One of Albania’s largest cities, Vlorë is a lively port city in the south-west of the country. Surrounded by lovely bays and beaches, it marks the beginning of the Albanian Riviera, stretching along the Ionian coast to Ksamil. Crystal-clear waters and relaxing beaches are just a few kilometers away.
What makes Vlorë special is its unique mix of sea, lagoons, and hills. With a Mediterranean climate, scenic viewpoints, a charming old town, ancient ruins, and sandy beaches, it’s an ideal base for exploring the region or taking day trips to Dhërmi, Himarë, Sarandë, or Ksamil.
where vlorë turns moments into memories
Vlorë captivated us immediately with its stunning coastal views, vibrant city center, and beautiful beaches right on its doorstep. The blend of urban life and seaside tranquility is reminiscent of Barcelona, very relaxed and authentic.
The city itself is the perfect base for exploring. Countless coves, secluded beaches, and fantastic destinations await discovery in the surrounding area. Vlorë has everything you could wish for in an unforgettable coastal vacation.
Vlorë is located on the Albanian Riviera and is easily accessible, whether you arrive by plane or are already traveling within the country. Most travelers come via Tirana, Albania’s main transport hub. From there, several routes by car, bus, taxi or guided tours lead comfortably to the coast.
We drove from Berat to Vlorë and found the route very scenic, easy and pleasant.
The best and easiest way to get to Vlorë is by car. This is especially true because there are many beautiful places to visit that are best reached by car.
From where:
Tirana 2-2.5 hours (≈150 km)
Berat 1.5-2 hours (≈100 km)
Durrës 1-1.5 hours (≈120 km)
Sarandë 2-2.5 hours (≈160 km)
Cost: Rental car will cost approx. 30-50€ per day (plus fuel)
Why it’s good: Maximum flexibility, ideal for exploring beaches and bays in the area
Our experience: The drive from Berat was relaxing and offered beautiful views
The bus is a great alternative to the car. Albanian cities are very well connected, and you can travel from A to B comfortably, affordably, and reliably.
From where:
Tirana, Berat, Durrës, Shkodër and more
Duration:
Tirana → Vlorë: approx. 3–3.5 hours
Berat → Vlorë: approx. 2–2.5 hours
Price: mostly around. 10-15€
Good for: Budget travelers and anyone who doesn’t want to drive
Note: Buses run regularly, but not always according to a fixed timetable.
A taxi is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to Vlorë, especially directly from Tirana Airport. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. The price ranges from €120 to €180, depending on the taxi company, but should be agreed upon in advance. Ideal for travelers with lots of luggage or limited time.
Guided tours or organized transfers offer a stress-free alternative for getting to Vlorë. They usually start in Tirana and often combine the journey with sightseeing or stops along the way. Prices start at around €60–100 per person and are particularly suitable for those who want to travel in a relaxed manner.
In our opinion, the best time to visit Vlorë is late spring and early autumn. We were there ourselves in September, and it was a wonderful time: pleasant temperatures, warm sea, and significantly less crowds than in the summer months.
In the height of summer (July and August), it can get very hot, well over 30 degrees Celsius, and the city and beaches are significantly more crowded. September, on the other hand, offers the perfect balance of sun, sand, and relaxed city life, ideal for beach holidays, excursions to bays, and strolls along the promenade. Winter is generally not recommended here. It’s rather chilly, many places are closed, and the sea is no longer inviting for swimming.
🌦️
⌀10°C
Jan
🌦️
⌀11°C
Feb
🌥️
⌀13°C
Mar
🌥️
⌀16°C
Apr
🌤️
⌀20°C
May
🌤️
⌀25°C
June
☀️
⌀28°C
July
☀️
⌀30°C
Aug
🌤️
⌀24°C
Sep
🌥️
⌀20°C
Oct
🌦️
⌀15°C
Nov
🌦️
⌀11°C
Dec
🌸 Best time to travel: May-June and September
☀️ Very hot: July-August
🌧️ Very rainy: November-February
The ancient city of Apollonia near Fier is a worthwhile cultural excursion. The extensive ruins are situated in a peaceful setting and offer fascinating insights into Albania’s history.
Gjipe Beach is one of the most spectacular bays in the region. Nestled between high cliffs, the beach can be reached on foot or by boat, perfect for those seeking nature and seclusion. It takes about 20-25 minutes to walk from the parking lot, which costs a few LEK, to the beach.
Dhërmi and Drymades Beach are known for their turquoise sea and impressive mountain scenery. Ideal for a relaxing day at the beach, although the beach can get quite crowded during peak season (July & August). Therefore, it’s better to visit the mountain village of Dhërmi instead.
