The Mediterranean is probably the busiest summer destination in Europe, drawing in millions of tourists with its Old World allure and endless miles of pristine coastline, shared by countries like Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and the like.
Considering there’s hardly a tourism hotspot as established and sought-after, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking there hasn’t been a stone left unturned in the ancient, sun-drenched basin, but you’d be surprised at the wonders that remain hidden in the Med.
One of them is Vlora, a coastal resort in underrated Albania that will launch as the Mediterranean’s brand new tourist destination in 2024, with its very own international airport:
Why Haven’t You Heard Of Vlora, Albania Before?
Out of all the countries that line the southern Mediterranean Coast of Europe, Albania is probably the least explored and most misunderstood.
From misconceptions regarding safety despite its State Department-verified ‘okay’ safety levels to poor promotion resulting from its delayed development as a tourist destination, Albania is the textbook definition of a late bloomer.
Throughout much of its recent History, it was stuck in one of the harshest socialist regimes in Europe, with very few people being allowed to leave, and even smaller number being granted authorization to visit, up until the democratic upturn of the early 90s.
By then, the damage had already been done, and it was significant:
Despite boasting 296 miles of coastline, fascinating heritage sites dating back millennia, and a host of coastal leisure zones, Albania had been left behind while neighboring countries like Croatia and Montenegro all rose to stardom:
Albania Is Quickly Catching Up With Competitors
We’re talking inexistent tourism infrastructure, and the fact that only one major international airport is in charge of serving the entire country––not to mention it’s located in an inland capital, still suffering from the Soviet-influenced architectural blight of the previous century, and that most vacationers don’t care to visit.
Don’t get us wrong, we love quirky Tirana and its mish-mash of Neo-Ottoman and disruptive modernism, but we wouldn’t go out of our way to visit Grand Artificial Lake in summer when it’s Ksamil’s blue Ionian waters that shines the brightest.
Well, in recent years, Albania’s grim prospects in Southern Europe’s increasingly-competitive tourism industry have improved dramatically: for starters, it’s no longer a hidden gem very few have heard of, and last year, it hosted a milestone-10 million tourists.
From the relaunch of train lines between Tirana, the national capital, and Durres, the main port city, to the construction of a brand new airport in the Albanian Mediterranean––the region’s very first commercial hub––it’s an entirely different, far more open Albania compared to 20, or even 10 years ago.
Speaking of the latter, the soon-to-be-opened Vlora International Airport is set to propel Albania further into the future:
New Airport Launching In Albania’s Biggest Resort City
Starting March 2025, tourists will be able to fly nonstop to the Albanian Coast for the first time in History, as the long-anticipated Vlora International Airport gears to open ahead of summer.
Covering an area of 20,000 cubic meters, and equipped with a 5.2 MW photovoltaic rooftop, Albania’s new hub will make it easier for vacationers to get to the country’s postcardy beaches without landing first in Tirana, hundreds of miles away.
Similarly to the Maya Train in Mexico, construction hasn’t been free of setbacks, with environmentalists having raised concerns time and again over the airport site’s proximity of the protected Vjosa Wild River.
Unlike the Maya Train, however, the clash between Government and activist groups hasn’t significantly slowed down the process, as Vlora Airport, whose IATA code is yet to be announced, is set to host its first flights beginning next spring.
It will be Croatia’s third major airport, following Tirana and Kukës, which serves as an alternative hub for the capital, and currently does not have any scheduled flights.
Technicalities aside, you’re probably wondering where you’ll be able to fly to Vlora from; regrettably at this point, no Europe-based airlines have announced flights to Vlora as of yet, though we expect that to change in the near future.
Tirana itself is served by popular budget carriers like Ryanair, Transavia and WizzAir, connecting the Albanian capital with a host of Central-Northern European destinations, like Paris (Beauvais), London (Stansted), Vienna and Warsaw.
It’s highly likely that, once Vlora International is operational, airlines like Ryanair will divert their focus to the coastal resort––once again, that’s only speculation.
Rest assured, we’ll report back once flights have been confirmed.
What To See And Do In Vlora
Vlora (or Vlorë in the local language) is one of the most culturally-significant cities in Albania, as well as one of the oldest.
It has a recorded History of over 3,000 years, having been colonized by Ancient Greeks and eventually developed as an important trading hub on the Mediterranean under several different empires, from the Byzantines to the Venetians to the Ottomans.
We’re not here to give you a rundown of Vlora’s complex historical background, so if you’re wondering what to expect from the city itself, picture a revitalized, colorful Old Town and a lively ocean boardwalk––Lungomare––lined by modern developments.
As the third-largest city in Albania, with a population of over 130,000 people, it is not exactly quaint, but it’s nowhere near Tirana’s sprawling urban chaos, either.
Needless to say, Vlora’s greatest appeal is its privileged coastal location, straddling a long sandy beach (Plazhi i Ri) known for its casual outdoor cafes and beach bars.
This is where you’re likely to spend most of your time, and if you’re looking for cheap eats, a seafood dinner at Sophra is likely to set you back by around $18––and that’s one of the priciest restaurants in town.
That’s already pretty reasonable, but we’re bigger fans of Mëndra instead:
From their homemade Lakror, an Albanian pie made on the spot, to Tavë Kosi, lamb baked in yogurt, everything tastes fresh––and outstandingly good, at that––for an eatery where prices range between a negligible $2 and $20.
Speaking of affordability…
How Affordable Is Albania?
Vlora is one of the cheapest Mediterranean destinations out there, where a 4-star hotel can cost from as little as $52 per night, and privately-managed, one-bedroom apartments a stone’s throw away from the beach start from only $11.
In fact, the best-reviewed property with the lowest price, Ramo’s Charming Studio Apartment, will only set you back by $22, within walking distance of Independence Square, Vjetër Beach, Muradie Mosque and all major points of interest.
According to Budget Your Trip, the average 7-night stay in Vlora is a ‘surprisingly affordable’ $483, in line with the rest of Albania, that is considerably cheaper to visit as a country than other Southern European hotspots.
Learn more about Albania––and why it’s stealing the hearts of millions of tourists––here.
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