Get to know the most attractive destinations in the region of Vlora.

Vlora is one of the most important tourist destinations in our country, offering not only natural beauty and stunning beaches but also a myriad of tourist attractions to explore. The entire city and its surrounding areas are rich in historical and cultural values that have attracted and continue to attract more visitors. If you don’t plan to go to the beach, or if you want to enjoy this city in the other seasons excluding summer, Vlora has many other attractions that will fill your days with emotions and acquaint you with the culture, cuisine and history of this city which will be surprising in every aspect.
The city of Vlora itself offers several monuments with historical value, such as the

1. Independence Museum

Located in the building that housed the first Albanian government, the museum displays original objects from the time that reflect important documents from the period of the Renaissance and Independence. You can also visit the office of the Albanian Prime Minister at that time, Ismail Qemali, and the meeting hall of the first Albanian government.

2. Kuzum Baba

Another attraction within the city of Vlora, a natural terrace carved on the seafront, situated on a hill above the city. It is named after Sejiid Ali Sultan, also known as Kuzum Baba, a Bektashi spiritual leader, whose tomb is in this place. Apart from being considered a holy place, positioned at an altitude of about 30 meters, It also offers a complete panorama of the entire city of Vlora.

3. Soda Forest, Narta Lagoon and Zvërnec Monastery

Soda Forest is also known as the lungs of the city of Vlora. It spans an area of about 600 hectares and is a natural treasure with a variety of trees, plants, and animals. At the end of the Soda Forest, you can continue your journey to Narta Lagoon and then reach Zvërnec Island, a small island where the famous Monastery of St. Mary is located. The entire landscape creates a beautiful natural ensemble with plenty of contrasts but perfect harmony between tranquillity and natural beauty. The entire area is quite popular among both local and foreign visitors.

4. Kanina Castle

Located just 3 km from the city of Vlora, Kanina Castle is considered one of the most famous cultural and historical heritage sites in Vlora and beyond. Its construction dates back to the 4th century BCE, spanning the periods of Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The castle rises on top of a hill with an elevation of 389 meters above sea level, offering a 360-degree view of the city of Vlora and its bay.

5. Porto Palermo

Another attraction with historical and cultural value is Porto Palermo Castle, located in the bay of Porto Palermo a few kilometres south of Himara. The castle was built by Ali Pasha Tepelena as a gift for one of his wives whom he deeply loved. The castle has 12 rooms and a dungeon, which during World War II was used as a depot, and during the dictatorship era, it served as a prison. In recent years, its strategic positioning, the view it offers and the history it carries have made it one of the main attractions that have attracted thousands of tourists from around the world.

6. Llogara National Park

A perfect meeting point between the mountain and the sea, Llogara National Park is one of the most visited natural spaces in Albania. Just 40 km southeast of Vlora, the park has an area of endless pine and oak forests. On the way, you will encounter the famous Flag Pine, a 100-year-old pine tree shaped by strong winds to resemble a fluttering flag. Llogara is the most beautiful part of the entire park, where the expanse of pines opens up, revealing the horizon of the Ionian Sea.

7. Hiking in Çika Mountain

For those who love adventure and are passionate about hiking, the Vlora area, despite being a coastal region, offers opportunities for such a sport. In recent years, climbing Mount Çika has become increasingly popular, offering a breathtaking panorama from its summit.

8. Sazan and Karaburun Islands

These are undoubtedly two of the most beautiful islands with the highest number of visitors. Karaburun Island stands out for its beaches and small bays nestled among the rocks, crystal-clear waters, and pristine nature. On the way to the island, you can stop at the cave of Haxhi Aliu, one of the most beautiful karst caves in the country, resembling a Gothic cathedral. The inner walls are filled with wild pigeon nests, while the end of the cave forms a small deep blue lake. Sazan Island is the largest in Albania. During the Cold War, the island served as a military base, where naval vessels and coastal artillery were stationed. The island currently has around 3600 bunkers, turning this destination into a place where natural beauty intertwines with history and culture.

