Last Day in Vlorë. A Walk, a Swim, and a Booking.com Screw Up!

We decided to walk South this morning. At least, I think it was South — definitely not East or West. Anyway, it was the one direction we hadn't yet explored.

The beachfront here is lined mostly with apartments, occasionally giving way to a few hotels and the odd gap. Beach umbrellas and lounge chairs stretched almost continuously along the shore until we reached a rocky section.

We walked just over 2.5 km before turning back. Down near the end, the hotels got a bit fancier — but they only had pebbled beaches, no sand. The upside? The water got deeper much quicker there, unlike the shallow paddling pool we have out front. Sarah looked up one of the hotels and it was going for €250 a night. That’s a bit steep for us Flashpackers!

After clocking up 5 km, a swim was compulsory. The water felt amazing and was the perfect reward before our morning coffee. The heat wasn’t quite as brutal today, with the forecast topping out at 32°C.

We made a short bakery run before lunch, but otherwise stayed inside. I spent some time editing a video while Sarah caught up on some TV.

Then came the drama… Just after lunch, we got a message from the host of the apartment we’d booked for tomorrow (for an 8-night stay). They said Booking.com had somehow double-booked it, and the current guests had already checked in a few days ago. "What?!" I replied. "How is that even possible?!" No answers, just shrugs. I was very grumpy! 😡

So I messaged Booking.com directly — I'm still waiting for a response. Meanwhile, we jumped online and found another place nearby. Fingers crossed it turns out to be just as good — or better. We’ll find out tomorrow and let you know!

Oh, and we haven’t booked the bus yet either. We’re heading to the station tomorrow and hoping for the best. Wish us luck! 🤞

Dinner was basic again tonight, so I’ll spare you the daily food pics. 😂