My Honest Opinion about Vlore, Albania – Is It Worth Visiting?

So you are wondering if you should add Vlore to your Albania itinerary? In this post, you will find out what is my honest opinion about Vlore and if this Albanian seaside town is worth visiting.

If you ever visited my blog before, you know that I always speak my mind, but I also hardly ever dislike places I visit. I am just such an excitable travel junkie that it’s hard to disappoint me.

But when I am disappointed I say it. Like in the case of the gloomy town of Elbasan or some irritating aspects of Albania Riviera as a whole. 

So you can count on my honest opinion. Whether you agree with it or not is another story. You can always go and find out for yourself 🙂

So let me tell you what I thought about Vlore, Albania. Do I think Vlore is worth visiting?

I didn’t include Vlore in my Albania itinerary until the very last minute. This was mainly because I had heard mixed opinions about the town but curiosity got the better of me.

I arrived in Vlore after spending 6 glorious days in Himare and noticed the striking difference right away.

Vlore is a pretty big city compared to Himare and a very popular holiday spot with Italian and European vacationers. And it definitely feels like a resort.

As I walked through the city, I couldn’t help thinking that it resembled the holiday resort from back in the day, to which old-school travel agents would send you when you chose your destination from brochures. Yes, I am this old that I can still remember those days!

There are plenty of hotels lined up along the Vlore promenade and a long stretch of beach filled up with loungers and umbrellas. But it’s not as bad as places like Ksamil and there are a good number of public beaches where you can spread out your own towel. The views of the surrounding area are pretty spectacular and the Logara pass leading up to Vlore was truly exhilarating.

Don’t get me wrong, Vlore isn’t a bad town and there is plenty of things to do around the area. But after visiting places like Berat, Gjirokaster or Himare, I can confidently say, it isn’t the best of them all.

I visited Vlore for the beach, and the beach disappointed me the most. The beach in Vlore town is really nothing special and it can be muggy, grey and uninviting.

But the city was, for lack of a better word, pleasant, and as I took little day trips outside the city, Vlore grew on me.

Things to Know About Vlore, Albania

Vlore(often called Vlora) is one of the largest and most populated cities in Albania. It is a modern city, a commercial center, and a port from which you can take a ferry to Italy and Greece.

Vlore is best known as the gateway to the Albanian Riviera and as such is a very popular vacation spot.

But Vlore is also one of the most important cities in Albanian history and one of the oldest cities in the country.

This historic city dates back to the 6th century B.C., when it was founded as a Greek colony on the Illyrian coast and known as Aulona. It was also the first capital of Albania after the declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire, from 1912 to 1914.

So before I list some of the best things to do in Vlore let me give you the answer to the question you came here for…

Is Vlore Worth Visiting?

You don’t go to Vlore for cultural sightseeing and magnificent architecture. You have Berat or Gjirocaster for that. You go to Vlore to relax, get some beach action, and eat well. That’s it. Vlore is a holiday resort in Albania.

If you are one of those travelers who want to explore the different faces of the country and have enough time to visit more than one beach town in Albania, then Vlore is definitely worth a visit for you.  There are a few cool day and half-day trips you could take from Vlore and there is plenty to do in the evening if you are looking for some entertainment.

The town of Vlore itself is just, hmm… a town. It’s nice, there are things to do, plenty of great restaurants and, as it’s one of the country’s largest towns it also offers plenty of shopping opportunities.

. There is a lovely long promenade and plenty of beach space. But if you were looking for just one beach town to visit in Albania I would recommend Himare or, if you wanted a bigger town with great infrastructure, Sarande.

But…

Vlore is a good base for day trips and, in my opinion, the best things to do in Vlore are just outside of Vlore.

The most beautiful beaches, the Llogara National Park, and the Narta Lagoon are all spectacular, but not in the center of Vlore. So if you do decide to visit Vlore, make sure to allow yourself enough time to explore these gems, otherwise you might leave disappointed.

Or if you are determined to stay in Vlore and enjoy the beach, book accommodation slightly outside of the city, to the south. Around Radhimë or Orikum you will find truly beautiful beaches!

