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An ever-developing coastal port city on the Albanian Riviera, Saranda is ideal for not just a beach holiday but also visiting the best attractions in the south of Albania!
Saranda (also written as Sarandë and Sarande) was once a quiet fishing village which kept itself to itself. However, it’s now transformed into a bustling port city and summer destination with sprawling high-rise apartments, an energetic promenade, and many tourists (both local and foreign) seeking an Albanian beach holiday.
As soon as you arrive you’ll immediately feel that summer holiday vibe reminiscent of other southern European destinations, but with an Albanian twist.
In fact, Saranda has actually emerged as the unofficial capital of the southwest coastal region which has become known as the Albanian Riviera.
While some people aren’t fans and see the city as a tacky tourist trap with average beaches, we don’t feel this way.
We’ve visited Saranda multiple times in the last few years and even though the constant development year on year is starting to get a bit much (most evident in 2024 with the opening of a Burger King), we still view Saranda as not just worth visiting but also as a great base for exploring other spots in the south of Albania!
So, here’s a comprehensive travel guide with absolutely everything you need to know about visiting Saranda, including how to get there, where to stay, the best day trips, things to do, and more!
Where Is Saranda?
Located in the southwest of Albania – which is part of the Balkan region of southeastern Europe – Saranda is a coastal city on the shore of the Ionian Sea.
Built into a curved bay and back by mountains, Saranda is also the largest city on the Albanian Riviera – a proclaimed section of Albania’s coastline which runs from Vlore to Ksamil. And you can expect it to be surrounded by plenty of beaches!
In relation to other main points, the city sits 270km south of Tirana, Albania’s capital, 15km from Ksamil, and 40km from the border with Greece.
How To Get To Saranda
Popular methods to get around Albania are by private car and rental car – both of which you can use to get to Saranda.
However, the most budget-friendly option is to travel by public transport. The only option for this is by bus – you cannot travel to Saranda by train as there is no train network in the south of Albania.
There are direct buses to Saranda from various places in Albania (including Tirana, Vlore, Himare, Berat, and Gjirokaster) but if coming from the likes of Skhkodër and Theth in the north, you’ll need to first travel to Tirana and switch to a Saranda bus there.
If travelling to Saranda from outside of Albania, the closest international airport is actually located on the nearby Greek island of Corfu which is well connected to Saranda by ferry. Your other option is to fly into Tirana and either catch a bus, rent a car, or book a private transfer to make the four to five hour journey.
Tirana To Saranda
To get to Saranda from Tirana, the most comfortable options are a private transfer or to rent a car.
However, the cheapest way is to take a bus which depart from the South and North Albania Bus Station.
The station is in a big open-air car park without any facilities, and it might seem a bit chaotic and overwhelming, but just ask around for Saranda and you’ll be directed to the correct bus.
The number of daily departures depends on the time of year, with more in the busy summer season, but you can usually expect at least five.
Tickets for buses operated by Tisa Travel can now be conveniently booked online, or you can buy from ticket booths at the station. A one-way ticket costs 1500 ALL(15-16 euros).
> Book Your Tirana To Saranda Bus Tickets Online
The journey will take around four to five hours and will include a stop to stretch your legs en route. The buses are comfortable enough but they’re nothing fancy and usually don’t have toilets or strong air conditioning.
Read The Full Guide: How To Get From Tirana To Saranda
Corfu To Saranda
It’s not often that the closest airport to a city is in a different country, but that’s the case with Saranda – where the closest international airport is on the Greek island of Corfu.
And as there are direct 30-60 minute ferries between Corfu and Saranda, it makes it a convenient alternative to flying into Tirana.
> Click To Reserve Your Ferry Tickets Online
To get from Corfu Airport to Saranda, simply take the Line 15 airport bus to the Port for 1.20 euros and then one of the direct ferries going to Saranda.
You can find the timetable for the Line 15 Airport Bus online.
If you are then returning to Corfu Airport from Saranda, just follow these steps in reverse.
