Vlora is a port city in southern Albania on the Strait of Otranto, the strait at the transition between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The Bay of Vlora and the beaches near the city are popular tourist destinations.
Roman sources from the 2nd century AD mention a stopover on the trade route along the coast between Dyrrhachium and Buthrotum. Since parts of a city fortification from the 4th century AD were excavated near the Muradie Mosque in the old town in 1988, this Roman Aulon is suspected to be on the site of today's city. In the 5th century, Aulon became a bishop's seat within these fortress walls. The walls were reinforced under Emperor Justinian (527–565). Immigration came from Apollonia, which was abandoned in the 6th century.
Notably Albanian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed here on November 28 in 1912. Culturally and economically it is one of the most significant cities of southwestern Albania. Vlorë is home to Albania's second largest port, the Port of Vlorë.
Himara and the neighbouring villages - especially Dhërmi, Palasa, Gjileka, Dhërmi, Ilias, Gjipa, Vuno, Jala, Pilur and Kudhës - have always been popular holiday destinations for Albanians from home and abroad and in recent years also increasingly for European tourists.
Our current location, Saranda, is also the perfect starting point for trips in the surrounding area, including to the most famous sight in Albania, the mountain lake Syri I Kalter, generally better known as "The Blue Eye of Albania".
If you want to stay in Saranda for a few days, we recommend Lëkurësi Castle (Albanian: Kalaja e Lëkurësit), which is located a little above the city.
Saranda is located on a small, not particularly protected and south open bay on the Ionian Sea, which is surrounded by 200 to 400 meters high hills.
Comparable to Apollonia, the Albanian city of Berat can look back on a historical development as a protohistoric abode for many centuries, so traces of ancient cultures have been found since about 2600 BC.
On the way to the south of Albania, we reached Tirana and the port city of Durres and next to it Vlora, another important coastal city with the seat of various authorities of the Qark or better using the term district same named which includes the surrounding area and the Albanian Riviera as well as the regions of Saranda and Delvina.