Kanina Castle
Climb to the historic hill village of Kanina for fortress ruins and one of the widest views over Vlora, the bay and the surrounding coast.
Official visitor information →← All guidesADRIATIC & IONIAN GUIDEVlora:
Vlora:
two seas,
one great journey.
Explore Kanina and Narta, sail to Sazan and Karaburun, then follow Albania's spectacular Riviera through Himara toward Saranda.
Best for Sea & road tripsIdeal stay 3–7 nightsRegion Southwest Albania
WHY VISIT VLORA
The gateway to Albania's most dramatic coastline
Vlora sits where the Adriatic and Ionian worlds meet. The city is a practical base for lagoon landscapes, hilltop history and boat adventures, while the road south opens into the mountain-and-sea scenery of the Albanian Riviera.
DON'T MISS
Six essential Vlora experiences
Narta Lagoon & Zvërnec
Walk through the pine landscape and cross the wooden bridge to the 13th-century Monastery of St Mary on its small island in Narta Lagoon.
Official visitor information →Sazan Island
Take a seasonal boat trip to Albania's largest island, where wild coastline and clear water surround the remains of a former military base and tunnels.
Official visitor information →Karaburun Marine Park
Discover rocky bays, sea caves and remarkably clear water around the Karaburun Peninsula, often visited by boat from Vlora.
Official visitor information →Haxhi Ali Cave
Enter Albania's largest coastal cave by boat and see the deep-blue water and dramatic rock walls of this Karaburun natural monument.
Official visitor information →The Albanian Riviera
Follow the coastal road over Llogara toward Palasa, Dhërmi, Vuno, Himara, Porto Palermo, Qeparo, Borsh, Lukovë and Saranda.
Official visitor information →THE COASTAL JOURNEY
From Vlora through Himara to Saranda
Allow at least two days if you want more than photo stops. The road is the experience: viewpoints, mountain villages and Ionian coves appear around almost every bend.
- Vlora → LlogaraPass Radhimë and Orikum, then climb through Llogara National Park for the famous view over the Ionian coast.
- Palasa → DhërmiDescend to Palasa, Drymades and Dhërmi for bright water, long beaches and stone-village views above the coast.
- Vuno → HimaraContinue past Vuno and Gjipe toward Himara, a lively Riviera base with beaches, an old town and easy coastal walks.
- Porto Palermo → BorshStop at the bay and castle of Porto Palermo, continue through Qeparo and relax along the long shoreline at Borsh.
- Lukovë → SarandaFollow the final southern stretch through Lukovë and Bunec before arriving at Saranda and the gateway to Ksamil and Butrint.
GOOD TO KNOW
Practical tips
Sazan, Karaburun and Haxhi Ali Cave are usually reached on organized boat trips. Check the exact route, swimming stops and weather policy before paying.
The Riviera road is scenic but winding. Start early, avoid rushing after dark and plan fewer stops than the map may suggest.
Stay near central Vlora or Lungomare for city life, Orikum for quieter access south, or split your trip with nights in Himara and Saranda.
STAY IN VLORA
Search stays on Booking.com →Start your coastal journey here
Compare available hotels and apartments for your travel dates.