5 Reasons Why Vlora, Albania Should Be Your Next Mediterranean Getaway
Vlora, Albania’s third-largest city, offers stunning beaches, a rich history, and a sparkling new marina complex. Hemmed in by the azure Adriatic Sea and the pine-wrapped Ceraunian Mountains, Vlora is gaining attention as Albania becomes one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. Here are five reasons to visit Vlora before the rest of the world catches on.
1. Explore the Stunning Coast
Follow the promenade from Vlora Marina to discover a mile-long stretch of golden sand, boasting over 300 sunny days per year. Take a kayak or speedboat into the bay to explore the rocky coastlines and mysterious caves of the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island. The wider county of Vlora offers more beautiful beaches, such as Dhermi, Gjipe, Radhim, Jala, and Palasa, all accessible on a day trip from the city.
2. Soak Up the Culture
Vlora and southern Albania are rich in heritage sites. Visit the city’s Old Town and Kaninë Castle, then head to Oricum, an archaeological park once a stronghold of Julius Caesar. Explore the hilltop ruins of Apollonia to the north, and don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Gjirokaster and Berat. Gjirokaster features a well-preserved Ottoman town on a hillside, while Berat offers a blend of Illyrian, Roman, and Byzantine influences with its mural-filled churches and mosques.
3. Stay at a Brand-New Marina
Vlora’s seafront is being transformed into Vlora Marina, a mixed-use development with a 5-star hotel, sea-view apartments, and a long promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and family entertainment. Wander along floating pontoons that provide moorings for over 400 yachts, enjoy coffee, Italian gelato, high-end retail therapy, and relax at luxury spas or seafront bars.
4. Sample the Mediterranean Cuisine
Vlora’s cuisine is a taste of the Mediterranean. Enjoy seafood dishes like sea bass, red mullet, calamari, and cuttlefish, often served with lemon or garlic. Albanian and Balkan delicacies include byrek, grilled meats, qofte, tavë kosi, and kaçkavall cheese. For dessert, try the delicious baklava. Accompany your meal with local wine, raki, or a dhallë.
5. Discover the Natural Habitat
Vlora’s natural surroundings are perfect for nature lovers. Visit Narta Lagoon to the north for amazing birdlife or head south to Llogara National Park for dense forests and vertical rock faces. For a full-day adventure, travel towards the Greek border to the UNESCO-listed Butrint National Park, featuring beautiful lakes and marshes.