Best Things to do in Saranda (2024 Guide)
Saranda, a popular city along the Albanian Riviera, is famous for its unique attractions and peaceful beaches. Once you’re there, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy. From fascinating historical sites to relaxing boat rides, there’s something for everyone.
This city is a must-visit. It has a vibrant atmosphere, beautiful beaches, bustling streets with adventurous tourists, and restaurants serving delicious dishes. The weather is also great, so let’s guide you through key details about it and all the activities you can enjoy in Sarande!
Read also: How to Get From Berat to Saranda (2024 Guide)
Where is Saranda Located?
Saranda is situated in southern Albania, on a bay in the Ionian Sea. It’s the biggest city in the southern region with around 30,000 residents. Because of its great weather, Saranda attracts tourists throughout the year, especially between May and September, which is the best time for a holiday in Albania.
The name “Saranda” comes from a monastery called Agioi Saranda, meaning “Forty Saints.” The city’s name went through a few changes during Ottoman and Italian rule before settling on Saranda permanently when Albania became independent in 1912.
How to Get to Saranda?
The most common way for tourists to get to Saranda is by flying to Corfu first and then taking a quick ferry. Another option is to fly to Tirana and then take a bus, taxi or rent a car from there.
How to Get to Saranda By Car
The easiest way to reach Saranda is by car. You can stop at interesting places on the journey and enjoy them more. It takes about 4 hours to drive from Tirana, but the beautiful views make the trip worthwhile. Just watch out for some sharp bends in the road.
How to Get to Saranda By Bus/Taxi
If you don’t have a car, you can simply take a bus to Saranda. Several bus companies run trips from different cities in Albania to Saranda, and some even come directly from other countries like Bulgaria, Greece, or Turkey. For a more comfortable but pricier choice, you can easily hire a taxi. Options like CityTaxi or SpeedTaxi are available for booking.
How to Get to Saranda By Boat
A great way for tourists to reach Saranda is by taking a ferry from the lovely island of Corfu. The ferry ride only takes 30 minutes and offers stunning coastal views along the way. During the summer, there are up to 10 ferries departing daily, making it easy to catch one!
Where to Stay in Saranda
There are three main areas to stay in Saranda: Qender (the Centre), Kodrra, and Rruga Butrinti. Each area has its own unique vibe.
Qender
Qender is the best place to stay if you want to be close to everything. It’s conveniently located near the other neighborhoods and the beach. There are plenty of places to stay here, and you’ll be near some of the best restaurants, bars, and attractions in Saranda. It’s a good spot to stay year-round. First Hotel Saranda is a great choice in Qender. It has a nice garden and terrace with a view, and it’s just a 3-minute walk from Flamingo Beach.
Rruga Butrinti
Rruga Butrinti is near Mango and Flamingo beaches, as well as the bars and restaurants along the main road to Ksamil. It’s very peaceful here outside of peak season.
Kodrra
Kodrra is the most budget-friendly area, popular with backpackers. It’s close to many beach bars like Shemo, and offers a more local feel away from the busy tourist spots in the center and along the waterfront.
Best Things to Do in Saranda
If you’ve already planned your flight to Albania, you might be curious about what to do in Saranda. Well, you’re in luck! Here are more than 10 things to do in Saranda and the surrounding area.
There’s a lot to see and do here that can keep you occupied for days. These activities range from exploring the city itself to taking day trips around Saranda and Albania. It’s a good idea to plan for at least three days to fully enjoy your visit to Saranda.
1. Take a Walk Along Hasan Tahsini Boulevard
When you visit Saranda, start by taking a walk along Hasan Tahsini Boulevard. This lovely walking path runs along the north side of Saranda’s small bay. The boulevard leads you to the beach, where you’ll find beach clubs and cafes offering drinks and snacks. In the summer, there are lively markets where you can shop for souvenirs. It’s a great way to experience the city for the first time.
2. Visit Butrint National Park
Butrint National Park is the country’s top UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for history lovers. Here, you can explore an impressive Roman theater, a Greek temple, and a forum, all remarkably well-preserved. Butrint was once a stunning city of the Roman Empire, and these ancient remains are what remain today. Admission to the park is €9 per person, and it’s open daily until 7 p.m.
Read also: Butrint National Park: Everything You Need to Know
3. Go On A Day Trip To Gjirokaster
Staying at one of the many hotels in Saranda to explore southern Albania is a great idea. There are lots of enjoyable day trips you can take in the area. One of the top choices is driving to Gjirokaster, which also lets you visit the Blue Eye along the way—a great combo.
