Sarandë is positioned in southern Albania on the Ionian Sea, near the border with Greece. This vigorous coastal city is understood for its mixture of gorgeous seashores, a bustling promenade, and cultural highlights. Whether or not you’re coming for the historic ruins of Butrint Nationwide Park, the enduring views from Lekuresi Fort, or the colourful vibe of the boulevard and lots of seaside golf equipment, Sarandë provides a surprisingly good mixture of nature, tradition, and seaside life. Scroll down to find all our ideas for Sarandë!
The coastal cities of Ksamil and Sarandë are positioned in southern Albania, only a 30-minute drive aside. They’ve loads in frequent, which generally makes it onerous to determine the place to remain. Nonetheless, there are clear variations. Sarandë is a vigorous metropolis with a variety of eating places, bars, and lodging. A lot of the seashores listed below are pebbly. Ksamil, alternatively, is a smaller village with a cozier vibe and sandy seashores. In each locations, the ambiance is buzzing throughout excessive season with seaside bars and eateries. Seaside bars usually play loud music, and the seashores are stuffed with sunbeds. Learn our ideas for Ksamil to get a greater concept of this vacation spot.
From cultural highlights to enjoyable on the seaside, you may simply spend a number of days having fun with Sarandë and its environment. These are the locations and actions we predict you shouldn’t miss whereas staying on this southern Albanian seaside city.
Watch the sundown from Lekuresi Fort
Excessive on the hill east of Sarandë lies Lekuresi Fort, recognized in Albanian as Kalaja e Lëkurësit. This medieval fortress was constructed by the tenth sultan of the Ottoman Empire throughout his marketing campaign via southern Albania. Right now, the fortress is one in all Sarandë’s most well-known landmarks, particularly for its panoramic views over the town, the ocean, and, on clear days, the Greek island of Corfu.
You may hike as much as the fortress, however most individuals go by automobile or taxi. The journey from the town middle normally takes not more than 10 minutes. Lekuresi Fort is very well-liked within the evenings. Because the solar units, the terrace fills with folks desirous to witness the spectacular view.
Uncover the traditional 40 Saints Monastery
Not removed from Lekuresi Fort lies the lesser-visited however traditionally essential 40 Saints Monastery. Constructed within the sixth century to honor forty Christian troopers from Sebaste who had been executed for refusing to resign their religion, the monastery turned a significant pilgrimage web site. It grew into probably the most important spiritual facilities in southern Albania, particularly throughout the Center Ages.
Though closely broken throughout the communist regime, elements of the partitions, arches, and underground chambers are nonetheless seen. Due to its considerably distant location, you’ll not often encounter different guests right here—excellent for these looking for peace and historical past off the crushed path.
Tip: Too crowded at sundown at Lekuresi Fort? Head to the 40 Saints Monastery as a substitute. The view is simply as gorgeous, and likelihood is you’ll have the place all to your self!
Stroll alongside Hasan Tahsini Boulevard
Hasan Tahsini Boulevard is the beating coronary heart of Sarandë, with a vigorous promenade stretching alongside the town’s shoreline. Through the day, many individuals stroll the boulevard towards the seaside or harbor, on the lookout for a cool spot or a sunny terrace. Within the night, the boulevard transforms right into a vibrant gathering place the place locals and vacationers come collectively for a night stroll, dinner, or just to benefit from the sea.
Alongside the boulevard, you’ll discover numerous eating places, bars, and memento outlets. In summer season, a every day vacationer market pops up alongside the Hasan Tahsini Boulevard, the place you may store for souvenirs, jewellery, sports activities shirts, and perfumes.
Should do: Boat tour alongside the coast
Simply outdoors Sarandë, you’ll discover numerous hidden spots alongside the shoreline that may solely be reached by boat. One of the best ways to discover these turquoise bays, secluded seashores, caves, and snorkeling spots is with this enjoyable boat tour, the place you’ll spend all the day on the water. By speedboat, you’ll discover Anchor Cave, the attractive Krorëza Seaside, and sail previous the spectacular rock formations of Gremina Bay. At each cease, you’ll have time to take images, benefit from the view of the rugged cliffs, or dive into the water. A real spotlight for an ideal day on the water!
