Vlora is a picturesque Albanian city straddling the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In years past, most travelers would drive past the country’s fourth-most-populated city on their way to the famed Albanian Riviera.

Today, that’s changed – with new renovations recreating Vlora’s old town as a vibrant downtown with bustling restaurants and Instagrammable spots, easily-accessible beaches and plenty of local history to discover Vlora has become one of the top places to see in Albania.

And for those whose travels take them beyond Vlora to the capital, Albanian Night in Tirana is the perfect way to experience traditional music, dance, and local cuisine in one unforgettable evening.

But back to the beautiful coastal town – many people ask us, how long should you spend in Vlora? We recommend a day or two in this beautiful town, especially if you’re driving down from Tirana to Dhërmi, Himarë or Saranda. Vlora is perfect for a one-night stay, offering unique historical sites, gorgeous beaches you can walk to from the town and a bustling boulevard full of high-quality restaurants serving up seafood and traditional food.

If you’re planning a trip here, read on to discover 12 great things to do in Vlora, as well as some day trip ideas and attractions to check out around the city:

 

1. Vlora Old Town

The most popular attraction you can’t miss out on is undoubtedly the Vlora old town. This quarter was recently renovated thanks to the TID Vlora project (Tourism and Infrastructure Development), which aimed to boost tourism and cultivate a bustling commercial zone full of stores and cafes. This part of Vlora is full of quaint shops and lovely spots where you can sip a coffee, as well as some high-quality restaurants. Beyond its polished facades, the area reflects layers of Vlora’s long history as a strategic port shaped by Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.

This part of Vlora is 15 minutes away from the coast, and the colourful streets here make for the perfect backdrop to a photo shoot or soaking up an exotic vibe as you explore this ancient Albanian port town. 

A lesser-known nearby street commemorates the city’s small albeit notable Jewish community. Rruga e Hebrenjve (Street of the Jews) was created and named to honor the historical Jewish community that lived there, as well as their rescue by local Albanians (Muslim and Catholic) during World War II. Albania is notable in that it was the only European country whose Jewish population grew over the course of the Holocaust; this street pays tribute to its admirable legacy of religious coexistence and heroic moral responsibility. Three Stars of David line the sidewalk, and a plaque honors Albanian-Jewish Dr. Anna Kohen, whose book, “Flower of Vlora,” talks about growing up in Communist Albania as a young Jewish girl.

 

2. Flag Square (Sheshi i Flamurit) – Independence Monument

From the Old Town of Vlora it’s easy to visit important historical monuments, like the nearby Flag Square and Independence Monument, which marks the country’s declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire on November 28, 1912. This was the site where Ismail Qemali, along with representatives from the different regions of Albania, gathered to raise the Albanian flag and declare the creation of an independent Albanian state after nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule!

Built in Socialist Realist fashion, an art form very much in vogue during the Communist era, this sculpture was put up in 1972 and symbolizes unity, sacrifice and the Albanian people’s yearning for freedom from foreign oppression. The statue features Qemali, the country’s first-ever prime minister who is largely considered the modern country’s creator, surrounded by patriots and intellectuals who helped free the country from Ottoman rule. 

The Flag Square, which hosts this impressive memorial, gets its name from the red flag with the black double-headed eagle being established here as the national symbol of the Albanian state. It’s used for state ceremonies and events throughout the year.

 

3. Ancient Vlora Walls

All that remains today of the ancient walls that used to surround historical Vlora, known in the medieval era as Valona, are ruins right by the Independence Monument. These stones and remnants of a former citadel wall are worth a pit stop if you’re already at the nearby square, as they stand witness to the city’s incredible mix of civilizations and empires that have left their mark on the region: Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman powers all ruled here throughout the past two thousand years, when Valona was an important port and defensive hub in the Adriatic-Mediterranean trade route.

 

4. Vlora History Museum

Costing just 200 ALL, this small but notable museum is worth a visit if you’re curious to learn more about local history, steps away from Flag Square. Vlora was at one point a Roman city, and, as such, the museum showcases multiple Roman-era artifacts as well as Bronze Age and medieval Byzantine items, too. You can take 15-45 minutes to look at the different inscriptions in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic that showcase the city’s diverse history, making this an easy and rewarding stop between exploring the old town and the nearby landmarks without feeling overwhelming.

 

5. Muradie and Neshat Pashaj Mosques

Also called the Lead Mosque, the Muradie Mosque is right off Flag Square and offers a great example of Albania’s tradition of religious blending and coexistence. Built in the mid-sixteenth century by the Ottoman architect Sinan the Elder, it is one of the oldest surviving mosques in Albania and stands as a testament to the city’s long Islamic heritage alongside its Christian and secular landmarks. 

Another, less-well visited mosque is the Neshat Pashaj Mosque, a small place of worship also built in the late 16th century during the Ottoman period, likely around 1585. More modest in scale than the Muradie Mosque, it reflects the neighborhood-style mosques that once served Vlora’s everyday religious life and offers a quieter, more local glimpse into the city’s Muslim culture.

 

6. Eqrem Bej House

One of Albania’s most powerful noble families used to live in Vlora, and today, you can see its estate at the Eqrem Bej house, which is also close to the Independence Monument. The house once formed part of an impressive property belonging to the Vlora dynasty showcasing how elite Albanian households were organized during the Ottoman era, with separate quarters for family life (including a harem) and public affairs. Inside, you can learn about the daily rhythms of a “Great Home,” where hospitality was a social obligation and dozens of servants, tutors and guests lived under one roof. Exhibits highlight the family’s role in politics, culture and trade, as well as their connections to key figures such as Ismail Qemali, Albania’s first head of state. The owner of this house wrote a famous two-volume German language memoir that has since been translated into Albanian, English and Turkish documenting what life was like in the nineteenth century in southern Albania.

