The coastal town of Vlora should be high up on the itinerary if you’re visiting Albania. As the third-largest city in the country (and arguably the prettiest), Vlora has plenty to see and do – and it’s all set to the backdrop of ancient monasteries, castles, archaeological parks and a sweeping coastline. So join us as we discover Vlora and everything you need to know about this charming city in Albania.
Where is Vlora?
Known as Vlorë by the locals, Vlora is located on the southern coast of Albania. It’s the third-largest city in Albania by population and is set within the Mediterranean Sea, meaning the climate is hot with dry summers and cool winters. Vlora is a popular destination for day-trippers and weekend getaways thanks to convenient travel links by ferry, which you can book on Ferryscanner.com.
Things to do in Vlora
Zvernec Monastery
The monasteries in Vlora really are a sight to behold, and the Zvernec Monastery is arguably the best of the bunch. It’s a slice of Albanian cultural heritage and is located just a short trip northwest of the city. Soak up a dense, aromatic pine forest and rocky shoreline on your way to the monastery. Once you arrive, admire the Byzantine architecture from the 1300s in peaceful and scenic surroundings.
Kanine Castle
Constructed in the 4th century BC, Kanine Castle is a hilltop fortress that represents the region when it was settled by Ancient Greek tribes. You’ll find it on Shushica Mountain, perched 380 metres above sea level and covering a whopping 4,000 hectares. Back in the year 500, it was a stronghold for the Principality of Valona. Today, it’s a beautiful site and well worth a visit during your Vlora trip.
Sample the cuisine
You’ll wish you had time to sample every restaurant in the city of Vlora. Eateries are warm and welcoming, with amazing food that will leave your taste buds tingling. There’s also plenty of seafood to try, thanks to Vlora’s location as a port city. So tuck into lobster, shrimp, mussels and more. Cattle farming is also important to the local industry, and you can expect a range of succulent meats in the many local, family-run restaurants.
Llogara National Park
Centred on the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albania Riviera, Llogara National Park spans 1,10 hectares and is full of natural beauty. The park’s terrain includes alpine meadows, vertical rock faces, precipices and dense forests and more. It’s great for hiking and exploring the best of Albania. Plus, the park protects many ecosystems and biodiversity of national importance.
Orikum
Finally, you can’t visit Vlora without stopping at one of the beaches to catch some rays. Orikum is a nearby town just five kilometres south of the city with a stunning white beach that acts as the perfect spot to enjoy crystal clear waters. Sit back and relax while admiring the majestic backdrop of Mount Athanasious, a 2,000-metre-high mountain that’s well worth a few snaps for the gram.
Visiting Vlora
Vlora is full of beauty and a great destination if you want to explore somewhere away from traditional tourist hotspots. Spend a day or two in this delightful Albanian city and witness landmarks and natural scenery that will live in your memory long after your Vlora adventure ends.