10 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN VLORE, ALBANIA

Vlore, Albania is skipped far too often by travelers exploring the Albanian Riviera, and I think people are seriously missing out! As the gateway into the Riviera, Vlore sits at the juncture of the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, giving you a mix of coastlines, water colors, and marine conditions that most Riviera towns don’t have. The town’s boardwalk is also loaded with restaurants and shops – Giving a more ‘city meets sea’ sort of feel.

If you’re planning your Albanian Riviera Itinerary and aren’t sure whether to add Vlore to the list… My opinion? This should be your very first stop as you make your way down the coast.

All that being said – What in the world is there to do in Vlore, Albania? Here’s a list of the top 10 things you can’t miss:

1. Explore Old Town

The Old Town of Vlora is colorful, but quaint! For the most ideal itinerary, spend a couple hours taking a look at the historical sights around town:

Muradie Mosque
Independence Monument
Ancient Wall Ruins
History Museum
House of Eqerem Bay

And follow that with an hour or two of relaxation at one of the gorgeous cafes or restaurants in the area.

2. Enjoy A Drink With A View At Kuzum Baba

Whether you’ve rented a car or will need to make the trek by foot, the view from Kuzum Baba is worth the trip. The lookout is located about 1/2 mile from Old Town Vlore, so you could take this on right after exploring Old Town, or save it for another day if that’s too much walking at once.

Once you’ve made it to the top, grab a cocktail or a bite to eat, sit down and take in the view of Vlore from above! (Psst.. I’ve heard the food isn’t great, so if you’re a foodie like me, you may want to head back into town for dinner.)

3. Sample A Bit Of Everything At Miku Traditional

Speaking of dinner, the Albania foodie bucket list is EXTENSIVE – But here is a spot where you can check off a ton of traditional Albanian food without stressing about locating every item on the list.

Miku Traditional offers a prefix menu, including a sampler of cold appetizers, hot appetizers, salad, and a choice of meat. I was shocked to see so much food when they brought out the first tray! The highlight of the dinner for me? The lamb, which came out flaming and tasted absolutely fire (literally).

4. Enjoy A Sunset Picnic At Sunset Beach

I know, I know… This is something you can do at any beach, but it’s something you SHOULD do at any beach. So we’re going to add it to the list.

The sunsets in Vlore are spectacular, so if you’re a big sunset lover like me, I recommend finding somewhere to enjoy them each and every night – And one of those nights should certainly be on the beach!

If you choose to wear your swimsuit, you won’t be alone floating in the water as the sun goes down. This is a very popular thing to do in the Balkans! (And probably most places with open water? I’m not sure…)

5. Take A Day Trip To Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cove, and Karaburun

To find some of the clearest water around, you’ll want to hop on a boat and head over to Sazan Island! This trip is usually grouped with Haxhi Ali Cove and Karaburn, which are both must-see spots as well.

Sazan Island: Once off-limits as a military base, the island is now part of Albania’s first marine national park. Walking among abandoned bunkers and old barracks gives it this almost post-apocalyptic vibe, but step a little further and you’ll find quiet coves, wild greenery, and water so clear it practically glows. It’s a surreal mix of history and untouched nature that you won’t get anywhere else along the Riviera.

*Side Note – I belieber Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner bought this island in Summer 2024, so when I was there, my guide alluded to the island being closing to the public soon… I am back in Summer 2025 and it is still open! But be sure to check before getting too excited…

Haxhi Ali Cave
Hidden along the Karaburun Peninsula, Haxhi Ali Cave is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret world. The only way to get there is by boat, which adds to the adventure. Inside, the cave opens up to sparkling turquoise water that locals say once sheltered the legendary pirate Haxhi Ali. Swimming or snorkeling here feels magical — it’s like nature carved out a private pool just for you.

Karaburun Peninsula
Karaburun is where you go when you want to escape the crowds and find Albania at its wildest. The peninsula juts out between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, with dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches scattered along its rugged coastline. There are no resorts, no busy promenades — just raw beauty and a sense of adventure (oh, and a small restaurant in bar to re-fuel you, if needed). You can hike its trails if you’re up for the challenge, but most people explore it by boat, hopping from one secluded bay to the next.

I booked my tour to these three amazing places on Get Your Guide; For the exact tour I booked and thought was a fantastic experience – Click Here!

6. Hike Or Drive To Kanine Castle

Another off-the-beaten-path spot, Kaninë Castle feels like stepping back in time with a view that stretches across the entire bay. Perched on a hill surrounded by olive groves, the ruined fortress is quiet and untouristy, making it the perfect escape from the city below.

The hike up winds through Kaninë village, and once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the sea, the Karaburun Peninsula, and even the mountains behind Vlorë. The walls are weathered and crumbling in places, but that only adds to the charm – It’s the kind of spot where you can wander slowly, soak up the history, and imagine the centuries of life that unfolded here.

As mentioned above, this castle is totally accessible by foot, but most people choose to drive as a result of the steep walk to the top.

7. Book A Speed Boat Tour To Grama Bay & Blue Cave

One of the best ways to experience Vlorë’s wild side is by hopping on a speedboat tour along the Karaburun Peninsula. The ride itself is half the fun! The boat skims over the bright blue Ionian waters with the wind in your hair and cliffs rising dramatically around you.

The first highlight is the Blue Cave, a hidden sea cavern where the sunlight filters through the water, turning everything a glowing shade of turquoise. The captain usually slows down so you can snap photos or even dive in for a swim if the sea is calm.

From there, the boat continues to Grama Bay, one of the most remote and beautiful beaches in Albania. With its white pebbles, crystal-clear water, and towering cliffs carved with centuries-old inscriptions, the bay feels like a secret paradise at the edge of the world. There are no restaurants or hotels here – Just raw, untouched beauty. Most tours give you time to swim, snorkel, and lounge before zipping back to Vlorë in time for sunset.

It’s equal parts adrenaline rush and pure escape – the kind of day trip that leaves you sun-kissed, salty, and completely in awe of Albania’s coastline.

8. Enjoy The Beaches Of Vlore

We can’t talk about all of the amazing things to do in Vlore and not talk about the beaches! From renting a sunbed to throwing out a towel and napping in the sand, plenty of ways to enjoy the beach exist in Vlore. But which beach to choose? Now that’s the question.

Along the boardwalk, you will find miles of sand and to be honest, which spot is best really depends on the day and the weather prior.

Where the beaches really begin to differ is further south down the coast, so if you’ve got a car, you may want to drive south on the coast until you find a beach that suits you.

While I’ve only explored the local beaches thus far, I am renting a car next week and will update this guide with what I find!

9. Get In Touch With Nature On Day Trip To Brataj Bridge, Nivica Canyon & Peshtura Waterfall

This adventure takes you deep into Albania’s wild side, far from the busy beaches. You’ll cross the historic Brataj Bridge, a stone arch tucked into the countryside, before heading to Nivica Canyon, where sheer cliffs and sweeping views show off some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. The day ends at Peshtura Waterfall, a hidden gem where cool waters tumble into a natural pool – the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

10. Take In Vlore’s Most Beautiful Views On An ATV Tour

For a dose of adventure with unbeatable scenery, an ATV tour is the way to go. You’ll ride off the beaten path, climbing into the hills above Vlorë where olive groves and winding trails open up to sweeping views of the bay and the Karaburun Peninsula. The mix of adrenaline and panoramic landscapes makes this tour the perfect way to experience Vlorë’s rugged beauty from a whole new angle.

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Have I sold you yet?? Shoot, I’m ready to do all of this again after writing the list! Which of these amazing to-do’s is at the top of your list? Let me know in the comments. 🙂