Introducing Vlora
Nestled in the broad bay where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, the port city of Vlora is a much more attractive summer destination than its dirty northern sister Durrës. You can actually swim here in the crystal waters of the beaches, which stretch south from the harbour. Many see this beautiful bay as Albania’s best hope for developing tourism. It’s no wonder that the locals are fighting so hard to sink the plans of a US company to run an oil pipeline straight through it.
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A grand palm-tree-lined avenue stretches through town, although the poverty is palpable just a block away on either side. Daily winter blackouts bring everything to a standstill. This was one of the most lawless towns at the end of the 1990s and, owing to its proximity to Italy, has been a hub of mafia activity, including the trafficking of drugs and slaves.
Vlora’s main claim to fame is that it was the place where Albanian independence was proclaimed in 1912.
Last updated: Jul 22, 2009
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