VloraAlbania · Ferry Destinations

All About Vlora

Vlora (or Vlorë) is the third-largest city in Albania with a classic seaside town temperament. During its Mediterranean summers, the city is a pulsating resort with crowded beaches, happening nightlife, and a constant inflow of both locals travelers and ones from abroad. Vlora’s unmatched idyllic location in-between the Bay of Vlora and the Ceraunian Mountains gives it a theatrical atmosphere that is further accentuated by the city’s historical importance. Taking a ferry to Vlora is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

A quiet metropolis that the Greeks built in the 6th-century, Vlora is amongst Albania’s most beloved areas, for on 28th November 1912, the declaration of independence was signed here. Following this historic event, during the Assembly of Vlora, Ismail Qemali became the first Prime Minister of Albania. Today, this city of wide-open spaces, colorful houses, and gorgeous beaches is also a prominent economic hub connected with neighboring cities and countries via ferry and road.
 

Routes and Ferries to Vlora

Tourists wishing to discover the Albanian coastline typically arrive in Vlora from Italy by boat. Ferries from Brindisi take 7 hours to reach the city and carry both passengers and cars. It is worth booking one of the A-Ships Management boats on Ferryscanner for this journey, as they travel overnight, leaving you with the entire day to traverse upon arrival in Vlora. Red Star Ferries and European Ferries also voyage on the same route with tickets usually costing €45 one way.

If already within Albania, Vlora is connected by road with the capital Tirana, roughly 100km away. Buses and furgons run this route with tickets priced at €4 per adult. You can also take a 12-hour bus journey from Athens to reach Vlora that includes a change-over at Trikala.
 

Port of Vlora

The Port of Vlora has more of a commercial disposition with a separate dry cargo port and a fishing harbor in addition to a ferry terminal. A naturally deep-water port, it is the second-largest in Albania and does see much activity, which is a reason why the city continues to prosper with each passing year. The ferry port is centrally located, with boats from Brindisi bringing travelers wanting to explore the Albanian Riviera. The terminal is accessible by taxi and bus, but depending on your hotel’s location, you might even be able to reach there on foot. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Vlora.
 

Best Beaches

Beaches of Vlora are the city’s main attraction during the summer months. While the water is swimmable from May to September, the best time to hit the sand is from June to August when daytime temperatures reach a comforting 30°C (86°F). Ideal for sun worshippers, water sport enthusiasts, and families, spending a day on a lively beach is a must-do activity in Vlora. So get your ferry tickets to Vlora and start your exploration. Find some of the best beaches below.

Plazhi i Ri

One of Vlora’s two main city beaches, Plazhi i Ri is a lengthy stretch of sweeping sand with ample space to sunbathe, play, and swim. Lifeguards watch over the water during the summer season. On-site facilities at the beach include toilets, open showers, and small kiosks that serve refreshments at nominal prices. You can rent parasols and loungers for the day and enjoy a meal at one of the cafes nearby. The beach is easy to reach on foot or through a 10-minute bus ride from the city center.

Narta Beach

If the promise of clean blue waters, soft sand, and vast shoreline doesn’t attract you at first, maybe the free parking will. Narta Beach, located next to the fishing port of Peshkimit, is a quick 15-minute drive from Vlora. The sea stays shallow for miles here, making it perfect for small children. Besides a few bars and restaurants, the beach also has swings, volleyball nets, and football goals for visitors to enjoy.

Radhimë Beach

While heading south from Vlora towards the town of Orikum, you are likely to come across several small beaches such as Bora Bora and Vega Beach. However, one of the must-visit beaches along this coast is Radhimë, a short pebbly spot to relax famous for its cafes. In particular, the water of the Ionian Sea here has beautiful clarity with shades of blue and green that makes it an unmatched hidden gem of the region.

Orikum Beach

An excellent half-day excursion from Vlora is a trip to Orikum, situated 30-minute away from the city. A town in Vlora County, the beach here might be small, rocky in parts, and crowded, but the panoramic bay views are unquestionably astounding. The hills almost form a complete circle, giving the beach a cozy atmosphere, one where the sea lures everyone for a refreshing dip with its magical aquatic colors. Popular with tourists and locals, you’ll find plentiful amenities at Orikum for a relaxing time with the family.

Plazhi i Vjeter

Sometimes referred to as Old Beach, Plazhi i Vjeter is situated next to the ferry port and is roughly 3km from Independence Square. While the beach remains crowded during the summer, it’s quiet for the rest of the year. Not the cleanest of beaches, you can still swim in the water, and it’s expansive enough to be family-friendly. A stroll along Plazhi i Vjeter is quite romantic, especially during sunset.
 

Neighborhoods

While there is plenty to do in Vlora, especially when it comes to having a good time, you should look into exploring the islands near the city for an eccentric outing.

The Beach

The beachside district of Vlora is where you’ll witness maximum energy as soon as the sun goes down. Home to nightclubs, bars, cafes, and private resorts, everyone in the city is out and about, walking on Lungomare Boulevard, enjoying culinary delicacies at waterfront restaurants, or dancing away in clubs till early morning.

Vlora City Center

The palm-lined Boulevard Ismail Qimali connects the Port of Vlora with its center. Along the way, on both sides, are restaurants and shops primarily catering to tourists. The center itself consists of Flag Square and the Independence Monument. You’ll also cross the 16th-century Muradie Mosque en route to the park where it’s interesting to see a few wall ruins of the old city.

Vlora Port

The area around the port is a convenient neighborhood to sojourn in Vlora. It has good connectivity, pleasant hotels, and shopping options. When staying here, visit the National Museum of Independence. A small yet essential institution it has on display photos and documents pertaining to Albania’s independence. Also, don’t miss out on having dinner at Taverna Te Lilo, one of Vlora’s highly-rated restaurants serving classic Mediterranean fare.

Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island

For an offbeat and exciting adventure, ditch the beaches of Vlora and take a day trip to Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island. Tours leave the port in the morning and will ferry you to the stunning shoreline of Karaburun first, followed by a stop at Sazan, a demilitarized base with deserted bunkers as well as a secluded beach. A slightly longer trip includes a stop at the Cave of Haxhi Ali. This hauntingly beautiful grotto penetrating the limestone cliffs by the sea is one of Albania’s most stunning natural wonders.

Zvërnec Island

Covering 9 hectares, Zvërnec is a quaint pine-tree filled island that demands a visit during a stay in Vlora. Situated in Narta Lagoon, you’ll get to take a delightful Instagrammable walk on a 270m long wooden plank to reach the island. Once there, walk around and appreciate the natural surroundings before stepping inside the beautiful 13th-century Zvërnec Monastery. While in the area, you can stop by Narta Beach or at one of the seaside restaurants that you’ll cross along the way.
 

Transportation Around Vlora

Vlora isn’t a large city, but you still need some form of transportation to move around. Buses are the cheapest option with a couple of routes covering most of the town. Alternatively, a taxi is faster, comfortable, and will cost you approximately €7 from one point to another within the city. If you plan to stay longer or use Vlora as a base to travel the coast, consider renting a car. With Ferryscanner you can easily compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Vlora.