Vlorë.
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Overview

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).

Vlore 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 it's 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).

Get in

By bus If you are a tourist coming from airlines, Tirana International Airport (TIA) in Rinas, there are "Hermes Airport" minibuses parked there, with defined timetables, (~every 2 hours) departures to Vlora.

The same for you that choose to go right from Vlora city to TIA, waiting for your airplane to go abroad, "Hermes Airport" minibuses awaits you about every 2 hours in front of their office, in "Transballkanike" street, near "Alpet Oil" station.

Please visit this link for more details:

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. 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.

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 kilometres 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. Old 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. A historical place with so many businesses, like air bnb and cafés, restaurants, also historical and ethnographic museum.

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

See

Mosque of Neshat Pasha. This late Ottoman-era mosque in Vlorë is known for its distinctive red exterior and traditional Islamic architecture. It remains an active place of worship and a local landmark.

The House of Eqerem bej Vlora. The House of Eqerem bej Vlora is a monument of cultural heritage.

The House of Writer Petro Marko. The residence of the writer Petro Marko is a monument of cultural heritage. It is located in Dhërmi village.

Castle of Kanina. Built in the old center of Vlore in the 3rd century BC. This castle has an area of 3,625 ha. It was rebuilt by Emperor Justinian in the 5th century BC. In Anna Komnenes' notes, she talked long about her father, Emperor Aleks', war against the Norman army.

Lead Mosque (Rruga Justin Godar) Historic Ottoman-era mosque in central Vlorë, notable for its traditional architecture and cultural importance. Soda's Forest (Pylli i Sodes) Lungomare Beach (Lungomare beach, 2,451 m away from the centre of the Vloras town) Main seaside promenade and beach area of Vlorë, lined with cafés, restaurants, and views of the Adriatic coast. National Museum of Independence, SH8Museum dedicated to Albania’s declaration of independence in 1912, displaying historical documents and artifacts.

Flag Square & Independence Monument. A massive socialist-realist monument celebrating the independence of Albania from the Ottoman empire in 1912.

Plazhi i vjeter i vlores (Old Beach of Vlora)

Monastery of Saint Mary. On an island and famous for its wooden path to the monastery. On the other side of the island, it is possible to see Flamingos.

Orikum. Ancient theatre of Orikum (1st century BC), Church of Marmiroi (Kisha e Marmiroit).

Kropisht Castle. built in the Roman period. It is composed of stones, 24x2x5 cm. The fortress was built in the shape of a square with an area of 250x180 m. For the most part, the widths of the stones were 1.2 m.

Vlore Castle. It was built in 1531 by Sultan Sulejman to protect Vlore from attack from the Venetian army. This castle was documented by Dr. Auerbahu in 1847 and was saved in the library archive of Innsbruck.

Movrove Castle. Built in the 4th century BC. The walls are built with a limestone blockade.

Lepenice Caves. Cave writings, situated on the mountain and village of the same name, which has a height of 800 m above sea level. Pictures found in this cave represent post-Paleolithic art, which is known as the oldest in all of Europe. In the cave you find 19 anthropomorphic figures and 8 geometrical pictures.

Haxhi Ali Cave. In a cliff, it is the biggest cave in Albania at 30 m long, 10 m wide and 10-15 m high.

Narta Lagoon. One of the most important lagoon in Albania. Connected with the sea by the way of a channel and, as such, are affected by the tides. It is well-known internationally because of the number of sea birds, which exceeds 48,700. For three species of sea birds, 1% of the total number find refuge here. In winter, more than 23% of the sea birds of Albania live in this area.

Pashaliman Lagoon. One of the most important lagoon in Albania. Connected with the sea by the way of a channel and, as such, are affected by the tides. Although small in size, is known for different kinds of ducks and for winter seabirds that migrate through Albania.

Shushica River. This has a length of about 80km and is also known by another name, Vlore River, because it traverses the valley of the same name.

Vjosa River. with the length of 76 km, it has served as a natural border between Fier (in the north) and Vlore. It was very practical to navigate between the two cities because the river generally passes through fields and flat land.

