Why stop in Vlorë
Vlorë is often treated as a transit stop on the way to the Riviera but it earns two nights: one for a boat to Karaburun, one for the Sazan Island scuba trip or just a long sunset on the lungomare.
Karaburun peninsula
The wild cape south-west of Vlorë is only reachable by boat. Crystal-clear coves, the Haxhi Ali cave (best sea cave in Albania), and no cars at all. Book through one of the Vlorë pier operators.
The Llogara pass (driving north to south)
Starting from Vlorë, you climb into pine forest and emerge above the entire Riviera at 1,025m. One of Europe's great coastal drives.
Where to eat
Eat on the lungomare (seafront promenade) — the seafood restaurants facing the bay are consistently good and cheap. The fish market near the port sells the morning catch.
From the road
Practical tips
- → Avoid the central Vlorë beaches in August — they are packed and not the best.
- → The Karaburun boat trip runs from April to October.
- → Vlorë → Tirana is 2.5 hours by car on the new SH3 motorway.