So you decided to visit Vlore and are now wondering what the best Vlore attractions are? Here is the complete list of all the best things to do in Vlore:

Things to Do in Vlore

‘Old Town’ of Vlore and the Surrounding Quirky Architecture

Vlore is an old city and in fact, it is one of the oldest cities in Albania. Yet many of the ancient sites like the Kanine Castle or the city walls were not well preserved or are hard to find. 

Vlora Old Town is not a typical Old Town as we know it. Previously a Jewish Quarter where A consolidated Jewish community lived in Vlora. The main street was declared a historical monument and the district has been recently renovated after falling into a dilapidated place.

The few renovated streets you will find there are lovely but the whole area is pretty small and I found it quite empty and lacking atmosphere. It is probably because it is way out of the popular area and far from most tourist accommodations so you will have to intentionally make your way there.

It took me 40 minutes to get there and see 5 buildings. But it was still worth it. It’s a completely different part of Vlore and for a moment I forgot about the resort feel. The area was beautifully restored, buildings are very pretty and colourful and there are a few charming nooks and restaurants you could chill and enjoy. 

There is more to see around this part of Vlore so I suggest you make it a half-day architectural adventure.

As you walk towards the old town you will pass historical buildings, a mosque, a monument and a few quirky brutalist-style buildings too. So If you decide to take a walk towards Old Town here are some Vlore sights that you should not miss on the way:

Kuzum Baba – My favorite sight in Vlore

This was one of the highlights of my trip to Vlore and all the more surprising because it was a totally ad hoc event for me. I had not planned to walk up there.

After walking for some time, I decided to admire the monastery from below and just walk up to the Varrezat e Deshmoreve cemetery, which is quite interesting and offers a great view.

But as it often turns up in my life as I stood there, looking up at the Kuzum Baba, I thought to myself: I am already here, I might as well walk up a little more. So I did, and I am so glad!

Kuzum Baba is about 30 meters above sea level and is a natural terrace formed by the sea on a hill above the town of Vlore. It was named after Sejjid Ali Sulltan, known as Father Kuzum (Quzum Baba), a Bektashi spiritual leader who, according to local tradition, is buried here.

There is a Bektashi temple on the hill, built around 1600. Today, the Tekke of Father Kuzum (Teqeja e Kuzum Babait) is one of the most important Bektashi centres in the whole of Albania.

The view from this place is just spectacular! There is a restaurant and bar where you can order and meal or grab a drink and watch the sunset. 

I recommend seeing Kuzum Baba after visiting the Old Town for a perfect ending to the day. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Vlore.

The Lungomare – Vlore Promenade

One of the best things to do in Vlore is strolling Lungomare. The quintessential seaside resort activity. 

Albanians love their evening Xhiro and I totally get it. After a day of sightseeing or chilling on the beach, what could be better than strolling along the promenade at sunset and stopping at a cafe for a relaxing brew? 

The Vlore promenade is made for endless walking. It lasts forever and you will find anything and everything on the way including an outdoor cinema in the summer, a small souvenir market, a funfair and an infinitive amount of bars, cafes and restaurants.

Zvernec Monastery

Visiting Zvernec Monastery is a truly wonderful day or half-day trip from Vlore and one of the must-do things while in town! It is in fact the most popular Vlore attraction and the picture of the monastery and a lagoon is the one that is most often associated with Vlore. It is definitely one of the most unique places to visit in Albania.

This medieval Byzantine monastery is beautifully preserved and located on a small island in the middle of the beautiful Narta Lagoon. There used to be a bridge connecting the island with the land that everyone was scared to walk on. But now the new bridge has been built that is not only safe to walk on but also extremely picturesque. 

The whole area is spectacular and very unique. I recommend renting a bicycle, getting up early, and making it an active day trip. It took me around 50 minutes to get there but I had a slow bike. The terrain is flat and very suitable for biking. 

If you don’t fancy riding a bike you can of course opt for a taxi or rent a car. There are no buses going to Narta Lagoon or Zvernec.

Narta Lighthouse and Dalan Beach

Unfortunately, I didn’t continue to the Lighthouse as the day got hotter, and my bike wasn’t suitable for long rides, but I very much regret it.