Velça Caves. These are part of the culture of the late Neolit culture of the 3rd millennium BC. Professor Marciani took notes about this cave, and speculated that it must have been lived in 1,000 years before Christ.

Ferun Water Supply (Dukat). Ferun Water Supply (Dukat) is a monument of cultural heritage in Dukat, Vlora District, Vlora Region, Albania. Ferun Water Supply, built in 1888 (SHE XIX), is located at the foot of Mount Karaburun near the Marmiroti church, just over the river of Gjinará. It has symmetrical composition, the central arch with two smaller sides. It circulates water from the Llogara mountain.

Do

Enjoy the vivid night life of the city and suburbs. Take a nice and long walk in the Lungomare scenic pedestrian road (which starts near the port and ends at the tunnel of ''Uji i Ftohte'' neighborhood). Go to the Vlora Bypass Road and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the entire city.

Natural springs. Vlore is blessed with numerous natural springs because of precipitation and the mountainous landscape.

Hiking activities, organized in private 10 - 40 people groups by Vlora Hiking for example in different path' sceneries. Canoeing activities, by the beaches shore, borrow fee/hour to the beach owner. Cycling activities, by the lungomare bicycle paths, to the old beach until Zvërnec monastery, by local rentals. Birdwatching activities, by PPNEA organisation for civil society rising awareness on wildlife, in collaboration with ADZM, Vlore. Paragliding activities, ascending from Kanina Castle or Llogara Balcony, by Aeroclub Albania or Sky Sports groups. Petro Marko theatre artistic show watching, or art exhibitions. Cinema at "Labëria" Palace of Culture in Vlora, near "Ismail Qemali" University. Kuzum Baba masjid visit for having a panoramic view of the city skyline. Poligoni Kondi, Location Irakli Pylli Street, Vlorë. Visit Muradie Mosque-The Muradie Mosque is a historic 16th-century mosque in Vlorë, believed to have been designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. It is one of the city’s most important cultural and religious landmarks, known for its beautiful Ottoman architecture and historical significance

Eat

Enjoy seafood and drinks at the marina area,especially during summer evenings when the city becomes very lively. Vlore's sea products are some of the best in Albania. The Paradise 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 Vlora 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. Another perfect eating destination for the seafood lovers would be BAR Restaurant Vangjeli, with quite reasonable prices affordable for everyone's pockets.

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 and drinks:

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.blackberries and plums. You can try different tastes of raki at Komiteti Bar Vlore. Seafood dishes – grilled fish, calamari, or shrimp, often simply seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Another typical dish for Vlore cuisine are plates with mussels and lobster Raki – a strong fruit brandy, usually made from grapes or plums; often homemade and served as a welcome drink. Local wines – Vlorë and southern Albania have vineyards producing red and white wines, typically light and fruity. Boza – a slightly sweet fermented drink made from corn or wheat, common across Albania. Mineral or spring water – local natural springs provide clean water, sometimes preferred over soda.

Taverna Te LILO. Cheap and tasty traditional Albanian food. If you are feeling adventurous you can also try fried brain for 700 lek.

Sufllaqe - Vëllezërit Zeneli - Skelë.

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).

Saint Tropez Vlorë. Saint Tropez Beach, bar, snackes, Club Vlore.

Lime Lounge Cocktail Bar. Chic place, even for a nice morning coffee and an unforgetful party on late night.

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.

Vlora Backpackers Hostel. Vlora backpackers in an old villa located in a city center close to flea market grocery market and many historical museums best for stop by travellers. bus station is close for travelling outside of Vlora the port to Italy is 2 km easy with city bus.

Maritim Resort Marina Bay. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Maritim Resort Marina Bay each room has bed linen and towels.

Hotel Roalb. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. The units feature a wardrobe.

Onorato Hotel. Each room comes with a TV. Certain units have a seating area for your convenience. Some units include views of the sea or garden. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a bidet and shower, with bathrobes provided.

Hotel Aglon. Hotel Aglon is there near beach Vlora 1.

Aquamarine Residence, County Uji i Ftohtë, St. Sea & Sand Hotel Sazani Street