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Vlore

Vlore

Vlore

Vlore is the third most populated city in the Republic of Albania and the county capital and municipal headquarters of Vlore. Vlore sprawls over the Bay of Vlore and is encircled by the foothills of the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coasts. The Ceraunian Mountains and closeness to the Mediterranean Sea influence its Mediterranean climate.

Vlore was established as Aulon as an Ancient Greek colony on the coast of Illyria and was overrun by the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Venetians, and Ottomans at various times throughout history. The Albanians amassed spiritual and intellectual power for national identity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, resulting in the Albanian Renaissance. As the hub of contemporary Albania’s founders, who signed the Declaration of Independence on November 28, 1912 at the Assembly of Vlore, the city of Vlore played a pivotal part in the Albanian Independence.

Vlore is one of the most important cities in southern Albania and the Labria area, which is renowned for its culture, customs, and folklore. The Port of Vlore, the SH8 highway, and the A2 motorway serve Vlore as part of the Adriatic–Ionian Corridor and Pan-European Corridor VIII.

Geography

Vlore is located on the Bay of Vlore along the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coasts in the eastern portion of the Strait of Otranto encircled by the Ceraunian Mountains. Vlore Municipality is comprised of the nearby administrative units of Novosel, Orikum, Qendr Vlore, Shushic, and Vlore and has an area of 647.94 km2 (250.17 sq mi) inside Vlore County, which is part of the Southern Region of Albania. The municipality runs from the northern mouth of the Vjos River via the Narta Lagoon to the southern Llogara Pass. It also encompasses the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island to the west and the Shushica-Vlore River to the east. Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, Llogara National Park, and Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape are protected areas. The common term for acorn cups acquired from nearby oak woods and used by tanners, Valonia oak, originates from Valona, the historic name of Vlore.

Climate

With an average annual temperature of 16.9 °C (62.4 °F), Vlore is on the edge of the hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) zone, according to the Koppen climate classification. Summers in Vlore are dry and hot, whilst winters are characterized by moderate temperatures and variable precipitation. August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 26.8 °C (80.2 °F). In contrast, January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 7.9 °C (46.2 °F). Vlore has an average of 3,358 hours of yearly sunlight, making it one of the sunniest regions in the Eastern Mediterranean. July is the most sunny month of the year, with an average of 12 hours of daily sunlight. In January, the average number of hours of sunlight is fewer than 7 per day.

Demography

According to the estimate of the Institute of Statistics based on the 2011 census, there were 79,513 people living in Vlore and 104,827 living in the municipality of Vlore, making it the third most populated city and fifth most populous municipality in Albania, respectively. The population density of Vlore Municipality was projected to be 169.9 people per square kilometer. The population of Vlore climbed from 71,662 in 1989 to 79,513 in 2011, although the population of Vlore Municipality decreased from 114,497 to 104,827.

According to the constitution, Albania is a secular nation with no official religion. It ensures freedom of religion, belief, and conscience and forbids discrimination based on religious practices or beliefs. Vlore is a religiously diverse city with several places of worship for its mostly Muslim, Christian, and Jewish inhabitants. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the bulk of Vlore’s population consisted of Albanian-speaking Muslims, with a minor number of Greek-speaking families, Albanian Orthodox, Jews, and even fewer Catholics. In 1994, the city’s Greek population reached 8,000 persons. [53] In 1741, a Greek school was functioning in the city.

Culture

Geographically and culturally, Vlore is included within the historical territory of Labria, which stretches from the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coasts to the hilly region of southeast Albania. Labria is renowned for its unique culture, scenery, and customs, as well as for being the origin of Albanian polyphonic music, which UNESCO has designated a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The majority of Vlore’s Albanians speak the Lab dialect of southern Tosk Albanian, which is distinct from other Albanian dialects.

Vlore is home to several cultural and historical landmarks related to the establishment of Albania. The Monument of Independence celebrates Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire and is placed in Flag Square. The Declaration of Independence was signed in a nineteenth-century edifice that now houses the Museum of Independence. Its balcony is regarded a symbol of the Albanians’ independence, triumph, and tenacity in preventing the occupation of their homeland.

