The best around Vlore: archeology, history and nature

Your adventure begins from Hotel Bologna, heading south along the scenic Vlora coast. As you comfortably ride in off-road vehicles, you'll pass through the Uji i Ftohte (Cold Water) tunnel, an area renowned for its picturesque beaches and lively summer nightlife. Continuing along the coastline, you'll arrive at the charming seaside village of Radhima, where sandy and rocky beaches are framed by lush green vegetation and citrus groves. From here, the journey takes you inland into the protected area of the Oricum Lagoon, a site rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. Just 60 km from the Italian coast, Oricum was an important ancient port established between the 7th and 6th centuries BC. It later became a Greek polis and was the first city in Epirus conquered by Caesar during the Roman civil war. A short stop here allows you to explore the local flora, fauna, and archaeological ruins currently being excavated by Swiss and Albanian teams.

The journey continues to the 13th-century Byzantine Church of Marmiroi, an architectural gem featuring a rare cross-shaped design with three entrances and a dome set atop a cylindrical roof. Nestled at the foot of the Acrocerauni Mountains, this serene site offers a glimpse into Albania's rich religious heritage. From there, the tour leads to the village of Tragjas, where a guided exploration of its medieval castle and the ruins of the old town provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Vlore. The area also holds historical importance as the site of the Battle of Gjorm in 1943, where Albanian resistance forces triumphed over fascist Italian troops. This immersive day tour blends natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural insight, offering an unforgettable experience in southern Albania.