Vlore County

Vlorë County occupies a transitional zone where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea, creating a 244-kilometer coastline that forms the Albanian Riviera. This geographic edge effect generates exceptional biodiversity value alongside emerging tourism infrastructure. The €93 million Vlorë Marina, opening spring 2025, represents Albania's first five-star marina resort; the new Akërni international airport (mid-2025) promises direct European flights. These developments attempt to capture luxury tourism spending that currently bypasses Albania entirely.

The Llogara Tunnel, operational since July 2024, transformed accessibility by reducing travel time over the coastal mountains from 30 to 7 minutes. This infrastructure exemplifies how removing barriers enables rapid colonization of previously isolated niches—in this case, beach resorts that were previously a long, winding drive from northern cities. Property values in Vlorë and Sarandë appreciate 8-10% annually, driven by both tourism and speculation.

Sarandë (part of Vlorë County) operates as the primary tourist node, with tourism serving as the main economic driver. Yet the county's 146,681 residents face classic carrying-capacity questions: 11.7 million visitors arrived in Albania in 2024, a 15% increase, and the Riviera absorbs an outsized share. Whether infrastructure investment can stay ahead of demand determines whether Vlorë becomes Croatia's Dalmatian coast or the next over-touristed Mediterranean casualty.