Plazhi i Ri, Vlorë

Beach in Vlorë

View overlooking Vlora Beach
View overlooking Vlora Beach
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Tomasz Lewicki

Plazhi i Ri (literally “New Beach”) is Vlorë's main city beach, running alongside the Lungomare promenade in the newer seafront zone south of the port. It is the kind of beach you can drop into without planning: a long, lively shoreline where you can swim, stretch out on a rented sunbed, or simply wander with a coffee while the sea stays in view.

What makes it especially appealing is how seamlessly it fits into a day in town. In the morning it feels like a practical, easy swim spot; by late afternoon it turns into one of the things to do in Vlorë as locals come out for the promenade, kids play along the waterfront, and the whole area slides into a sunset-and-dinner rhythm.

History and Significance of the Plazhi i Ri

Plazhi i Ri's significance is tied to modern Vlorë rather than ancient history: it is part of the city's newer seafront identity, where the waterfront has become a social spine as much as a place to swim. The “new” in the name reflects how this stretch rose in importance as the Lungomare developed into Vlorë's most recognisable public space-an urban coastline built for strolling, eating, meeting friends, and spending long summer evenings outside.

In practical terms, Plazhi i Ri is where you see how Vlorë lives in summer. It is not a remote cove or a hidden beach; it is a working city shoreline where the rhythm is set by cafés, families, and the daily ritual of the promenade. That everyday atmosphere is the point, and it offers a clear contrast to the quieter bays you will find further down the Riviera.

Because it is so accessible, Plazhi i Ri often becomes a “base beach” for travellers-somewhere you can swim on a casual day, then save the longer, wilder beach hunts for another time. It is the beach you can repeat without it feeling like repetition, because the mood changes from morning calm to evening buzz.

Things to See and Do in the Plazhi i Ri

Come for an easy swim first, especially earlier in the day when the shoreline feels more spacious and the water is at its most inviting. Plazhi i Ri is a straightforward place to get in and out of the sea without the fuss of a boat trip or a long drive, which makes it ideal if you want a beach hour rather than a beach day.

The Lungomare is just as much the attraction as the sand. Walk the promenade for people-watching, gelato stops, and the simple pleasure of a coastal city that actually uses its waterfront. In the late afternoon, this becomes the best “slow travel” activity in Vlorë: a long stroll, a pause for a drink, then a sunset viewpoint that requires zero effort.

If you like structure, rent a sunbed and umbrella and treat it like a classic Mediterranean beach setup. If you prefer freedom, keep moving-dip in, dry off, and then continue along the promenade until you find the stretch that matches your vibe, whether that is quieter water, a livelier beach bar zone, or a spot near your chosen café.

How to Get to the Plazhi i Ri

Most international travellers fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA) and continue to Vlorë by bus, shuttle, or private transfer. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Vlorë on Booking.com. In summer, Corfu Airport can also make sense for certain itineraries if you are combining southern Albania with Greek island time, but you will still need onward transport and border planning. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Vlorë on Booking.com.

From Tirana and other Albanian cities, frequent buses and furgons run to Vlorë, typically arriving near the city centre; from there, Plazhi i Ri is an easy taxi ride or a longer, flat walk toward the Lungomare. Albania's passenger rail options are extremely limited and are not a practical way to reach Vlorë for most travellers.

If you are driving, Plazhi i Ri is simple to reach via the main coastal roads, and the easiest approach is to park on side streets just behind the Lungomare rather than trying to stop directly on the busiest seafront section. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Plazhi i Ri

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website:
  • Best time to visit: Visit early morning for a calmer swim, then return at sunset for the promenade atmosphere and cooler temperatures.
  • How long to spend: 1-3 hours for a swim and a stroll; longer if you are turning it into a full beach day with sunbeds and dinner nearby.
  • Accessibility: The promenade is generally easy and flat, but access down to the shoreline can vary by section, so choose an entry point with ramps or gentler steps if needed.
  • Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, cafés, and casual restaurants are widely available along the Lungomare, but prices and quality vary, so check menus before you commit.

Where to Stay Close to the Plazhi i Ri

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself closer to central Vlorë so you can easily reach the old town sights and still walk or taxi to the beach; if your trip is primarily about sea time, sunsets, and easy evenings out, the Lungomare and Plazhi i Ri area is the most convenient place to stay.

For a direct Lungomare base that keeps you steps from the seafront walk, Regina City Hotel & SPA is a strong choice when you want the beach and restaurants on your doorstep. If you prefer a quieter coastal feel a little further along the bay, Hotel New York suits travellers who want sea views and a more resort-like setting. For a stay that leans into the waterline experience, Hotel Liro works well when your priority is being close to the sea and treating Vlorë as a relaxed beach base.

Is the Plazhi i Ri Worth Visiting?

Yes-if you want the easiest, most convenient beach experience in Vlorë with a built-in evening scene. It is not the most “wild” beach on the Riviera, but it is consistently satisfying: swim, promenade, eat well, repeat.

