Vlorë: The Complete Guide

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Neo Oens

Visiting Vlorë is a delightful experience that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As one of Albania’s most significant coastal cities, Vlorë boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The city’s vibrant Lungomare promenade is a must-visit, offering picturesque sea views, a variety of cafes and restaurants, and a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of Mediterranean charm. For those interested in history, the Independence Monument stands proudly in the city center, commemorating Albania’s declaration of independence in 1912. Nearby, the National Museum of Independence provides a fascinating insight into the nation’s fight for freedom, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Vlorë, from the scenic Llogara Pass with its breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea to the serene Karaburun Peninsula, part of a marine protected area teeming with wildlife. A visit to Zvernec Island and its 13th-century Byzantine monastery offers a peaceful retreat, while the Lagoon of Narta is a haven for birdwatchers. Whether you’re strolling along the sandy shores of Narta Beach or discovering the historical Kaninë Castle with its panoramic views, Vlorë promises a rich and rewarding travel experience that caters to all interests.

History of Vlorë

Vlorë: Ancient Beginnings

The city was founded as Aulōn as an Ancient Greek colony in Illyria in the 6th century BC. The city was an important port of the Roman Empire and was part of the Province of Epirus Nova.

Vlorë: Roman and Byzantine Influence

During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Vlorë flourished as a significant port and military stronghold, contributing to the region’s prosperity.

Vlorë: Ottoman Era

Under Ottoman rule from the 15th to the 20th century, Vlorë became a vital administrative and cultural center, with many architectural landmarks from this period still standing.

Vlorë: Independence and Modern Era

Vlorë holds a special place in Albanian history as the site where the country’s independence was declared in 1912. It continues to be a key cultural and economic center in Albania.

Visiting Vlorë for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Vlorë on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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4 Best places to See in Vlorë

This complete guide to Vlorë not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Vlorë and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Vlore Independence Monument

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Arianit

The Independence Monument, is situates in Plaza of the Flag in Vlore. The monument represents Albania’s declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. It monument shows the masterful work of the prominent Albanian sculptors: Muntaz Dhrami, Kristaq Rama and Shaban Hadëri. The most prominent figure, among those in the sculptural bronze collection, is […]

Location: Sheshi i Flamurit Vlorë 9401 Albania | Distance: 1.0km

Visiting Vlore Independence Monument

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Kanine Castle

Kaninë Castle is situated above the village of Kaninë about 6 KM from Vlorë. The castle was built in the 3rd century BC on the site of an ancient settlement. 100 years later the castle was changed into a fortress town. It would have served as a military post initially for the Roman Empire. In the […]

Location: Kaninë Albania | Distance: 4.1km

Visiting Kanine Castle

Zvernec Monastery

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Altinserani.tecvlore

Zvërnec Island is an island in southern Albania, within the Narta Lagoon. Access to the island is via a wooden bridge, 270m in length. The island is small being is only 430m by 300m. The island is covered with a pine forest and has a rocky shoreline onto the lagoon. The island attracts tourists due to […]

Location: Zvërnec, Albania | Distance: 9.2km

Visiting Zvernec Monastery

Byllis

CC BY-SA 4.0 / ShkelzenRexha

Byllis was an ancient city located in the region of Illyria and is located north-east of Vlorë. The city had a dominating position on top of a hill looking over the Vjosa river. Although originally founded by the Illyrian tribe, the Bylliones, in the fourth century BC it was a Greek speaking settlement. Byllis like […]

| Hours: 08.00 - 18.00 | Price: 300 lek | Website | Distance: 21.5km

Visiting Byllis

Best Time to Visit Vlorë

Visiting Vlorë in Spring

Spring in Vlorë offers mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, perfect for exploring historical sites, hiking in the surrounding hills, and enjoying the vibrant city life.

Visiting Vlorë in Summer

Summer brings warm weather ideal for beach activities, swimming in the Adriatic Sea, and enjoying Vlorë’s lively coastal atmosphere. It’s the peak season for tourists.

Visiting Vlorë in Autumn

Autumn in Vlorë is characterized by pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a great time for sightseeing, enjoying local festivals, and exploring natural parks.

Visiting Vlorë in Winter

Winter in Vlorë is mild, offering a peaceful retreat with fewer tourists. It’s a good time to explore indoor attractions, historical sites, and enjoy the local cuisine.

Average Temperatures in Vlorë

January 13°C 15
February 16°C 14
March 17°C 14
April 22°C 9
May 25°C 9
June 31°C 5
July 33°C 3
August 33°C 3
September 29°C 13
October 24°C 17
November 19°C 22
December 16°C 15

How to get to Vlorë

Traveling to Vlorë by Car

Driving to Vlorë is convenient via the SH8 highway, which offers scenic coastal views. This mode of travel provides flexibility to explore the surrounding areas.

Traveling to Vlorë by Train

Vlorë can be reached by train from Tirana. The journey offers beautiful landscapes and a relaxed travel experience, although train services are less frequent.

Traveling to Vlorë by Bus

Bus services connect Vlorë with major cities in Albania, including Tirana and Durrës. This budget-friendly option provides a straightforward way to reach the town.

Traveling to Vlorë by Ferry

Ferry services are available from Italy to Vlorë, offering a unique travel experience across the Adriatic Sea and connecting the city with Bari and Brindisi.

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