Things to Do in Vlora Albania — Beaches, Attractions and Travel Guide

Vlora (Vlorë), Albania is one of the most famous coastal cities in the country.

This is the place where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea, and the city is often considered the gateway to the Albanian Riviera.

If you are planning a trip and searching for things to do in Vlora Albania, you will find beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, sea excursions and scenic viewpoints.

Vlora is located approximately:

• 150 km from Tirana

• 95 km from Berat

• 130 km from Saranda

Today about 90,000 people live in Vlora, making it the third largest city in Albania.

The city is also historically important. On November 28, 1912, Albania declared its independence here.

How to Get to Vlora

The easiest way — rent a car

Albania is famous for its mountain roads and scenic landscapes, so many travelers prefer driving between cities.

The service compares multiple rental companies and helps you choose the best price and conditions.

⬇️ Rent a car via DiscoverCars:

Shuttle from Tirana Airport

You can reach Vlora from Tirana International Airport (Mother Teresa Airport) by shuttle bus Hermes.

The stop is located on the left side of the airport terminal.

Schedule:

• operates 24 hours

• departures every 2 hours

Price:

• 1200 lek (~12 €) daytime

• 1500 lek (~15 €) night

Flights to Albania

The nearest international airport is located in Tirana.

Distance from Tirana Airport to Vlora: 150 km

Travel time: about 2.5 hours

⬇️ Find flights to Albania via Aviasales:

Where to Stay in Vlora

• seaside apartments

• guesthouses

• boutique hotels

• large hotels

The best areas to stay:

• Lungomare promenade

• Uji i Ftohte

• city center

Average prices:

• apartments — 40–90 €

• hotels — 60–150 €

⬇️ Book accommodation via Booking:

What to See in Vlora

Flag Square — the heart of the city

This is where the Independence Monument stands, dedicated to the events of 1912.

At the center of the monument is Ismail Qemali, the first Prime Minister of Albania.

In 2023 the square was fully renovated and covered with pink marble.

📍 Coordinates: 40.470707, 19.490853

Independence Museum

The Independence Museum is located near the port and tells the story of Albania’s declaration of independence.

The museum displays:

• historical documents

• maps

• photographs

• personal belongings of participants

Entrance ticket: 300 lek (~3 €)

Opening hours: 10:00 – 16:00 (Monday — closed)

📍 Coordinates: 40.452302, 19.485518

Lungomare Promenade

This long seaside boulevard features:

• restaurants

• cafes

• beaches

• cycling paths

The promenade starts near Independence Park and stretches toward the Uji i Ftohte district.

In the evening it becomes one of the liveliest places in the city.

Kanina Castle

The fortress was founded in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I on the site of an ancient Illyrian settlement.

Later it belonged to Prince Gjergj Arianiti, and the wedding of his daughter to Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg was held here.

Entrance fee: 300 lek (~3 €)

From the castle you can enjoy a panoramic view of Vlora and the bay.

Zvernec Monastery

Distance from Vlora: 12 km

The most famous feature of the monastery is the long wooden bridge connecting the island to the mainland.

📍 Bridge coordinates: 40.517413, 19.406195

The monastery dates back to the 13th–14th centuries.

Kuzum Baba — Best Viewpoint in Vlora

Kuzum Baba is a hill in the center of Vlora.

It is home to a Bektashi religious site and one of the best viewpoints in the city.

At the top you will find:

• a café

• a small playground

• panoramic views of Vlora

This is one of the best photography spots in the city.

📍 Coordinates: 40.467713, 19.493030

Muradie Mosque

Muradie Mosque was built in 1537 during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent.

The mosque is still active today.

The building is protected as a cultural monument of Albania.

📍 Coordinates: 40.469148, 19.490932

Boat Tours to Sazan Island and Karaburun

Most tours include:

• visiting Sazan Island

• swimming near Karaburun beaches

• stops in hidden bays

Tour duration: 09:00 — 18:00

Average price: 2500 lek (~25 €)

📍 Departure coordinates: 40.451196, 19.486102

⬇️ Book a boat tour via GetYourGuide:

Public Transport in Vlora

There are several bus routes in the city, but two are the main ones:

• Uji i Ftohte

• Plazhi i Vjeter (Old Beach)

Ticket price: 40 lek

Payment is made in cash to the conductor.

Buses run approximately every 20 minutes.

FAQ — Visiting Vlora Albania

How many days do you need in Vlora?

Usually 2–3 days is enough to explore the main attractions and take a boat tour.

When is the best time to visit Vlora?

The best travel season: June – September

Are there good beaches in Vlora?

Yes. The best beaches are located in:

• Uji i Ftohte

• Orikum

• Karaburun Peninsula

Can you visit Sazan Island?

Yes, but only as part of an organized boat tour.

The typical price is around 25 € per person.

Where should tourists stay in Vlora?

The most convenient areas: Lungomare, city center, Uji i Ftohte.

Shorts: Pebble Beach Near the Tunnel, Vlora

Shot Date: October 20, 2025

This video shows the calm Ionian Sea near the tunnel in Vlora. A relaxing autumn day in Albania is the perfect time for a stroll and relaxation on the coast.

Watch more videos on the channel Life in Albania, so you don’t miss new episodes!