Vlore, Albania is one of the country’s largest towns and the second largest seaport city. Vlore is also known as Vlora. The city of Vlore is near several wonderful tourist sites such as the Llogara National Park, the two archaeological parks, Amantia and Orikum, and numerous notable beaches and unique salt pans.
You can wander the streets of Vlore and taste the different dishes — memorising the intricate details you see and savouring the flavours you try; Soak it all in to take home a vivid memory of your experience.
Vlore, Albania — are you ready to get lost in its magnificence and allure?
If yes, let’s start from the beginning and then go from there!
Vlore, Albania – the County’s Story
The Ancient Greeks discovered Vlore in the 6th century BC. The region became one of the numerous colonies located on the Illyrian coast.
A while later, the city became a part of the Roman Empire, playing a vital strategic role in the 11th century to 12th century wars between the Byzantines and Normans.
The Turks, Serbs, and Venetians also laid claim to the city several years later.
Fast forward to Nov 28, 1912, politician Ismail Qemali proclaimed Albania’s independence.
A couple of years later the Italians invaded the city of Vlore and remained there from 1915 to 1920. The Italians occupied it a second time, in 1939. Both Germans and Italians used the nearby Sazan Island as a submarine base during WWII.
Subsequently, the Soviet Union seized Sazan Island, using it as a naval base after WWII. They improved the submarine facilities and the city’s harbour. Due to a conflict between the two nations, they departed Vlora in 1961.
Albania proclaimed its independence in Vlore. Later on, the town built the Independence Monument which is a 17-m high statue. Sculptors created the monument in 1972 to honour the 60th anniversary of the day the country achieved its freedom.
Today, you will come across a lot of diversity in Vlore, with Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and Muslims all living peacefully together.
Where is Vlore Located in Albania?
Vlore is situated on the Bay of Vlore, encircled by the slopes of the Ceraunian Mountains along the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. The seaport is near Bari, Italy, and the Sazan Island, situated at the front of the bay.
What Does Vlore Mean?
Since an ancient Greek colony founded Vlore, they named it Aulon, which translates to “channel” or “valley.” However, the evolution of the Albanian language’s phonetic system saw the name change from Aulon to Vlore.
8 Reasons Why You should Visit Vlore Albania
Vlore, Albania will attract you with its glorious history, drive for independence, rich culture, and plethora of natural wonders and beaches.
Here’s why you should go on a holiday in Vlore, Albania:
Vlore, the Site of Albania’s Independence Victory
In 1912, the country declared independence before any surrounding nation had the chance to seize them. To celebrate that momentous moment, the town commissioned sculptors Kristaq Rama and Mumtaz Dhrami to construct a statue to depict it. The Independence monument features a leader holding a billowing flag with its followers huddled together underneath him.
Zvernec Island off the Coast of Vlore
Zvernec Island, situated in Vlore’s northern region, is accessible by a 270 m long wooden bridge. The island, which is named after Zvernec village, sits 9 m above sea level. On the island, you will find the 13th century St. Mary Monastery, featuring elements from the Byzantine era.
During the Communist era the monastery was abandoned. When the Communist government collapsed, the community started revisiting the monastery.
Each year, on Aug 15th, locals make their way to the monastery to celebrate St. Mary’s birthday.
In the monastery’s courtyard, you will find Marigo Posio’s grave. Her contribution to Albania is embroidering the red and black flag that Ismail Qemali used when he declared the country’s independence in Vlore.
The Museums of Vlore
The Museum of Historical Relics and the Ethnographic Museum of Vlore are two museums you should visit where you will learn about the city’s traditions, culture, and history.
· The Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum (Muzeu Etnografik) is located next to the Museum of History in Vlore. The museum, established in 1982, was acknowledged as a pillar of cultural and architectural value.
The museum features several ethnographic items such as daily tools and traditional clothing that demonstrate how their lifestyle evolved with time. On the first floor you will find metal, barn, and fishing items exhibits. The second floor features clothes worn by men and women. The elaborate clothes are over 100 years old.
· Museum of Historical Relics
The Museum of Historical Relics (Muzeu Historik), also known as the Museum of History, stands in the centre of town and offers visitors numerous interesting archaeological and historical facts. The museum gives you a comprehensive history lesson on all the major events that took place in Albania.
