There are many nice issues to do in Vlore, and it’s a fantastic place to base your self to discover not solely the points of interest 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. If you happen to’ve spent any time within the museums of Tirana, it’s doubtless 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 fantastic stretch of shoreline referred to as the Albanian Riviera; dwelling to a number of the most spectacular shorelines.
I spent virtually two months exploring the shoreline of Albania, together with Vlore, and beloved exploring the area. If you happen to’re planning methods to spend your time in Vlore, listed below are my high 15 suggestions:
Finest 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 on the lookout 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 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 an important areas of Vlore and make it easier to acquire an actual appreciation for this metropolis.
Some of the common vacationer points of interest in Vlore is its lovely Previous City. It’s just lately been completely renovated and affords 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 characteristic individually on this checklist.
Click on right here to be taught extra about this excellent introduction to the most well-liked Vlore points of interest.
Tackle: The Previous City, Vlore
2. Take a Boat Journey to Sazan Marine Nationwide Park
This excellent full-day boat tour is the right option 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 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 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, probably the most lovely 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 seaside 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 considered one 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 may attain the island from the mainland over a rickety picket bridge and may head contained in the Church to marvel on the lovely 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 hold your eye out for Narta Seashore on this checklist, which could be visited on the way in which again.
It’s among the best free issues to do in Vlore, though I’d advocate leaving a couple of Albanian Lek within the donation field on the Church for those who 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 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 go well with 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 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 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 in consequence, it’s a tremendous place to discover the remainder of Southern Albania. One in all my absolute highlights is the Blue Eye. It’s probably the most unbelievable issues to do close to Vlore.
This gorgeous, pure spring rises from no less than 50 meters under 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 part of this superb day tour of Southern Albania and tick off a number of the finest 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 Citadel on the way in which again. This complete day journey is without doubt one of the finest methods to discover this a part of the nation and is without doubt one of the finest methods to see probably 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
If you happen to’re trying to do some sightseeing in Vlore, it is best to positively 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 probably the most essential 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 referred to as High Caffé simply 5 minutes away that I’d positively advocate.
Tackle: Independence Monument, Sheshi i Flamurit, Vlore
7. Go Tandem Paragliding
If you happen to’re an journey traveler and are on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Vlore, it is best to positively try this paragliding expertise in Vlore.
The workforce is tremendous educated; making you’re feeling fully secure all through the expertise. The views of the coast are completely unbelievable, and you’ll see the spectacularly blue water and white seashores for miles, in addition to the rugged, mountainous terrain.
If you happen to’re feeling daring, the pilots also can carry out some in-flight acrobatics for you which of them are recorded on a go-pro so that you can take dwelling with you. It’s positively probably the most 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 Seashore
Narta Seashore is, definitely, the very best seaside in Vlore. It’s situated to the north of town and is accessible by automotive or bicycle (for those who’re feeling lively!).
Once I visited Narta Seashore, 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 nice journey.
The seaside itself is superbly calm, and the sand is mushy and golden, which is difficult to seek out alongside the Albanian coast. There’s additionally a beautiful restaurant there, Karafili Resort, which I’d advocate you strive. Total, Narta Seashore is considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Vlore.
Tackle: Plazhi i Nartes, Vlore. Click on right here for instructions to Narta Seashore.
9. Admire Muradie Mosque
Muradie Mosque is a really cute stone mosque that was in-built 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 for those who take your footwear off and are dressed suitably, you’ll be able to 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 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 Non-public Speedboat to Karaburan Peninsula
As Vlore is situated subsequent to the Sazan Nationwide Park, it’s probably the most common issues to see throughout your go to, and for good motive. In addition to the choice of a ship journey to Sazan Island, you can 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 prospect to make a journey to the gorgeous Grama Bay.
On the speedboat, you’ll be capable of 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 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 among the best locations to go to in Vlore for those who 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 more likely 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 Go, which runs by the Nationwide Park, is an unbelievable (if not, barely terrifying) highway that winds down the aspect of the mountain to disclose lovely views of the coast. It’s positively 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 crammed to the brim with historical past and if you wish to find out about Albania’s struggle for independence, then you definately’ll love this place. It’s additionally a fantastic place to be taught all in regards to the that means behind the Independence Monument, which additionally options on this checklist.