Read The Full Guide: Corfu To Saranda By Ferry – Essential Guide
From Other Albanian Coastal Towns (Himare, Dhermi, Vlore, Durres etc)
You can catch a direct bus to Saranda from other coastal towns, but it can be a bit more challenging due to the lack of information and timetables.
However, thankfully, tickets can now be purchased online, which makes it easier.
Alternatively, I’d recommend speaking to your hotel or host to advise you on where and when buses are departing to Saranda – this is what we’ve had to do on most of our trips in the past.
Related Post: How To Travel Between Saranda And Ksamil
From Other Balkan Countries
From neighbouring countries like North Macedonia and Montenegro, you’ll need to first take a bus to Tirana and then switch to a Saranda bus from there. However, unless you can make the last departure to Saranda at 4pm, you’ll need to stay overnight in Tirana.
The alternative is a direct tourist shuttle bus, which is what we did when we travelled from Ohrid in North Macedonia directly to Saranda.
Where To Stay In Saranda – Best Areas and Hotels
There are essentially three main areas that you can choose to stay in Saranda. These are Kodrra to the west on the port side of the city, the centre which runs parallel to the promenade, and Rruga Butrinti which runs south parallel to the eastern shore of Saranda.
Whichever area around the bay you choose to stay, it’s important to be aware that Saranda is built into a steep hill – which isn’t obvious when looking on a map!
I’d recommend booking as close to the first row as you can because from the third street back it starts to get very steep very quickly!
City Centre
The centre is, as you may expect, the best location due to its proximity to restaurants, cafes, transport hubs, and the lively promenade. There’s a mix of very nice hotels along the promenade as well as apartment options too.
Best City Centre Hotel: Kanes Boutique Hotel
Kodrra Neighbourhood
The Kodrra neighbourhood, while seeing recent luxury apartment developments, is the best option for finding budget accommodations with mostly apartment options. However, there are a couple of beachfront hotels in this area too.
Best Kodrra Hotel: Vila Era
Rruga Butrinti
There have been some really nice luxury hotels popping up all over Saranda in recent years, but the Rruga Butrinti area is where most of the upmarket and fancier hotels are located. This is also the best place to find a nice beachfront hotel.
Best Rruga Butrinti Hotel: Demi Hotel
Hotels In Saranda
With a range of accommodations from hostels to five star luxury hotels as well as apartments with home comforts, Saranda has something for everyone.
And to make things simple for you, I’ve included my top picks for each budget below.
- Saranda Apartment ($): There are plenty of budget options with various sizes, whether you need a studio or two bedrooms for a family. The facilities can be a little outdated, but they have always been clean and include everything you need for a comfortable stay.
- Kanes Bohemian Boutique Hotel ($$): In an incredible central location, this stylish and modern hotel has balconies overlooking the bay and parking facilities. An excellent value for money option.
- Demi Hotel ($$$): This four-star hotel sits in a prime location with a private beach, waterfront terrace, and sea-view rooms, making it a fantastic choice for couples.
- Yacht Premium Hotel ($$$$): Enjoy Saranda in elegant luxury with spacious rooms featuring room-length windows allowing panoramic views of the bay.
Best Day Trips From Saranda
We’ve always seen Saranda as not just a destination in itself, but also as a convenient place to visit the best attractions in the south of Albania from.
Therefore, I’d encourage you to peel yourself away from the beach and spend some of your days out of the city.
Whether you want to book a tour online with Get Your Guide or visit places independently with a rental car or public transport, here are the best day trips to take from Saranda.
1. Hop On A Boat Tour
Some of the best beaches and coves near Saranda are best visited by boat and a day out on the Ionian Sea was some of the most fun we’ve had in Saranda!
Whether you prefer an upbeat group trip on a large pirate-style sailboat, an intimate private tour on a small speedboat or catamaran, or something in between, it’s a must-do activity!
There are a few tours to choose from but I’d recommend the most popular itinerary which heads north to Kroreza Beach, Kakome Beach, Gremina Cove, and Turtle Cave.
As well as some nice snorkel stops, you’ll have a few hours to relax on Kroreza Beach – a large and relatively unspoiled stretch of coast that’s up there with the best on the Albanian Riviera!
