Vlora Lungomare is the main seaside promenade in Vlorë, stretching a few kilometers along the city’s coastline. Lined with palm trees, it’s a lively walkway filled with restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it the go-to spot for an evening stroll, especially when the temperatures cool down and people head out for dinner or drinks.

While it’s great for walking and enjoying the atmosphere, I wouldn’t recommend the beaches directly in front of the Lungomare for a full beach day. They tend to be less clean, and the nearby road can get quite busy. Instead, for better beaches, you can head slightly south to places like Uji i Ftohtë, Radhimë Beach, or further toward Orikum. Private options like Nimfa Beach and La Plaia Beach are also good choices. A common routine is to spend the day at one of these beaches, then come back to the Lungomare in the late afternoon or evening.

For food along the promenade, you’ll find plenty of options. Some good picks include Restorant Tradicional VANI (great seafood, casual), Paradise Beach Restaurant (mid-range seafood), and Yacht Restaurant (more upscale).

That said, my personal favorite spot, although a bit further out, is Gjurma Restaurant by Aldo Mehmeti. It’s a bit high-end, but the quality and atmosphere are excellent. There are also tables set up right along the water, offering a more relaxed and scenic setting to enjoy a drink or sunset: less crowded and slightly removed from the road compared to the Lungomare closer to the city center. The water in front of here is also noticeably clearer and more blue.

You can walk there in about 45 minutes along the coast from the start of the Lungomare (a peaceful walk), or preferably, just take a short drive and park nearby if you prefer.