How to get to Orikum from Vlore and Tirana

Travel guide • Orikum, Albania

Hotels in Orikum, Albania – where to stay, what to see

Orikum is a relaxed seaside town at the south end of the Bay of Vlore, perfectly placed between the beach, the Karaburun Peninsula and the ancient ruins of Oricum. Below you’ll find where to stay, a short history of the area and practical tips for planning your trip.

Updated for the current season

Pebble beach and calm blue water in Orikum, Albania — Quiet pebble beach in Orikum with views towards the Karaburun Peninsula.

Aerial view of Orikum Bay and the coastline near Vlore — Aerial-style view of Orikum Bay between the sea and the lagoon.

Sun loungers and umbrellas on Orikum seafront at sunset — Beachfront promenade with sunbeds, beach bars and family-friendly hotels.

Tip: upload 3 horizontal photos of Orikum (beach, aerial, sunset) to your Media Library and paste their URLs above.

Where is Orikum and why stay here?

Orikum sits about 20 km south of Vlore, on the road towards the Llogara Pass and the Albanian Riviera. The town looks over a long pebble beach with clear turquoise water and gentle entry into the sea, making it ideal for couples, families and anyone who prefers a quieter alternative to the busier beaches closer to Vlore.

Just outside modern Orikum you’ll find the archaeological park of ancient Oricum, once a Greek and later Roman harbour city strategically placed at the entrance of the Strait of Otranto. Today, you can still see remains of city walls, a monumental fountain and other ruins that tell the story of this port’s long maritime history.

Choosing a hotel in Orikum means you are:

Right on a calm, family-friendly beach with sunbeds and beach bars.
Within a short drive of Vlore city and the promenade of Lungomare.
On the gateway road to the Karaburun Peninsula, Llogara Pass and the Riviera.
Close to the archaeological park and the Marmiroi Byzantine church in the hills.

It’s a great base if you want both a relaxed beach holiday and easy day trips by car or boat.

Best areas to stay in Orikum

The town is compact, but there are a few different areas that work well depending on the type of holiday you want:

1. Orikum beachfront (main promenade)

Most hotels and apartments line the coastal road and small streets just behind it. This is the best choice if you want to walk straight from your room to the sunbeds, beach bars and restaurants.

Perfect for couples, groups of friends and families.
Easy access to cafés, mini-markets and beach clubs.
Short drive to Vlore and the Karaburun boat piers.

2. Town center & residential streets

A few streets back from the sea you’ll find residential areas with guesthouses and apartment rentals. These are often quieter at night and can be a little cheaper than absolute seafront.

Good for longer stays and budget travellers.
Shops and bakeries nearby, 5–10 minutes’ walk from the beach.
More local atmosphere, less seasonal noise.

3. Along the road to Radhimë & Vlore

On the coastal road between Orikum and Vlore there are several hotels and resorts built right above the sea. They often have private platforms, pools and panoramic views across the bay.

Best choice if you want views and hotel facilities.
Ideal for guests travelling by car.
Easy to drive either to Vlore city or down towards Llogara.

4. Near the archaeological park

A small number of accommodations are closer to the ruins and countryside. These suit visitors who prefer a quiet setting, walking or cycling, and exploring the historic landscape.

Peaceful surroundings and countryside feel.
Short drive to the beach and the Marmiroi church.
Good base if you are interested in history and archaeology.

A short history of Orikum (ancient Oricum)

Long before modern hotels appeared on the coast, this bay was already an important harbour. Ancient Oricum was founded as a Greek trading city and later became a strategic Roman port, guarding the entrance to the Strait of Otranto between Albania and Italy.

Thanks to its position at the foot of the Akrokeraunian Mountains, ships could safely stop here when sailing between the Adriatic and the wider Mediterranean. Over the centuries, Oricum saw Illyrian tribes, Greek settlers and Roman legions pass through its harbour.

Today, visitors can walk among the ruins of the city walls, a monumental fountain and remains of public buildings. Nearby stands the small Byzantine Marmiroi Church, with its characteristic dome and fragments of medieval frescoes, adding another layer to the area’s long story.

Combining a beach holiday in Orikum with a visit to the archaeological park gives you both relaxation and a taste of Albania’s ancient past in the same place.

Things to do while staying in Orikum

Relax on Orikum Beach – swim, sunbathe and enjoy the calm, shallow water.
Visit the ancient city of Oricum – explore the ruins and learn about the harbour’s history.
Drive the Llogara Pass – one of Albania’s most scenic mountain roads with Riviera views.
Take a boat tour – discover Karaburun Peninsula, Haxhi Ali Cave or Sazan Island on a day trip from Vlore.
Enjoy local seafood – try fresh fish, mussels and traditional Albanian dishes in seafront restaurants.
Sunset walks – stroll along the beach road and watch the sun set behind the mountains.

Practical tips for booking a hotel

Best time to visit: June–September for swimming; May and October for quieter, cooler stays.
Transport: Orikum is easiest by car from Vlore or Tirana. There are also regular minibuses (furgon) from Vlore.
Parking: Many hotels offer private or street parking – check the description if you arrive with a car.
Breakfast & meals: A lot of hotels include breakfast; for lunch and dinner you can walk to nearby restaurants and beach bars.
Family stays: Look for family rooms, apartments with kitchenettes and properties directly on the beach.
Payments: Smaller guesthouses may prefer cash; bigger resorts usually accept cards.