Is Saranda worth visiting?
Albania is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. Its easy to see why with it’s incredible beaches, dramatic mountains and quaint villages. The Albanian Riviera has drawn Balkan tourists for years but more and more foreigners are now booking Saranda for their summer break. In this post, we help you decide if the resort city of Saranda is worth visiting and what other options there are in the area.
Where is Saranda
Saranda (or Sarandë in Albanian) is an ancient Port city on the Albanian Riviera. Located in the South of the country, this area benefits from a Mediterranean climate and a myriad of spectacular beaches. The Greek border is less than 50km (30 miles) to the south and the “heel” of Italy’s “boot” is less than 100km (60 miles) as the crow flies. But is Saranda worth visiting?
What is There to do in Saranda that Makes it Worth Visiting?
There are so many unexpected things to do in Southern Albania. Here are the very best things to do in Saranda. All these sights are within the town and can be explored on foot.
The ancient synagogue in Saranda
One thing that makes Saranda worth visiting is it’s rich history. The town and the surrounding area is full of ancient ruins of historical significance. However, the old synagogue in Saranda wasn’t even discovered until the early 2000s! The beautiful mosaic pavements had not seen the light of day for centuries as the place of worship has been dated back to the 5th century.
Is Saranda worth visiting – The Monastery of 40 Saints
Another ancient sight in Saranda is the Monastery of 40 Saints. Constructed in the 6th century, this was an important pilgrimage site for many around the Ionian Sea area. Mainly ruins now, there is one basilica wall that is quite well intact and several beautiful arches that are almost complete. T
Lekuresi Castle
If you like history (and who doesn’t?!) Saranda is definitely worth visiting! There is Lekuresi Castle to discover. Sitting on the hilltop there are amazing views over Saranda, the valley and the Ksamil Islands. There is also a great restaurant to try out.
Is Saranda worth visiting – The Saranda Embankment
Back to a more modern Saranda, the embankment is the place to be. The embankment, or promenade, is full of restaurants, coffee shops and bars. It also follows the shoreline making it a great place to spend a few hours and enjoy the view. Saranda is worth visiting if you enjoy spending time by the sea.
Saranda’s Beaches
Of course, we couldn’t forget the beaches! Saranda is a coastal town so there are tons of amazing beaches to explore. Try Mango Beach near the centre of Saranda. There is a low bustle during the day, but the place really comes to life at night. There is a lively vibe with some fantastic clubs and bars.
Where to eat in Saranda
Another reason Saranda is worth visiting is that there are so many amazing seafood restaurants along the beach. Just make sure you save space for some delicious ice cream for dessert. Soak up some of the chilled vibes from the multiple beach bars but beware, these turn into serious party places after dark.
Is Saranda worth visiting – Fresh Seafood in Saranda
Fresh seafood is one of the things that really makes Saranda worth visiting! One of the best places in Saranda for fresh seafood is Onhezmi Lounge Bar. It has a fabulous menu, which also includes some traditional Albanian cuisine, and is a great way to spend an evening after a busy day exploring the town.
Find the Best Coffee
When we stepped off the ferry at the port we turned right and straight away we came across an amazing coffee shop – Baci A Tutti. If you need to cool down with an iced coffee or ice cream, the little joint is amazing. Summers in Saranda are hot so this is a great place to stop for a break.
There are also loads of great cafes along the embankment.
Drinks by the beach
Ohana Beach Bar has a great atmosphere, serves delicious cocktails and has a beautiful view over the clear blue water.
Is Saranda Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, yes, absolutely Saranda is worth visiting! The warm weather and party vibe makes it a perfect summer destination. The low costs also make it ideal for budget travellers. However, there is still plenty to offer those looking for a bit of luxury.
The surrounding beaches and mountains means there are tonnes of day trip options. But there is also enough to keep you busy if you want to stay in the city. There are plenty of great places to eat and drink in Saranda. The seafood restaurants alone make Saranda worth visiting!
