Vlorë

Overview

Vlora has a population of about 120,000. Vlora is Albania's second largest port, at the meeting point of the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic Sea. It is also a fishing port and holiday resort. The city center is much like most Albanian towns in that there is nothing much to see, but concrete towerblocks - and a lot of palm trees. It is however the starting point of the coastal road to Saranda , along the 'Albanian Riviera'.

This road goes from brand new to shaky along mountain passes, hairpin bends down to deserted beaches, miles and miles through olive groves, from Greek styled village to village. It is feasible to hitch hike all the way to Saranda in one day, but it is worth more time than that.

Vlora is proclaimed a hero city. It is an old city, where important events in the struggles for freedom and independence have taken place. In ancient times the city was known under the name of Aulon. At the beginning it was only a port. Aulon was famous for its olive groves and vineyards.

After the fall of Apollonia and Orichum, it became the principal port of Illyria. In the fifth century Aulon was the centre of diocese. The emigrations of barbarians damaged it badly and brought the withdrawal of the city deeper in land.

During the Middle Ages the city was fused into one with the fortress of Kanina, which is situated a few kilometres to the south east.

In 1081 Vlora was seized by...more

History