Things to Do in Vlorë: Beaches, History and Zvërnec Guide
Updated 2026-11-01 · 6 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to spend 48 hours in Vlorë
- Explore the restored Old Town (Lagjja Muradie) and visit the 16th-century Muradie Mosque in the morning.
- Walk to Flag Square and tour the National Museum of Independence near the port.
- Drive 12 kilometers northwest to the Narta Lagoon to cross the wooden footbridge to Zvërnec Monastery.
- Take a boat trip from the Port of Vlorë to Sazan Island and Haxhi Ali Cave on the Karaburun Peninsula.
- Spend an afternoon on the beaches of Radhimë or Plazhi i Ri, followed by an evening walk along the Lungomare.
What are the best beaches in and around Vlorë?
Vlorë features shallow sandy Adriatic beaches directly in the city, while clear pebble and rock shores start just south along the Ionian coast toward Radhimë.
The city's main public shore, Plazhi i Ri (New Beach), runs alongside the Lungomare promenade. The water here is calm and shallow, with a broad sand bed that caters to families. To the south, beginning at Uji i Ftohtë and continuing to Radhimë and Orikum, the topography shifts to small pebbles and deeper water. Beach clubs and open public sections alternate along this stretch, offering umbrellas and sunbeds for rent.
Further south, accessible primarily by boat or hiking trails, lie the remote coves of the Karaburun Peninsula, such as Gjiri i Bristanit and Gjiri i Dafinës. These bays feature limestone cliffs and clear waters. A set of two sunbeds and an umbrella in the Vlorë and Radhimë area usually costs between 500 and 1,500 ALL (around 5 to 15 EUR) per day, though prices change depending on the season and specific beach club.
| Beach Area | Coastline Type | Distance from Center | Average Sunbed Set (Prices change) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plazhi i Ri (City) | Sand | 2 km south | 500 - 1,000 ALL (€5 - €10) |
| Radhimë | Pebble / Gravel | 12 km south | 800 - 1,500 ALL (€8 - €15) |
| Orikum | Pebble / Sand | 18 km south | 600 - 1,200 ALL (€6 - €12) |
| Karaburun Bays | Pebble / Rock | Accessible by boat | 1,000 - 2,000 ALL (€10 - €20) |
How do you visit Zvërnec Island and its monastery?
Zvërnec Island sits in the Narta Lagoon 12 kilometers northwest of Vlorë and is reached on foot via a 270-meter wooden bridge across the water.
The island is covered by pine woods and houses the Monastery of Saint Mary (Manastiri i Shën Mërisë), an active Eastern Orthodox complex dating from the 13th to 14th century. Visitors can walk the wooden pedestrian bridge, explore the courtyard, and view the preserved stone church. The surrounding Narta Lagoon serves as an important habitat for aquatic birds, including seasonal flocks of greater flamingos and dalmatian pelicans.
Reaching Zvërnec requires private transport, a rental car, or a taxi, as standard public transit does not run to the footbridge. A round-trip taxi from central Vlorë typically costs between 1,500 and 2,500 ALL (15 to 25 EUR) including driver waiting time, though prices change. Admission to the island and monastery grounds is free, but visitors should dress modestly when entering the church.
What historical sites should you see in Vlorë?
The main historical landmarks in Vlorë are the National Museum of Independence, the 16th-century Muradie Mosque, and Kaninë Castle.
The National Museum of Independence is located near the commercial port in the two-story building that served as the headquarters of Albania's first independent government in 1912. Inside, exhibits display original documents, telegrams, and historical artifacts related to Ismail Qemali and the founding assembly. Entry tickets cost between 200 and 500 ALL (2 to 5 EUR), though prices change. Near Flag Square, the Muradie Mosque stands as an authentic 1537 Ottoman stone structure designed by the architect Mimar Sinan.
On a hill 6 kilometers southeast of the city center lies Kaninë Castle, dating back to at least the 4th century BC. The fortress was expanded by the Byzantines, Normans, and Ottomans to guard Vlorë Bay. The site provides views over the city, the Narta Lagoon, and the Karaburun Peninsula. Ticket entry to Kaninë Castle is between 100 and 300 ALL (1 to 3 EUR), though prices change.
Can you take day trips to Sazan Island and Karaburun?
Yes, daily tourist boats leave from the Port of Vlorë between May and October to visit Sazan Island and the marine caves of Karaburun.
Sazan Island was a restricted military base during the Cold War and retains abandoned barracks, observation bunkers, and tunnel entrances. Guided excursions stop at the small port on Sazan, allowing travelers to walk along designated paths on the island. The boat itineraries generally continue along the Karaburun Peninsula, stopping at the Cave of Haxhi Ali, a large marine cave accessible by sea.
Most boat tours operate as half-day or full-day trips departing mid-morning and returning in the late afternoon. Fares generally range between 2,000 and 4,000 ALL (20 to 40 EUR) per passenger, though prices change depending on boat type and inclusions. Because amenities on Sazan and Karaburun are sparse, travelers should carry their own drinking water, sunscreen, and solid walking shoes.
How do you get to Vlorë and travel around?
Vlorë is connected to Tirana by the SH4 four-lane road and regular buses, with local transport handled by city buses, taxis, and car rentals.
Intercity buses run every thirty minutes to an hour from Tirana's South and North Bus Terminal to Vlorë. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours via the highway. One-way bus tickets cost between 500 and 700 ALL (5 to 7 EUR), though prices change. Travel from southern towns like Sarandë or Gjirokastër takes roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours, using either the inland highway or the coastal route through the Llogara Tunnel.
Within Vlorë, an urban bus line travels down the main boulevard from the city center past the port and along the Lungomare to Uji i Ftohtë for approximately 40 to 50 ALL (under 0.50 EUR) per ride. Taxis operate with meters or standard flat rates within the center. A rental car is the most practical choice if you plan to visit Zvërnec, explore Kaninë, or continue south along the Albanian Riviera.