Here is some practical information to consider when planning your trip to Saranda.
When to visit Saranda?
Saranda is absolutely buzzing in the summer! Everything is open, the streets are filled with people, the night clubs are bangin’ and the weather is awesome. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and the higher prices (still cheap by western standards) try visiting off season. Just be aware that many places go into hibernation during the winter and Saranda becomes a very sleepy place.
How long to visit for?
Saranda is a great base for exploring Southern Albania. It is possible to cram a lot into 3 days. But to really appreciate the area, we would suggest a week.
How expensive is Saranda
By Albanian standards, Saranda is actually quite pricey in peak season. However, compared to other European beach resorts it is really great value and your holiday money will go far!
Is Saranda safe?
Saranda is a safe city. As two females we never felt in danger at any point. We found people to be very helpful and curious about what we thought of their country. The only very minor issue we had was with taxi drivers, they can be slightly over zealous about finding fares. Take the same precautions as you would in any other city and you will really enjoy Saranda. We have written in more detail about safety in Albania in a separate post HERE
What to pack for a trip to Saranda
Here’s a super easy packing list to make sure you don’t forget any of the essentials
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Bathing suit
- A good book
- Flip Flops
- Beach Towel
- Hat
- Cell phone- keep in mind that Albania is not in the EU so data might be more expensive as roaming charges will apply.
- power bank and charger
- Adaptor (European)
- Cash – Albanian LEK
- Map downloaded on phone (if you’re going exploring)
- Walking boots or comfy shoes
- Day backpack
- Decent camera (or phone) with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
- Passport and travel documents
Alternatives to Saranda
Saranda is a great base to explore the Albanian Riviera. However, if you don’t fancy spending too long here, we would recommend these alternatives in the Albanian Riviera.
Head North to the Town of Vlora
The coastal town of Vlora is also a great option while visiting the Albanian Riviera. It is slightly easier to get to from Tirana and has a great party vibe in the summer. During the off season it is a lot more chilled but the weather is pretty mild all year.
The Ottoman Town of Gjirokaster
The city of Gjirokaster is in the middle of Gjirokaster County, Southern Albania. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Gjerë Mountains which provide a spectacular backdrop to the ‘Stone city’. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive the 55km from Saranda to Gjirokaster. A few days in the mountains is a great alternative if you’re not a fan of the beach.
Ksamil Beach and Islands
One of the most popular summer locations in Albania is Ksamil Beach – a beach lover’s paradise! Just a short trip from Saranda lies the small town of Ksamil with its serene islands, clear green waters and bright white, sandy beaches. Ksamil has several smaller beaches, many of which are owned by bars or restaurants, so it’s often necessary to pay for a sun lounger. Saying that, it will only cost a couple of Euros (or free with a meal or drink in the off season) and you can watch the sunset over the islands with a cocktail in your hand.
The Albanian language
Many Albanians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Albanian. Like all Balkan languages, it is certainly not an easy language for English speakers. However, any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:
Hello Tungjatjeta (toon-jah-TYEH-tah)
Please Ju lutem (yoo LOO-tehm)
Thank you Faleminderit (fah-lehm-meen-DEH-reet)
Yes Po (poh)
No Jo (yoh)
Goodbye Mirupafshim (meer-oo-PAHF-sheem)
More information
- For Saranda tourist info click HERE
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Why not take a look at these Incredible Day Trips from Saranda?
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Saranda or anywhere else in Albania? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
Short on Time? Save, “Is Saranda worth visiting? How To Visit the Albanian Riviera” for later by pinning the image below.
Saranda looks lovely but some of those day trips look even more impressive. Butrint is a place I’d love to explore as I’m a big fan of anywhere with a lot of history, but Ksamil Beach looks just beautiful.
I had never heard of this part of Albania before! It looks really nice to visit and has a great mixture of historic sites to explore and beach areas to stroll around.