You can easily book a boat trip online or you’ll find captains and tour operators lined up along the promenade in the evenings to book with.
Secure Your Boat Trip Spot!
Whether you want to go all out with a Catamaran or join a group tour, reserve here in advance!
2. Visit The Blue Eye
- Entrance fee: 50 ALL
- Opening times: 7am until 7pm
The Blue Eye, known as Syri I Kalter in Albanian, is an oval-shaped natural spring with incredibly clear blue water which is pumped to the surface at a crazy rate of 18,400 litres per second!
Although divers have explored to 50 metres, no one has ever made it to the bottom so the full depth of the spring is unknown.
Located around 22km east of Saranda, you can get to the Blue Eye by driving, KMG shuttle bus, organised tour, or by catching a public bus heading towards Gjirokaster.
From the main car park, the natural spring is around 2.2km into the nature reserve and you can follow the well-paved trail to get there. I’d plan at least 90 minutes for your visit as the trail will take 20-30 minutes each way.
We were sceptical at first and thought the natural beauty would be spoiled by over-tourism, but we ended up really enjoying not just the Blue Eye itself, but also the beautiful setting of the nature park with its lush green forest and insanely clear Bistrica River!
We can definitely now see why the Blue Eye is not just one of the best places to visit in Saranda but also the whole of Albania!
Just prepare for big crowds if visiting in the peak months of July and August!
Make Things Easy And Book A Highly-Rated Tour!
Get All The Details In My Complete Guide: Everything You Need To Know For Visiting The Blue Eye
3. Explore Butrint National Park
- Entrance Fee: 1000 ALL for adults and 500 ALL for children
- Opening times: 8am until sunset
Another famous attraction not too far from Saranda is Butrint National Park, which is focused around the ruins of the ancient port city of Butrint.
And when I say ancient, the origins of the city date back thousands of years to around 300-500 B.C!
Surrounded by marshland and the Vivari Channel, the city was originally a Greek settlement but over centuries was ruled by the likes of the Romans, Slavs, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
A couple of Butrint’s most famous rulers include Julius Caesar and Ali Pasha and at its height, there were around 15,000 people living there.
Since 1992, Butrint has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, like the Blue Eye, is one of Albania’s most famous attractions – people even take day trips from Corfu to Butrint!
The entrance to Butrint is around 17km south of Saranda and there is a public bus that runs between the two places every 30 minutes in the summer. This same bus also stops in Ksamil too.
Alternatively, you can drive (but the car park can get full in the summer), or Butrint is included as a stop on many multi-attraction tours from Saranda.
A few spots in Butrint worth looking out for are:
- The Venetian Tower
- The Theatre
- Lions Gate
- The Castle
- Museum
4. Cross The Sea To Corfu
Who said you had to stay in Albania during your trip to Saranda?
Only a short ferry ride away is the neighbouring Greek island of Corfu, which opens the opportunity to visit this beautiful island for the day!
Once you arrive in Saranda you’ll be able to see just how close Corfu is as there are great views of the island across the Ionian Sea!
We normally always try and visit places independently and this was our initial plan for Corfu, however, after weighing up costs and logistics, it was actually much better value to go on Get Your Guide’s organised tour.
The tour includes a guided tour of Corfu Old Town as well as transport to Palaiokastritsa for some beach time before returning to Saranda.
With around three hours to spend at both stops, we felt the tour gave us the perfect amount of time to explore the quaint streets with their stunning architecture and to chill out on the scenic Spiros Beach.
If you travelled to Corfu independently, you’d only realistically be able to visit the Old Town – or pay for taxis that would end up costing more than the tour.
I’d definitely recommend visiting Corfu on one of your days in Saranda!
Find the exact tour we did below!
Want The Exact Same Experience We Had? Don’t Miss Out!
5. Venture South To Ksamil
Ksamil has been touted as the ‘Maldives of Europe’ in recent years but honestly, I think the claim is a bit of a stretch.
Having said that though, I still think the pristine beaches in Ksamil are worth checking out!
Just 15km along the coast from Saranda, Ksamil is an easy day trip but there are a few important things to be aware of.
