Vlora, the City by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas

The city of Vlora is one of the most beautiful cities in Albania, where the blue of the sea intertwines with the natural beauties of rocky coastlines along the southern part of the country. Regarded as a pearl of Albanian tourism, Vlora is situated along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, in the southwestern part of Albania, approximately 135 km from Tirana. It is bordered to the north by Fier, to the east by Mallakastër and Tepelenë, and to the south by Sarandë and Gjirokastër. In ancient times, Vlora was known as Aulona, mentioned by many foreign travelers and chroniclers as one of the main ports of Southern Illyria, flourishing after the decline of Apollonia and Orik. Vlora’s importance further increased when it became the place where the Independence of Albania was declared from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. Among the most visited attractions within the city are the Historic Museum Complex of Independence; the seaside terrace of Teqe of Kuzum Baba, located on a hill overlooking the city; the Muradie Mosque, near the Vlorë-Skelë Boulevard, in the archaeological area near Flag Square; the Street of Jews, etc. The Narta Lagoon represents one of the largest and most important lagoons in Albania, located in the northwestern part of Vlora, creating a stunning and unique natural ensemble. Here lies Triport, a natural beauty yet to be explored by visitors. The Saint Mary Monastery on Zvërnec Island, accessible via a narrow wooden bridge; the Kaninë Castle, southeast of the city, offering views of Vlora Bay, the coastal plain, and the lower Shushica Valley, are of special interest to visitors. The shores of Vlora are mesmerizing postcards marking the beginning of the Albanian Riviera, starting with the steep descent of Llogara Pass, right above the sea, and continuing with the magical panorama of the jagged Ionian Riviera, creating bays, islets, capes, and numerous beaches, each more enchanting than the last. Some of the most beautiful destinations in Vlora, treasures of the Albanian Riviera, include: the Karaburun Peninsula, the largest in Albania; Sazan Island; the ancient Park of Oricum, the Archaeological Park of Amantia, as well as beautiful coastal villages and undiscovered caves along the Ionian Sea, the Porto Palermo Castle in Himarë. Vlora is the second largest port city after Durrës, an important commercial and maritime center in Albania. Vlora is a district where all forms of relief alternate, including low plains, hills, and mountains. Two of the region’s cultural heritage values include the Iso-polyphony of Labëria, recognized as a UNESCO heritage, and Vlora’s urban songs. Due to its geographical location and the numerous values it carries, Vlora is visited by tourists throughout the year, offering various types of tourism such as cultural, historical, mountain, sports, coastal, etc. In recent years, Vlora has seen significant development in tourism, as the beauty of its nature is discovered day by day, while hotels and numerous restaurants develop near its various attractions and beautiful beaches. Choosing Vlora as a destination for your vacation is a smart choice, as the magic of this blue city makes it hard to return to everyday life.