According to media reports, the naval group comprises two German warships, one Italian vessel and one Spanish ship. The vessels entered Albanian waters on Nov. 2 and are scheduled to remain there until Nov. 6.

The crews will conduct port visits on Nov. 3 and 4, followed by joint naval and air exercises on Nov. 5 and 6. The manoeuvres will involve the NATO warships and vessels from the Albanian Naval Force.

The exercises aim to strengthen operational cooperation between the naval forces of allied countries and enhance their ability to operate in a coordinated manner. They will also focus on improving operational readiness and preparing military personnel for joint deployments as part of NATO missions.

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The “Pavarësia” neighborhood is among the hardest-hit areas, with several roads underwater.

Emergency services and police are on-site directing traffic and helping citizens move around. /e.i/a.f/p.s./

According to Orges Feimi, Director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage (DRTK) Vlora, a total of 51,104 visitors toured seven monuments and archaeological parks under the institution’s administration between January and August 2026, compared with 46,167 visitors during the same period last year.

The increase was recorded despite the temporary closure of Kanina Castle, which has remained inaccessible to the public due to ongoing restoration works.

Visitors have shown strong interest in the region’s rich history, architecture and cultural heritage.

“Historical monuments represent an important component of Vlora’s tourism offer, complementing the region’s well-known coastal attractions. The highest visitor numbers are recorded during the summer season, particularly in July and August, while September continues to show strong interest in heritage sites,” Feimi said.

At the top of the list of the most visited monuments stands Porto Palermo Castle, which welcomed 34,717 visitors between January and August 31, 2026, making it one of the most frequented cultural heritage sites in southern Albania.

The growing number of visitors to monuments and archaeological parks also reflects a broader diversification of tourism in the region, where cultural and historical heritage is increasingly complementing the appeal of beaches and natural landscapes.

The sites managed by DRTK Vlora include the Amantia Archaeological Park, Finiq Archaeological Park, Orikum Archaeological Park, the Monastery of the Forty Saints in Saranda, the Church of St. Nicholas Monastery in Mesopotam, Kanina Castle, and Ali Pasha Castle in Porto Palermo.

These sites continue to play a significant role in the region’s tourism itineraries, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the history and cultural legacy of southern Albania while enriching the area’s overall tourism product.

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Rama described the Jewish Museum as “a cornerstone of the historical memory of the city of Independence and its legacy of protecting Jews during World War Two.”

In a post on X, Rama accused Democratic Party lawmaker Bujar Leskaj of mobilising a group of people against the project.

Rama also said the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) had allocated 200,000 dollars to prepare a project for the “Renaissance of the Labëria Museum.”

He said the museum, alongside the Jewish Museum, would provide another important space for preserving Vlora’s identity and history while supporting tourism development.

“The Leskaj group has made a ritual of attacking the construction sites behind Vlora’s transformation,” Rama said, adding that, at his request, the AADF had allocated 200,000 dollars for the project to revive the Labëria Museum, which he described as a severely degraded building.

The museum, he said, would be restored and, together with the Jewish Museum, become “another open door of pride” for Vlora’s patriotic and tourism heritage.

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Through a post in social media, Rama wrote that the demolition of the extensions to the buildings has begun, paving the way for the full rehabilitation of this area.

“The demolition of the extensions to the buildings has begun, paving the way for the full rehabilitation of the Rice Market Block in Vlora,” Rama wrote.

The operation aims to free and arrange the spaces in the area, as part of the interventions for the rehabilitation of the Rice Market Block.

The operation has been launched by the Municipality of Vlora to demolish 25 buildings, extensions and unauthorized constructions in the area near the Rice Market Block.

The intervention is being carried out in cooperation with the Inspectorate of Territory Protection and the Municipal Police, with the assistance of the fire service.

The operation is expected to continue with the demolition of all constructions foreseen in the project, paving the way for the rehabilitation, settlement and requalification of the area. /gj.m/r.e/p.s./

Accompanied by Mayor Brunilda Mersini, Rama took a close look at the spaces of the former “Aulona” park, which is expected to get transformed into a green park and public recreational space for the citizens.

During his visit, Rama announced plans to transform Aulona Park into a vibrant public green space. The project will feature a new flower garden and recreational areas dedicated to the citizens of Vlora.