First, in the summer season, most of the beaches are all private – meaning you have to pay for sun beds if you want to enjoy them. The only public beach where you can lay your towel down is next to Paradise Beach.
The second thing is that Ksamil is no longer a hidden paradise. All of the beaches in town get packed out in the summer and sometimes sun beds even need to be booked in advance.
I’d say early June and late September are the best times to visit Ksamil as you’ll be able to enjoy the beaches with fewer people and sometimes cheaper sun beds too!
To get from Saranda to Ksamil you can easily take the public bus that stops in Ksamil on its way to Butrint National Park. Starting from the roundabout near the Port of Saranda, there are a few stops where you can catch the bus and the price is 150 ALL for each journey.
Alternatively, you can join a tour that includes a stop in Ksamil or drive – but parking can be a bit of a nightmare!
6. Take A Trip To Gjirokaster
Another place that I’d recommend visiting from Saranda is Gjirokaster.
Known as the ‘Stone City’, the historic centre of Gjirokaster is one of Albania’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is due to the remarkable and well-preserved Ottoman architecture – similar to the city of Berat which shares the same historic Ottoman style.
There are a few things to do in the city but just wandering around the cobbled streets of the Old Town and Bazaar is a magical experience that transports you back a few centuries.
Other points of interest in the town include the 13th-century Gjirokaster Castle and Citadel, the Manalat Quarter, and the Cold War Tunnel.
Gjirokaster is located around 50km to the northeast of Saranda and takes about an hour to drive to.
If you don’t have a car, you can also visit the Stone City as part of a tour or independently by catching a public bus. Buses depart from the main bus station in Saranda a few times per day and tickets cost 400 ALL each way.
Although once you arrive in Gjirokaster, the Old Town is 1.5km from the bus station, with the final stretch being a steep uphill!
> Secure Your Spot On This Amazing Gjirokaster Tour
7. Join A SUP And Kayak Tour
If you’re looking for an adventure, or a bit of exercise to complement your beach time, then joining a paddle board or kayak tour is one of the best activities to do in Saranda.
One option is to join a tour that heads north to explore Lukova, Kroreza Beach, and other hidden coves and beaches. You can book this online and it includes return transportation from Saranda.
Your other option is to rent a SUP or kayak in Saranda and explore the coastline from there. This is what we did and we enjoyed a few hours on the water in which we made it as far as Mucobega Beach, stopping at a few rocky spots on the way.
We rented from Magdalena at What’s SUP Saranda who we can’t recommend enough. As well as having high quality boards and kayaks, she is very knowledgeable and can advise you on where’s best to go, wind and current conditions, where to avoid, and general safety advice.
Best Things To Do In Saranda
While some of the best things to do when visiting Saranda are definitely taking day trips to the places I’ve mentioned above, there are also a fair few things to do without leaving the city.
With a mix of beach time, history, views, food and drink, and more, here are the best things to do in Saranda itself.
1. Chill Out On Saranda’s Beaches
If you’re wondering what to do in Saranda, I imagine that kicking back on a selection of Saranda’s beaches has already crossed your mind. This is one of the main draws to the Albanian Riviera after all!
The beaches in the city itself may not be the most picturesque, but there are still some great options! There are also some stunning coves not too far from Saranda that are easy to travel to – and these ARE some of the best beaches in Albania!
Saranda also has the advantage of offering large sections of public beach, even in July and August, where you can just lay on your beach towel for free. This is becoming increasingly difficult to do due to the onslaught of privatisation of Albanian beaches.
So essentially, you have the choice between free beaches, private beaches and beach clubs, and beaches easily reached from Saranda. And my top choice for each are as follows.
The best public beach in the city is Saranda City Beach. Split into three sections along the promenade, you’ll find tourists and locals alike basking in the summer sun and cooling off in the pebble bay.
My top picks for private beaches are Era Beach and Mucobega Beach. The latter also features white sand rather than pebbles, which is hard to find in Saranda.
Finally, my favourite beaches near Saranda are Mirror Beach and Shpella E Pellumbave to the south and Kroreza Beach to the north. You can reach the first two by public transport while Kroreza Beach is best visited as part of a boat tour.
