Tourist information for Vlora
Where official tourism information lives, the public holidays that change opening hours, a few words of Albanian, and the basics — time zone, plugs and the city’s several names.
Checked · next check by Due for a re-check — confirm locally before relying on it.
Official sources
- National Tourism Agency of Albania — akt.gov.al publishes official descriptions of Vlora’s beaches, castles, monasteries and parks.
- Vlora Municipality — vlora.gov.al publishes local decisions and consultations (beach rules, parking, works), in Albanian.
- Your own government’s travel advice for entry requirements, safety and health — entry rules depend on your nationality and are not covered here.
Public holidays (rest of 2026)
Banks and public offices close; many shops, cafés and restaurants in visitor areas stay open. When a holiday falls on a weekend it is observed on the next working day.
| Date | Holiday | Day off |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 22 Nov | Alphabet Day | Mon 23 Nov |
| Sat 28 Nov | Flag and Independence DayIndependence was declared in Vlora in 1912. | Mon 30 Nov |
| Sun 29 Nov | Liberation Day | Tue 1 Dec |
| Tue 8 Dec | National Youth Day | Same day |
| Fri 25 Dec | Christmas Day | Same day |
The 2026 holidays listed here have passed; the next schedule will be added when the Bank of Albania publishes it.
Source: Bank of Albania, 2026 official bank holiday schedule. Religious holiday dates that follow the lunar calendar can move. Valid until 25 December 2026.
Language
The language is Albanian (shqip). In hotels, restaurants and shops that serve visitors you will usually find someone who speaks English, and Italian is widely understood. A few words go a long way:
- Përshëndetje
- Hello
- Faleminderit
- Thank you
- Ju lutem
- Please
- Po / Jo
- Yes / No
- Sa kushton?
- How much is it?
- Mirupafshim
- Goodbye
Time, plugs and names
- Time zone: Central European Time (UTC+1), summer time UTC+2 — the same clock as Italy.
- Plugs: European two-pin (types C and F), 230 V.
- Names: Vlorë and Vlora are both correct in Albanian (the second is the definite form); Italians say Valona. You will see all three on signs, tickets and maps.
- History in one line: Albania’s independence was declared in Vlora on 28 November 1912 — the reason the date is a national holiday.
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.
Related
- Visitor FAQ Quick answers to the questions visitors ask most about Vlora.
- What’s on Events and occasions in Vlora with a verified source — plus public holidays that change opening hours.
- Emergency & medical help Call 112. Ambulance 127, police 129, fire 128 — plus the hospital, consulates and safety notes.
- Things to do Boat trips, beaches, viewpoints, culture, day trips and evenings in and around Vlora.