Llogara National Park offers a spectacular contrast to the coast. From here you have breathtaking views of the sea and mountains, perfect for short hikes and photo stops. On the route from Vlorë to Dhermi, when you reach the tunnel, take the exit beforehand to drive through Llogara National Park.
Himarë is a charming coastal town with small coves and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s ideal for enjoying the tranquil beach life or strolling along the promenade in the evening. You should definitely explore the beautiful beaches and the castle, which towers over the surrounding landscape.
The St. Mary’s Monastery of Zvërnec is idyllically situated on a small island in the Narta Lagoon, just a few kilometers from Vlorë. Accessible via a wooden footbridge, the Byzantine monastery offers a tranquil atmosphere and is a beautiful place for a short trip away from the city. It is particularly popular for walks and photography.
Berat is an ideal day trip from Vlorë and easily accessible by car or bus. This UNESCO-protected city delights visitors with its historic quarters, Berat Castle, and the famous “Houses of a Thousand Windows”—a perfect change of pace from the coast.
Vlorë is a particularly good place to stay along the promenade (Lungomare). There’s a wide selection of modern hotels, apartments, and hostels, many with sea views, and restaurants and cafes right on your doorstep. The location is ideal for easily enjoying both the beaches and the city life.
On our first trip to Albania in April, we chose the Ames Hotel & SPA – an excellent choice with comfortable rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. On our second visit in September, we stayed at the Belvedere Hotel. We can also highly recommend this hotel: great location, comfortable accommodations, and perfect for a stay on the coast.
Modern hotel directly on the promenade (second row) of Vlorë. *Ames Hotel & Spa has comfortable rooms, spa facilities with rooftop pool, bar and friendly service, ideal for a relaxing stay by the sea.
Charming hotel in a superb location near the beach, but a bit further from the town center. The *Belvedere Hotel & SPA is perfect for guests who appreciate comfort, relaxation and proximity to restaurants and the sea.
Alternatively, we can also recommend the *Montis Agroturizëm Hotel. This agritourism hotel is located a little outside of town in a quiet setting, surrounded by nature and mountains, with truly beautiful views. Montis offers traditional cuisine, warm hospitality, and a relaxed atmosphere – ideal for experiencing rural Albania authentically and unwinding.
For a first-time visit, accommodation along the Lungomare (promenade) or in Uji i Ftohtë is recommended. Those who prefer a quieter atmosphere or are traveling by car can also stay a little further out and quickly reach the most beautiful beaches in the area. It can be quite noisy and crowded around the old town at times.
Vlorë’s rather small old town lies a little off the beaten path and reveals a quieter, more authentic side of the city. Narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming local cafes characterize the area. The history of Vlorë is particularly easy to discover around Independence Square and the Muradie Mosque. The old town is perfect for a short stroll, a coffee, a snack, and a glimpse into traditional city life – a delightful contrast to the modern coastline.
Vlorë’s old town is perfect for a quick coffee break. Away from the promenade, it’s much quieter here, with charming cafes, shady spots, and plenty of local flair. Prices are reasonable; a coffee usually costs 1–2€, cakes and small snacks are also very affordable.
We particularly loved Komiteti Kafe Muzeum. The location is truly special – lovingly decorated, almost like a small museum, with many details from bygone eras. Here you can sit comfortably, drink good coffee or raki, and simultaneously get a glimpse into Albanian history and culture. For us, it’s one of the most beautiful cafes in Vlorë’s old town and definitely a recommendation.
The Komiteti Kafe Muzeum is lovingly and meticulously decorated, resembling a small museum more than a café. Besides good coffee, cakes and snacks, the charming green courtyard, where you can relax outdoors, is a particular highlight in Vlorë’s Old Town.
Vlorë is a quite compact and walkable city, especially around the Lungomare promenade and the city center. Depending on how much you want to explore nearby beaches and bays, different transport options work best.
The promenade, beaches, cafés, the old town, restaurants and many hotels are easily reachable by walking. Perfect for short distances and evening strolls.
Taxis are affordable and widely available in and around the city. Short rides within the city usually cost between 4-10€. Always agree on the price before starting the ride.
Local buses are a good alternative to get from A to B in Vlorë. They connect the city center with areas like Uji i Ftohtë and nearby beaches. They are quite cheap (around 0.50-2€) but schedules can be irregular.
If you plan to explore beaches, hidden coves, places around Vlorë and the Albanian Riviera, renting a car is the most flexible option. Parking is generally easy outside peak summer months. Traveling by car offers the most flexibility and allows you to explore everything at your own pace.
For places like Karaburun Peninsula, Sazan Island, Gjipe Beach and other lovely places , boat trips from Vlorë are a great alternative and often the easiest way to reach them.