Read The Full Guide: Complete Guide To The Best Beaches In Saranda
2. Wander Along The Promenade (Saranda Embankment)
One of my favourite things about Saranda is its lively and pedestrianised promenade, also known as Saranda Embankment.
I love wandering along beachfront esplanades and the Saranda Promenade is a joy. Stretching for 1km, the well-paved and wide promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, souvenir shops, palm trees, and sail boats.
The feel-good holiday vibe is infectious and is just what you want from a summer getaway.
The quietest time is in the middle of the afternoon when most people are either tanning on the beach or out on a day trip, but the atmosphere picks up again in late afternoon and evening when everyone heads down for dinner or a xhiro (an Albanian evening stroll).
You can also find one of the best places to watch the sunset in Saranda at the eastern end of the promenade. Even if they have added a small merry-go-round, the large stepped point is a perfect spot to grab a seat and watch the sun dip below the apartment buildings to the west!
3. Take In Epic Sunset Views At Lekursi Castle
While the eastern point of the promenade may be one of the best sunset spots, Lekursi Castle is THE best sunset spot in Saranda. Hands down!
Boasting epic views over not just the bay of Saranda, but also of Corfu in the distance, the southern coastline towards Ksamil, and the mountains inland, no trip to Saranda is complete without at least one evening spent up there!
You might think that Lekursi Castle would be an impressive historical site with things to see and grounds to explore, similar to the likes of Berat Castle and Porto Palermo Castle, but that’s not really the case.
Yes, there are some canons and fortress walls and some of the refurbishment is fantastic, but a visit here is more about enjoying the sensational views and fine dining at the restaurant.
Located 3km from the centre of Saranda, you can walk to the castle like we did. However, a word of warning – it’s a long and steep journey that at times feels like it’s never-ending! It took us about an hour to reach the castle and we gained 240 metres in elevation, but don’t worry there are also easier ways!
You can drive, take a taxi, or a popular option is to join a tour that stops at Lekursi Castle on the way back to Saranda after visiting the likes of the Blue Eye, Gjorkaster, and Butrint.
However you choose to get there, definitely make sure to time your visit in with sunset!
4. Visit Saranda’s Museums
- Entrance Fee: 100 ALL (one ticket enables access to all three museums)
- Opening times: 9am-1pm and 7pm-10pm
To get an idea of what Saranda was like before it developed into such a large and touristy hot spot, check out Saranda’s three museums located in the centre of town.
Now, these museums aren’t extensive and are all pretty small so you don’t need a long time to visit, but they are still an interesting insight into the past. A past that goes back to the early centuries when Saranda went by the name Onhzemi.
One ticket grants you access to all three museums which are as follows.
The Museum of Archeology features a large 3rd Century mosaic, which was discovered in 1967, as well as artefacts from pre-modern times like the Byzantine and Roman eras.
Museum of Traditions was my favourite as it’s filled with old photos of Saranda and you can see how the city has developed over the years. As well as a collection of ethnographic images, everyday objects, and clothing from throughout Albanian history, there are also photos of the Monastery of 40 Saints before it was destroyed in World War Two.
Located under Bar Riviera on the promenade, Galeria Art Saranda has just two small rooms that showcase paintings and sculptures from local Albanian artists. It features modern and contemporary as well as historic artwork.
5. Relax In Comfort At One Of Saranda’s Beach Clubs
Even if you plan to spend most of your time on the public beaches, I’d recommend splashing out to enjoy at least one day at a Saranda beach club!
Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to lie back on comfortable sun loungers with parasols for optional shade, as well as making use of all the facilities you need for a relaxing day – like a bar, restaurant, toilets, music, and even wooden walkways over the pebbles.
For the ultimate boujee beach club experience, Lost Seaside is where to go. With raised sun bed and cabana terraces built into the coastline, there’s the upbeat vibe and touch of class you’d expect at Saranda’s fanciest beach club. It also comes with the price tag though, and costs upwards of 5000 ALL to spend the day there in the summer.
