Last updated on February 19th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
Nestled along the stunning Albanian Riviera, Vlore is a hidden gem that offers everything you could want for a relaxing and unforgettable addition to your Albania itinerary.
With its picturesque beaches, rich history, and vibrant holiday vibe, Vlore is a perfect destination for those looking to explore a lesser-known destination in Europe.
Whether you’re flying solo, on a romantic getaway, or adventuring with the family, we can guarantee that spending one day in Vlore will create memories that will last a lifetime.
In this ultimate guide to Vlore, we’ll cover all the top things to do in the city, the best way to get there, must-try places to eat, and the best accommodation in Vlore for your stay. When it comes to Vlore travel guides, it doesn’t get much better than this.
All that’s left for you to do is show up and enjoy your one day in Vlore!
Getting to Vlore: Renting a Car in Albania
Before we dive into the best of what one day in Vlore has to offer, let’s talk about the secret to making your visit even more enjoyable: renting a car.
Trust us, if you’re looking to explore Albania on your own terms, having your own set of wheels is a game-changer, and there’s no better way to find the best deal than through DiscoverCars.com.
After all, Albania is packed with scenic drives, stunning beaches, and quaint villages, and you won’t want to miss any of it. After browsing different car rental sites, we found that DiscoverCars.com offer the best deals we’ve ever seen.
When we were planning our trip to Vlore, we knew renting a car would be the best way to explore the region. We picked up our car directly at Tirana Airport, which made the process super easy. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out our guide on the best things to do in Tirana – could Tirana be Europe’s hidden gem?
DiscoverCars.com is essentially the “Skyscanner” of car rentals. It filters through all the options available across a range of rental companies, finding the best deals based on your preferences. You can filter for the type of car you want, the pickup and drop-off locations, and even compare customer reviews. For us, this site made finding the perfect car for exploring Albania incredibly easy, and the prices were shocking!
We managed to rent a car for less than $5 per day. Yes, you read that right – less than five bucks! Honestly, this was a steal, especially when you consider that renting a scooter in some parts of Asia can cost more than that. We were able to explore at our own pace without worrying about limited public transportation schedules or overpriced taxis. For the price of a coffee, we had the freedom to explore Albania – visit beaches, hike to incredible viewpoints, and enjoy everything Vlore had to offer.
In fact, if you can find better car rental deals than this, please let us know, because we genuinely believe that the car rentals in Albania offer some of the best value for money in the world.
Now that we have a car rental for Albania let’s see what are the best things to do in Vlore.
Albania Travel Tip: If you are a budget traveler or don’t fancy driving in Albania, check out how to get from Tirana to Vlore by bus.
The Best Things to Do in Vlore
When spending one day in Vlore, you’ll want to make the most of the time you have. Start your day by exploring the less touristy parts of the city – this is where you’ll find the real charm of Vlore, and the first part of Vlore you enter when driving from Tirana to Vlore so that’s pretty handy!
Vlore Old Town is a great place to wander, with narrow streets full of history and local life. Unlike the more popular areas of Vlore, here you can experience authentic Albanian culture and discover gems like the Muradie Mosque, built in the 16th century, and the Independence Square, where Albania declared its independence in 1912.
*Enjoy lunch in Vlore Old Town – keep reading for our top restaurant recommendation.
After lunch, walk or drive the short distance (1.4km) to Kuzum Baba, a hilltop offering panoramic views of Vlore and its beautiful bay. It’s the perfect spot for a quick photo-op or just to take in the stunning scenery.
Next on our list of best things to do in Vlore, drive the 5 km from Kuzum Baba to Kanina Castle, a historic fortress offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and the Ionian Sea. This is a fantastic spot to learn a bit about Albania’s history while soaking in the beauty of Vlore.
After soaking up history and scenery, make your way to Zvernec Island, 20 km from Kanina Castle, located in the Narta Lagoon. This peaceful spot is home to an ancient monastery, and the tranquil setting provides a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Vlore city.
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Best Place to Eat in Vlore Old Town for Lunch
While you are exploring Vlore Old Town and if you are looking for a taste of authentic Albanian food, head to Restorant 4 Stinet for brunch/lunch. This local restaurant is a favorite among locals, offering delicious meals at an incredible value, and is a must-visit in Vlore.
It’s a spot that’s not overwhelmed with tourists, allowing you to enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch in a more authentic setting. Don’t just take our word for it – check out the fantastic reviews and see why you won’t regret trying it for yourself!
Not a bad one day in Vlore so far right? But wait, we still have to visit the most popular attraction in Vlore.
