cathedral
Zvërnec Monastery
A tiny 13th-14th-century Byzantine monastery on a pine-covered islet in the Narta Lagoon north of Vlorë, reached by a long wooden footbridge over shallow water frequented by flamingos.
9 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeAlbaniaVlorë County
Vlorë
Vlorë County, Albania · Europe
About Vlorë
Vlorë is worth a stop: 25 minutes from Armen, 28km from Apollonia.
Vlorë is in Vlorë County, Albania, with about 120,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Armen, about 12 km away.
Vlorë ( VLOR-ə; Albanian: [ˈvlɔɾə]; Albanian definite form: Vlora) is the third most populous city of Albania and seat of Vlorë County and Vlorë Municipality. Located in southwestern Albania, Vlorë sprawls on the Bay of Vlorë and is surrounded by the foothills of the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Adriatic andRead more
Ionian Sea Coasts. It experiences a Mediterranean climate, which is affected by the Ceraunian Mountains and the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
The coastal area of Vlorë was one of the Illyrian sites that had experienced pre-urban activity beginning from the 11th–10th centuries BC. The area was colonized by Ancient Greeks. A large fortified port-town that was inhabited from the 6th century BC to the 2nd century AD is placed, now partially submerged, in Triport, northwest of present-day Vlorë. Substantial port activity in this site occurred from at least the archaic period to the medieval period. It has been suggested that a transfer of the ancient city from the site of Triport to the site of modern Vlorë occurred. The center of the modern city features archaeological remains dating from late antiquity. Aulon, from which the modern city took its name, appears in historical sources starting from the 2nd century AD. It was conquered at different periods throughout history by Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Venetians and Ottomans.
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the Albanians gathered both spiritual and intellectual strength for national consciousness, which conclusively led to the Albanian Renaissance. Vlorë played an instrumental role in Albanian Independence as an epicenter for the founders of modern Albania, who signed the Declaration of Independence on 28 November 1912 at the Assembly of Vlorë.
Vlorë is one of the most significant cities of southern Albania and the region of Labëria which is traditionally noted for its culture, traditions and folklore. Vlorë is served by the Port of Vlorë, the SH 8 highway, and the A2 motorway, collectively representing part of the Adriatic–Ionian Corridor and the Pan-European Corridor VIII.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Vlorë?
Within an hour or so of Vlorë: Zvërnec Monastery (9 km), Apollonia (28 km), Llogara Pass (31 km), Dhërmi (38 km).
Are there any good drives near Vlorë?
The nearest famous roads are Albanian Riviera Coastal Road, Otranto to Leuca Coastal Road and Galičica Pass Road.
Where is Vlorë?
Vlorë is in Vlorë County, Albania, about 12 km from Armen.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 115,261
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Albania
- Region
- Vlorë County
- Timezone
- Europe/Tirane
- Coordinates
- 40.4696, 19.4838
Tags
Worth the detour from Vlorë
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
ancient ruins
Apollonia
A large Greek and Roman city site near Fier with a restored bouleuterion and an adjoining monastery museum, with on-site parking.
28 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Llogara Pass
A dramatic mountain pass along the Albanian Riviera at 1,027 meters, offering jaw-dropping aerial views of the Ionian coastline far below.
31 km · about 35 min drive
beach
Dhërmi
A stunning Riviera beach village with long white pebble shores framed by olive-covered hills and the towering Ceraunian Mountains.
38 km · about 45 min drive
coastal drive
Albanian Riviera Coastal Road
The SH8 coastal route between Dhërmi and Sarandë, running above Ionian beaches and cliffside villages with frequent pull-ins.
38 km · about 45 min drive
beach
Gjipe Beach
A pebble cove where an 800 m limestone canyon meets the Ionian Sea between Dhërmi and Jala. No road reaches the sand, so park above and walk 20-30 minutes down, or wander up the slot canyon behind the beach.
41 km · about 50 min drive
landmark
Berat (City of a Thousand Windows)
A UNESCO-listed Ottoman town famed for its rows of white houses with large windows climbing the hillside, crowned by a still-inhabited castle.
47 km · about 55 min drive
beach
Himara
A charming coastal town on the Albanian Riviera with a Greek-influenced old quarter perched on a hilltop above pristine Ionian beaches.
47 km · about 55 min drive
Driving roads near Vlorë
3 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 150km.
- 31 kmLlogara PassA dramatic mountain pass along the Albanian Riviera at 1,027 meters, offering jaw-dropping aerial views of the Ionian coastline far below.
- 38 kmAlbanian Riviera Coastal RoadThe SH8 coastal route between Dhërmi and Sarandë, running above Ionian beaches and cliffside villages with frequent pull-ins.
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