Incredible Day Trips From Vlore, Albania (and How To Get There)

Incredible Day Trips From Vlore, Albania

Beautiful Vlore sits on the shores of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, in south western Albania. The town is packed full of history, great places to eat and incredible sea views. However, Vlore is also perfectly placed to explore the gems of the Albanian Riviera. Close to Vlore are loads of historical sites and outdoor activities as well as some incredible beaches. We will introduce you to the most awesome day trips from Vlore, including how to get there, what to bring with you and loads more useful tips.

Day Trips from Vlore – Apollonia

Apollonia is a reminder of the ancient Greeks in Albania. Named after the Greek God, Apollo, the settlement began life in 600 BC as a Greek trade colony. Later, the Romans developed it into a thriving city around 200 BC. The Roman Emperor Augustus is said to have studied Philosophy here.

Unfortunately, the city came to a rather murky end in the 4th century after a huge earthquake literally changed the landscape. The malarial swamps slowly moved closer to the city and eventually took over, making the city uninhabitable.

Today you can still visit the ruins of the ancient city. They are damaged but enchanting making Apollonia one of the best day trips from Vlore.

The drive from Vlore to Apollonia is relatively simple and should take under 40 minutes. Most of the route is highway, only the last portion after Fier is along smaller roads.

There are also regular buses from Vlore to Fier leaving from the Intercity bus stop. The bus takes around 40 minutes and costs 250 Lek. On arrival in Fier, directions to Apollonia are the same as above.

Day Trips from Saranda – Be Mesmerized by The Blue Eye (Syri I Kalter)

Syri I Kalter is a captivating and intriguing body of water in southern Albania, making it a great day trip from Saranda. The Blue Eye is shrouded in mystery and local legend. The blue Eye, or Syri i Kalter in Albanian, is a natural water spring of unknown depth and chilling temperatures. The centre of the spring is a deep, dark blue, whilst the surrounding water is a fresh green fading out to the white of the pebbly shore, giving it the vague appearance of a huge eye.

The area can get very busy in the summer, so we recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid any crowds – or visit off season. There is a restaurant close by and it’s a good place for a quick refreshment. There is not much else around so it’s definitely worth taking a day bag with a few supplies. However, you will probably only need to spend half a day here

It is possible to take a minibus from Vlore to the Blue Eye. However, it takes about half a day so to visit the Blue Eye as a day trip from Vlore, you really need to go by car. Or maybe stay overnight in the area. To drive will usually take under 3 hours. It is best to combine a trip from Vlore to the Blue Eye with a stop in Gjirokaster.

Day Trips from Vlore – Visit Gjirokaster’s Ottoman Streets from Vlore

The stone city of Gjirokaster is well known for its incredible Ottoman architecture and spectacular castle. This is possibly one of the best day trips from Vlore.

To get to Gjirokaster, you will need to drive for around 2 hours. A large part of the road is winding as it slopes up and down the Gjerë Mountains, but the scenery is spectacular! Just look out for the occasional flock of sheep that might slow you down. There is also a bus from Vlore to Gjirokaster at 8am. However, it is always advised to check these times in advance as timetables in Albania are far from precise.

Alternatively, you can book tours that will take you from Vlore to Gjirokaster and the Blue Eye in one day.

There are many amazing things to keep you busy in Gjirokaster. The city is immersed in history and bursting with magnificent Ottoman architecture. The highlight for us was the imposing castle perched above the old town. Make sure you also check out the Old Bazaar, with some great souvenir shops, and stop for a strong coffee in one of the quaint coffee shops at the side of the picturesque, cobbled streets. Check out THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN GJIROKASTER

We combined a trip to Gjirokaster and the Blue Eye on the same day. It is a long day but easy to do if you plan your route well and have access to a car.

Day Trips from Vlore – Visit More of Albania’s Incredible Beaches

Take a day trip from Vlore to some of Albania’s lesser-known beaches, such as Himara. Possibly one of the most glamorous beaches in Albania, Himara enjoys the sun all year round.

Sailing and fishing boats pass in and out of the harbour while the town offers plenty of clubs, cafes and restaurants. Borsh, Porto Palermo and Lukova beaches are also nearby. It is also easy to visit ancient Borsh castle from here.

There are only a few buses per day from Vlore to Himara. There is one at 11:30am but it’s always best to arrive early and ask the guys at the bus stop. The bus will be going to Saranda and Himara is about halfway.

The Village of Qeparo

Located just north of Himara, and around 1.5 hours drive from Vlore, the small village of Qeparo makes an excellent day trip. The village is split into two parts. Lower Qeparo lines the sea front while Upper Qeparo lies around 300m above sea level.

