Why Vlora?
Looking for a place where you can enjoy the sun, the sea, good food, and a relaxed lifestyle without emptying your bank account? Welcome to Vlora, the city where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet to create a landscape that’s not easily forgotten.
Located in southwestern Albania, Vlora is a rare blend of history, nature, and the laid-back rhythm of Mediterranean life. With more than 300 sunny days a year and crystal-clear beaches, this city has become one of the most beloved destinations for travelers looking for more than a classic vacation and for foreigners seeking a new place to live.
To start your experience in the city, check out our guide to the best-rated hotels in Vlora and don’t miss our selection of the top restaurants because good food and good accommodation are the key to an unforgettable stay.
How to Get to Vlora
✈️ From Tirana International Airport (Rinas):
- Travel time to Vlora: about 2.5 hours
- Options: direct bus, taxi, or rental car
- Buses depart every 2–3 hours and are the most economical option
🛬 Vlora Airport (under construction):
- Expected to open at the end of 2025
- Will offer direct flights from across Europe
- It will make traveling faster and easier
🚗 From other Albanian cities:
- From Saranda: ~2 hours by car
- From Gjirokastra: ~1.5 hours
- From Berat: ~2 hours
- The roads are scenic and perfect for short sightseeing stops along the way
Where to Stay in Vlora
Vlora offers a wide range of accommodation options — from sea-view apartments to modern hotels in the city center. The choice depends on your budget and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here are a few quick recommendations:
- 🏨 City Center (Flag Square area):
- Perfect for those who want to be close to museums, cafés, and local markets
- Ideal for cultural exploration and getting around on foot
- 🌊 Seaside (Lungomare area):
- Fantastic sea views, calm atmosphere, and many nearby restaurants
- Perfect for summer holidays and romantic evening walks
- 🛌 Short- or long-term apartment rentals:
- A budget-friendly option for longer stays
- Easily found through platforms like Airbnb or Booking
- ✅ See also: Top 5 Best-Rated Hotels in Vlora
- We’ve selected the best based on quality, location, and guest reviews
- A helpful starting point to make the right choice from the beginning
What to Visit in Vlora
Vlora has plenty to offer from historical and cultural landmarks to breathtaking nature and unforgettable beaches. Here are some must-visit spots:
- 🏖️ Vlora Beaches:
- Uji i Ftohtë, Radhima, and Orikum are among the most popular ones
- Crystal-clear waters, stunning sunsets, and space for everyone
- For more, read: Best Beaches in Vlora – 2025
- 🏰 Kanina Castle:
- Perched on a hill overlooking the city and the sea
- Combines history, nature, and a tranquil atmosphere
- 🌲 Llogara National Park:
- About 40 minutes away, along one of Albania’s most scenic roads
- Fresh air, hiking trails, and breathtaking views
- 🕊️ Zvernec Monastery:
- Located on a small island in the Narta Lagoon
- Connected by a wooden bridge and surrounded by untouched nature
- 🏛️ Independence Museum & Flag Square:
- In the city center, where Albania’s national history comes alive
- An essential stop to understand Vlora’s key role in Albania’s independence
Where to Eat Like a Local in Vlora
One of the best ways to experience Vlora is through its flavors. The food here is fresh, abundant, and very affordable especially when trying local specialties. Seaside restaurants serve freshly caught seafood daily, where you can enjoy oven-baked fish with vegetables, mussels with garlic, or a yogurt casserole with calamari. Traditional Albanian cuisine is also everywhere with freshly baked byrek, slow-cooked lamb under saç, and the typical Vlora-style fërgesë that’s simply unforgettable.
Cafés and pastry shops are also part of daily life in Vlora. A local espresso is more than a drink it’s a social ritual. Don’t miss the city’s famous halva or handmade desserts from local bakeries.
If you want to taste the best of Vlora’s cuisine without wasting time searching, check out our Top 5 Restaurants in Vlora for 2025 featuring the highest-rated spots for quality, flavor, and atmosphere. It’s a real shortcut for first-time visitors.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Vlora?
One of the main reasons Vlora is attracting more and more foreigners is the cost of living — significantly lower than in most coastal cities across Europe. In short, you can enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle for less. Rent is affordable, food is inexpensive and delicious, and essential services are within reach for any budget.
To make planning easier, here’s an overview of average monthly expenses in Vlora for 2025:
Average Monthly Costs in Vlora (2025)
| Expense | Average Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment, city center) | 300 – 500 |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment, suburbs) | 150 – 250 |
| Meal for one at local restaurant | 5 – 8 |
| Weekly groceries | 25 – 40 |
| Espresso coffee at café | 0.80 – 1.20 |
| Internet & utilities (monthly) | 20 – 30 |
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a retired couple, or simply someone seeking a new life by the sea, Vlora offers a high standard of living with low costs — a rare combination in today’s Europe.
Is Vlora a Good Place to Live?
If you’re looking for a warm, safe, and affordable place where you can live a peaceful life by the sea, Vlora is definitely worth considering. With over 300 sunny days a year, stunning nature, and a relaxed atmosphere, the city offers ideal conditions for those who value quality of life over stress.
The international community is growing rapidly. Expats from Italy, Germany, the UK, and other European countries are moving here to enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle combined with Albania’s hospitality and economic advantages. Many of them report feeling welcome, safe, and part of the local community.
Accommodation is affordable, infrastructure is improving, and many new buildings offer modern apartments with sea views. The internet is fast and reliable a huge plus for remote workers. The city also provides easy access to essential services like hospitals, clinics, supermarkets, and schools.
In short: yes, Vlora is much more than a vacation destination it’s a real place to call home.
Practical Tips for Foreigners in Vlora
If you plan to stay longer in Vlora, these practical tips will help you settle in faster:
- 📱 SIM card & Internet: Get a local SIM from Vodafone, One, or Albtelecom. Internet speed is high, and monthly plans start from €10–15.
- 💳 Payments & Cash: Cash (lek) is most commonly used. VISA and Mastercard are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants. ATMs are widely available across the city.
- 🚶♂️ Getting Around: Vlora is perfect for walking. Public transport is limited, so for longer distances, taxis or rental cars are recommended.
- 🗣️ Language: The official language is Albanian, but in tourist areas, you’ll often hear English, Italian, or basic Greek.
- 🏥 Basic Services: The city has both private and public clinics, pharmacies, supermarkets, and everything you need for a comfortable life.
- 🔐 Safety: Vlora is a safe city. As anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings, but overall you’ll feel comfortable walking even at night.
A Place to Visit… or to Call Home Forever
Vlora is more than just a dot on Albania’s map — it’s a rare blend of natural beauty, history, Mediterranean rhythm, and opportunities for a new life. Whether you’re planning your next holiday or dreaming of a calmer, more affordable, and spiritually richer lifestyle, Vlora has something for you.
Don’t forget to check our recommendations for the best restaurants in Vlora, the highest-rated hotels, and the city’s most beautiful beaches.
💬 If you found this guide useful, share it with your friends or other travelers who might be looking for a new place to explore — or maybe to call home forever.