Italian architects designed the beautiful edifice, which houses the museum, in 1918. The museum is divided into two pavilions, one dedicated to history and the other to archaeology. The first floor displays objects and information on the earliest settlers of Vlora.
The objects include several iron and bronze weapons and flint knives, gravestones, and the maquette collection, offering a 3D visual of Vlora’s cultural and natural monuments. The second floor features items from the 20th century, starting with objects from Albania’s National Independence Day.
You will find pictures and posters documenting the 1920 Battle of Vlora and items from the 1924 Democratic Revolution. Also there you will find the grave of Avni Rustemi, a patriot and national hero, and a MP. The grave is adorned with the same flag that was raised in the city for Albania’s 50th Independence Day.
Visit the Salt Pans in Vlore, Albania
Albania is famous for its unique salt pans and their location is exactly in Vlore. The uniqueness of their salt fields is a result of the Ionian and Adriatic sea meet in the region. That mixture adds different zest to the salt products.
National Food of Albania
While in Albania, why don’t you try some dishes in Vlore:
· Byrek
Byrek is a salty pie made using filo pastry. It comes in various sizes and with different fillings such as spinach, meat, or gjize cheese.
· Speca me gjize
Speca me gjize is a tasty oven-baked dish made with orange, yellow, red, and green peppers stuffed with cottage cheese, rice, and spices.
· Tave Kosi
Tave Kosi is a scrumptious quiche-like food made using eggs, lamb, and yogurt.
· Fergese
Fergese is a mouthwatering dish made with tomatoes, peppers, and cottage cheese. When combined, it forms a creamy texture that you can put on bread.
Beaches in Vlore, Albania
In Vlore and the county there is an abundance of beaches. Since Vlore sits on the Marina Bay of Vlore where the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea meet, it gives you the gift of clear blue waters and gorgeous beaches.
In Vlore county, there is an abundance of beaches.
Some of the popular beaches in and near Vlore are Borsh, Ri, Liro, Vuno, Qeparo, Palasa, Radhime, Bunec, Jale, and Dhermi Beach.
Out of all the beaches, Dhermi Beach is one of Albania’s finest and must-see beaches. It’s an hour and 10 min away from Vlora by car. The journey to the beach will be worth it because you’ll pass beautiful mountains along the way. You can check out Dhermi village after spending time on the beach.
Dhermi Albania – a Popular Destination in Vlore
Located on the Albanian Riviera, Dhermi is a small village divided into regions. Travel to the upper region to find the charming authentic Dhermi and travel to the lower region to discover Dhermi Beach, beach clubs, hotels, and restaurants.
If you want the beach to be within walking distance from your hotel, find accommodation in the lower region of Dhermi. The village attracts numerous tourists each year to its tantalising beaches, sophisticated beach clubs, mouthwatering dishes, and affordable accommodation.
Dhermi Beach – Ideal for Outdoor Activities
Dhermi Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Vlore, Albania. The pristine beach resort has warm and crystal clear turquoise water. The type of water is ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkelling, surfboarding and kiteboarding. White pebbles cover the beach and enhance the sea’s colour.
The summer signals the arrival of both locals and tourists to the beach. You can avoid the crowds by visiting in June and September instead of the peak season of July and August. Even if you come during the peak months, you’ll still find a spot to sit quietly and breathe in the fresh air, but you’ll just have to walk a little bit further to get to it.
When the hunger pangs kick in, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many beachside seafood restaurants. In case you want to explore the gorgeous old Dhermi, it’s a 25-min walk from the beach.
Like most travellers, if you’re here specifically for the beaches, you’ll find plenty of them nearby. In fact, Jale Beach is a 20-min drive from Dhermi Beach. Another nearby beach of Vlore, Albania is Gjipe Beach.
Explore the Beaches in Vlore with a Scooter
Why don’t you rent a scooter in Vlore and explore its surroundings? It’s fun!
For booking, check out MotoRentVlora website and their FB page or get in touch via WhatsApp on +355 69 68 11 001.
Find the Moto Rent Vlora address on Rruga Cameria, Vlore. The office is where Hotel Beler is.
Surprisingly, in most parts Albania doesn’t have a numeric street system. For you to find the address, you will need to be more persistent and also ask for the closest notable building.
Rent a Car in Vlore Albania
Here are a few tips on how to rent a car in Albania:
- Pick and drop the car at the same location. Otherwise, you’ll be charged extra.