The Ethnic Museum, located near to the Museum of Independence in a 19th-century palace, showcases the ethnographic legacy of Vlore and its environs. The History Museum on Perlat Rexhepi Street is another another museum that displays artifacts from surrounding Illyrian and Ancient Greek archaeological sites. In the historical core of Vlore, a museum devoted to the city’s former Jewish community is scheduled to open.

The Muradie Mosque, constructed in the 16th century on Sadik Zotaj Street, and the Saint Aloysius Gonzaga and Mary Church, constructed in the 19th century on Kristoforidhi Street, are two of the most notable religious structures in Vlore. Vlore Municipality is home to the Castle of Kanin, the Church of Marmiroi, the Island of Sazan, the Island of Zvrnec, the Lagoon of Narta, and the ancient sites of Amantia and Oricum.

KS Flamurtari Vlore is the oldest and most famous first division football club in Vlore. Flamurtari plays at Flamurtari Stadium near the Independence Square in the heart of Vlore.

Economy

The city of Vlore continues to be an important seaport and economic hub, with a substantial fishing and industrial industry. The surrounding area produces crude oil, natural gas, bitumen, and salt. Additionally, the city is home to key facilities of the Albanian Navy. It has increased in prominence as an agricultural hub with extensive plantings of olive and fruit trees, as well as an export hub for food processing, oil, and bitumen. Historically, the surrounding region was mostly agricultural and pastoral, producing oats, maize, cotton, olive oil, livestock, sheep, skins, and butter. These items are exported overseas.

Vlore is a thriving seaside city with a sophisticated housing infrastructure. The city provides a range of residential neighborhoods from the shore to the interior. There are three economic zones in Vlore. [38] The Free Trade Zone TEDA Vlore is strategically located around 151 kilometers (94 miles) from the Albanian capital, Tirana. The Land and Environmental Information is situated on a flat, salty area of land that is partly covered with Soda Forest. The location is appropriate for ecologically conscious industrial growth. Industrial growth inside the zone Suitable activities that may be developed in TEDA include industrial, processing, commercial, goods storage, light industry, electronics, auto parts manufacture, and port-related activities. Employment market: According to 2014 statistics, Vlora’s employable labor force was 125,954, and 84,836 people are presently working. 35 percent of Vlora’s work force has a high school diploma, while 17 percent has a college degree.

According to the World Bank, Vlore has achieved substantial economic advancements in 2016. The World Bank Group ranks Vlore seventh among 22 cities in Southeastern Europe, ahead of the capital of Albania, Tirana, as well as Belgrade, Serbia, and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tourism, which has long been a key contributor to the city’s economy, has become a major business in recent years, thanks to the proliferation of hotels, leisure facilities, and expansive beaches. The bay of Vlore, which is regarded the boundary between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, is visible from the city. In front of the city, at the entrance to the bay, lies the island of Sazan. It is just 80 kilometers (50 miles) to Italy. In close proximity to the city are the beaches of Palas, Dhermi, Vuno, Himara, Qeparo, and Borsh. The variety of its terrain makes Vlore a city for everyone, from the mountains of Llogara National Park to the Riviera, from the small streets of the medieval city center to the many ancient monuments. In 2019, Vlore was included in the Financial Times’ ‘Five locations to watch’ piece, which highlighted five fresh and intriguing vacation spots across the globe.

How To Travel To Vlore

By bus

  • Bus stop (Drop off point) (In the city “centre” near the Muradie Mosque, or a couple of blocks west.). 

Since September 2014, minibuses go from Saranda to Vlore every 05:30, 11:30, 16:30, and 18:00.

Bus from Tirana – the trip might be somewhat sluggish! – furgons from Saranda or Fier) may sometimes be quicker than the bus.

Daily, two buses leave Athens for a cost of €30 each (overnight and daylong).

At 14:00, buses to Ohrid, North Macedonia leave.

By boat

  • Vlore Port. Two nighttime ferries depart Brindisi and arrive in Vlore early in the morning.

By train

  • Vlore Port. Two nighttime ferries depart Brindisi and arrive in Vlore early in the morning.

By car

Follow the route Tirana-Durres-Kavaje-Rrogozhine-Lushnje-Fier-Vlore if you are in Tirana. The road is in fair condition. From North Macedonia, the following route may be taken: Qafe Thane-Librazhd-Elbasan-Rrogozhine-Lushnje-Fier-Vlore.