 

7. Kuzum Baba Restaurant & Viewpoint

That’s it for the historical Vlora area. You’ll be hungry by this point and want to head over to Kuzum Baba, a restaurant with a beautiful terrace overlooking the city of Vlora and the sea. You can walk there in 20 minutes if you’re in good shape, or drive, though the road to this eatery can be tricky to navigate, so take your time and try to come during the daytime. The restaurant offers delicious traditional Albanian food as well as Italian fare; if you don’t feel like eating, you can also order a coffee and soak up gorgeous sunset views that many people describe as the best in all of Vlora. The staff here are friendly and service is excellent, so this is a great restaurant to finish off your daytime hours of exploring Vlora.

 

8. Walk Along the Vlora Boardwalk

No visit to Vlora is complete without a xhiro, the Albanian word for “stroll,” along the iconic Vlora boardwalk, which locals have taken to calling “lungomare,” reflecting the Italian influence on this region (dating back to the 20th-century Fascist occupation of Albania). This stretch of pavement along the sea is full of locals out for an evening walk, and often hosts free events and concerts in the warmer months of the year. You can rent a bike or just walk along the sea here to soak up the local atmosphere, access the beaches closest to the city and enjoy the fresh air.

 

9. National Independence Museum of Vlora

Established in 1936, this building is where Ismail Qemali served as the country’s first-ever prime minister from 1912-1914. This museum is home to many artifacts relating to Albania’s independence. Located close to the port and boardwalk of Vlora, entry costs just 300 ALL, making it an easy and worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the city’s pivotal role in Albanian history.

 

10. Kanina Castle

The Vlora region is well-known for its sweeping vistas, and the Kanina Castle is another historical point of interest with gorgeous views of the sea and city. Located a 15-minute drive away from the city center, Kanina Castle dates back to ancient Illyrian times and was later expanded during the Byzantine period due to its strategic hilltop position above Vlora Bay. Over the centuries, it was fortified and used by Venetian and Ottoman rulers to control key land and sea routes in southern Albania. Today, you can hike up to these ruins at sunset to enjoy sweeping views of Vlora Bay, the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. 

 

11. Narta Lagoon, Zvernec Island and St. Mary’s Monastery

One of Albania’s most unique and iconic tourist attractions is the Zvernec Lagoon and Island, which host St. Mary’s Monastery. This small island can be accessed with a beautiful wooden bridge and hosts a charming monastery from the Byzantine era home to splendid iconography, historical architecture and an active altar. 

Narta Lagoon, which hosts this island and monastery, is one of Albania’s most biodiverse areas, home to over 200 species of birds, including many migratory varieties and flamingos. In the winter months, you can often spot flocks of pink flamingos feeding in the shallow waters, while summer brings nesting birds and rich coastal wildlife. The area is also dotted with calm, scenic beaches, making it an ideal escape from the busier pace of life in the city of Vlora itself.

 

12. Day Trip to Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island

Vlora sits opposite Albania’s sole national maritime park, Karaburun Peninsula. This area is home to dozens of beautiful coves and beaches that are accessible only by hiking or boat rides, and plenty of companies offer day trips to these natural gems from the port of Vlora. Another popular day trip is Sazan Island, one of Albania’s only islands that has recently garnered international interest as outside investors have bought the rights to develop a high-end luxury resort there. This island used to be an Albanian military base, making it impossible for regular citizens to visit until recently.

That’s it in terms of attractions and what to see in the town of Vlora itself and its surroundings. Next, we’ll tell you all about the best beaches in Vlora, as well as its top restaurants.

 

The Three Best Beaches in Vlora

1. Plazhi i Ri – The New Beach of Vlora  is perfect for those seeking an easily-accessible place to relax by the water from the city itself. This sandy beach is free and also offers paid services, like 6 euros for 2 sunbeds and an umbrella as of summer 2025. Bars and restaurants offer plenty of places to eat and enjoy a drink by the shallow waters of the Adriatic.

   

2. Narta Beach – Located in Narta Lagoon, this is a very quiet and remote beach that’s worth visiting if you want a more serene and calm scene. This family-friendly sandy beach north of Vlora is several kilometers long and offers uninterrupted views of the water, with plenty of amenities nearby – you can bring your own food, water and umbrella, too. 
3. Radhimë Beach – This beach is located a 20-minute drive south of Vlora. It’s much quieter and relaxed here, and you can easily find a deckchair and umbrella for five euros a day. The water here is calm as it’s protected by the Bay of Vlora, and is a beautiful shade of blue throughout the day.

 

Where to Eat in Vlora

Vlora, being so close to the sea, offers plenty of delicious seafood options, as well as high-end Italian restaurants, traditional Albanian spots and Greek food that you won’t want to miss. Here are some of our recommendations for the best restaurants in Vlora:

1. Novus Traditional-Food-Restaurant – this buffet-style restaurant is no-frills and highly-delicious. This place serves up traditional Albanian foods like tave kosi as well as Greek classics like moussaka, with large portions and high-quality ingredients dominating. Prices are reasonable, service is very quick and the staff are super friendly!
2. Restorant 4 Stinet – this restaurant is a bit out of the way but worth the detour. The fish soup, grilled vegetables and fresh fish are all reasonably-priced and delicious. Service here is also quick, and it’s an easy walk from the old town area.
3. Taverna Xhakaj – this traditional Albanian and meat restaurant offers up delicious and tender portions you won’t want to miss. The owners are incredibly friendly and interact with guests regularly, and the portions are very fair.

That’s it for our guide on what to do in Vlora and how to enjoy its historic old town and beautiful beaches. If you fly out of Albania via Tirana, don’t forget to stop by Albanian Night for the country’s only nightly show immersing visitors in local culture and costume!