So if you get a chance, continue towards Narta Lighthouse (especially beautiful for the sunset). Around there you will also find a wild Dalan Beach, a free camping area, and a few small hiking trails. You will also find a super cool abandoned bunker in this area.

Considering renting a car in Albania? If you are traveling in high season, book early. Prices increase the later you book a car. Of course, you can also rent a car at the airport. There are several car rental agencies outside the arrival terminal. You can also negotiate the price. You can also search for the best prices and pre-book online on Rentalcars or Discover Cars website. 

Narta Lagoon

The whole area of Narta Lagoon is spectacular and very unique. It looks like nothing else in Albania and exploring this area is one of the best things to do in Vlore.

If you want to explore the whole protected area of Narta I recommend renting a car or a motorbike as it’s pretty vast. 

Apart from Zvernec Monastery and The Narta Lighthouse you can drive to the other side of the lagoon and visit the famous lagoon birdwatching area where you can spot flamingoes and pelicans or a massive Hidrovor Beach which is a popular camping spot. 

If you fancy an adventurous day, then you can go on a 4×4 Outdoor Trip covering Narta Lagoon to Akerni sand dunes.

Finally, on the way to the lagoon and Zvernec, you have to stop at Narta Beach which is one of the best beaches in Vlore. But about this next!

Vlore beaches

Although beaches in Vlore itself are nothing to write home about, those located slightly outside of the town are truly spectacular. 

If you are not prepared to travel out of town, book accommodation near the best beaches in Vlore. 

I went to the beach in Vlore town center once. I swam in the sea and although it wasn’t terrible it wasn’t the best swim I have ever had either. The sea is shallow for a very long time, the water is a bit murky and so is the sand. The beach however stretches for some time and there is plenty of space to put on your towel or you can rent a chair as well. 

But if you want an extraordinary beach experience, there are 2 ways to enjoy the best beaches in Vlore. 

1. Book a hotel or resort located near the nicest and clearest Vlore beaches so you don’t have to make it a trip every time you want a swim (Like the Belvedere Hotel).
2. Rent a bike, a scooter, or a car and travel out of town. I rented a bicycle and did a bit of beach hopping! It was a great day!

Here are some of the best beaches near Vlore:

It’s a beautiful large, sandy beach ideal for a relaxed day!

The chair rental and food and drink prices are very reasonable. I would choose this area over Ksamil at any time!

I cycled to Radhime and it made for a wonderful active beach day. The way there can be a bit hard at times, especially in the heat of the summer and if your bike has no gears (!!). Learn from my experience and rent a good bike for this journey!

Sazan Island Boat Tour!

There are a few excellent boat tours you can take from Vlore:

A Sazan Island trip is the most popular one. It is a full-day boat tour where you will be able to experience the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, which will include the Karabarun Peninsula, the caves, and Sazan Island. Sazan Island is famous for previously being a restricted military zone, which housed a secret Soviet military base and a chemical biological weapons plant until the early 1960s.

The island boasts stunning beaches, forests, and remains of the former base for visitors to explore.

Additionally, the Karaburun Peninsula, accessible only by boat, features picturesque bays, including the Bay of Grama with its golden beach, the Bay of Skaloma, and the legendary Cave of Haxhi Ali.

It is a wonderful day trip and you can book it from your hotel or take a look at this Sazan Island & Karaburun Marine Park boat tour.

You can also book this Marine Park and Grama Bay tour for a great beach hopping and snorkeling experience which includes incredible Blue Cave.

Hiking Llogara National Park

If you make your way to Vlore from Dhermi you will inevitably drive through the famous Llogara Pass. It is an experience in itself and the views are exhilarating! 

The whole region between Vlore and Dhermi is a Llogara National Park and it’s a wonderful hiking destination too. There are many scenic, and well-marked trails as well as few accommodation options if you want to escape the crowds. The views over the coast from here are incredible!

Kanine Castle

Just a 6-kilometer from Vlore lies Kaninë Castle, situated on a hill, granting stunning vistas of the Vlore coast.

While the castle’s former grandeur has faded and there is not much to see around it, it still offers a glimpse into its past as one of Albania’s most remarkable structures, initially constructed in the 3rd century and the stunning panoramic view of the Bay of Vlora makes the visit worthwhile.

