Cities and destinations · 📍 Vlorë
Vlorë by rental car: the Lungomare, Zvërnec and the gateway to the Riviera
The city of Independence and the gateway to the Riviera: what to see, where to park and how to set off for Llogara.
Vlorë is where Albania's Independence was declared in 1912 and today one of the liveliest coastal towns. For drivers it is also the gateway to the Riviera: the Llogara road to Dhërmi and Himarë starts here. Exploring Vlorë by car lets you combine the city, the Narta lagoon and the southern beaches in one day.
Getting around Vlorë by car
The motorway from Fier leads straight into town. The centre and the Lungomare are easy to see on foot; in summer the road to Radhimë and Orikum is busy in the afternoon. Use paid car parks and avoid the narrow streets near the sea at peak times.
What to see in and around Vlorë
Flag Square
Point of interest
The square with the Independence Monument, where the flag was raised on 28 November 1912.
Lungomare
Point of interest
The long seafront promenade, with pines, cafés and views over the Bay of Vlorë.
Kanina castle
Castle
The castle ruins on the hill offer one of the best views of the bay and Sazan island.
Narta lagoon and Zvërnec monastery
Nature
A lagoon with waterbirds and, in season, flamingos. A wooden bridge leads to the monastery on the small island of Zvërnec.
Orikum and the Karaburun peninsula
Nature
Boats leave Orikum for Karaburun and Sazan island, with caves and beaches reachable only by sea.
Day trips from Vlorë
- Llogara and Dhërmi: about an hour to the pass. See Himarë and Dhërmi.
- Apollonia near Fier: the archaeological park of an ancient Greek city, about 45 minutes.
- Berat: about 1 hour 30 minutes via Fier.
The city of Independence
On 28 November 1912, in Vlorë, Ismail Qemali declared Albania's Independence and the city became the first capital of the new state. The Independence Museum, in the building of the first government, tells this story. Today Vlorë is lively all year, with a university, a port and one of the longest promenades on the coast.
Practical tips for Vlorë
- In summer the coastal road to Radhimë slows down in the afternoon: travel in the morning.
- For Zvërnec, park in the designated area and walk to the wooden bridge.
- Boats to Karaburun and Sazan leave from the harbours of Vlorë and Orikum: book a day ahead in summer.
Where to stay with a car
Accommodation on the Lungomare and south of the city towards Radhimë is practical for the beaches and for setting off to Llogara. Always ask about parking, as seafront streets fill quickly in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Vlorë from Tirana?
About 150 km, roughly two hours on the motorway via Fier.
Can I see flamingos near Vlorë?
The Narta lagoon is a bird habitat and flamingos are often seen in season. Watch from a distance and do not disturb the area.
Where does the Llogara road start?
South of Vlorë, after Radhimë and Orikum. It takes about an hour to reach the pass.
