Experiences & services

Cool freshwater springs meeting the Ionian Sea, lined with cafés and pebbly swimming spots — a short drive south along the coast.

8 min by car

A wide palm-lined promenade for evening strolls, cycling and ice cream, running along the bay with views to the marina.

On the doorstep

The heart of the city and a national landmark, where Albania declared independence in 1912 — surrounded by the main square and fountains.

10 min by car

An elegant 16th-century mosque attributed to the architect Sinan, with finely cut stone and a slender minaret in the old town.

10 min by car

The seafront villa that served as the first government seat in 1912, now a museum with period rooms, documents and photographs.

7 min by car

A hilltop terrace and tekke with sweeping panoramas over the bay, the city and Sazan Island — best at sunset.

10 min by car

A Byzantine monastery on a pine-covered islet in the Narta Lagoon, reached by a long wooden footbridge — a tranquil half-day trip.

25 min by car

A dramatic mountain pass climbing to 1,000 m through pine forest, with paragliding, hiking trails and a famous view over the Riviera.

55 min by car

Albania's only marine national park: hidden coves, sea caves and the former military island of Sazan, visited by boat tour from the marina.

Boat tour from the marina

Ruins of a Greek and Roman port city at the south end of the bay, with a small theatre and early Christian basilica near the marina.

35 min by car

Clear turquoise water and quieter pebble coves along the road south toward the Riviera, with seaside restaurants and sun loungers.

20 min by car

The pedestrian streets around the centre and Skela harbour are packed with seafood restaurants, traditional taverns, bars and gelato.

10 min by car

A hilltop Illyrian–Byzantine fortress above Vlorë with ruined ramparts and a sweeping view over the bay, the lagoon and the plain — a short, scenic drive up.

15 min by car

A vast coastal lagoon and salt pans north of the city, famous for flamingos and migratory birds, traditional fishing and the old salt works — best at golden hour.

25 min by car

Albania's largest island and a former closed military base, dotted with bunkers and tunnels, reached on a day boat tour with snorkelling stops in crystal-clear water.

Boat tour from the marina

The lively fishing port and ferry quay where boat tours depart, lined with seafood grills and cafés — a fine spot to watch the catch come in at dusk.

8 min by car

A modern yacht marina and waterfront at the sheltered south end of the bay, with bars, restaurants and boats setting off for the Karaburun coast.

25 min by car

Some of the Riviera's most beautiful beaches — turquoise water, white pebbles and beach bars — reached on a spectacular drive over the Llogara Pass.

1 hr by car

A secluded cove at the mouth of a dramatic canyon between Dhërmi and Himara, reached by a short hike or by boat — a favourite for snorkelling and quiet swims.

1 hr 30 min by car