Have you ever read a travel guide to a place and you really wished you had all the sights neatly plotted on a map that was easy to follow? Even without an internet connection?
Well, now you can! With GPSmyCity you can download travel guides for more than a 1000 cities all around the world. The app is super easy to use, and after you have downloaded the travel guides you need, you can use them even if you don’t have an internet connection. (Which is often the case when you visit other countries, where the connections are bad, or the data packages cost a fortune.)
Then you search for the cities you’re planning to visit.
Next you download the travel guides you find interesting. Now the articles will be available offline, so you can read them wherever you are, for example on the plane to that new and exciting destination! All of this is FREE!
If you decide you would like the travel guides to be GPS-guided, you can upgrade them for a small charge (about 2$ per article). Or you can opt for a subscription that only costs 20$ per year.
Currently, you can download (for free!) 5 of our articles on GPSmyCity:
To give you a sense of how cool this app is, we’re offering a FREE upgrade of two of our travel guides for a limited time of two weeks starting the following Monday (September 8).
What are you waiting for?! Download and upgrade the free travel guides now! Doing this gives you a GPS-coded map which shows you the route to follow from where you are to the spesific sights. Even if you are offline! Genious, right?
AD/ This is a cooperation with GPSmyCity. (PS. We only recommend things we have tried and like!)
We thank GPSMyCity for providing free upgraded articles for the period of the giveaway.
Are you going out to eat with your family or a group of friends, but everyone wants different food? Then one of Oslo’s food courts is the perfect place to go!
Since the first food hall in Oslo opened 13 years ago, the concept has become incredibly popular, and many new ones have appeared. We’ve tested them all, and found that they’re quite similar in terms of price and food selection – what really sets them apart is the style, vibe, and atmosphere.
Below, you can read what we think about each food hall. This is our subjective opinion based on only 2–3 visits to each place. Of course, your experience may differ – feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Oslo.
Mathallen Oslo
When Mathallen Oslo opened its doors in October 2012, it became Norway’s first food hall. Inspired by famous European markets, it was an instant hit in Oslo. Located in Vulkan – a trendy area by the Akerselva River, between St. Hanshaugen, Alexander Kiellands Plass, and Grünerløkka – the hall features a great mix of food stalls, bars, and small shops selling local cheeses, sausages, seafood, and more.
Food: 5 / Variety: 6 Atmosphere: A more mature crowd. This is the place for champagne and oysters. The space feels a bit cramped – they’ve squeezed in a bit too much. You must sit in the bar’s designated area to order drinks, which we found a bit odd. Also, the restroom is hard to find, as it’s located downstairs.
Opening hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10–20
Sunday: 11–18
Monday: Closed
Some venues may stay open later.
Oslo Street Food
Located in the former Torggata Bad (public baths), Oslo Street Food retains many of the original features in its interior. With over 600 indoor and outdoor seats, it’s the largest food hall in the city. Oslo Street Food gave us the most authentic food hall vibe. It’s perfectly located between Grønland and Grünerløkka and has become a trendy hotspot for a younger crowd.
Food: 5 / Variety: 5+ Atmosphere: Youthful and vibrant. The large outdoor area is packed when the sun is out. On weekends, the “pool” area is cleared of tables and turned into a dance floor – time to get up and dance!
Opening hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11–23
Friday–Saturday: 11–03
Sunday: 12–22
Food stalls close at 22:00 on weekdays and 21:00 on weekends.
Paleet Food Hall
Paleet Food Hall is by far the smallest, with only four food outlets and a small bar. It’s located in the Paleet Shopping Center on Karl Johan Street, right across from Spikersuppa.
Food: 4+ / Variety: 3 Atmosphere: Calm and cozy with low lighting and quiet music. Ideal for a break while shopping with the family. Surprisingly affordable beer, especially for a place right on Karl Johan – the most touristy street in the city.
Opening hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11–20
Friday–Saturday: 11–22.30
Sunday: Closed
Via Village
Just a stone’s throw from Aker Brygge, you’ll find Via Village Food Court. It has a modern and stylish – though maybe a bit sterile – interior. There’s plenty of space, it’s family-friendly, and the food selection is decent. It used to be one of our favorites, but recent visits included order mix-ups and long waits.
Food: 5 / Variety: 4+ Atmosphere: Feels calmer and more upscale. It’s clean and organized, with kid-friendly options like colorful burgers and crepes/bubble waffles.