Enjoy Local Cuisine in Vlore

I enjoyed eating out in Vlore and there is plenty to choose from. From bakeries abundant in delish bureks to seafood restaurants and affordable local restaurants and bougie eateries, you will find in Vlore anything you fancy.

For the best seafood head over to Restorant Tradicional VANI. There will be a queue, guaranteed. It’s worth waiting for!Novus is a great spot if you want to try a few different things. There is a buffet from which you can choose what you want and as much as you want. The service is great too! Te Fabio is a great cosy traditional restaurant and Trattoria Jonçe will get you the best pizza in town.

Where to Stay in Vlore

You will find any type of accommodation in Vlore. From beach resorts and luxury hotels to private apartments and affordable backpacker hostels.

For the resort feel and a very comfortable stay you can consider places like:

• Azar Luxury Suites – A beachside aparthotel located near the center of Vlore
• Yacht Hotel – Luxurious hotel and beach club
• Villa Santa Maria – Pool and incredible location
• Mazarine Hotel – Incredible family-run hotel near the best beaches

If you are looking for moderately priced accommodation there is also plenty to choose from in Vlore:

• This Sunny guest house offers an excellent location and value for money
• Enea’s guest house – whole apartment for €30!
• Agora Bed & Breakfast – great rooms and delicious breakfasts
• The Central View Boutique Hotel – Excellent hotel right in the middle of the action

Finally, if you are on a budget, Vlore will accomodate you as well:

• Vlora Backpackers Hostel & Bar is the best hostel in town! Adriatic Hostel is a close contestant.
• Both Villa Orange and Elite Inn offer private accommodation for an incredible price.
• Resort Te Zagolli is a great choice if you prefer to stay in Orikum.

How to Get to Vlore

Vlore is well connected with many cities and towns in Albania and it is easy to get to by local bus.

The so-called ‘bus station’ in Vlore is located by the main road, around this spot. Basically, you will have a bunch of buses and furgons parked along the street. From the Vlore bus station, you can take busses to Berat, Durres, Tirana, Shkoder and Sarande.

Please double-check those routes if you are traveling out of season. I believe that buses to Sarande and Himare only run during the summer months.

To get to Vlore from Tirana you will have to head to Tirana Regional Bus Station. Busses leave every 30 minutes until 5:30 pm and the journey lasts around 3 hours. You can also catch a direct bus to Vlore from Tirana airport.

To get to Vlore from Berat, you will have to take a bus from Berat Bus Station. Five buses leave daily at 6 a.m., and the journey lasts around 2 hours. The ticket is 400Lek.

In order to get to Vlore from Durres you can get a direct bus between 5:30 am and 6 p.m. Busses leave regularly throughout the day and the journey lasts around 2 hours. 

There are 2 buses a day between Vlore and Sarande and between Vlore and Himare.

There is one bus a day from Shkoder to Vlore departing at 1 pm. 

There is one bus a day between Vlore and Gjirocaster and Vlore and Korca.

So If at the start you were not sure if Vlore is worth visiting and worth your precious Albania time, I hope that now you have a clearer picture. 

Vlore is a pleasant seaside resort worth checking out and there is a surprisingly good amount of things to do around Vlore, even if you have to venture into its suburbs. Yet I was trying to be as honest as I could about what I thought about the town. I don’t regret visiting Vlore at all. But I had 2 months to explore Albania.

Maybe if you have only a few days, you should be quite selective about your destination picks. The choice is yours.

Where to next?

Traveling along the Albanian coast? here you will find my quick travel guide to the best Beaches near Himare and in this post, you will find my slightly controversial guide to the Albanian Riviera.

For my Northern Albania guides check out this complete travel guide to Shkoder, and this guide to visiting Theth and hiking to Valbona, as well as my honest opinion on taking a day trip to the Shahla River.

If you are following my Albania itinerary You are probably heading towards Gjirocaster – one of the most magical towns in Albania and then to the wonderful town of Berat! If you only have time to visit one of the UNESCO towns, you might find this Gjirocaster and Berat comparison article useful!

Finally in this post, you will find your complete guide to the best things to do in Tirana.

Happy travels and enjoy Albania!

Pati