This summer season has been highly successful for the archaeological sites in Vlora County.

According to Orgest Feimi, head of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlora, which manages all archaeological sites in the county, the number of visitors has increased by 42% compared to the same period last year.

“From January 1 to August 31, 2025, we recorded 13,212 more visitors than in the same period of the previous year. The same growth trend is continuing in early September, and we are confident it will last until October 31, when the cultural tourism season declared by the ministry officially ends. Even beyond this date, expectations are high that the sites and cultural monuments will continue to attract visitors,” Feimi stated.

Porto Palermo Castle tops the list of the most visited sites, followed by the castles of Himara and Kanina, as well as the archaeological parks of Orikum and Amantia.

“As every year, Porto Palermo Castle holds the highest number of visitors, followed by Himara Castle and Kanina Castle. The Kanina Castle is currently undergoing full restoration and has not been accessible to visitors since March – the process will last about a year. Special interest is also noted for the archaeological parks of Orikum and Amantia,” Feimi explained.

Tourists visiting Vlora’s archaeological sites come from a wide range of countries.

“We mainly have visitors from Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy, but also from Asia, Australia, and America. Around 75% of visitors are foreigners, compared to 25% locals.”

The increase in the number of tourists has had a direct impact on the revenues of the Vlora Directorate of Cultural Heritage, which will be used for further investments in monuments and their maintenance.

“Revenues have increased by 50 to 60% compared to last year. By law, 90% of the collected revenues go to the institution that generates them, which translates into more investments and maintenance work for these monuments,” the director emphasized.

Vlora offers more than just sea, climate, and beaches. Every day, hundreds of foreign tourists, in addition to enjoying the region’s natural beauty, also choose to visit dozens of sites of high historical and archaeological value spread throughout the county.