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Sight12 km west of Fier

Apollonia Archaeological Park

A 2,600-year-old city on a hill above the plain — columned civic buildings, a theatre for music and a medieval monastery, with the sea on the horizon.

Type
Ancient Greek & Roman city
Entry
Ticketed
Time needed
2–3 hours
Best base
Fier or Vlorë
Directions

Updated October 2026

Why it's worth your time

Apollonia was founded in the 6th century BC by Greek colonists and grew into one of the great cities of the Adriatic. By Roman times it was a centre of learning: the young Octavian — the future Emperor Augustus — was studying here in 44 BC when news arrived that Julius Caesar had been murdered.

Only part of the city has been excavated, which is part of its charm. The restored façade of the Bouleuterion (the council house), the small Odeon, stretches of wall and the hilltop views are the highlights, along with the monastery and Church of St Mary, whose buildings house the site museum. Keep an eye out for tortoises in the grass.

Ancient Greek cityMuseumHilltop viewsHalf-day trip

The practical bits

Getting there

Apollonia is near the village of Pojan, about 12 km west of Fier — roughly 20 minutes by car or taxi, and about 2 hours from Tirana. There's parking at the entrance.

Opening times & tickets

In the main season (May to October) the park is usually open from 9 a.m. into the early evening, with shorter hours in winter. Buy tickets at the gate, and check current times locally before a long drive.

What to bring

There's little shade on the hill: bring water, a hat and proper shoes. In July and August, come at opening time or late in the afternoon.

Build the day around it

Ardenica Monastery

Half an hour north, the monastery where Skanderbeg married — an easy pairing for a culture day, and many tours combine the two. See our Ardenica guide.

Sunset at the beach

Drive on to Darëzezë or Seman for a swim and a fish dinner as the sun drops into the Adriatic.

Byllis

If ancient cities are your thing, the hilltop Illyrian city of Byllis is a scenic hour south-east.

Local businesses

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Apollonia Archaeological Park questions, answered

Where is Apollonia in Albania?

Near the village of Pojan, about 12 km west of Fier and roughly 2 hours' drive south of Tirana.

How long do you need at Apollonia?

Two to three hours covers the main monuments, the museum and the walk up the hill.

Is there an entry fee for Apollonia?

Yes, tickets are sold at the entrance. Opening hours are longer from May to October than in winter.

Can you visit Apollonia and Ardenica in one day?

Yes. They're about half an hour apart, and many day tours from Tirana combine the two.

Did Augustus study at Apollonia?

Yes — the young Octavian was studying in Apollonia in 44 BC when he learned of Julius Caesar's assassination.

Nearby

Along the coast road

North along the coastSeman Beach