Opening hours:
Monday–Thursday: 11–22 (kitchen closes at 21)
Friday: 11–23 (kitchen closes at 21)
Saturday: 12–21 (kitchen closes at 20)
Sunday: Closed
Vippa
Vippa is amazing when the sun is out, with plenty of outdoor seating where you can watch boats go by while sipping a cold drink. Opened in 2017, it focuses on local and sustainable food. Inside, there’s plenty of space and a good variety of food stalls. On both our visits, Aleppo Bahebek was the standout.
Food: 5 / Variety: 4+ Atmosphere: Sitting outside in the sun is lovely in summer. Otherwise, the vibe can feel a bit flat. Slightly off the beaten path but hands-down the best view of all the food halls.
Opening hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 12–22 (food stalls close at 21)
Sunday: 12–20 (food stalls close at 19)
Barcode Street Food
Barcode Street Food is the newest food hall in Oslo and perhaps the most international. It’s centrally located near Oslo Central Station, in the area known as Barcode. With space for about 450 people and a solid range of food stalls, the food is excellent.
Food: 5 / Variety: 5 Atmosphere: The venue feels a bit impersonal with its generic design, but there’s plenty of space. On weekends, they often host various entertainment events. Overall, we really like Barcode Street Food.
Opening hours:
Monday–Saturday: 11–23 (food stalls close at 22)
Sunday: 12–22 (food stalls close at 21)
Posthallen Drinkhub
As the name suggests, Posthallen Drinkhub isn’t really a food hall – it’s a collection of bars under one roof. A perfect place for a drink before or after a meal and ideal for after-work etc. There are eight concept bars with creative cocktails, often crafted by award-winning bartenders. They also serve pizza from Mamma Pizza, the only food vendor. We do think a few more food options (like burgers or bar snacks) would improve the experience. Even though it’s not a true food hall, it’s such a cool place that we had to include it.
Variety: 5 Atmosphere: Relaxed and welcoming. Housed in Oslo’s old main post office, the ceiling height is an impressive 11.2 meters! There’s plenty of space, to say the least.
Opening hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 11–01
Friday: 11–02
Saturday: 12–02
Sunday–Monday: 11–22
Oslo’s food halls are great meeting spots for anyone who loves food and good vibes. You’re sure to find one (or more) you’ll enjoy!
Do you have a favorite? Share it in the comments below.
Our favorite? Barcode Street Food – unbeatable variety and top-quality food!
Laid-back vibes, beaches, and castles – we instantly fell in love with the small coastal town of Himara in Albania.
Himara, also spelled Himarë or Himare, is a small coastal town on the Albanian Riviera. According to 2020 statistics, it has just over 3,000 residents. And while it is a popular summer destination, the atmosphere here is much more relaxed than in places like Saranda and Ksamil.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Himare.
Himara in Albania is the perfect place for those looking for lazy days on the beach and a great base for exploring the stunning Albanian coastline.
We only visited Himara in Albania on a day trip, but we’ve heard that there’s not much happening here in the evenings. If you like sipping drinks at a bar or dancing into the night, you’ll find more nightlife in Durres, Saranda, or, of course, Tirana.
Porto Palermo Fortress
45 kilometers north of Saranda, just before you reach Himara, lies Porto Palermo Fortress. It sits on a small island connected to the mainland, so you can walk or drive directly to the castle.
PHOTO ON THE GO: This picture was taken through the car window, so the quality isn’t the best! 😃
The fortress has a triangular shape, and historians are unsure when it was built. Some believe it was constructed in 1804 by the notorious Ali Pasha of Tepelenë, who left his mark on numerous castles, fortresses, bridges, and aqueducts across Albania. Others think the Venetians built it even earlier.
HIDDEN GEM: There were almost no other tourists here in late June 2024.
During World War II, the fortress was used as a prison and military base. From the top, you can see the entrance to an underwater tunnel, believed to be a submarine bunker built during the communist era.
The interior of the fortress is like a labyrinth of dimly lit corridors and tunnels. The walls feature images of historical figures and events, including Ali Pasha himself.
From the top, you get a fantastic view of the surrounding hills and sea, and just below, there’s a nice beach where you can take a dip before continuing your journey.
The graffiti at the entrance creates an exciting contrast to the historical atmosphere inside the fortress.
Himara Castle and Old Town
Himara Castle and Old Town are located about 3 km uphill from the newer part of the city. Here, you’ll find the ruins of the castle and the town that was founded 3,500 years ago. There have been both Greeks and Byzantines living within the city walls, before the area was abandoned in favor of the coastal settlement.
