Vlorë

Vlorë is a city in Coastal Albania. Vlorë has the largest port in the country after Durrës and it is mainly important as a naval port.

Understand
Vlore lies in the southwestern coastal region of Albania, at the southern end of the Adriatic Sea and the northern part the Ionian Sea. The Vlore coastline accounts for about 30% of the entire coast of Albania. The Albanian Riviera is nearby. It is 135 km from the capital city, Tirana, separated by only 72 km from Italy (Channel of Otranto) and 123 km from Greece (the island of Corfu).

The surface area of Vlore is 1,609 km² and includes 4 cities; Vlore, Selenica, Himara and Orikum.

It has a climate typical of Mediterranean Sea, with mild winters that are generally wet, and summers that are dry. The Vlore region has three basic climatic zones:
 * The coast has moderate temperatures, as the other countries of the Mediterranean, and does not suffer the cold winds like the western side of Albania.
 * The inland, hilly areas in the region have a cool climate with rains and similar to that of Central Europe with a relatively mild climate.
 * The mountainous region, such as Llogara, possesses a dry continental climate. In winter it can be quite cold (though snow is relatively uncommon) and has fresh, cool air all summer long.

Vlore receives more hours of sunshine per year than any other region of Albania - averaging over 2,000 "sunny" hours annually.

Vlore has the only peninsula in Albania, which is named Karaburun. It is roughly 16 km by 4 km in size, and an area of 62 km². The peninsula of Karaburun is rich in natural resources (famous for marble), woodlands, and archeological remains. It is also home to a reserve for wild pigs.

The only island in Albania, named Sazan, is 17 km from the port of Vlore and 9 km from Triport (Three Gates) in the Vlore region. The highest point of the island is 342 m. Sazan has a surface area of 5.7 km² and 12 km of coast. A rocky cliff breaks the beach.

Vlore, long known for its olive production, at last count had approximately 280,000 olive trees. The olive trademark "Vlonjak" is one of the oldest in Europe and is known for its great oil production.

The territory around Vlore comes from thriving ancient cities such as Amantia-Ploce, Olympe-Mavrova, Orikos-Orikum, Himera-Himare, Kionina-Kanine, Nymfeum-Selenica and Aulona-Vlora.

Vlore is also known for being the headquarters of the 1997 revolution in Albania. Zani Caushi was one of the local leaders, although he later started to deal in drugs. If possible, do not get in a discussion about 1997 while in Vlore.

Talk
The dialect of Vlore is difficult to learn, as it includes a special kind of speaking (slower than the rest of Albania), difficult "r" and "l" ("r", especially when the first letter of a word, is severe, while "l" is something between "l" and "ll", similar to the Greek "l") and a lot of special phrases. Vlore people almost always use "motra" and "vlla" (sister and brother) when addressing at each other, even if its the first time you meet with them. A famous funny phrase in Vlore is "me ler rehat o vlla se i thash vllait" ("Get off brother, or I'll tell my brother", when a girl grows tired of a boy's flirting).

By bus




Destinations:
 * Sarandë – As of September 2014, mini-buses left from Sarandë at 05:30, 11:30, 16:30, 18:00.
 * Athens, Greece – Daily two buses—over night bus and day long bus. €30.
 * Ohrid, North Macedonia – Euro Linia depart at 14:00 from Vlorë.

By plane
The nearest airports are in Tirana, or Corfu, via the Sarandë ferry.

As of 2023, a new airport is being built in Vlorë.

By car
If you are in Tirana, follow the way: Tirana-Durres-Kavaje-Rrogozhine-Lushnje-Fier-Vlore. The roadway is pretty good.