Vlora 2nd globally among 10 top destinations according to Booking

Albania has become one of the most preferred destinations for foreign visitors in recent years. Attractive tourist packages with competitive prices, luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and international media coverage have turned many tourists’ attention to Albania. This is best evidenced by the recent list published by Booking.com, where Vlora ranks second among the top 10 tourist destinations for 2024. Booking.com informs tourists that Vlora offers a European vacation experience similar to the Maldives but much more affordable.
In Vlora, you can find some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the country, including the famous Narta Lagoon, which has garnered attention from international media, including National Geographic. The latter recently dedicated a full article, publishing special photos from the lagoon and the spectacular display of pink flamingos that landed there.
Llogara Pass is another highly frequented tourist spot, not only for its beauty but also for enthusiasts of air sports. From here, you can experience paragliding and enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the entire area from above.
The past year marked a record number of tourists in Albania, with over 10 million visitors from around the world exploring the history, culture, picturesque beaches, and cuisine, leaving the best impressions and a desire to return in every season. The year 2024, according to predictions, promises to be even more successful, thanks to ambitious projects underway in the city of Vlora and significant infrastructure improvements.
One of these projects is Vlora Marina, a mixed urban development that includes the construction of the first world-class marina in the country with 438 anchoring spots for yachts and mega yachts up to 50 meters. The project also features a limited number of premium apartments with sea views, branded apartments, a seaside promenade with internationally renowned brands, and the 5-star Vlora Marriott Hotel.
With the opening of the Llogara Pass tunnel and the operational Vlora Airport, this destination will be easily accessible by sea, air, and land.

D-Marin comes to Albania

The prestigious marina management network has signed a cooperation agreement with Vlora Marina

Vlora Marina has entered into another partnership agreement, this time with D-Marin, the esteemed marina management network spanning the Mediterranean and the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement, signed by both parties, envisions D-Marin taking over all necessary services for the operation of the Vlora tourist port. This port, being constructed for the first time by Vlora Marina, will provide services such as anchoring, fuel supply, 24-hour security, maintenance of marine vehicles, insurance of portable marina equipment (including vehicles and workboats), and many others. These initiatives aim to establish a new standard for blue tourism in the country, positioning Vlora as a crucial destination in the Mediterranean. Vlora Marina will not only represent modern infrastructure built entirely from scratch but also a hub of high-quality services adhering to international standards, catering to tourists who prefer sea travel. As an inclusive space, port services will be accessible to all tourists and residents of Vlora.

Vanova Strakosha, Project Director of Vlora Marina, mentioned in her speech before the agreement signing that this collaboration establishes new standards in marina management and introduces exclusive services for the first time in Albania.

“The tourist port of Vlora represents an investment of approximately 35 million euros, aiming to elevate the standard of the tourist offering in Vlora and Albania. Recognizing the significance of the Vlora Tourist Port, we are compelled to give utmost attention to the partner entrusted with its management. Today, we gather here to celebrate another collaboration that introduces a significant international player in the tourism sector to our country. D-Marin will stand by our side in this endeavor to revolutionize blue tourism in Albania and establish new benchmarks for what maritime Albania has to offer.”

D-Marin has been active in this sector for two decades, extending its network to Italy, Spain, Croatia, and other locations. It initiated its operations with the first marina in Turkey and currently offers management services and development for approximately 23 marinas in 8 different countries globally, boasting a total capacity of 12,000 mooring spaces. Environmental care is a pivotal element in the company’s daily operations, with a focus on minimizing pollution and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

An integral part of D-Marin’s philosophy is to address the needs of the community, showcasing respect for the culture and tradition of the area. Beyond marina management, the company actively contributes to supporting social, cultural, and economic development in the regions where it operates. This commitment centers on nurturing human capital and safeguarding the natural environment.

“Two factors led us to choose Vlora Marina as our collaboration partner. The primary factor is the strategic geographical location of Vlora Marina, acting as a convergence point between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. Given our operations in marinas across Croatia, Greece, and Turkey, this connecting point was a crucial addition for us. We consistently encourage our clients to explore these three locations, and Vlora was the missing link until now. Ambition is one of our guiding principles, with a focus on achieving a global presence. However, this project extends beyond that ambition, considering Vlora’s ongoing development; this collaboration represents just one facet of our broader developmental initiatives,” emphasizes Gyozo Lantos, Director of Global Services and Purchases at D-Marin.

While speaking, Selcuk Balci, Managing Director of D-Marin, expressed, “Maritime tourism is a substantial contributor to a country’s economy, providing additional income. Beyond generating job opportunities for the community around the marina, it also stimulates the economy operating around Vlora Marina. Albania possesses great potential with its beautiful coastline, historical and cultural tourism, encompassing all the elements needed to transform into a powerful destination. The development of maritime tourism not only generates employment but also contributes to the overall economic growth of the region.”