From Greece, there are three possible routes: I Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Tepelene-Vlore; (ii) Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Qafe e Muzines-Sarande-Vlore; and (iii) Qafe Bote-Sarande-Dhermi-Vlore. The final route is the shortest.

How To Travel Around Vlore

You may visit three regions in Vlore: the beaches, the port, and the town center.

  • The beaches extend several kilometers to the south and east of the port, where there are several hotels and residences. There are more nice beaches to the north and west of the harbor, although they are more difficult to reach.
  • the port area – There are various hotels and restaurants in this region, however the beach and water are quite unsanitary.
  • The town center is located around 2 kilometers north of the harbor. A broad avenue bordered with palm trees connects the two locations. Along this street are various pubs, stores, and restaurants. The town center (around Flag Square) contains a few “tourist attractions,” but if you are not in Vlore for the beaches, there is nothing to keep you occupied for more than a half-day. The primary advantage of staying in this location is that it serves as a “hub” for buses and trucks servicing adjacent communities.

There is a small tourist information kiosk in Flag Square, next to the Independence Monument.

Sights & Landmarks In Vlore

Vlore is the third most populous city in Albania. It is believed that this city is the oldest town in Albania. Today, it is the county seat of Vlore and a significant part of Albanian history. Due to its location on the Adriatic coast in southern Albania, the city is also a famous tourist destination.

During the summer, it is simple to suggest Vlore as a beach town. There will be an abundance of sunny days to enjoy at the beach. Albania’s beaches are ideal for a beach vacation throughout the summer months. You may enjoy the sea while also exploring Vlore’s attractions and points of interest.

Zvernec Monastery
Zvërnec, Qendër, Vlora, Albania
St. Louis Gonzaga Catholic Church
Lagjja "28 Nëntori", 13 Rruga “Kristoforidhi"
Sazan Island
Sazan Island, Albania

Things To Do In Vlore

Vlora is third-largest city in the Albania and one of the most picturesque. Some of Albania’s best beaches, historic monasteries, castles, and stunning archaeological sites are all located nearby.

Kendi i lojrave Jungle Land
Rruga Aleksander Moisiu, 9401, Vlora, Albania
Aulona Luna Park
Vlora, Albania
Acquamarina Spa & Wellness Center
Rruga Uji I Ftohte, 9401, Vlora, Albania

Restaurants In Vlore

You will be astounded by the enormous amount of wonderful places to dine and drink in Vlore, at affordable restaurant accompanied by refreshing drinks.

The Yacht Restaurant
Rruga Dhimiter Konomi, 9401, Vlora, Albania
Taverna Djepi
Rruga Aleksander Moisiu, 9401, Vlora, Albania
Restaurant Bujar
Rruga Murat Tërbaçi, 9401, Vlora, Albania

Accommodation In Vlore

Discover the most well-liked lodging options in Vlore, along with advice from other tourists and great hotel deals.

Marina Bay Luxury Resort & Spa
Rruga Aleksander Moisiu, 9401, Vlora, Albania
Marina Premium Hotel
Rruga Haziz Xhyherri 6, 9401, Vlora, Albania
Le Palazzine Hotel
Rruga Dhimiter Konomi, 9401, Vlora, Albania

Beaches In Vlore

One of Albania’s three main provinces, Vlore is situated on a long stretch of coastline that faces the Adriatic Sea. Vlore enjoys a moderate and pleasant climate in both spring and fall because of its southern position. Like many other areas in the Mediterranean region, it becomes quite hot throughout the summer. Vlore features some of Albania’s most stunning beaches in addition to a pleasant climate.

Vega Beach
Vlora, Albania
Valone Beach
SH8, 9401, Vlora, Albania
Radhime Beach
Vlora, Albania

Nightlife in Vlore

Vlora’s nightlife is vibrant, especially during the summer months. Some of the choices the city provides include concerts, prominent DJs, nighttime strolls, and restaurants. Numerous well-known clubs can be found within walking distance of ‘Uji I Ftohte.’

The Factory Lounge bar
Rruga Sadik Zotaj, 9401, Vlora, Albania
Studio 54 Vlore
Rruga Murat Tërbaçi, 9401, Vlora, Albania
Seasons Cocktail Bar
Rruga Murat Tërbaçi, 9401, Vlora, Albania