From North Macedonia, you can follow: Qafe Thane-Librazhd-Elbasan-Rrogozhine-Lushnje-Fier-Vlore

From Greece, you can take three ways: (i) Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Tepelene-Vlore; or (ii) Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Qafe e Muzines-Sarande-Vlore; or (iii) Qafe Bote-Sarande-Dhermi-Vlore. The last itinerary is the shortest

Get around
There are three areas you might visit in Vlore:
 * Beaches – They stretch several Km to the south/east of the port, and there are numerous hotels and apartments in this stretch. There are also good beaches north/west of the port, but these are less easily accessible.
 * Port area – Numerous hotels and restaurants in this area, though the town beach and the sea here are rather dirty
 * Town centre – Lies inland, about 2 km north of the port. A long boulevard lined with palm trees joins the two. There are many bars, shops and restaurants along this boulevard. The town centre (around Flag Square) has a few 'tourist attractions', though unless you are in Vlore for the beaches there is not much to detain you more than half a day. The main reason for staying in this area is its convenience as a bus/furgon 'hub' serving nearby towns.

There is a small tourist information kiosk in Flag Square, next to the Independence Monument.

See


Town centre:

Port area:

Do

 * Enjoy the vivid night life of the city and suburbs.

Eat
Vlore's sea products are some of the best in Albania. The Paradisa Beach Restaurant offers great seafood and is 5-10 minutes (depending on traffic) with a car from the center of Vlore. Ask for the right direction. Another great restaurant is "Makareshi", which is less than 5 minutes from the center of the city (with a car). But the most important thing to eat there is the Vlore traditional food. Vlore (together with Kurvelesh) is the center of Laberia—the most famous and patriotic region of Albania. "Lab" people tend to be very proud of themselves, but also of their food. Try kukurec, qumeshtor and harapash. "Mish ne hell", which is rotisserie lamb, is well-known. Try this around Karaburuni.

Vlore area cuisine is typical of coastal and mountainous areas. The products are taken from dairy animals which are raised in the mountains by the sea.

Here are some examples of traditional Albanian dishes:


 * Byrek is a flaky pastry that is preferred by the people of Vlore to be filled with either field greens or just as a milky pie. The most important ingredients are fresh milk, flour, and field greens.
 * Grilled meat is characteristic of Vlore, and is found in every restaurant. The nearness of the sea and the quality of pastures give the meat in this area an incomparable taste. Lamb from Karaburun cooked over an open fire is particularly delicious.
 * Yogurt in Vlore is produced traditionally and is different than the yogurt produced in most of Europe.
 * Harapash is similar to porridge and is cooked with corn flour, the intestines of lamb, cheese and butter.
 * Raki is the traditional alcoholic drink of Albania. The drink is typically grape-based, but you can also find raki made from blackberries and plums.
 * Another typical dish for Vlore cuisine are plates with seafood, fish, mussels, shrimp, and lobster.

Drink
By the main beach where the Adriatic meets the Ionian sea, there is a natural mineral water spring that leads into the ocean. Locals fill up empty bottles to take with them to the beach, and larger containers to take home. You can have an aperitif always near the seaside or in the mountain of Llogora, a natural park (protected).

Sleep
Accommodation on offer ranges from luxurious to basic with a good choice of hotels in between. Friendly service and good hospitality is usually encountered. Also available are private apartments and homes for longer stays of 10-15 days, B&Bs and hostels. You can camp in some areas.

Town centre:

Go next
From north to south:
 * Tirana (N ) – The capital—trees and mountains surround the city. Mt. Dajt is a popular tourist site for a great view of the city.
 * Durres (N ) – One of the oldest cities in Albania. Flooded three times during its history. The current city is built on the ruins of two previous ones. It has the largest amphitheater in the Balkans. It is the largest port of Albania and has the longest shoreline.
 * Fier (N) – A lively city, and only about 8 km (5 mi) away from the ruins of the ancient Illyrian city of Apollonia. Much of this ancient city still remains buried under the hills.
 * Dhërmi (S) – One of the finest of the many beaches along the coastal road, also perfect for camping.
 * Vuno (S) – A small village a few kilometres north to the town of Himarë, beaches and feeling on the Albanian riviera.
 * Himarë (S ) – A Greek/Albanian town on the seaside of the Albanian Riveria with beautiful beaches and an ancient old town.
 * Lukove (S ) – Part of the Albanian Riviera, here is Kakome, one of the most beautiful Albanian beaches.
 * Sarandë (S ) – A city known for its unforgettable beaches and colorful spring blooms.