“For the construction of the tourist port, the company Vlora Marina will invest around 45 million euros. The marina will comprise 438 mooring spaces for yachts and mega-yachts, with lengths of up to 50 meters. The Vlora Marina, or the tourist port of Vlora, is a concession that foresees the transformation of the old industrial port into a tourist marina, following the strategy of the Albanian state for tourism development. The concession includes the construction, management for a 35-year period, and later the transfer of the tourist port to the state. Upon the conclusion of the concession period, the tourist port will be transferred to the Albanian state. The value of the marina at the time of handover to the Albanian state will be around 5 times higher than the investment value for its construction. An added value will be the strategic positioning of the marina on the maps of Mediterranean maritime tourism and the construction near the port of 5-star hotels, completing the range of services.

This is the latest significant agreement that Vlora Marina has signed in a short period. Earlier, an agreement was also signed with the prestigious Marriott network, an agreement that will introduce, for the first time in Albania, the concept of branded apartments and the 5-star hotel, Vlora Marriott Hotel.

Vlora Marina Residences partners with Marriott to bring 5-star hotel & branded apartments

Vlora Marina Residences and Marriott International signed the agreement that paves the way for the internationally certified 5-star hotel in Vlora Marina. The investment of over 100 million euros foresees the establishment and management of the Vlora Marriott Hotel as well as the presentation of a new concept for Albania and the region, which are branded apartments. The new hotel will be located in the heart of Vlora and will be part of the investment in Vlora Marina, the mixed-use urban project, which includes a world-class marina with 438 berths for yachts and mega-yachts, seaview premium apartments, service units, and entertainment areas.

Vlora Marriott Hotel envisions the harmonious development of the city landscape by bringing the prestige of a long experience of 5-star hotels and branded residences, a new concept which adds another dimension to this project.

The agreement with Marriott International marks an important milestone for Vlora and the highest standards that Albania is adopting in the field of tourism and hospitality. Both the 150-room hotel and the branded apartments will be managed under the same roof by the same Marriott team, guaranteeing the highest international quality and standards.

In her speech, which preceded the signing of the agreement, Ardiana Sokoli, Vice President of Real Estate at BALFIN Group, said that this collaboration and the standards expected to be implemented completely change game rules in the Albanian hospitality industry.

“Today, we stand here with our partners from Marriott, united in our vision and commitment to make the Vlora Marriott Hotel an excellent example of hospitality. We strongly believe that Vlora will turn into one of the most important Mediterranean cities and the flagship of the Albanian blue economy. Together with our local and international partners, we are introducing innovative concepts in architecture and urban facilities that will transform the actual area by improving Vlora’s offer as a tourist destination, boosting the local economy and creating more employment opportunities.”

Silvija Lovreta, Director for Southeast Europe at Marriott International, called this agreement a fulfillment of the demand that the country has for such brands in hospitality. “We are happy to have found the right partner to bring this new hospitality concept to Albania.”

“We worked with the best team with regards to the hotel and facilities’ project. We are very confident that it will be a real success,” said Julien Laloye, Director of Mixed -Use Development, Marriott International.

Suitable for both business and leisure travelers, the Vlora Marriott Hotel projects 150 rooms and suites, as well as over 100 apartments for sale under the name Vlora Marriott Residences. The hotel includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, four restaurants and bars, a private beach with a beach bar, a spa, a fitness center, and a modern business and meeting space. A socio-entertainment center will also be provided for visitors and citizens of Vlora. The residences are designed with areas ranging from 75 to 220 sqm with one to four bedrooms, while residents will have access to a private gym as well as selected hospitality facilities.

Marriott International includes a portfolio of more than 8,500 properties under 31 major brands spanning 138 different countries. Marriott operates and franchises hotel management worldwide. With nearly 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to perfect the art of hospitality.

Vlora Marina, the first world-class marina in Albania, makes its debut

At the National Museum of Independence in Vlora, a place that symbolizes history, handpicked as a meeting point to see the future, the Vlora Marina project, the first world-class marina in Albania, was presented. A special evening brought together investors, partners, and well-known public figures.

Vlora Marina is one of the most important strategic investments being developed in Albania, a joint project of BALFIN Group and Brunes. “This modern harbor will serve as our country’s gateway to the most sought-after tourist destinations, welcoming visitors and residents from all over the globe to experience the unparalleled beauty and hospitality offered by Albania and especially Vlora,” said the Project Manager, Ervin Bacaj, during his speech at the presentation of Vlora Marina.

The president of BALFIN Group, Samir Mane, considered this investment highly important for tourism development in the country. “Vlora Marina expects to bring over 200,000 tourists to Albania per year, translated into 20 million euros of income per year going towards the local economy as well as the opening of many new jobs. It will undoubtedly be a development catalyst for the city,” he said.