Now that you’ve visited the best attractions in Vlore Old Town, it’s time to head to the most popular thing to do in Vlore – Vlore Promenade. The promenade is the central hub for both locals and tourists alike. Stroll along the seafront, soaking in the famous views of the Albanian Riviera.
The views here are hard to beat, and many consider them the best sunset views in Albania. Watch as people stroll, jog, or simply relaxing together – there’s a really great vibe along Vlore’s promenade that is just infectious.
The promenade is where you will be enjoying the remainder of your day in Vlore.
Best Place to Eat in Vlore for Afternoon Snack
While wandering along Vlore’s promenade stop for a cheeky afternoon drink, and share a pizza as you watch the world go by, and soak up that incredible energy. Vlore is home to plenty of great pizza spots, especially along the waterfront, but we recommend Happy Pizza Albania as it is a handy stroll to your hotel.
The pizzas here are incredibly delicious and the perfect “snack” without ruining your appetite for dinner. Another positive, Happy Pizza is, of course, located right across from Vlore’s beach, so you can enjoy a lovely view while you dine. In case you haven’t realised, but visiting Vlore is all about this sea views!
Best Place to Stay in Vlore
When you’re ready to unwind, it’s time to check into a seafront apartment. For the ultimate Vlore experience, we highly recommend Azar Luxury Suites – a stunning hotel offering exceptional luxury at an unbeatable value. With breathtaking sea views from your room and a private beach, it’s the perfect place to relax in Vlore.
Whether you’re on a European romantic getaway, a honeymoon in Albania, or simply treating yourself to affordable bliss that would cost you a fortune elsewhere in Europe, staying at this beachfront luxury accommodation in Vlore is an experience in itself. And you deserve it!
Seeing as you rented a car in Albania, this Vlore accommodation offers free parking!
Check-in, get comfortable, and prepare for an evening out in Vlore just in time for the sunset.
Best Place in Vlore for Sunset
For the best sunset views in Vlore, we highly recommend Bar Pizzeria Sunset. Located at the end of a fairy-light-lined jetty that extends into the sea, it offers unbeatable views as the sun dips below the horizon – hands down, the best spot for sunsets in Vlore.
Sit back, enjoy a cocktail, and soak in the beauty of Vlore. It doesn’t get more of a holiday feel that this. Enjoying the sunset is arguably one of the best things to do in Vlore.
If those cocktails are going down too well, you can enjoy dinner here or take a stroll along the promenade towards your hotel to find a new venue.
Vlore’s promenade is lined with various restaurants and bars. The only problem? There are so many fantastic restaurants in Vlore, that it can be hard to decide where to dine. Don’t worry, though – we’re here to help you with your decision.
Best Place to Eat in Vlore for Dinner
On your way back to your hotel, we highly recommend Paradise Beach Restaurant for dinner. True to its name, this charming beachfront restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local Albanian specialties. After a day of exploring the best attractions in Vlore, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
After dinner, you may want to have an early night, heading back to your luxury hotel in Vlore to relax – whether that means enjoying a nightcap, or soaking in the hot tub and pampering yourself.
Other Popular Things to Do in Vlore
If you have more time, there are plenty of other popular things to do in Vlore. You can take in the stunning sea views from a different perspective by booking a thrilling paragliding experience.
For a more relaxing activity, consider a boat tour to explore the nearby islands and caves, offering a chance to discover some of Vlore’s hidden gems.
Vlore truly has something to offer any type of traveler.
A Perfect One Day in Vlore
One day in Vlore is packed with so much to see, do, and experience – history, food, culture, and luxury all come together to create the perfect day.
From exploring historic landmarks in Vlore to lounging along the beautiful beaches and enjoying delicious meals, one day in Vlore is an ideal way to soak up the essence of Albania.
Is Vlore Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Vlore is worth visiting, 100%.
If you’re looking for a European holiday destination that offers a mix of culture, history, stunning views, and mouth-watering cuisine, then one day in Vlore is all you need to fall in love with this charming coastal town in Albania.
It’s got the best of both worlds: the relaxing seaside and the rich heritage. Vlore’s breathtaking views, particularly at sunset, are some of the best views in Albania.
After a fulfilling one day in Vlore, you’ll be ready to continue your Albania itinerary. The next day, hop back in your rented car, and continue your journey south to Sarande, where even more beauty and culture await!
Enjoy Vlore!
We are certain that you will fall in love with this Albanian coastal town as much as we did. We had such an amazing time exploring all the amazing things to do in Vlore and hope you do too.
In fact, why not let us know how you get during your one day in Vlore? Or did you choose to staying longer?
Feel free to leave a message below or contact us on our socials.
Slán go fóil
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