Albania’s underrated gem of a city, Fier is rich in both historic sites and natural beauty! Fier’s main attraction is undoubtedly the ruins of the ancient Illyrian city of Apollonia, which houses a beautiful Odeon and the enchanted House of Mosaics, among other memorable monuments. Another reminder of a bygone world is the Archaeological Park of Bylis, the largest Illyrian city in the south of Albania. In addition to these magnificent traces of the past, the area surrounding Fier is a place of considerable natural beauty. The Karavasta Lagoon, one of the country’s most well-conserved wetlands, is located only a 30-min drive away from Fier, on the Adriatic Sea. The lagoon, rich in different species of flora and fauna, is a birdwatcher’s paradise as well as a food lover’s dream!
Fier is an important industrial city and is built by the Gjanica tributary of the Seman River, and is surrounded by marshland. With nearby Patos town, it is the center of the oil, bitumen, and chemical industries in Albania. Fier is a convenient place to stay to visit the major Classical sites at nearby Byllis and Apollonia. Main roads from the central square lead south to Vlora (35 km or 22 mi) and east to the oil and industrial town of Patos (8 km or 5.0 mi). Also, 19 km (12 mi) to the west of the city center, one will find the picturesque Seman Beach.
Fier is also known for its olive tree production (Kalinjioti cultivar) which contributes to the olive oil sector of Albania. Together with Vlora, Berat, and Elbasan they provide almost 90% of olive oil production.
The city also plays an important economic role in the development of the county since it produces many goods such as sugar, bread, and animal products.