While co-investor Gerond Çela, President of Brunes, described the projekt as a valuable asset that will serve the city, the country and the economy, ready to host the first moorings from the next season.

The international brands that will join this project are its most important part. The first marina in the country will be managed by one of the biggest and most prestigious names in the world of the industry, present in 7 different countries and with a portfolio of 20 marinas under management, whose name will be revealed later on.
Located in one of the most favorable positions of the city, Vlora Marina brings for the first time in Albania a mixed urban development, completely authentic. A world-class year-round marina with 438 berths, premium apartments with sea view, a renowned network of 5-star luxury hotel brands, and a promenade that brings the most famous commercial brands. In addition, this project will also introduce branded residences, a new concept which adds another dimension to the exclusivity and sophistication of Vlora Marina.

Ansa: Vlora Marina, part of the “explosion” of tourism in the Adriatic

An article published in the italian news agency, ANSA, paid attention to the investment growth that are affecting both sides of the Adriatic Sea. In this article was mentioned the newest project in Albania, Vlora Yacht Port, or as it is otherwise known, the Vlora Marina, which geographically belongs to the Adriatic Sea, but is also located very close, if not on the border, to the Ionian Sea, a characteristic that makes the project even more special compared to other similar investments.

Over 416 million euros of investments planned for infrastructure are dedicated to tourism in the Adriatic Sea. This is the estimate for the three years 2023-2025, according to Risposte Turismo, an Italian company specializing in tourism research and consultancy, and which was included in the Adriatic Sea Tourism Report, recently presented in Dubrovnik by the President of this enterprise, Francesco di Cesare.
“One of the new projects is Vlora Marina in Albania (with 438 sailing posts also provided for the superyacht segment, which will be ready starting from 2025 thanks to a total investment of around 45 million euros)” – is mentioned in the article, where it is also mentioned that Albania has the largest increase in the Adriatic region, with 53.9% passengers more than a year ago, after Slovenia, which had a greater increase, and before Montenegro, Greece, or Italy, which are still well ahead in terms of the total number of visitors.
According to the study, the cruise industry and in particular the ferry segment will be the sectors that will benefit the most from new investments in the next three years, for a total amount of about 210 million euros.
Many other projects will expand existing structures, including the Polesana marina (138 new berths for a total investment of €20 million) and the Corfu marina (39 new berths for an investment of around €1.5 million). In Italy, about 100 new berths will be created, from 40 expected by the end of 2023 in the tourist port of Jesolo (Venice) to almost 50 that will be ready in 2024 in the tourist port of Rodi Garganico in the province of Foggia and another ten of the Brindisi Marina.
“The figures we published for all operators in this sixth edition of the Adriatic Sea Forum testify to the development of all marine tourism in the Adriatic, a sector that will soon return, into a powerful economic generator” – said Cesare, the head of the company that made this study.

Vlora Marina attracts architecture students of the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”

Vlora Marina welcomed another group of students on a site visit, this time from the Faculty of Architecture at the Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel. 24 future architects visited the tourism project in the coastal city as part of the B4Students program initiative to introduce students up close to the field they study. The visit was a combination of observing site works and interacting with industry professionals.
Accompanied by the dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Prof. Fabio Capanni, and their lecturers, the group of students met with the Project Manager, Ervin Baçaj, who briefly presented them with the Marina’s development and importance for the community.
During their exploratory tour and learning in the shipyard environment, the students were introduced to the team of engineers and architects who told them about the construction techniques for the composite and functional part. Aspects of design, space planning, and the technology used were some of the issues that were discussed with the project’s Construction Manager, Klarens Misho.

“The people surrounding the Mediterranean are different, but at the same time, they share something with each other. The sea has always been a basic mean of communication for all these people, so the fact that such a tourist port opens in Albania is essential, because it integrates the country into a wider communication system and also into a part of tourism that perhaps is currently missing. This project will not only have an economic impact, but also a cultural one,” said Dean Fabio Cappani. He also mentioned his appreciation on the professional practices offered by BALFIN Group through the B4Students program.

The Project Manager, Ervin Baçaj said that “Vlora Marina will consist of a group of activities that make it unique in its kind. We are open to share the experience, novelties and features of this unique project with future professionals in the field, to familiarize them with the industry.”

Vlora Marina is designed to become the central node of elite tourism in Albania. In addition to the new jobs it will continue to create until its full operation, the tourist port is expected to contribute over 20 million euros per year to the city’s economy from the income of its service portfolio.

