Vlora sits at the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas – you can feel the geography: north of the city, beaches are flat and sandy; to the south, the rocky riviera coastline begins. The city itself isn't a resort in the classic sense: there's a long promenade (Lungomare, 3.8 km), a port area, and a historic center with the Independence Museum and Flag Square, where Albanian independence was declared in 1912. Twenty to thirty minutes south you'll find the beaches of Radhima and Orikum – quieter and with newer hotels. For nature lovers: the Narta Lagoon with flamingos and the Zvërnec Monastery on a small island in the middle of the lagoon.
From Tirana to Vlora it's about 2.5–3 hours by bus (800–1,000 ALL, ≈ €8–10). The Vlora airport under construction (Akërni) was supposed to open in 2025, but timelines have shifted – check the current status. For now, the nearest airport is Tirana (TIA), 150 km away. Vlora is the starting point for trips south along the riviera: via the Llogara Pass (steep switchbacks – manageable by bus, dramatic by rental car) the road leads to Himara and onward to Saranda. Best season: June and September – warm sea, beaches not overcrowded, accommodation prices 30% lower than July–August.
