Vlorë is at the southern end of Albania’s coast. To the north, there are long, sandy beaches on a wide plain. The southern coast is steeper and rockier, with especially clear water. This is where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. You can take a boat to the remote Karaburun Peninsula, home to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches. Orikum and Radhimë are the largest resorts after Vlorë. Zvërnec is also a popular beach, especially for campervans.
In summer, many people from Fier visit Seman’s four-kilometer sandy beach. Families like it because the water deepens gradually, so it’s safe for children. Between the beach and the pine forest, there are several lagoons, and the beach can be several hundred meters wide. Old bunkers, now eroding and sinking into the water, add a unique feature to the scenery.
Hidrovor Beach (Vlore Beach Albania)
Hidrovor Beach is a quiet place that stretches for several kilometers and is up to 200 meters wide. It separates the Adriatic Sea from the northern part of the Narta Lagoon and the nearby salt flats. The main issues are the gravel road and visible trash, which make the area look untidy. However, there is a good restaurant open during some seasons.
Zvërnec Beach
Zvërnec Beach, also known as Dalan Beach, is a beautiful spot that few people know about. It is on a narrow strip of land between the Adriatic Sea and the Narta Lagoon. Most visitors are campers and nature lovers because there are no built-up facilities. Like nearby Porto Novo Beach, Zvërnec Beach is crescent-shaped and surrounded by sandstone cliffs. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Vlorë. Many consider this the best beach in the Vlorë area.
Old Beach in Vlorë
A pine forest, planted years ago to prevent coastal erosion, lines part of Vlorë’s Old Beach (Plazhi i Vjetër), which stretches northwest from the harbor. The sandy, flat beach is a great place for an evening walk at sunset.
New Beach in Vlorë
The palm-lined New Beach (Plazhi i Ri) stretches for several kilometers between Vlorë’s port and the Uji e Ftohtë, or Cold Water, road tunnel. The promenade next to it is called Lungomare.
Radhimë Beaches
Most of Vlorë is on the coastal plain, but mountains rise just south of the city. The coastline has many inlets and narrow beaches, often only a few dozen meters wide. The beaches and water here are usually very clean. There has been significant development, with hotels and guesthouses on almost every available plot. Bora Bora and Radhimë are probably the most popular beaches in this area. Um lies between Pashaliman Lagoon and Vlorë Bay. Visitors have many options for places to stay and eat, and Albania’s only yacht marina is right next door. At the western end of the beach, you can visit the ancient city of Oricum.
Karaburun Beaches
The Karaburun Peninsula is famous for its beautiful beaches and clear water. The easiest way to get there is by boat from Vlorë. St. John’s Beach at the tip of the peninsula and St. Vasil Beach on the Gulf of Vlorë are the most popular. Both have a bar during the high season, and daily boats leave from Vlorë, Radhimë, or Orikum. If you like walking, Brisan Beach is one of the few you can reach on foot, about two hours from Orikum.