Why you should invest in a property near a Marina!

If you are looking for a good investment opportunity, a home to live or a fantastic vacation for the whole family, there is only something magical that can make this wish come true; buying a house by the sea!
The relaxing view as you watch the world go by while enjoying the luxurious comfort of your new home in Marina, is the best way to relax.
It is already a fact that living by the sea has a positive effect on human well-being.

These are some of the main benefits of living close to the sea, close to everything.

1.Sports and other activities

Living by the sea means swimming, sunbathing and for the more adventurous; kayaking, sailing and diving. You have just guaranteed for yourself a fun weekend, full of activities that will give you a strong feeling of freedom in the end.

2.The view, is incomparable to anything else
One of the most attractive aspects that leads to the list of benefits is the breathtaking panoramas that they offer.
Imagine sitting on your veranda and a deep sense of calm passes through you as you are looking at the magnificent view of the sea in front of you.

3.Excellent investment

Regardless of where the residential complex is located, properties near the sea will always be in demand. You may pay more for these types of properties, but the return over time justifies the investment. If you decide to rent out your property, you can ask for higher rent due to the strategic location by the sea.
4.Sea breeze

Living by the sea means getting the necessary daily dose for a long and healthy life. The sea breeze will make you feel much more energetic, young, and fresh all the time.

Vlora Marina, the project that is transforming elite tourism in Albania!

While all of Albania’s energy is oriented towards investments in the field of tourism, one of the projects that is receiving special attention is Vlora Marina, which is considered one of the most strategic in the development of elite tourism in the country.
Vlora Marina, which stands as a precious stone between two seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian, is predicted to be one of the largest in the Balkan region, turning into a competitive project in a global market. Vlora Marina was conceived to offer the best services with the highest quality and also to bring a new approach to hospitality, a sector still unconsolidated with the appropriate standards in Albania.
The increasing number of cruises that stops on Albanian shores, and the addition of a new direct flight line such as Ryanair with 18 destinations from Tirana to Europe, have led to a significant increase in foreign visitors in Albania.
The growing number of tourists is the main reason of all these elite investments are capable to offer premium services.
This new project has attracted the attention of foreign media. The Italian news agency ANSA described Vlora Marina as part of the explosion of tourism in the Adriatic. According to the study conducted by Risposte Turismo, an Italian company specializing in tourism research and consultancy, Albania has the largest increase in the Adriatic region, with 53.9% passengers more than a year ago, with a larger increase and ahead of Montenegro, Greece, or Italy.
According to the study, the cruise industry and in particular the ferry segment will be the sectors that will benefit the most from new investments in the next three years.
According to the official figures in the country, in the first 4 months of 2023, the number of passengers from cruises was 8% higher compared to the same period last year.
The economic development that this project will generate is expected to transform Vlora and Albania into one of the most competitive countries in the elite tourism industry, in the Balkan region and even wider throughout the Mediterranean.

According to the prediction, the implementation of this project will bring to the economy of Vlora a benefit of 4.3 million euros per year.
Located in one of the most strategic positions of the city, Vlora Marina brings for the first time in Albania a mixed urban development, completely authentic. In a world-class Marina with 438 berths, Premium apartments with exclusive sea views, and a well-known network of 5-star luxury hotel brands.

The lack of Albanian infrastructure in yacht berthing

Croatia and Montenegro are two of the region’s countries that register a large number of yachts berthed for the summer season. The neighboring country, Italy, also registers high numbers with visitors from all over the world who choose it as a destination . All these three countries are best-loved by tourists, not only for the historical heritage they have or for the coastline, but also for the proper infrastructure they have for berthing yachts, ranking them on the map of elite tourism.
Where is Albania positioned regarding this aspect?
During the summer season, in our country, random yachts anchor in the city of Vlora or Saranda using the current ports and choosing Albania only as a transitory plac. The lack of a port with all the right parameters for berthing yachts means that our country is not preferred for this type of tourism, even though what we offer on our coastline has the same parameters as that of neighboring countries.
According to Ervin Bacaj , the Project Manager of the new Vlora Marina port, investing in this directon is really important, not only to give another boost to country’s tourism, but also to turn it into elite tourism.
Bacaj emphasizes that Vlora has a long coastline, with beaches frequented not only by Albanians but also by foreign citizens, who choose Albania as a tourism destination during the season of summer. Thus, by accomplishing the appropriate infrastructure, more tourists from all over the world will join the country with their yachts with the intention to stay longer and not only as a transitory place.