PM Rama continued his visit to Vlora with a stop along the Lungomare, followed by a meeting at ‘Ismail Qemali’ University. /m.m/r.e/p.s./

Rama said the government had decided to expropriate the entire area in the public interest and convert it, in accordance with the law, into a public and tourism asset.

The decision followed Thursday’s clash between two businessmen and a review of property ownership in the area, the government head said in a video message.

He said the incident showed the need to send a clear message to businesses involved in tourism that their conduct must not undermine Albania’s efforts to develop the sector.

“Banal and brutal acts, including violence, abusive behaviour towards customers, irresponsible use of public space, arrogance and excessive noise affecting local communities, must face consequences,” Rama said.

“We have decided to expropriate, in the public interest, the entire area of that banal and brutal conflict of yesterday and, according to the law, turn it into a public and tourism asset for all,” he said.

Rama said the site would be transformed into an olive-themed public park, with Albanian and Mediterranean olive varieties planted and preserved, alongside an exhibition of olive oils produced in Albania.

He said the area, which had become the source of a dispute between neighbouring investors, would instead be turned into a public space for tourism, education and cultural experiences, describing it as a “territory of peace” under the shade of the olive tree.

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This investment is part of the transformation of the oncology service in the country, with the aim that during the years 2026–2027 oncology services will be extended to 12 regional hospitals. The University Hospitals of Vlora and Korça are the first three completed investments, while work continues in Shkodra, Lezha and Fier.

During the visit, Minister Sala emphasized that bringing the service closer to the patient is priority of the reform in the field of oncology, while she appreciated the cooperation of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with the “Mane” Foundation for the upgrade of some of the day chemotherapy centers in the country.

“We made a reality what we promised. We established the National Tumor Institute and strengthened the oncology network. The center in Vlora is the third upgraded center and work will continue with the other centers, with the aim of completing this process by 2027,” said the minister.

Minister Sala focused particularly on the importance of communication between the doctor and the patient, describing it as an integral part of the quality of the health service.

“We, as doctors and health professionals, must not leave any question unanswered. We must have the patience to explain to patients all the information they need”, emphasized Sala.

To strengthen national oncology services, comprehensive upgrades are underway across organizational standards, infrastructure, equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Key milestones include the approval of 38 unified oncology treatment protocols and the evaluation of eight chemotherapy centers, three of which have been fully requalified. Additionally, a ninth chemotherapy site is currently opening at the Fier Memorial Hospital. Notably, the country has also established its first Breast Unit, introducing a modern, multidisciplinary model for diagnosing and treating breast pathologies according to international best practices.

Oncology care advanced significantly in May 2026 with the launch of a third linear accelerator, with a fourth planned to further expand capacity. Simultaneously, regional centers increased their available oncology drugs by 23%, introducing nine new active principles. These additions broaden treatment options for patients fighting lung, breast, and hematological cancers, as well as melanoma and tumors with specific biomarkers.

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Butrint National Park is one of the region’s top destinations. Located in the south, it features the Ksamil islands and a rich mix of nature and history. The blend of sea, forests, and ancient monuments draws many visitors. From January to July, the park welcomed 159,987 people—141,022 foreign visitors and 18,965 locals, according to Tahiraj.

Surrounded by dense forests and a unique Mediterranean landscape, the Blue Eye spring offers a striking view with its deep blue waters.

‘Ranking in second place is the Blue Eye Natural Park, which welcomed 132,796 visitors—94,328 foreign tourists and 38,468 local visitors,’ Tahiraj stated.

According to Tahiraj, Llogora National Park drew 72,649 visitors to remain a favorite in the region. Meanwhile, Pishë Poro–Nartë Natural Park welcomed 61,715 visitors.

Tahiraj said that the following protected areas also attracted strong visitor numbers: Karaburun Natural Park welcomed 27,345 visitors, Porto Palermo Natural Park had 20,040, Karaburun–Sazan National Park saw 14,931, and the Ksamil Islands recorded 4,585.

Vlora’s protected areas drive Albania’s tourism by blending stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage into a model for sustainable travel.

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Sharing footage of the packed waterfront today, Prime Minister Edi Rama called the electronic music showcase a truly magical evening.

“Flashing lights and thousands dancing to Alok,” Rama wrote, highlighting the festive atmosphere created along the Vlora Lungomare.

DJ Alok made his Albanian debut at the second annual Dansemusik Festival, turning the Vlora Promenade into a major summer concert venue and cementing the city as an August cultural hub. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./