I’d advocate taking a information across the museum to essentially 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 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 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 through the years, extra just lately being bombed throughout WWII. Nonetheless, the grounds and the unbelievable views greater than make up for it.
If you happen to take a picnic with you, it’s among the best issues to do in Vlore.
Tackle: Kanine Citadel, 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 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 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 finest issues to do in Vlore.
Tackle: Grama Bay, Vlore. Click on right here to seek out the placement 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 unbelievable 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 mild up because the solar goes down on this good 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 may 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 below are a few advised itineraries so that you can observe or adapt relying on how a lot time you must spend in Vlore. These embrace a number of the finest locations to go to in Vlore which might be featured on this checklist that will help you plan an epic journey!
1 Day in Vlore Itinerary
If you happen to solely have at some point 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 may also tick off a couple of of the opposite gadgets on this checklist.
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
When you have a few additional days, I’d nonetheless do the strolling tour on day one that will help 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, you should definitely try the Previous City and go for a drink at Komiteti.
On the third day, you can both do a seaside day at Narte Seashore 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 the very best issues to do in Vlore that characteristic on this checklist. I like to recommend that you simply observe the itinerary for 2-3 days, however perhaps unfold the boat journeys out a little bit bit if you wish to.
Together with your additional few days, I’d positively advocate spending a day within the Llogara Nationwide Park, significantly for those who 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 at some point tour.
The place to Keep in Vlore
These are a couple of of the very best neighborhoods in Vlore for vacationers:
Previous City – Finest for Historical past and Tradition
The Previous City is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Vlore, and it’s attractive. It’s additionally near most of the predominant historic and cultural monuments within the Metropolis, together with the Muradie Mosque and Independence Monument.
Within the night, the Previous 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 rather more genuine than on the seaside, 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 Previous City.
Plazhi i Ri- Finest For Nightlife
If you happen to’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 Seashore. 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 Lodge 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 for those who’re visiting Vlore for the primary time because it’s proper between the Previous City and the seaside; only a brief stroll to each. There are a whole lot of bars, cafes, eating places, and outlets dotted alongside the principle highway which joins the previous city to the seaside.
This comfortable one-bed residence 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 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 couple of occasions and have by no means been disenchanted. It’s proper on the seaside highway and the service is mostly implausible. It does get actually busy after round 9 pm, however for those who go earlier than, you’ll be capable of 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 completely different flavors Albanian delicacies has to supply. If you happen to’re ordering a predominant dish, the moussaka right here is spectacular.
Pasticeri Likaj
That is really a bakery moderately than a restaurant, however I needed to embrace Pasticeri Likaj as a result of for those who’re after a candy deal with, you have to go right here. The croissants are completely scrumptious and perhaps the very best I’ve ever had. Additionally, the ice cream is primary on the town.
Tre Forchette
Tre Forchette is without doubt one of the finest eating places in Vlore, and if you wish to eat someplace a little bit extra upmarket, this restaurant is the place to go to. It’s a costlier choice than the opposite eating places on this checklist, however the meals and repair are wonderful.
The seafood is completely unbelievable, 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 out of doors space and a comfy inside. It’s a must to strive the pasta for those who’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. Positively value a go to.
Getting To Vlore
If you happen to’re touring to Vlore, it’s doubtless 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 is able to take round 3 hours, and value you round $6.
The buses depart from Tirana Airport or the Bus Station roughly each half-hour. You may verify the timetable right here.
You may after all seize a taxi to Vlore, however this will probably be costlier, and I discovered the bus to be simple 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 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 reasonably priced in Vlore. You may 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 essential 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 a fantastic base for exploring a number 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 the very best issues to do in Vlore earlier than heading additional south.
Sure, together with the remainder of Albania, Vlore may be very secure. I felt fully relaxed wandering 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 very best seaside in Vlore is Narta Seashore. You must positively spend a day right here, it’s among the best locations to go to in Vlore.
You must positively go to a bakery in Vlore, they actually know easy methods to bake! When it comes to 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. Nonetheless, there are some implausible 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 difficult 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 an excellent time!