- Check and record any damage you see on the car when getting the rental agreement as proof that it was there before you rented it, so you wouldn’t be charged extra.
- You need to be 23 years or older to rent a car in Albania.
- You may need to pay with your credit card.
Where to Stay in Vlore Albania
Here is a selection of places for your staying in Vlore:
Modern Apartment in Lungomare, Vlore
The Modern Apartment in Lungomare, Vlore is 100 m away from Ri Beach and less than 1 km from Vlore Beach. The one-bedroom apartment offers a fantastic sea view from the balcony and the Wi-Fi is excellent. The property’s beachfront location will give you amazing sunsets and a view of Sazan Island. Affordable parking is available nearby.
Alma’s Home
The Alma’s Home’s ideal location in Vlora allows you to visit several different beaches — Sunny Beach, Coco Bongo Beach, Ri Beach, Government Villas Beach. Liro Beach is less than 80 m away from the holiday home.
The spacious holiday home comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, excellent Wi-Fi and free parking that you need to book in advance. Pets are allowed.
The Kuzum Baba and Independence Square are within your hotel’s vicinity. For fine dining you can visit the taverna Li-Ro.
You can also choose to chill at the hotel in their outdoor swimming pool.
Vila Pashaj Vlore
The Pashaj villa is a beachfront property. It gives you access to several beaches, with Liro beach, Coco Bongo beach and Sunny beach less than 1 km away from the villa. You can explore nearby destinations and restaurants such as Independence Square, Kuzum Baba, Riviera Blu diner, and Lime café. The spacious villa provides quiet and comfortable living arrangements. You will be surrounded by a garden as well as fruit trees. The villa’s location brings in a mesmerizing sea view.
Marshmallow Apartments Vlore
The fully-equipped Marshmallow Apartments have a state-of-the-art kitchen, balcony, and tennis court. If you want to stretch your legs, you can walk to the Ri Beach, as it’s 50 m away. Other notable beaches in the area include Vlore Beach, Government Villas Beach and Liro Beach.
The property comes with a spacious terrace and incredible views. You can dine in at the Titanic and Dejavu restaurant. You can also visit Independence Square or go hiking.
Pets are welcome although charges may occur.
Places to Dine in Vlore Albania
Here’s where to eat in Vlore:
Tre Forchette Restaurant
The Tre Forchette restaurant in Vlore is popular with travellers looking for a serene environment and delicious food. They offer large portions and several healthy options. You can ask for their daily specials. Their fish and meat dishes are highly recommended.
See where Tre Forchette’s location is.
Taverna Li-Ro
Taverna Li-Ro in Vlore offers traditional food and homemade wine. You can try the lamb ribs, grilled orata fish, and grilled eels. They also offer several different starters such as tavern salad, mixed salad, olive salad, boiled vegetables, and more. See the taverna’s location in Vlore.
Osteria Pizzeria
Osteria restaurant is a Mediterranean dine-in and take away restaurant in Vlore. When you go to the Osteria, you should try their fish served with salad and grilled vegetables. The warm and welcoming atmosphere combined with an attentive staff adds to the overall experience. See the location of Osteria restaurant in Vlore.
The Wave
The Wave goes by many names. It’s a restaurant, bar, pizza place, winery, and bistro. The restaurant in Vlore attracts patrons with its food, live music, and events. They offer a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. You can try their muffins, croissants, omelette, caprese, salata the Wave, and more. See the location of the Wave restaurant in Vlore.
Where to Drink Coffee in Vlore?
Here’s where to drink coffee in Vlore:
Taylor Coffe Lounge
The Taylor café’s chic environment offers coffee lovers a peaceful way to drink their coffee and have heartfelt conversations with friends. It also offers a beautiful view from the café. See how to visit Taylor café.
CAFE del MAR
Cafe Del Mar offers a stunning view of the Lungomare embankment. They serve juice, drinks, cocktails, and more. You can order an item from their seafood or pasta menu. Their pizzas are absolutely delish! See Cafe Del Mar’s location in Vlore.
Vlore, Albania — Make It Your Next Destination
There’s so much to discover in Vlore! Your trip will not only be a different experience but a refreshing one. Start your adventure by exploring Vlore’s food, culture, history, and beauty.
