Cultural heritage monuments and archaeological parks in Vlora County are becoming an increasingly important part of tourist itineraries. Thousands of local and foreign visitors explored these sites during the tourism season.

Orges Feimi, Director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlora, told ATA that seven monuments and archaeological parks under the directorate’s administration received 51,104 visitors between January and August 2026.

The figure marks an increase from the same period last year, when the sites recorded 46,167 visitors.

According to Feimi, visitor numbers increased even though Kanina Castle remained closed to the public because of restoration works.

Visitors showed strong interest in the history, architecture and cultural heritage of Vlora County.

“Historical monuments are an important part of the county’s tourism offer. They complement Vlora’s potential beyond coastal tourism,” Feimi said.

He added that visitor numbers peak during the summer months, with July and August recording some of the highest figures. September has also continued to attract strong interest in cultural heritage sites.

Porto Palermo Castle leads the list of the most visited monuments under the jurisdiction of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlora.

“The castle received 34,717 visitors from January through August 31, 2026. It has become one of the most visited cultural heritage sites in southern Albania,” Feimi said.

The growing number of visitors also shows that tourists are exploring a wider range of experiences in the county. Alongside beaches and natural attractions, historical and cultural heritage is taking an increasingly important place in the region’s tourism offer.

The sites under the administration of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlora include the Archaeological Park of Amantia, the Archaeological Park of Phoinike, the Archaeological Park of Orikum, the Monastery of the Forty Saints in Saranda, the Church of the Monastery of St. Nicholas in Mesopotam, Kanina Castle and Ali Pasha Castle in Porto Palermo.

These sites remain important parts of tourist itineraries. They give visitors an opportunity to explore the history and culture of the region while further enriching southern Albania’s tourism offer.

/a.c/