At first, we didn’t see a single soul, making the place feel like a ghost town. But as we continued through the abandoned cobbled streets, past the crumbling stone houses overgrown with flowers and greenery, we started to see signs of life.
LEMONS: Many of the gardens in the Old Town have lush fruit trees.
At the top, we were greeted by a green lizard lurking under a rock and the sound of bells from mountain goats climbing in the distance. From here, you get a spectacular view of Livadhi Beach and the Ionian Sea, Visha and Kole Midhari Canyon, and the Ceraunian Mountains.
You can also visit the ruins of the churches of St. Mary Kasopitra, All Saints, and St. Sergius and Bacchus, where frescoes can still be seen on the walls.
The Beaches of Himara in Albania
The beaches in Himara are not as stunning as those in Ksamil, but they are perfect if you prefer a calmer and more “down-to-earth” atmosphere.
There are many beaches to choose from, ranging from sandy to pebbly, busy to secluded, with private beach clubs and public areas where you can lay your towel directly on the beach.
SANDY BEACH: We went to Himara Beach, a sandy beach in the heart of the town.
Here are some beaches in Himara:
– Spile Beach: A very popular sandy beach among both locals and tourists, offering various water sports activities.
– Livadhi Beach: Quieter and slightly more secluded with coarse sand/pebbles.
– Maraçit / Marachi Beach: More exclusive style, where you must rent a sunbed.
– Himarë Beach: The main beach in town. A sandy beach divided into several areas along a promenade with restaurants and bars.
Restaurant Tip:
We ate at the Greek restaurant Steki sti Gonia, located right by the promenade. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but the food was excellent.
Bucharest is growing in popularity among travelers, thanks to its affordable prices and an exciting mix of old and new. Here are 8 suggestions for memorable experiences in Bucharest.
In recent years, the Romanian capital has become a sought-after destination, but not long ago, the city was mysterious and unfamiliar to many.
Bucharest has even been mistaken for Budapest several times, including by Michael Jackson during his performance in Bucharest in 1992. Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Ozzy Osbourne are among the artists who have made the same slip-up.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Bucharest.
While both cities are European capitals starting with B, and both feature a massive parliament building, there aren’t many other similarities. Bucharest, however, has been called the “Paris of the East” or “Little Paris” at times, due to its French-inspired wide boulevards, sidewalk cafes, and patisseries. It even has its own Arc de Triomphe!
Bucharest remains a relatively affordable destination in Europe, offering a captivating patchwork of traditional restaurants, ultra-trendy bars, grand buildings, weathered facades, beautiful Orthodox churches, designer shops, visible poverty, and chilling remnants of the communist era.
Here are 8 suggestions for things to do in Bucharest:
1. The Old Town of Bucharest (Centrul Vechi)
Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic Old Town. Here you’ll find some of the city’s oldest and finest churches, as well as a variety of shops, charming cafes, and restaurants offering both international and local cuisine.
2. Villacrosse
Villacrosse is an Oriental-style passage covered by a large glass roof. The passage is also known as the “Valley of Kings,” named after the first café in Bucharest where people smoked shisha.
In the late 1800s, Bucharest’s economy was thriving, and many financial institutions had headquarters in the old part of the city. The passage was created as a shortcut between the Old Town and the main street, Calea Victoriei.
Today, Villacrosse hosts shops, bars, and restaurants where you can grab a quick bite, smoke shisha, or enjoy a drink while watching people pass by.
3. Stavropoleos Church (Biserica Stavropoleos)
Stavropoleos Church is an old Orthodox church tucked between other buildings in the Old Town. Built in 1724, it is known for its unique Brâncovenesc-style architecture. The facade features intricate carvings, and the interior is adorned with beautiful icons and artworks.
4. Sfântul Anton Church (Biserica Sfântul Anton)
Located near the bustling Unirii Square, this church was built between 1554 and 1558. Sfântul Anton Church has simple yet beautiful architecture and is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Bucharest.
5. Parliament Palace (Palatul Parlamentului)
The Parliament Palace is one of the most impressive landmarks in Bucharest. Standing 84 meters tall and covering 365,000 square meters, it’s the world’s second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon. It’s also the heaviest building in the world, weighing 4.1 million tons. Not bad!
GIGANTIC: The former dictator Ceaușescu created this massive building.
