The small coastal town of Saranda in southern Albania is located by the part of the Mediterranean called the Ionian Sea. Saranda, or Sarandë in Albanian, has quickly become a popular place to visit. This somewhat unpolished gem lies right by the border to Greece, and the nearest airport is actually on the Greek island of Corfu.
Saranda is the most popular holiday destination in Albania, attracting tourists from neighboring countries and around the world. The pleasant warm Mediterranean climate and more than three hundred sunny days a year must surely be the main attraction that draws people here every year. In addition, travelers are enticed by beaches and the beautiful deep blue ocean, fresh seafood, a bustling nightlife, and a general holiday atmosphere.
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Here are some exciting things to do in Saranda:
Promenade by the Beach
Alongside Saranda Beach, there is a nice promenade. Popular restaurants and bars are located here, as well as small markets selling souvenirs and jewelry.
After dark, the promenade comes to life and the atmosphere is lively. Disco lights blink, and music flows from the many party boats cruising around the bay. For the kids, there’s a small amusement park at the end of the promenade.
Beaches
There are several beaches to try out in Saranda. The water is great for swimming, but the beaches are pretty rocky. During the summer season, these rocks get so hot that you can fry eggs on them, so it’s advisable to wear beach shoes or something similar. Several of the beaches are associated with hotels, and if you lay down on one of the sunbeds, you should expect to pay a small fee.
Sunset at Lëkurësit Castle
One absolute must-do in Saranda is to take a trip up to Lëkurësit Castle. Situated on a hill with a perfect view over Saranda, this is an unforgettable place to visit.
The castle has been turned into a restaurant with a small concert stage. Enjoy a glass while admiring the beautiful sunset over the city. You can either hike up (45-60 minutes) or take a taxi.
The beach paradise Ksamil
If you’re a true beach lover, the small village outside Saranda is the place for you. It’s claimed that Ksamil has the best beaches in Albania. Settle down on an available sunbed. After a while, someone will show up to collect payment for the sunbed rental and to take orders for beer or drinks. Just relax and enjoy!
How to get to Ksamil?
There’s a local bus from Saranda to Ksamil once an hour every day during the summer season. This costs around 2€ (200 lek). The bus stops in the center of Saranda on Skënderbeu Street, just above the ruins of an old synagogue built in the 400s.
Butrint
Not far from Ksamil lies the ancient city of Butrint, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This is a large area with ruins and buildings from various historical epochs. The area was inhabited even before the Greeks settled here, and later it became a part of the Roman Empire. At its peak, the city had over 10,000 inhabitants.
However, in the Middle Ages, marshes formed around Butrint, and the city was gradually abandoned. In the 1800s, a tiny fishing village built around a Venetian fortress, was all that remained of the once magnificent city.
Around Butrint, parts of the city wall built as early as 300 BC still stand. A museum with artifacts from different eras, is located in the fortress built in the 1300s when the Republic of Venice had control over Butrint.
How to get to Butrint?
The same bus that goes to Ksamil also takes you to Butrint. (See above). Of course, you can also rent a car, just be aware that speed limits along the road are usually not respected by Albanians!
Practical information – Butrint
Set aside at least 2–3 hours to explore the site as it’s quite a large area. There’s a small bar inside the area, but the prices are somewhat steep. When we visited Butrint in 2022, there was no food service there, so it’s a good idea to bring something to eat. Go early in the day before it gets too hot. Remember sunscreen.
Visit Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
Blue Eye is a water spring located in a nearby mountainous area. Crystal-clear water flows up from an underground passage. Swimming in the water is not allowed, but it’s probably not very tempting anyway – the temperature is never more than 10 degrees Celsius!
To get here, you can either take a bus or a taxi, or alternatively, drive yourself. There is a large parking area by the main road, and from here, it’s a 2-kilometer walk.
The Monastery of the Forty Holy Martyrs (Forty Saints Monastery)
The monastery was built in the 6th century and was an important Byzantine pilgrimage site for over a thousand years. Now mostly in ruins, it is still worth the visit due to the beautiful views. Legend has it that a group of forty Roman soldiers was forced to convert in exchange for shelter, but they refused to give up their Christian faith and were consequently killed.
Day trip to Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is a beautiful small town listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage site. The town is made up of numerous small stone houses clinging to steep terrain. Most houses are equipped with distinctive slate roofs. Gjirokaster boasts a large castle that you can both enter and climb up to see the beautiful view of the city. Read more about Gjirokaster here.
Try some local food and drink
There’s no shortage of good restaurants and bars in Saranda. If you’re looking for authentic Albanian food, you might want to avoid the worst tourist traps along the promenade.
Three of our favorites:
- Taverna Labëria – Serves delicious grilled food, the staff is friendly, and it has a nice family restaurant vibe.
- Fish Restaurant Ladi – Fresh grilled seafood, friendly staff that gives good recommendations, cozy small restaurant.
- Taverna Fish Filipi – Lovely seafood, very popular among locals, expect to wait in line if you don’t have a reservation.
Read more about local food in Albania.
Practical information – Saranda
How to get to Saranda?
Saranda’s nearest airport is on the Greek island of Corfu. Ferries and speed boats run from there. These run quite frequently.
Alternatively, you can fly to the capital, Tirana. From Tirana, there are buses to Saranda several times a day. This bus ride takes about five hours, including a 20–25-minute stop halfway. It should be noted that this is not a luxury bus. It’s cramped, there’s poor or no air conditioning, and there’s no onboard restroom.
You can also rent a car and drive from Tirana. There’s a relatively modern road through a newly opened tunnel, at least by Albanian standards.
Before you travel to Albania you should read this.
When should you visit Saranda?
Saranda has become a popular holiday and charter destination, and during the summer season, cruise ships from all over the world arrive. Additionally, temperatures can easily reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in June through August. Some might prefer May or September.
Saranda is primarily a summer town. During the winter, there’s little activity, and most restaurants and hotels are closed.
Why visit Saranda?
Saranda offers beaches, sun, warmth, delicious food, and lively nightlife at an affordable price.
Who might Saranda not be suitable for?
If you’re looking for a top exclusive tropical vacation destination, or you want to party all night long, Saranda might not be for you.
If you need more information we recommend Visit Saranda.