This old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its impressive Ottoman-style buildings constructed by wealthy landowners. Known as the “City of Stone,” it’s a popular spot near Saranda for exploring history and culture in the afternoon.
The Gjirokaster Fortress looms over the old town and is a must-see attraction. It’s where Enver Hoxha, the former communist leader of Albania, was born, and it hosts the annual Gjirokaster National Folklore Festival.
4. Visit The Blue Eye
One of the most incredible natural sights and top destinations in Albania is The Blue Eye. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Also called “Syri i Kalter” in Albanian, this is a freshwater spring surrounded by lush greenery, creating stunning views. Divers have explored up to 50 meters into the spring, but it could be even deeper. The water is very cold and extremely clear. Diving into the spring is prohibited, but many visitors can’t resist taking a dip.
5. Visit Ksamil
Ksamil is among the loveliest spots to visit in Saranda. It’s just a quick 20-minute drive south along the coast where you’ll see many stunning beaches along the way. Ksamil’s coastline is a big draw for tourists worldwide.
The beaches here boast incredibly clear, beautiful turquoise water. They’re divided into bays, some with pebbles and others with sand, each with its own unique color. Each one is tranquil and transparent.
Don’t skip Ksamil—it’s one of Saranda’s top sights. This guided tour will take you to Ksamil’s islands and beaches, along with the Butrint Archaeological Park, which are must-see attractions in Saranda.
Read also: Exploring Ksamil, Albania: Must-Do Activities in 2024
6. See the Ali Pasha Castle
Near Butrint National Park, Ali Pasha Castle is a popular spot for tourists in Saranda. It was originally constructed by the Venetians in the 15th century and later restored by Ali Pashe Tepelena, an Ottoman leader. To reach the castle itself, you must take a boat as it sits on an island. However, you can still catch a glimpse of the castle from a nearby lookout point. The viewpoints from the castle provide beautiful vistas of the sea and mountains.
Read also: Best Things to do in Berat, Albania (2024 Guide)
7. Explore The St. George Monastery
Located midway between Saranda and Ksamil, the Monastery of St. George is a fascinating historical site. Positioned on a hill, it offers beautiful views of the Ionian Sea on one side and Butrint Lake on the other. This monastery was constructed in the 14th century and is remarkably well-preserved. You can even request to visit inside the church.
8. Take a Day Trip to Island of Corfu
Only a short 30-minute ferry ride from Saranda is the island of Corfu in Greece. It’s a wonderful idea for a summer day trip. You can take a ferry in the morning and return in the evening, with ferries departing regularly all day. If you visit during the off-season, however, there’s only one ferry per day, so you’ll need to plan to stay overnight in Corfu.
9. Take a Boat Trip
Boat rides are one of the top activities in Saranda and a great way to discover the Albanian Riviera. Sailing on the beautiful blue-green waters of the Ionian Sea, you’ll see amazing untouched beaches, hidden caves, and more. Lots of companies provide boat tours for visitors. Simply go to the shoreline, and you’ll see plenty of choices available.
10. Visit Dhermi Village and Dhermi Beach
If you’re looking for a fun day out, consider visiting the charming village of Dhërmi. It’s not far from Saranda, just about an hour away. Dhërmi boasts some of Albania’s finest beaches, known for their clear water and soft white sand. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars nearby to enjoy good meals and drinks. Don’t miss the historic old town of Dhërmi, with its lovely stone streets and quaint churches, including the Monastery of Saint Mary perched on a hilltop.
11. Visit Lekuresi Castle
Perched on Lekursi Hill, Saranda Castle overlooks the city and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. It was constructed in 1537 by Sultan Suleyman The Magnificent, after he gained control of Saranda harbor. Within the castle walls, there’s a restaurant with a terrace where you can savor tasty meals. It gets quite crowded in the summer, especially in the evenings, when they host traditional music nights for an authentic Albanian atmosphere.
12. Discover Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park
This special coastal park is the only one of its kind in Albania. It covers the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, the biggest island in Albania. It’s a top spot to visit during the summer. You can try snorkeling, swimming, or scuba diving and enjoy the stunning underwater scenery. As you explore, you might spot lovely, colorful corals, sea creatures like sea turtles, or even playful dolphins.
13. Go to Mirror Beach
Mirror Beach, one of Albania’s top beaches, also known as “Plazhi i Pasqyrave” in Albanian, is a must-see. Here, you can relax on the soft white sand, soak up the sun, and swim in the beautiful turquoise waters. The route to the beach can be a little challenging, so drive cautiously. During summer, it can get quite busy, and the road is narrow, only wide enough for one car. Despite this, the beach experience is absolutely worth it—you’ll understand as soon as you get there!
Leave a Reply