Guided tours are offered daily, but you must present a passport for entry. We hadn’t realized that, so we ended up with a quick look at the art exhibition near the entrance instead.
6. Romanian Food and Drinks
Savor the hearty and flavorful Romanian cuisine. Try “sarmale” (cabbage rolls), “mămăligă” (cornmeal porridge), or artisanal sausages, and don’t miss the local cheeses and wines.
The cafes and bars in the Old Town come alive in the evenings.
Therme Bucharest, located about 10 minutes north of the city, is one of Europe’s largest indoor thermal spa complexes.
The area is divided into three zones: The Palm, Elysium, and Galaxy. You can purchase access to one or multiple zones. Plan to spend at least 5–6 hours to enjoy a bit of everything.
Therme offers areas for families and adults-only zones, with water slides, infrared sun loungers, an artificial beach, indoor and outdoor pools, mineral baths, various saunas, and options for massages and wellness treatments (advanced booking recommended).
TROPICAL VIBES: A perfect place to spend a cold and rainy day.
There are also a couple of dining spots and several bars in and around the pools.
Good to know: We visited on a Saturday, and it was quite crowded. There were no available sun loungers, and we had to wait in line for a while to get a spot in the various massage pools, as well as in the restaurant and bar.
8. Shopping in Bucharest
Bucharest offers excellent shopping opportunities, with prices slightly lower than most Norwegian stores.
Visit Bucharest Mall or AFI Cotroceni for a modern shopping experience with well-known brands like Sephora, Mango, Victoria’s Secret, and Urban Armor. Head to Victory Square (Piața Victoriei) to explore local markets and shops.
Did you like our guide? Please share to help us reach other travellers!
Are you going to Brussels for the first time? Then you must check out these experiences.
Brussels is more than just politics and parliamentary buildings. It is indeed home to both NATO and the EU headquarters, but it is also a charming and colorful city with a playful and humorous vibe.
Here are 10 suggestions for things to do in Brussels if it’s your first time visiting the city. And the best part? Much of it is completely free!
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Brussels.
1. Be Impressed by the Grand-Place
The “Main Square” in Brussels is called Grand-Place in French and Grote Markt in Dutch. It is one of the city’s most visited attractions and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The square is very central, so you will likely cross it several times during your trip.
The Grand-Place is surrounded by historic buildings in various styles. Among the most famous are the Town Hall, which was built in the 15th century, and the so-called “Bread House” (Broodhuis), which is now called Maison de Roi.
The Bread House was originally a wooden building where bakers sold their bread at the market. Later, it was replaced by the Duke’s House, and today it is a museum that provides insight into Brussels’ history from the Middle Ages to the present.
EVENING LIGHTS: It is worth seeing the Grand-Place both in daylight and in the evening.
2. Visit the Cathédrale des Saints Michel et Gudule
Belgium has many Gothic churches, which are my favorite architectural style. One of these is Belgium’s cathedral and national church built in Brabantine Gothic style. The towers are built in French Gothic style and resemble Notre Dame in Paris.
LONG BUILDING TIME: Construction of the cathedral began in the 1200s and continued until the 1500s.
This is the national church where royal weddings and funerals take place, and the chapel is dedicated to St. Michael, the city’s patron saint.
Price: Free
3. Explore the Sablon Area
Notre Dame du Sablon is another great Gothic church from the 1300s. Right next to the church is Park de Sablon, as well as some of the city’s best antique shops, chocolate shops, and trendy bars.
Price: Free
4. Giggle at Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis is one of the more original attractions in Brussels. It is nothing less than a bronze sculpture of a little boy urinating. The statue is a replica of the original, designed by Jerome Duquesnoy in 1619.
The little boy has quite a large wardrobe, with over 1000 different outfits for various occasions.
FASHION CONSCIOUS: Manneken Pis has, among other things, a Santa Claus outfit, kimono, and national costumes donated by visiting presidents and politicians.
You can see the original statue and his wardrobe at the Musee de la Ville (city museum) in La Maison du Roi at Grand-Place. The replica is just a short walk from Grand-Place.
And not only that – there are two other peeing sculptures in Brussels.
Jeanneke Pis is Manneke Pis’ “sister”. She is located in a side street called Impasse de la Fidélité, right next to the famous bar Delirium.
Het Zinneke, or Zinneke Pis, shows a dog urinating on a lamppost. It is located at the corner of Rue des Chartreux and Rue de Vieux Marché.
HUMOR: The sculptures have become a symbol of Brussels’ humorous vibe.