Mango Beach is another option if you want a lively atmosphere and loud music. There’s an actual beach here (which Lost Seaside lacks) with some of the clearest water in Saranda! The price here is 2000 ALL for two sun beds with an umbrella.
For a smaller and cosier atmosphere that emanates elegance, I’d recommend Era Beach. It has the comfiest loungers and everything you need for a chic beach day! The price is 2000 ALL for two loungers and an umbrella, but you may get a cheaper deal in the shoulder months!
Finally, Mucobega Beach is a perfect spot for the whole family. There’s an on-site bar and restaurant as well as music that provides an atmosphere without being overbearing. You can also expect to pay 2000 ALL for two sun beds and a parasol here – which is a common price at most private beaches in the summer.
6. Enjoy A Sunset Cocktail Overlooking The Promenade At Jericho Bar
One of the best ways to wind down after a day on the beach or exploring is by enjoying a cocktail at Jericho Bar. Here you can also people watch over the promenade below.
There are a few open-air bars in Saranda to choose from, but you won’t convince me that Jericho isn’t the best for a sunset cocktail on the promenade!
Aperol Spritz was our drink of choice as we enjoyed the cosy vibe of the upstairs bar, but there’s an extensive cocktail list to choose from.
Jericho is the perfect spot to enjoy with friends or a partner, or even if you’re solo. There is some music playing but it was chilled enough to still have a conversation.
7. Have A Coffee With A View
You’re spoiled for choice for cafes in Saranda but I’d recommend enjoying your caffeine drink of choice with a view.
My top recommendation is Polonia Cafe as it has the best uninterrupted view of the whole bay as well as out towards Corfu. You do have to hike up a bit of a hill, but that is always expected to get to such a great view!
If you don’t fancy the steep uphill, Caffe Italia is an easier alternative. It’s a 15 minute walk south of the promenade and has a great view looking back to the bay.
Read More: Best Cafes In Saranda
8. Party On An Evening Booze Cruise
If you want some more fun after your sunset drink at Jericho, you can join one of the party boats that head out in the late evening.
These are the same large pirate-style sailboats that make trips to Kroreza Beach during the day, they just transform into party ships decorated with strip lights with drinks and a DJ on board.
These booze cruises run for about an hour and there are several between 9.30pm and midnight. These trips run during the summer season and cost 10-15 euros with tickets sold at their promenade stalls next to the ships – outside Rock and Blues Saranda.
Where To Eat – Restaurants in Saranda
No matter if you fancy traditional Albanian food, a quick bite, or fresh seafood, there are lots of food options in Saranda. There’s even now a, dare I say it, Burger King in the city centre for those who aren’t as adventurous with their palette.
A few of our favourite places to eat in Saranda are:
- Pasticeri Cako for your Albanian byrek needs.
- Te Bequia for traditional Albanian food at a great price.
- Restaurant Nasto for souvlaki
- Haxhi for fresh seafood.
- Centrali for high-end dining and wine on the promenade.
Coffee In Saranda
What Albania can sometimes lack in fancy cappuccinos with hipster latte art, it most certainly makes up for in strong espressos and macchiatos which will give you a good caffeine kick!
Saranda has a decent choice of cafes to choose from for your coffee fix – and we’ve sampled too many to count over our visits to the city. But here are some of our top cafe picks.
- Limani for the waterfront location.
- Cafe Polonia for the best coffee with a view.
- Zum Cafe for a great brunch in Saranda.
- Hashtag 2 for their alternative milk options.
- Sweesh for coffee and cake.
How To Get Around
Getting around Saranda is easy enough on foot with most attractions and beaches being within walking distance, especially around the central promenade, which is nicely paved and flat.
However, as mentioned, just a few streets back the roads start to get pretty steep!
The infrastructure and narrow streets really aren’t made to cope with the insane number of cars that flood the city in the summer, so if you can, I’d recommend avoiding driving in the centre.
The Saranda to Butrint public bus also runs from near the Port of Saranda through the centre of the city and along Rruga Butrinti on its way to Ksamil and Butrint. This makes it an option to get into the centre if you’re hotel is quite far along Rruga Butrinti, The bus runs every 30 minutes in the summer months and costs 100 ALL each way for trips within Saranda.
