Vlora

The official currency is the lek (ALL). Euros are accepted almost everywhere in tourist areas – hotels, waterfront restaurants, rental shops – but at a poor rate. Exchange offices in the center offer better rates than ATMs (ATM fee: 500–800 ALL). Markets and small eateries are cash-only in lek.

The waterfront (Lungomare / New Beach) is the main tourist area: hotels, restaurants, walking distance to the center. The south end of the bay (Radhima, Orikum) is quieter and newer, but without a car or taxi it's far from the center (20–30 min). The old town is cheaper, closer to the Independence Museum, but no beaches nearby.

Vlora is a calm city. The center and waterfront are safe in the evening. Standard precautions: don't leave belongings unattended on the beach, use taxi apps. Tap water is not drinkable – buy bottled.

Bus from Tirana – 2.5–3 hours, 800–1,000 ALL (€8–10), departing from the south bus terminal. Furgons (minibuses) are cheaper but less comfortable. By rental car – about 2 hours on the good SH4 road. Vlora's airport (Akërni) is not yet open.

Roaming is expensive – Albania isn't in the EU roaming zone. Buy a SIM card in Tirana on arrival (Vodafone, ~€15 for 100 GB) or order an eSIM in advance. 4G coverage in Vlora is stable; in the mountains along the riviera there can be dead spots.

Sazan Island – former Soviet military base, boats from the port (check at the tourist info office). Llogara Pass – national park at 1,000 m altitude, gateway to the riviera. Kanina Castle – fortress ruins with panoramic views of the entire bay (10 min by car). Zvërnec Monastery and Narta Lagoon – a 1.5-hour excursion, flamingos from November to March.

Lunch at a local restaurant – 600–1,200 ALL (€6–12). Seafood on the waterfront costs more: dinner for two with fish and wine – 4,000–7,000 ALL (€40–70). Byrek for breakfast – 50–100 ALL. The market has fruit and vegetables 2–3 times cheaper than supermarkets.

Russian citizens can enter visa-free during the summer season (April–October). Healthcare in Albania is basic – we strongly recommend getting travel insurance. Serious cases may require evacuation to Tirana or abroad.

Day 1: Flag Square and the Independence Museum (entry €2), the 16th-century Muradie Mosque, stroll along Lungomare, beach. Day 2: morning – Narta Lagoon and Zvërnec Monastery, afternoon – Kanina Castle at sunset. If you have a third day, head through Llogara to the riviera.

The center is compact – walkable. To Radhima/Orikum beaches – taxi (500–1,000 ALL) or local bus. For riviera trips, Sazan, and mountain excursions – car rental (from €35/day) or organized tours. City bus – 40 ALL.