5. Stroll Around the Marolles
Marolles, or Marollen, is one of Brussels’ oldest neighborhoods, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. From Marolles, you can see the impressive building Le Palais de Justice in the background. This was once the largest courthouse in the world and is larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Marolles is a delightful mix of old and new. At Place Jeu de Balle, there is a large flea market every day from 7 AM to 2 PM, and along Rue Haute, you’ll find everything from antique shops and art galleries to street art, cafes, and restaurants.
6. Taste 10 Different Beers – Every Day
Belgium must be one of Europe’s best beer cities. Are you in the mood for a light summer beer or a fruity IPA? How about a beer flavored with coconut or banana? Or maybe a green beer with cactus flavor?
THE METER: A meter of beer at the famous Delirium bar, which offers over 2000 different types of beer.
7. Indulge in Belgian Waffles, Fries, and Chocolate
Belgium is famous for its waffles, chocolate, and fries. They also have many delicious stews, fish dishes, and mussels in all varieties. We have created a separate post about all the delicious Belgian food you have to try!
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Belgian waffles are served as they are or with various toppings.
8. Follow a Comic Strip Route
Did you know that Belgium is the birthplace of both Tintin, Asterix & Obelix, and the Smurfs? Brussels is known as the capital of comic strips, and these fictional characters pop up everywhere in the city. From large murals to small figures on a street corner, in restaurant interiors, and shop windows.
You can follow different “comic strip routes” that take you to some of the most famous murals or create your own route. This was a very fun and unique way to discover Brussels!
CEILING MURAL: The Smurfs adorn the ceiling of an underpass.
There is even a dedicated comic strip museum called the Comic Strip Center. Here you can learn about the history and significance of comic strips in Europe and the world through the ages, and different styles and techniques.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10 AM–6 PM
Price: 13 Euros
9. Window Shop at the Royale Saint-Hubert Galleries
The Royale Saint-Hubert Galleries consist of three shopping centers gathered under a glass roof: King’s Gallery, Queen’s Gallery, and Prince’s Gallery. It was designed as early as 1847 and is the oldest shopping arcade in Europe. Here you will find exclusive shops with everything from toys, bags, and chocolate, as well as several restaurants.
FLASHY: Stylish light effects in the evening.
10. Take the Elevator up in the Atomium
The Atomium is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels. The sculpture was created in 1958 for the Brussels World Expo and is a model of an atom over 100 meters high.
Inside the atom, there is a museum, and you can take the elevator up where you get a nice view in several directions. There is also a bar.
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday 10 AM–6 PM
Price: 16 Euros
How to get there: Take line 6 to Heizel or line 1 to Gare de L’Ouest.
How Many Days Do I Need in Brussels?
One of the advantages of Brussels is that many attractions are within walking distance of each other. This means that you can cover quite a bit in a long weekend. However, the city has a lovely atmosphere, and there are enough things to do in Brussels to fill an entire week.
If you have more time, we also recommend a day trip to Ghent or Bruges.
Please share or pin if you like our post. Thank you for the support!
Wondering which beach suits you best? Here’s a little guide to the beaches in Saranda.
Have you seen the social media campaigns where Southern Albania is marketed as Europe’s answer to the Maldives?
Albania is very popular these days, and there are plenty of pictures of crystal-clear water, straw umbrellas, dramatic cliffs, cozy beach restaurants, and exotic drinks at sunset.
This post contains a link to one of our partners. That means we earn a small commission if you book through the link, at no extra cost to you. This is a way to support our blog—thank you!
KSAMIL: 3 Ishujt Beach in Ksamil.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Sarande.
Since we haven’t been to the Maldives, we can’t vouch for that exact comparison. But with around 300 sunny days a year and water temperatures over 20 degrees from May to November (closer to 30 degrees from July to September), there’s no doubt that the main attraction in Saranda is the beaches.
And Saranda has beaches for every taste. There are spectacular beaches, hidden beaches, free beaches in the middle of the city, and beaches with sunbeds, beach bars, and DJs.
ARRIVE EARLY: If you want a sunbed in the high season, it’s best to arrive early.
Several of the beaches are found along the route between Saranda and Butrint, where the local bus runs hourly from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm. It only costs 200 lek per person (about 2 Euro) for the entire route, which takes around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Let the ticket conductor know where you want to get off if you’re unsure. In the high season, you should expect to stand packed like sardines without air conditioning, challenging both your personal space and patience.
