Vlora Trail — A Scenic Weekend Route in Albania
The Vlora Trail is the perfect three-hour weekend route with picturesque views and moderate physical activity.
Information about the Hike
The Vlora Trail is a route for a walk around Vlorë, passing along a mountain path with views of the mountains and the sea.
The trail runs parallel to the sea level at an altitude of about 100 meters and winds around several hills.
Conditionally, the route is divided into three parts: the climb to the trail, walking along the trail, and the descent down. The total time for the entire hike — from the meeting point by the lion to back — usually takes 3 hours.
Vlora Trail: Reasons for a Walk
Why choose the Vlora Trail for a walk?
During the hike, travelers will be treated to panoramic views of the Vlora Bay.
- Active movement improves blood circulation and helps the nervous system relax.
- The vast open space and views to the horizon relax the eye muscles and calm the nervous system.
- The surrounding nature: shrubs, rocks, mountain views, greenery, and the sea in the bay — these are factors that distract from everyday hustle and problems.
- Spending time with friends in nature: what could be better for a weekend?
Thus, a number of factors encourage you to take the Vlora Trail.
- Sleeping Vlora on a summer Sunday morning.
Vlora Trail: Preparing for the Hike
Who can go on the hike
Anyone who wants to take a walk in nature can participate.
You can organize a small group or go together. It will be interesting either way.
What to wear for the Vlorë Trail
Sneakers are best, as the trail is rocky with slippery muddy sections.
In winter, it is better to wear jeans or sports pants, considering that in some places the trail is overgrown with small bushes.
In summer, during hot weather, you can wear shorts.
Clothing should be loose and not restrict movement.
It’s better not to bring bags: a backpack on your back will be much more convenient. Your things won’t get in the way of photographing nature.
What to take with you on the hike
The journey will take about 3 hours. Therefore, you can take apples, bananas, or other fruits to snack on the way.
Perhaps some may want a drink: bring water with you. Those who like to snack in nature can take sandwiches and hot tea in a thermos.
Tip: take a break at the end of the path, climbing up the mountain among the large boulders. Look around and take in the nature around you. You are going to have fun, not just to complete the route.
Ideal weather for the trail walk
Choose clear, sunny weather.
Panoramic photos of the bay and mountains will turn out fresher and brighter.
In several places, the trail passes through muddy sections. It will be slippery during rain and right after it.
Also, there are several places where you will need to climb rocks. The obstacles are simple but may create discomfort for non-sporty people.
- A picturesque route with new impressions in Vlora.
Best time to start the route
You decide when to go.
It is ideal to leave after breakfast, around 9-10 or 11 a.m.
In the first half of the day, the sun will be behind you, and you will be able to take wonderful photos of Vlora Bay and Sazan Island.
- Private sector in the suburbs of Vlora on a hillside.
Best time of year for the route
When can you walk the route?
At any time of the year, depending on your preferences and abilities:
- In January, during sunny weather, you will enjoy wonderful views of the sea.
- For example, in May and June, you will see many turtles right on the trail and near it.
- In July, there will be a lot of greenery and vegetation.
- In autumn, there will be berries along the slope.
The mountain views will always be unique.
- The Vlora Trail is clearly visible on the hill.
Organizing the Hike
Meeting point for tourists: where to gather
It’s best to gather near the “lion” monument at the final bus stop “Cold Water.”
Locals gather drinking water here.
Coordinates of the “lion” at the bus terminus: 40.429899, 19.493481
- Lev is the meeting place and the beginning of the route along the Vlora Trail.
How to get there by bus
The “lion” monument is at the final bus stop, which is called Uji i Ftohtë in Albanian or “Cold Water.”
On the left side of the building (near the lion), there is a road where the route starts.
Your plans after the hike
Plan in advance what you will do after finishing the hike.
You can go to a café or go to the beach and swim in the sea.
You will return along the road by the sea. Some tourists stop at the beach after the hike and swim in the sea.
Tip: prepare your swimwear in advance.
Route Details
Below is a photo, which you can use to find the “starting point” for the route.
You need to walk from the “lion” monument along the road on the left side of the mountain along the shore.
You will pass by a glass viewing platform.
You’re on the right path: continue walking.
Turning off the road: the start of the adventure
The turn is clearly visible in the photo below: near the sign “secondary road.”
Turn toward the mountains and walk between the houses, higher and higher.
Coordinates of the turn from the road to the trail: 40.420333, 19.490562
The concrete road will steeply rise between the houses.
- The exact place where you should turn off the main road.
Climbing up: steep turns
The road at the beginning of your journey will go steeply uphill.
Your task is to stop occasionally, look around, and take beautiful photos of the surroundings.
Then the road will take a sharp turn to the left and up.
At this turn, the roof of an unfinished building gives excellent photos of Vlorë Bay.
- At this point you should turn behind the unfinished house.
Path to the trail: turn by the pines
The route then passes along a fence and private houses.
You walk along this road until you reach a group of fluffy pine trees.
Near the pines, there will be the last sharp turn to the right and a climb up to the beginning of the trail.
The trail begins: first steps
From the pines, you need to climb a bit higher between the houses.
Then there will be a fork in the dirt roads, where you should turn right.
This is exactly the level at which the Vlorë Trail is located.
Look for the start of the trail: it’s there and can be seen.
- The beginning of the Vlora Trail – tourists are ready to set out on the route.
Mountain views and a photo for memory
Before starting the route, look around and take a photo to remember the event.
The panorama of the mountains is magnificent from here: you can see the Vlorë Trail on the opposite mountain slope.
Now start the route. The trail runs parallel to the sea level, winding around two hills.
Walking along the trail
Here’s what the trail looks like on one of the slopes.
The old irrigation channel, built in 1979 from concrete tiles, is almost completely covered with soil after 45 years.
This is the channel through which the Vlora Trail passes.
- This is what the trail looks like – it mostly runs along a trench.
Route completed: descent to the sea
After winding around the hills, the trail will reach private buildings.
You will be on a street that will lead you directly to the seashore.
Just continue along the road through the village.
Hike Results
What you will get from the walk
- You will have memories of the vastness and Albanian nature. You will have photos to remember the hike and socializing.
- You will understand Albania better by actually being in the mountains and touching the life of the local population.
- A healthy hike in the mountains in fresh air will be beneficial for your health. Improving health is an important aspect.
Physical activity, communication with friends, new impressions of space and height: this is the result of a walk along the Vlora Trail.
In conclusion
The weekend route “Vlora Trail” through the mountains around Vlorë is simple and fascinating.
I hope you will like it.
Useful tips for tourists
- Choose the day and time that’s convenient for you.
- Consider the weather: on a sunny day, the photos will be more vibrant and bright.
- Take fruit or tea (coffee) in a thermos. There is a place on the mountain before the descent where you can sit and snack, enjoying the views of nature.
- Bring money if you want to sit in a café.
- Take beach gear if you plan to swim in the sea after the hike.
If you’re planning walks near other cities in the country, check out the section Hiking Trails in Albania — Walking Routes and Scenic Paths. It features one-day routes with convenient starting points from popular locations.
Shorts: Panorama of Vlora from the Mountain Viewing Trail
Shot date: October 2, 2024.
The video shows a morning panorama from the Vlora Viewing Trail. Hikers on the trail, sun-drenched mountains, and a serene view of the sea and Vlora.
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