Let's have a chat about Vlorë shall we. This charming coastal city has so much to offer. From endless beaches to historical sites this place has it all. Being it the birthplace of modern Albania as we know it, I will start this post in the very center.
When you first arrive to Vlorë, the bus will leave you straight next to Independence monument, which might be one of the most important memorials at this day and age
When you turn 180 degrees and walk 400 meters you'll reach a staircase that leads to a small hill with another somewhat communist monument. It looks inspiring to say the least. But most of you will enjoy the view over the city more than the site itself I guess.
While searching for your hotel, make sure you're not too far from the local promenade, because in a way it is the only alive scene out there. Young Albanian girls are in a constant hunt for the perfect selfie while the old folks are playing domino, smoke cigs and joke around.
Obviously the center and it's newly renovated promenade is not all Vlorë has to offer, once you get moving around you'll find that the real interesting places are on its outskirts.
Like the beach Bora-Bora where I happened to be the only visitor.
Swimming in February sounds great, but really one has to be lucky to have the correct setting for such unusual activity... Unless you're Wimm Hoff of some sort.
So for the next day, give yourself a break and go explore the nearby mountains. Obviously there are no pathways of any sort and you almost have to stay on the normal road all the time, but the traffic is not that bad and the views are great.
The highlight of the day is totally the castle of Caninë on top of the hill. I have sneaked inside for free and was lucky the guard saw me only after I saw pretty much everything and went further my way and found one of the most scenic Café's out there in Vlorë county.
