Vlora Lungomare

Vlora rebuilt its seafront in the 2010s into a long promenade, the Lungomare, running several kilometres along the bay with palms, planted beds, cycle lanes, playgrounds, sculpture and a wide paved walk, replacing what had been a run-down shore. It is among the largest public works of its kind in the country and it has become the centre of the city's life, particularly in the evening when the whole town walks it. The view runs across the bay to the Karaburun peninsula and Sazan island, and the sunsets from it are the reason many people time their walk. Beaches run alongside for part of its length. The city behind is ordinary and heavily built, so the promenade carries the whole visit for most people.

What you actually see

• Several kilometres of seafront walk - the rebuilt promenade along the bay.
• The Karaburun view - the peninsula and Sazan across the water.
• Sunset over the bay - the hour the promenade is busiest.
• Sculpture and planting - the works installed along the walk.

When to go

May to September for the beaches; the promenade works year round and evenings are the local hour in any season. Half a day. August is very busy. Sunset is the moment to time it for.

Honest expectations

The city behind the promenade is unattractive and heavily built. Beaches along it are crowded and not clean in peak season. There is limited shade on the walk. It is a modern public work rather than a historic seafront.

Nearby

The Muradie mosque is in the city; Kanina castle stands on the hill above.