Alternatively, you can rent a car or take a taxi (always agree on the price beforehand).
Worth knowing:
All the beaches in Saranda (except Ksamil) consist of gravel or stones, so aqua shoes are a good investment.
Most of the beaches are not very shallow.
The price for a sunbed can vary depending on the season and the area of the beach.
The prices below are from September 2023 and are for two sun loungers and an umbrella.
Saranda Beach
There are three public beaches in Saranda (Plazhi Sarandë) located next to each other along the promenade. These might not be the most beautiful beaches in the area, but they are perfectly fine for sunbathing and taking a dip for an hour or two.
The advantage of these beaches is that they are completely free. You can lay down directly on your towel or bring your own sunbed. At the beach furthest from the ferry terminal, you can also rent a sunbed in the high season.
Some areas are a bit shallower than others in Saranda. There’s no direct service on the beach, but there are plenty of restaurants/fast food-places and bars along the promenade and near the ferry terminal.
If you go towards the outskirts of the beach, a bit away from the main area in the middle of the promenade, the water is clearer and there are fewer people.
Era Beach
Era Beach (Plazhi Era) is on the other side of the harbor area. This beach is divided into several areas where you rent sunbeds and umbrellas from the respective bar, hotel, or beach club. Some areas only have bars, while others also have food service.
It’s a ten-minute walk from the ferry terminal, but the actual descent to the beach can be a bit tricky to find.
ENTRANCE: Go down to the beach between these two houses.
Travel to Era Beach: Walk about 10 minutes from the ferry terminal.
Price Era Beach: 1000 lek.
Mango Beach
Mango Beach (Plazhi Mango) is about 4 km from the ferry terminal in Saranda.
This beach is quite large and can accommodate 2500 people. It has become quite popular but is still less crowded than Ksamil, for example. Therefore, you have more space here and don’t have to lie as close to your neighbor as on some of the other popular beaches.
Mango Beach is not the most child-friendly beach. It gets very deep quickly when you go into the water, and there were quite big waves when we were there. There is also loud music from the beach bar and sometimes a DJ both during the day and evening.
We paid less for the sunbeds here than in Ksamil, but more for the beer at the bar.
Travel to Mango Beach: Local bus or car/taxi towards Butrint.
Price Mango Beach: 2000 lek.
Update Mango Beach 2024:
We just wanted a short trip to the beach for a quick swim and didn’t want to pay for sunbeds. First, we were told we had to pay anyway. Then we were told that the area between the two beaches is a public area and free to use.
The price for sunbeds at Mango Beach in 2024 is still 2000 lek on one side of this area and 1500 lek on the other side.
Pulebardha Beach
Pulebardha Beach (Plazhi i Pulëbardhes) is about 13 km from the ferry terminal towards Butrint.
If you drive, the last part consists of a bumpy gravel road. If you take the local bus, you have to walk a bit from where the bus stops (about 20 minutes).
ON THE WAY FROM THE BEACH?: Even cows might need a swim in the heat.
Pulebardha Beach means “the seagulls’ beach” and is a beautiful beach surrounded by cliffs. There is a rock in the water that you can pose on or jump from. Even though the beach is a bit secluded, it was quite crowded when we were there.
There is a bar down on the beach where you can buy drinks and a restaurant on the upper side that serves seafood.
Travel to Pulebardha Beach: Local bus or car/taxi towards Butrint.
Price Pulebardha Beach: 1500 lek.
Ksamil
Ksamil is a small village about 16 km south of Saranda. This is perhaps the most famous and popular beach area, and many of the pictures of creamy white beaches are from here.
In Ksamil, you’ll find the only sandy beaches in the area, and you can lean back in a sunbed and enjoy the sight of mighty mountains, green islands, and turquoise blue sea.
There are many beaches to choose from in Ksamil, and each beach is also divided into several zones.
Some beaches:
Ksamil Beach
Bora Bora Beach
Paradise Beach
3 Ishujt Beach
Poda Beach
Lori Beach
Most beaches have their own bar, and you are never far from cafes, restaurants, and bars.
HAVE A DRINK: There are several bars to choose from in Ksamil.
There are a lot of people here in the high season, and Ksamil has the most expensive sunbed prices.
Travel to Ksamil: Local bus or car/taxi towards Butrint.
Price: 3000 LEK for two sun loungers and an umbrella.
RAIN: This time it suddenly started to rain, and almost everyone hurried into the nearby restaurants!