The upper portion of the village has lain partially abandoned since the 1990s after the fall of Communism. However, it is full of character and surrounded by breath-taking views. The village is lined with charming old paths, crumbling stone buildings and walls and there are colourful flowers everywhere during the summer.

You can also take the bus from Vlore to Saranda and ask to get off at the stop closest to Qeparo.

A Day Trip from Vlore to Berat

To visit Berat from Vlore in a day, you will need to be up with the birds. The bus from Vlore to Berat takes about 2.5 hours and there are several departures per day. If you are driving, it will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. You might want to leave earlier as there is loads to see!

This city began as an Illyrian settlement in the 6th century BC. The streets are lined with Ottoman houses earning it the nickname, “The town of 1000 windows”.

Berat Castle sits atop the mountain and overlooks the city and the surrounding valley. Take a hike to the top to explore the ancient castle and absorb the remarkable views. You might even learn the folklore tale of Baba Tomorre.

There is a fascinating ethnographic museum that provides an interesting history of the area and its people. There are also many beautiful mosques and churches to marvel at throughout the city.

Day Trips from Vlore – Sazan Island

Sazan Island is home to a former military base. It only recently opened it’s doors to the public in 2015. The island is covered in abandoned bunkers and tunnels and tourists can visit between May and October. You can even spend the night there if you’re feeling brave…

Taking a boat tour to the island is the easiest way to get there. You can also take a ferry from Vlore’s port.

Explore Kaninë Castle

A short drive south from Vlore is the ruins of Kaninë Castle. This castle dates back to the 3rd century BC and sits 380m above sea level. There is loads of history in the area but it’s worth the trip just for the views across Vlore County alone.

Day Trips from Vlore – Llogara National Park

Llogara National Park is one of the most visited natural parks in Albania. About 40km from Vlora, its definitely worth visiting while you are in the area. The park covers only 10.1 sq km (3.90 square miles) but is home to roe deer, fallow deer, chamois, European wildcat, red fox, otter, and even the mighty wolf.  There are also diverse bird species including the majestic golden eagle and the griffon vulture roaming the skies.

Llogara National Park is just under 1 hours drive from Vlore. Without a car, a taxi might be an option if you are a small group. Make sure you negotiate a price before you get in the car.

Narta Lagoon

Well known locally for its sand dunes and birdlife, Narta Lagoon is a beautiful spot for nature lovers, just north of Vlore. Nearby Narta Village is also famous for its vineyards and delicious wine.

The Lagoon is only a 20 minute drive from Vlore. You can also take the bus going towards Fier and ask the bus driver to let you know when to get off. You will have a walk of around 30 minutes after getting off the bus.

What to Pack for your Day Trips from Vlore

We have put together a convenient packing list for your day trips from Vlore.

• Hiking boots or shoes
• Backpack
• Snacks for travel
• Mini handheld fan (buses get incredibly hot in the summer!)
• Book/audiobook/music
• Water bottle
• Weather appropriate clothing, such as windbreaker and fleece OR swimsuit and beach towel
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Map or downloaded GPS or map application on your phone
• Phone
• Charging pack if needed
• Decent camera (phone) with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
• Cash

Should I Rent a Car for my Day Trips from Vlore?

This is really down to personal preference. Albania’s public transport is cheap and cheerful and most places are accessible by bus. However, there are very few railways in Albania. The buses – or furgons – are great for travelling between towns and cities. However, the timetable can be a bit restrictive. If you can haggle, a taxi driver will take you anywhere!

Hitchhiking in Albania is a popular way to get around and is supposedly perfectly safe. We have not tried this ourselves but have spoken to many successful hitchers.

If you decide to rent a car in Albania, please make sure you take out the full insurance. Drivers in the Balkans have their own unique style… On our last visit to Saranda we spent 3 days in the town and witnessed 2 crashes.

Plan your journey in advance as there are many small roads that are not more than dirt tracks. Several mountain routes can be perilous if you do not plan ahead and take great care.

The Albanian Language

Many Albanians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Albanian. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers, but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:

Hello Tungjatjeta (toon-jah-TYEH-tah)

Please Ju lutem (yoo LOO-tehm)

Thank you Faleminderit (fah-lehm-meen-DEH-reet)

Yes Po (poh)

No Jo (yoh)

Goodbye Mirupafshim (meer-oo-PAHF-sheem)

Where to go next

More time in Vlore? Check out our guide to the Best Things to Do in Vlore. There is plenty of history and nature to discover in beautiful Vlore.

Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.

Have you visited Vlore or anywhere else in Albania? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!

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Day Trips From Vlore