Discover Vlora and visit the Archaeological Park of Amantia
Duration
4 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
Scenic drive along the Vlora River with colorful rock formations
Visit to Brataj village and its crystal-clear river views
Explore historic stone bridges: Peshkëpi, Drashovica, and Kotë
Drashovica War Memorial and Arch commemorating key battles
Swim near the 16th-century Brataj Bridge
Discover the ancient Greek ruins at Amantia Archaeological Park in Ploc
€ 112
€ 103.04
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You will depart from Vlora at 9 am and travel about an hour south along the Vlora River, also known as Shushice. This riverside area holds a unique charm—sometimes the river broadens into wide stretches, other times it narrows into small streams, all framed by vibrant, colorful rocks.
This tour offers a chance to explore authentic Albanian villages as well. Your first stop is Brataj, a village of around 2,000 people within the municipality of Selenice. Here, the river takes center stage with its clear, crystalline blue waters. The Vlora River is crossed by three ancient stone bridges—Peshkepi, Drashovica, and Kote. These high-arched bridges, built to withstand flooding during rainy seasons, stand as impressive historic structures.
This region is steeped in history, having witnessed significant battles during World War II. In August 1920, Albanian nationalists successfully pushed back Italian forces during the Valona War. Later, in 1940, the Greek army advanced into the Vlora valley, repelling the Italian fascist invasion in the Battle of Himara. In 1943, after the Germans took over former Italian bases, fierce fighting occurred in the Battle of Drashovica, where Albanian partisan forces led by generals Hysni Kapo and Tasim Murati dealt heavy losses to the German troops.
Near the Drashovica Bridge, you will visit the War Memorial and the Arch of Drashovica, a monumental complex designed by Muntaz Dhrami and erected in 1980. This impressive square honors the fallen heroes of 1920 and 1943, celebrating the Albanian people’s fight for liberation.
Following the monument visit, you will explore the village of Brataj itself. Later in the morning, enjoy a refreshing bath near the Venetian-style Brataj Bridge, dating back to the 1500s, where the river widens peacefully.
After lunch, the final stop of the day is the village of Ploc, home to the Archaeological Park of ancient Amantia. Amantia was a fortified Greek polis built between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC, strategically positioned in the Vlora valley. Today, the archaeological park spans 15 hectares and features the remains of the acropolis, a Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, a well-preserved stadium, and city walls—offering a fascinating glimpse into Albania’s ancient past.
Transport
Guide
Lunch
All not mentioned in ''included''
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing due to moderate walking
This tour is recommended for those comfortable with stairs and uneven paths
This tour is not suitable for customers in wheelchairs
In case of hot weather we suggest you bring a cap with you
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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Activity Provider: My Tour in Italy
Customer Reviews
Johay
The place is easily accessible. 200 Lek fee Parking on the entrance near the theatre. Some wall remains on the top. The place is not marked and you just have to find your way. We drove up and the road is not good. On top of the hill are some people living with goats. An old lady is happy to show you the way and will sell you cold juice
Elton
Near Vlora Albania, with a paved road and easy to reach is the most beautiful ancient city of Amantia! We found this place super beautiful and with rich history! The place is not known to most people but should be more advertising! We found it randomly and was a great discovery! Highly recommended!
Oksana
Amantia is amazing taken together with all the nature around .Fantastic views ,high mountains ,beautiful valleys ,birds singing and sheep under trees )The way to reach any ruins is hard ,no path made ,no road signs to find the way.Still,it is very beautiful and wild .Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for hiking (u will have to climb if u want to see anything ).I used the navigator to find at least something there )Nature is great )))The entrance fee is 200 lek,parking .Make sure u have water with u) Amantia was an ancient Illyrian city located in modern-day southern Albania, founded in the 5th century BCE. Positioned on a hill overlooking the Vjosa River valley, it controlled key trade routes between the Adriatic coast and the interior Balkans. The city flourished under Hellenistic influence, evident in its architecture and urban planning. Notable structures include a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, a theater, and its most famous feature, a stadium capable of holding 4,000 spectators, used for athletic events and public gatherings. Amantia was protected by robust stone walls, parts of which remain visible today. In the 2nd century BCE, Amantia became part of the Roman Empire, retaining some autonomy but gradually declining in importance. Archaeological excavations have revealed coins, pottery, and inscriptions that shed light on its history. Today, the site is a popular destination for those interested in ancient Illyrian-Greek culture.
AlbaTrip
The ruins of the antique Illyrian city of Amantia is nowadays one of the largest archaeological parks in the country and a testimony to the rich ancient history of the Ionian coast. It stands southeast of the Vlora District, close to the village of Plloçë. Amantia was declared an archaeological park in 2005. It was the capital city of the Illyrian Amant tribe. It was founded in the 5th century B.C. on its own acropolis , at 613 m above sea level and covered an area of 13 hectares. The most interesting structures for visitors are: Amantia Stadium The main and most striking elements of the park are the ruins of the ancient stadium built from stone blocks around the 3rd century B.C. At 12,50 meters wide, with 17 rows, and a central stage shaped like a horse’s shoe, the stadium could accommodate approximately 4,000 spectators. Another great discovery in Amantia is a relief of the God of Fertility, dating to the 3rd century BC, currently located in the archaeological section of the National Museum of History. You can find many other objects from Amantia at the Archaeological Museum in Tirana. The cyclopean walls are an obvious sign of the Illyrians settlements findable all over The Balkan penisula, once Illyrian Penisula. Illyrians are famous for their strength, mastery in constructions and bravery in wars (the same features we can notice in todays Albanians). All the stories of war in the today's Balkans belong to the Illyrian tribes starting from 7th BC - 5th AD. 7th BC (before Christ) meaning, this culture and its people are present in these lands from more then 3.000 years predating their Greek and Roman neighbor cultures.
Arban
Amantia was the ancient Greek capital of the Illyrian tribe of Amantes in Epirus. Ruins of Amantia are found close to the village of Plloca around the former Aoos and nowadays the Vlosa rivers valley, high in the Kurvelesh Mountains to the east of the city of Vlora. Amantia was founded in the 5th century BC and covered an area of 13 ha. Amantia occupied an important defensive position above the Vjosa river valley to the east towards the Kurvelesh Mountains, and on the road to the coast and the Bay of Vlora. By the 3rd century BC, the Amantia town was strengthened economically and minted its own coins. The town of Amantia was surrounded with a walled enclosure roughly 2100 meters long. A large fort was built with two gates and two defensive towers in the north. Amantia remained a small urban center and in early Christian times was the seat of a bishop. It is thought that Amantia may have been abandoned by the end of the 6 century AD. The city of Amantia had its own acropolis and a Doric style temple dedicated to Aphrodite, constructed in the 3rd century B.C. The best preserved monument of the Amantia is the stadium which is 60 m long and 12.5 m wide. The Amantia stadium has 17 steps on one side and 8 on the other and could accommodate about 4000 people. A number of Greek inscriptions have been found on some Amantia stone finds. Although not much is known of the later Amantia history, it is assumed that in the 5th or the 6th century the Aphrodite temple was replaced by a Christian basilica. One of the interesting discoveries in Amantia site is the relief of the God of Fertility dating to the 3rd century BC. This object can be closely seen at the archaeological section of the National Historic Museum, while other finds from Amantia are displayed at the Archaeological Museum in Tirana. Unfortunately, because of great negligence for preservation of the cultural heritage and maniacal treasure hunters activities in the Balkans and Albania, the ancient city of Amantia has been severely damaged by illegal diggers of tombs and archaeological sites.