Honest pivot: If you are chasing untouched coves and that remote, turquoise-bay feeling, you should skip Plazhi i Ri as your main beach day and instead use it as a quick swim stop before heading south to quieter stretches beyond the city.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Plazhi i Ri is practical for families because the promenade gives you space to move, snack, and take breaks without being trapped on the sand. Aim for earlier hours when it is less crowded, pick a section with easy shoreline access, and keep water shoes handy if the entry point is pebbly.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is a strong “sunset beach” rather than a secluded romance beach: come late, walk the Lungomare, take a quick dip, then settle into dinner with the sea breeze nearby. For a more intimate feel, choose a quieter stretch a little away from the busiest café clusters.

Budget Travelers

You can do Plazhi i Ri cheaply by bringing a towel and using the free sections, then spending selectively on one drink or snack. If you do rent sunbeds, check prices before you sit-costs can vary a lot depending on location and how “front-row” the setup is.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.0 (451)

Plazhi i Ri in Vlora is a scenic stretch of sandy beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming and long walks, with both public shoreline and organized bathing establishments plus an oceanfront restaurant; visitors praise its beauty, good upkeep and lively summer atmosphere.

Bianca Tulbure
4 months ago
"Clean water, 6euro for 2 sunbeds and an umbrella, don t mind the bad reviews our stay at this beach was amazing, only sand no rocks, family friendly"
Rowan Pritchard
3 months ago
"Garbage everywhere. The water is relatively clear, but floating garbage, garbage on the sand, garbage on the grass behind it. Local atmosphere notthe best for beach..."
Gabriela Martin
4 months ago
"The free sections of the beach are really dirty, with rubbish everywhere around. Albania will never be a desirable travel destination with its flashybars if this is how they treat public space...."

FAQs for Visiting Plazhi i Ri

Getting There

It runs along the Lungomare seafront on the newer, southern side of the city’s waterfront. The easiest approach is to head toward the Lungomare promenade and enter the beach from any of its access points.
Walk toward the seafront and follow the promenade south, keeping the sea on your right as you move along the Lungomare. It is a flat walk, but it can feel longer in summer heat, so consider going later in the day.
A short taxi ride is the quickest option, especially with bags or in midday sun. If you walk, aim first for the seafront and then follow the Lungomare until you reach the livelier beach sections.

Beach Setups & Costs

The beach itself is free to access, and you can sit on your own towel in open areas. You typically pay for sunbeds, umbrellas, and anything you order from beach bars.
Usually no, but on peak summer weekends the best front-row spots fill quickly. If you care about location, arrive earlier and choose your section before it gets busy.
Yes-walk a little farther along the Lungomare away from the densest café clusters. A five to ten minute stroll can make the beach feel noticeably calmer.

Visiting Experience

Plan 60-90 minutes for a swim and a promenade loop, which gives you the full “Vlorë waterfront” feel without rushing. If you add a drink stop, two hours is a comfortable minimum.
Yes, because it gives you an immediate sense of the city’s coastal character and evening energy. If your one day is focused on history, treat it as a sunset stop rather than a midday beach commitment.
In strong wind or rough sea, it becomes more of a promenade and café experience than a swimming spot. It can still be enjoyable for a walk and views, but the “beach” part is best saved for calmer days.

Photography

Yes, especially at golden hour when the promenade and shoreline catch warm light. For the most atmospheric shots, frame the beach with the Lungomare and the evening crowds to capture the city’s summer mood.
Sunset is the strongest for colour and atmosphere, while early morning is best if you want cleaner, less crowded shoreline photos. Midday light can be harsh, so it is less flattering for portraits.

Safety & Comfort

Generally yes-the Lungomare is one of Vlorë’s main evening walking areas with lots of people around. As with any busy waterfront, keep normal city awareness and watch belongings in crowded moments.
Early morning is best for space and a calm swim, while late afternoon and evening are best for the promenade energy. Many travellers end up doing both: a morning dip and a sunset return.

Nearby Attractions to the Plazhi i Ri

  • Zvërnec Monastery: A peaceful lagoon-side monastery reached by a wooden walkway, perfect as a half-day nature-and-culture break from the Lungomare.
  • Lungomare Promenade: The seafront walk itself, lined with cafés and evening energy, is Vlorë’s easiest “just show up” attraction.
  • Independence Square: A central city landmark area that anchors modern Albanian history and gives you a quick cultural counterpoint to beach time.
  • Muradie Mosque: A compact Ottoman-era monument that is easy to combine with a city-centre wander between meals and swims.
  • Kuzum Baba Viewpoint: A hilltop terrace with wide views over the bay, ideal for a late-day panorama after the heat drops.

The Plazhi i Ri appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Vlorë!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Plazhi i Ri Vlorë Albania
Vlorë: 4 km

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