Visitor questions, answered
Short answers to the questions visitors ask most, each linked to the page with the detail and the sources.
Checked · next check by Due for a re-check — confirm locally before relying on it.
Arriving
Is there an airport in Vlora?
Not one you can fly into: The new airport near Vlorë has not opened to scheduled flights; the state moved to terminate its concession in August–September 2026. Fly into Tirana. Getting here →
How do I get from Tirana airport to Vlora?
By the Hermes Airport shuttle (1,200 lek single, nine departures a day), by airport taxi (fixed fare about €105–110 per car), by pre-booked transfer, or in a hire car. About 155 km. Airport transfers →
Can I take a ferry from Italy?
Yes — Vlorë has a ferry link with Brindisi. Booking sites listed around four sailings a week for autumn 2026, roughly 6–8 hours; it changes by season. Ferries →
Money and phones
Can I pay with euros?
The currency is the lek. Some visitor businesses accept euros at their own rate; paying in lek is usually cheaper. Cards work in larger places, cash for small ones. Money & ATMs →
Will my phone work without roaming charges?
Not automatically: Albania is outside the EU’s “roam like at home” area. Check your plan, or buy a local SIM (bring your passport) or an eSIM. SIM, eSIM & Wi-Fi →
Should I tip?
Appreciated, not expected: round up in cafés, around ten per cent for good restaurant service. Tipping →
Health and safety
What is the emergency number?
112 for any emergency. Ambulance 127, police 129, fire 128. Emergency & medical help →
Can I drink the tap water?
UK government advice is not to drink tap water in Albania. Buy bottled water. Shopping tips →
Is Vlora safe for visitors?
UK advice says crimes targeting foreigners are rare; take normal precautions against pickpockets in busy places. Road safety is the bigger risk — UK advice describes driving in Albania as hazardous. Safety notes →
Beaches, timing and the camera
Do I have to pay for a sunbed?
Only if you want one. For the 2026 season the municipality capped prices on operator-run beaches at 700 lek and kept around 15,000 m of beach free. Beaches →
When is the best time to visit?
June and September: warm sea, calmer beaches. July and August are busiest; boat trips run roughly May to October. Winter is quiet and many beach businesses close. Things to do →
Is the camera really live?
Yes. One rooftop camera streams Vlora Bay 24/7 in 4K; the site shows a snapshot that refreshes every five minutes, and the full stream plays on demand. Watch live →
Sources and checks
Facts that can change are dated and checked against the sources below. Vlora.live has no relationship with these organisations; if something has changed, please tell us.
- Tirana International Airport — Transport and directions — By bus
- TIA Taxi (Tirana airport taxi service) — Destinations and fixed fares
- Wikipedia — Vlora International Airport
- Direct Ferries — Vlora to Brindisi ferry
- Government of Canada — Travel advice and advisories for Albania
- European Union — Your Europe — Mobile roaming costs
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Albania travel advice — Safety and security
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Albania travel advice — Health
- BalkanWeb — Vlora mayor: 700 lek ceiling on beach prices, 15,000 m of free beach
Related
- Emergency & medical help Call 112. Ambulance 127, police 129, fire 128 — plus the hospital, consulates and safety notes.
- Airport transfers Tirana airport to Vlorë: the official airport bus timetable, fixed taxi fares and private transfers.
- Money & ATMs The lek, cards and cash, ATMs, euros and the “old lek” quirk.
- Beaches City beaches, the Old Beach, Radhimë and Orikum, and the coves you reach by boat — with 2026 sunbed rules.