Dërmenas Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Founded in 588 BC, Apollonia was a significant trading port and cultural centre for about 50,000 people, many of whom settled here from nearby Corfu. Today the site is still undergoing excavation so there isn't tons and tons to see. This particular building isn't original to the site but was made from materials found on the site and has been modified many times since its creation as a monastery in the 13th century.
Founded in 588 BC, Apollonia was a significant trading port and cultural centre for about 50,000 people, many of whom settled here from nearby Corfu. Today the site is still undergoing excavation so there isn't tons and tons to see. This particular building isn't original to the site but was made from materials found on the site and has been modified many times since its creation as a monastery in the 13th century.
Apollonia (Ancient Greek: Ἀπολλωνία κατ᾿ Ἐπίδαμνον or Ἀπολλωνία πρὸς Ἐπίδαμνον, Apollonia kat' Epidamnon or Apollonia pros Epidamnon) was an ancient Greek city in Illyria,[1] located on the right bank of the Aous river (modern-day Vjosë). Its ruins are situated in the Fier region, near the village of Pojani, in modern-day Albania. Apollonia was founded in 588 BCE by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth,[2] on a site initially occupied by Illyrian tribes[3] and was perhaps the most important of the several classical towns known as Apollonia. Apollonia flourished in the Roman period and was home to a renowned school of philosophy, but began to decline in the 3rd century AD when its harbor started silting up as a result of an earthquake. It was abandoned by the end of Late Antiquity. Source: Wikipedia

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Diamond Hill

Diamond Hill

4 out of 5
Rruga Aleksandër Moisiu Vlorë Vlore County
The price is AU$68 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
AU$68
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Vlorë. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Lungomare Beach and National Museum of Independence ...
7.8/10 Good! (35 reviews)
Great hotel! Great staff!

Reviewed on 28 June 2025

Diamond Hill
HOTEL OLIVE

HOTEL OLIVE

3 out of 5
10 Rruga Cajupi Vlorë Qarku i Vlorës
The price is AU$73 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
AU$73
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vlorë. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions National Museum of Independence and Plazhi i Vjeter ...
9/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
Worst Hotel Experience – Room Was Uninhabitable
stayed at Hotel Olive in Vlorë from September 6–8, 2025 and it was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve ever had. When I checked in, the air conditioner did not work, and the room was unbearably hot. I asked to change rooms but was told none were available. I couldn’t even stay in the room until ...

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

HOTEL OLIVE
Hotel Aliko

Hotel Aliko

3 out of 5
Rruga Aleksandër Moisiu Orikum
The price is AU$87 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
AU$87
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Orikum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Lungomare Beach and National Museum of Independence ...
7.4/10 Good! (29 reviews)
Not a great experience overall.

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Hotel Aliko
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Diamond Holiday Apartments Vlore

Diamond Holiday Apartments Vlore

4.5 out of 5
SH8 Vlorë Qarku i Vlorës
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Vlorë. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Lungomare Beach and National Museum of Independence ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
Good

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Diamond Holiday Apartments Vlore
Seascape Apartments Vlore

Seascape Apartments Vlore

3 out of 5
Rruga Jani Rexha Vlore Qarku i Vlorës
Stay at this apartment in Vlorë. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Popular attractions National Museum of Independence and Lungomare Beach are located ...
Seascape Apartments Vlore
Deluxe Grand Villa

Deluxe Grand Villa

2 out of 5
Vlorë Qarku i Vlorës
Stay at this villa in Vlorë. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Plazhi i Vjeter and National Museum of Independence ...
Deluxe Grand Villa
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Apollonia Archeological Park

Find out about the history of Dërmenas when you take a trip to Apollonia Archeological Park. Discover the area's festivals and temples.

Apollonia Archeological Park

Activities

Bunkers of Albania

Day tour of Apollonia Park, Vlore and Narta from Tirana&Durres

AU$159
per adult
Day tour of Apollonia Park, Vlore and Narta from Tirana&Durres
Tirana and artificial lake

Best Places To Visit in Albania Tour in 5 days

AU$919
per adult
Best Places To Visit in Albania Tour in 5 days
Apollonia Archaeological Park

Explore Berat(UNESCO) and Apollonia from Tirana/Durres

AU$343
per adult
Explore Berat(UNESCO) and Apollonia from Tirana/Durres
See all activities in Dërmenas