There are also plenty of taxis in Saranda, especially around the centre of the city but these will be a lot pricier!
For venturing out of Saranda, the best ways to get around are by public bus, renting a car, or joining a tour.
ATMs (And Fees)
While more restaurants and supermarkets are beginning to accept card payments, cash is still very much king in Saranda – and Albania in general.
There are various ATMs located in Saranda so you don’t have to worry about accessing cash, but ATM fees are unfortunately pretty high. There are no longer any free ATMs and the cheapest we found in Saranda was Credins Bank with 600 ALL per transaction and a maximum withdrawal amount of 30,000 ALL.
In general though, withdrawal fees range between 600 to 1000 ALL, depending on the bank.
This makes it even more important to make sure that you have a fee-free debit card to avoid even more charges!
Travel tip: Some restaurants and tour companies will accept euros but expect change to be given in Albanian lek.
Best Time To Visit Saranda
There is no doubt that Saranda is a very seasonal destination with the summer months being the busiest with visitors and cruise ship day trippers.
However, with crazy traffic, premium prices, and such a high number of tourists visiting in the peak months of July and August, I recommend visiting in the shoulder months of June or September.
In these shoulder months, you can experience the best balance of cheaper sun loungers, fewer crowds, and no construction (as this stops for the summer season). I’d also say that the weather in Saranda is best in June and September as it’s great but not as insanely hot!
Even May and October can be great too with cheaper deals on accommodation and tours, weather that’s still mostly hot and sunny, and more opportunities to enjoy beaches for free.
However, bear in mind that some restaurants will be closed during this time and there may be construction which can be pretty annoying – especially when it starts from 7am!
Saranda Or Ksamil?
Ah, the big debate. Should you visit Saranda or Ksamil?
I mean, I would suggest visiting both during your trip but I guess you’re wondering where you should base yourself.
Well, it depends on what you would like from your trip.
Ksamil is a small beach town in which most of the beaches are private in the summer and is more suited to the boujee beach day crowd.
Saranda, on the other hand, is much bigger with a larger choice of restaurants, accommodations, and public beaches.
So, I’d say if you are primarily going to spend days lazing on the beach and you’re happy to be paying for loungers and beach clubs, Ksamil is the best choice.
However, if you’d prefer a base for exploring surrounding places as well as beaches, cheaper hotels, and more choices for food and drink, then Saranda is where to go.
FAQs
Is Saranda Worth Visiting?
Yes, Saranda is definitely worth visiting for its summer holiday atmosphere, lively promenade, choice of beaches, and day trip opportunities.
Does Saranda Have Good Nightlife?
Yes, Saranda’s nightlife is the best on the Albanian Riviera with plenty of bars and even a couple of nightclubs. There are also party boats with drinks and DJs that head out in the late evening too.
How Many Days To Spend In Saranda?
You can see all the main sights in Saranda, visit a few of the best beaches, and experience the best day trips in only a few days if you make use of the multi-attraction tours. However, you could also spend at least a week exploring at a leisurely pace while enjoying some relaxing beach time.
Where To Visit After Saranda?
After spending time in Saranda, I’d recommend going on to visit the small beach town of Himare, the capital city of Tirana, or the northern mountain town of Theth.
To Finish
I hope that gives you a clear idea of what to expect in Saranda as well as all the epic places you can visit from the city.
It may be getting busier and constantly developing, but Saranda remains a favourite Albanian town of ours!
Pin It For Later!
More Albania Travel Guides
Check out my other Albania posts to help plan your trip to this intriguing Balkan destination!
- A Complete Guide To The Best Beaches In Saranda
- Getting From Saranda To Ksamil – All You Need To Know
- Essential Guide To Visiting The Blue Eye (Syri I Kalter)
- Corfu To Saranda By Ferry – Essential Guide
- Best Beaches In Ksamil
- Himare, Albania: A Guide To The Riviera’s Best Beach Town
- Best Himare Beaches To Visit
