the Karabarun Peninsula on this personal speedboat tour.
It’s a personal tour that offers you management of the place you need to go and the way lengthy you need 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 gorgeous Grama Bay.
On the speedboat, you’ll be capable 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 best locations to go to in Vlore should you love mountain 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 prone to have a dry hike. Folks 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 Go, which runs by 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 price 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 crammed 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 incredible place to be taught 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 payment.
Tackle: Museum of Independence, Vlore 9401. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Discover Kanine Fortress
Kanine Fortress 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 alternative rulers, from Byzantine to Serbian to Ottoman.
The fort isn’t something spectacular and has seen its justifiable share of destruction over time, 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 best issues to do in Vlore.
Tackle: Kanine Fortress, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to the fort.
14. Take a Boat to Grama Bay
Grama Bay is so lovely, 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 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 to take in the solar and swim within the clearest shiny blue and inexperienced water.
The Karaburun Peninsula and Grama Bay are actually particular locations as a result of, not like 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 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 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 sensible journey.
One phrase of warning, journeys could also be canceled if the ocean is simply too uneven, so don’t save this on your final day in Vlore to keep away from disappointment. You’ll be able to 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 you need to spend in Vlore. These embrace a few of the greatest locations to go to in Vlore which can be featured on this listing that can assist you plan an epic journey!
1 Day in Vlore Itinerary
In the event you solely have sooner or later and need to do some sightseeing in Vlore, I’d advocate that you simply do the strolling tour of Vlore within the morning to be taught a bit in regards to the historical past and tradition of town. This can even tick off just a few of the opposite gadgets on this listing.
Within the afternoon, go and chill out on the seaside or take a sundown tour to see the great thing about the shoreline.
2-3 Days in Vlore Itinerary
You probably have a few additional days, I might nonetheless do the strolling tour on day one that can assist you perceive town and discover your manner 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 lovely water in Vlore and there are some nice snorkeling alternatives. Within the night, make sure to try the Previous City and go for a drink at Komiteti.
On the third day, you would both do a seaside day at Narte Seaside or head out on one other boat journey to Grama Bay. Both will likely be an ideal finish to your journey to Vlore.
1 Week in Vlore Itinerary
You probably have a whole week in Vlore, you’ll be capable to try all one of the best 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 advocate spending a day within the Llogara Nationwide Park, significantly should you 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, significantly on this sooner or later tour.
The place to Keep in Vlore
These are just a few of one of the best neighborhoods in Vlore for vacationers:
Previous City – Finest for Historical past and Tradition
The Previous 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 principal historic and cultural monuments within the Metropolis, together with the Muradie Mosque and Independence Monument.
Within the night, the Previous City is residence 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 way 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 Previous City.
Plazhi i Ri- Finest 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 – Finest For First-Time Guests
The Metropolis Centre is a good selection should you’re visiting Vlore for the primary time because it’s proper between the Previous City and the seaside; only a quick stroll to each. There are quite a lot of bars, cafes, eating places, and outlets dotted alongside the principle highway which joins the outdated city to the seaside.
This cozy one-bed condominium is inside strolling distance of the Previous 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 here are a few of my favorites:
Anchor Pizzeria
If you need pizza, the Anchor Pizzeria is the place to go. I’ve visited just a few instances and have by no means been upset. It’s proper on the seaside highway and the service is mostly unbelievable. It does get actually busy after round 9 pm, however should you go earlier than, you’ll be capable 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 a lot of small dishes to be sure you don’t miss out on any of the totally different flavors Albanian delicacies has to supply. In the event you’re ordering a principal dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is really a bakery somewhat than a restaurant, however I needed to embrace Pasticeri Likaj as a result of should you’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 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 possibility than the opposite eating places on this listing, however the meals and repair are wonderful.
The seafood is totally unimaginable, I shared the seafood platter with a buddy and it was superb.
Gaia
Gaia is my favourite restaurant within the Previous City, with a soothing outside space and a comfortable inside. It’s a must to strive the pasta should you’re consuming right here – it’s do-it-yourself 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
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 simplest manner 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’ll be able to examine the timetable right here.
You’ll be able to after all seize a taxi to Vlore, however this will likely be dearer, and I discovered the bus to be simple and comfy.
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 Previous City to the principle seaside and vice versa.
I like to recommend that you simply lease a motorbike, or take taxis, that are very inexpensive in Vlore. You’ll be able to 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 understood for being the primary city on the Albanian Riviera. It’s additionally an necessary 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 likely be good and there will likely be fewer individuals on the seaside.
Sure, Vlore is price visiting. It’s an incredible base for exploring a few of the greatest issues to do on the coast.
I feel that 2 to three days in Vlore is an efficient 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 utterly comfy 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 most effective seaside in Vlore is Narta Seaside. It’s best to undoubtedly spend a day right here, it’s among the best locations to go to in Vlore.
It’s best to undoubtedly go to a bakery in Vlore, they actually know learn how to bake! By way of savory meals, the seafood is superb.
In Closing
Vlore is commonly a spot that’s neglected by vacationers, who decide to remain in Saranda or Ksamil. Nevertheless, there are some unbelievable 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 search out as you journey additional south.
I hope this weblog put up helps you propose your journey to Vlore and that you’ve got an excellent time!
