Vlorë

Vlorë (also known as Vlora) is the third most populous city in Albania, located on the country's southwestern coast, on the shores of the Bay of Vlorë, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. With around 105,000 inhabitants in its municipality, Vlorë holds a singular place in Albanian history: on 28 November 1912, 83 delegates from across the country gathered in the city to proclaim Albanian independence, making it the first capital of the modern state. The city preserves the Independence Museum and the Muradiye Mosque, designed by the celebrated Ottoman architect Sinan.

In 2024, Vlorë was recognised by ACES Europe as a European City of Sport, a distinction awarded at a ceremony in the European Parliament in Brussels, in recognition of its commitment to promoting sport, social inclusion, and community physical activity. The city, part of the emerging Albanian Riviera, combines its historical and natural richness with growing sports infrastructure that positions it as a benchmark in the Balkans.