Getting to Vlorë by Ferry
Vlorë is Albania’s third-largest city and serves as one of the main ferry ports connecting Albania with Italy. The port offers regular ferry services, making it an ideal entry point for travelers bringing vehicles or preferring sea travel over flying.
Looking for complete ferry information? This guide focuses on Vlorë as a destination. For detailed coverage of all Albania ferry routes (Bari, Ancona, Corfu), booking strategies, vehicle transport, and cabin options, see our Complete Albania Ferry Services Guide.
Ferry Routes to Vlorë
Brindisi (Italy) ↔ Vlorë
- Operator: European Ferries
- Frequency: 3-4 sailings per week (summer season), 2-3 per week (winter)
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Price: €55-80 one-way (passenger), €120-180 (car + driver)
Why choose Vlorë over other Albanian ports:
- Shorter crossing time from Brindisi compared to Bari-Durrës
- Direct access to the Albanian Riviera (drive straight south)
- Less crowded than Durrës port
- Good starting point for exploring southern Albania
Booking Your Ferry
Book ferries through comparison platforms to find the best prices and schedules. It’s recommended to book 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season (July-August).
Pro tip: If the Vlorë ferry is full or expensive, consider taking the Bari-Durrës ferry and driving 2 hours south to Vlorë.
Arriving at Vlorë Port
Port Information
Port Address: Porti Detar Vlorë, Vlorë, Albania Port Authority: +355 33 409 700
Transportation from the Port
By Foot: The port is approximately 2 km from the city center and waterfront promenade (Lungomare). It’s a 25-30 minute walk along the coast.
By Bicycle: Bike rentals available near the port and along the promenade (€5-10/day). A great way to explore the waterfront.
By Taxi:
- Cost: €3-5 to city center
- Apps: Merr Taxi or Speed Taxi
- Always confirm the price before departure
By Car: If you’re bringing your vehicle on the ferry, the drive from the port to hotels along Lungomare takes 5-10 minutes. Parking is generally easy to find, with free street parking in most areas and paid parking near the waterfront (€1-2/hour).
Currency & Money
Currency: Albanian lek (ALL) Exchange Rate: €1 = ~105-110 lek (check current rates)
ATMs: Available in the port area and throughout Vlorë city center.
Credit Cards: Accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants. Smaller cafés and markets prefer cash.
Currency Exchange: Available at the port, banks, and exchange offices in the city.
Best Time to Visit Vlorë
Optimal Months: May-June and September
- Warm weather (22-28°C)
- Fewer crowds than peak summer
- Lower accommodation prices
- Riviera beaches nearby aren’t mobbed yet
July-August:
- Hot (30-35°C) and crowded
- Albanian diaspora returns for summer vacations
- Accommodation prices double
- Ferry bookings fill up quickly
October:
- Still warm (20-25°C)
- Very quiet
- Many restaurants and hotels close for the season
- Good for budget travelers who don’t mind limited options
November-April:
- Off-season
- Many places closed
- Good for digital nomads/long-term stays
- Not ideal for beach/holiday vibes
Where to Stay in Vlorë
Recommended Neighborhoods
1. Lungomare (Waterfront Promenade)
- Best for: First-time visitors, walkability, atmosphere
- Vibe: Lively waterfront with cafés, restaurants, evening strolls
- Price: €40-80/night
- Pros: Prime location, sea views, everything walkable
- Cons: Can be noisy (traffic, nightlife)
2. Old Town (Qendra Historike)
- Best for: Budget travelers, authentic experience
- Vibe: Historic, quieter, more local
- Price: €25-50/night
- Pros: Cheaper, authentic, central location
- Cons: Not on the waterfront
3. New Beach Area (Plazhi i Ri)
- Best for: Beach lovers with a car
- Vibe: Beachfront, resort-style
- Price: €50-100/night
- Pros: Right on the beach, quieter
- Cons: Far from restaurants/nightlife, car needed
What to Do in Vlorë
Top Attractions
The Waterfront Promenade (Lungomare) A stunning 5 km pedestrian/bike path along the coast with palm trees, cafés, and sunset views. This is Vlorë’s highlight—comparable to any Mediterranean promenade.
Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park Take a boat tour (€25-40/person) to explore:
- Wild Karaburun Peninsula with hidden caves and cliffs
- Sazan Island (former military base with bunkers)
- Haxhi Ali Cave and Pirate Cave (swim-through caves)
- Crystal-clear swimming spots
- Possible dolphin sightings
Albanian Riviera Access Vlorë is the gateway to the Riviera:
- Llogara Pass (30 min south): Dramatic coastal pass at 1,027m elevation
- Dhërmi Beach (1 hour): One of the Riviera’s best beaches
- Himara (1.5 hours): Charming coastal town
- Sarandë (3 hours): Southern Albania’s main beach destination
Independence Monument (Flag Square) Historical site where Albania declared independence in 1912. Quick 15-minute stop for photos and history.
Day Trips from Vlorë
Berat (1.5-2 hours northeast) UNESCO World Heritage “City of a Thousand Windows” with Ottoman architecture and castle.
Apollonia Archaeological Site (45 min north) Ancient Greek and Roman ruins (€3 entry).
Orikum Beach (15 min south) Better beach than Vlorë’s city beaches, quieter atmosphere.
Practical Information
Language
- Albanian is the official language
- English: Spoken by younger people (under 40), hotel staff, tour operators
- Italian: Widely understood (especially by older Albanians)
- Learn basic phrases: Faleminderit (thank you), Sa kushton? (how much?), Ku është? (where is?)
Internet & Connectivity
WiFi: Available at hotels, cafés, and restaurants throughout the city.
SIM Cards: Available at Vodafone or One shops (€10-15 for tourist SIM with data). Vodafone has better coverage outside cities.
eSIM: Consider purchasing an eSIM before arrival for immediate connectivity.
Emergency Contacts
- Vlorë Hospital: +355 33 222 631
- Port Authority: +355 33 409 700
- Police: +355 33 223 910
- Emergency (all services): 112
Safety
Vlorë is safe for tourists. Petty crime is rare. Standard travel precautions apply:
- Watch for aggressive drivers
- Be careful on uneven sidewalks
- Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
Passport & Visa Requirements
Visa-Free Entry:
- EU citizens: 90 days within 180 days
- US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: 90 days within 180 days
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Albania.
FAQ
How long should I stay in Vlorë?
2-3 days for seeing the city and doing a day trip or two. 4-5 days if using it as a base to explore the Riviera, Berat, and nearby attractions.
Is Vlorë better than Sarandë?
Different purposes: Vlorë is a real working city with authentic Albanian character, cheaper prices, and good access to northern Riviera and Berat. Sarandë is more touristy with better nearby beaches (Ksamil) and a livelier nightlife scene.
Do I need a car in Vlorë?
Not for the city itself (walkable). Yes, for exploring: Rent a car to access Riviera beaches, Llogara Pass, Berat, and other attractions. Public transport is limited outside the city.
Are Vlorë’s beaches good?
City beaches (Old Beach, New Beach) are average—pebbles, crowded in summer. Drive 20-30 min south to Orikum, Jal, or Dhërmi for significantly better beaches.
Can I take a day trip to the Albanian Riviera from Vlorë?
Absolutely. Vlorë is perfectly positioned for Riviera day trips. Rent a car and drive south on the scenic SH8 coastal road. Accommodation in Vlorë is cheaper than Riviera towns (€40-60/night vs €80-150).
Last updated: November 2024. Ferry schedules, prices, and services change seasonally. Always verify current information before booking.