Calm down at one in all Sarandë’s many seaside golf equipment
In fact, you come to Sarandë to chill out, and what higher place to do this than a laid-back seaside membership? Right here you may benefit from the solar in type, lounging on a snug mattress with a cocktail in hand. Many seaside golf equipment even have a restaurant the place you may take pleasure in a protracted lunch or scrumptious dinner by the ocean. We examined fairly a couple of, and these are our favorites.
Mango Seaside – One of the vital well-known seaside golf equipment in Sarandë. Mango Seaside is simply south of the town middle and is understood for its huge seaside and vigorous ambiance. You may lease a sunbed and umbrella right here, they usually serve tasty meals and cocktails. Don’t anticipate peace and quiet, however relatively an lively vibe with music and a younger crowd.
Misplaced Seaside – For these on the lookout for one thing a bit extra fashionable, Misplaced Seaside is a superb alternative. With its bohemian-style decor and menu stuffed with Mediterranean dishes, it’s the proper spot for a calming seaside day with a contact of luxurious.
Sundown Seaside and Restaurant – Round Plazhi Period, you’ll discover a number of seaside golf equipment providing sunbeds, lunch, and chilly drinks, together with Sundown Seaside and Restaurant. The vibe right here is extra laid-back and native in comparison with different Sarandë seaside golf equipment, with households spending the day by the ocean.
Mucobega Seaside – Mucobega Seaside is simply outdoors Sarandë and is a part of a resort of the identical title. Nevertheless, the seaside can also be open to non-guests. This spot is right in case you’re on the lookout for a bit extra peace with out sacrificing consolation. You’ll discover good sunbeds, a quiet bay with crystal-clear water, and a enjoyable seaside bar.
Step again in time at Butrint Nationwide Park
When you assume southern Albania is all about solar, sea, and sand, assume once more. Lower than a 30-minute drive from Sarandë lies the luxurious Butrint Nationwide Park. This historic metropolis, now overtaken by nature, provides a novel glimpse into Albania’s wealthy previous. Strolling via the park, you’ll come throughout an outdated amphitheater, a basilica, historic metropolis gates, and a Venetian fortress—all surrounded by greenery and water. It’s the proper spot for anybody who loves tradition and needs to flee the busy coastal cities.
Planning to go to this distinctive place? Remember to try our ideas for Butrint Nationwide Park prematurely, the place you’ll discover one of the best sights and sensible recommendation in your go to.
Take a day journey to Ksamil
Only a 30-minute drive from Sarandë is Ksamil, one in all Albania’s hottest seaside locations. As quickly as you arrive and see the intense blue water, you’ll instantly perceive why. Due to its recognition, Ksamil attracts many vacationers annually. So don’t anticipate the normal Albanian appeal you would possibly discover in Theth or Berat, however relatively a vigorous, sun-soaked ambiance that revolves round seaside life.
Wander previous the seaside golf equipment, take a refreshing dip within the sea, take pleasure in an ice cream on the promenade, and finish the day with a scrumptious dinner whereas watching the sundown. Inquisitive about all our ideas for Ksamil? Try our ideas for Ksamil.
Take a day journey to Corfu
From Sarandë, you may take a ferry in about half-hour to the Greek island of Corfu. A day journey to Corfu is ideal for these craving a change of surroundings. Stroll via the charming outdated middle of Corfu City, go to a fortress, take pleasure in Greek delicacies, or swim at one of many island’s lovely seashores. There are many methods to spend your day! You may e book your ferry ticket to Corfu on-line.
Sarandë doesn’t have lengthy sandy seashores, however what you will discover are small coves with turquoise water. The highway between Sarandë and Ksamil is very full of lovely seashores.
Shpella e Pëllumbave Seaside – Our absolute favourite is Shpella e Pëllumbave Seaside. This small seaside is surrounded by an enormous rock wall and has a comfy seaside bar. From the car parking zone on the high of the hill, it’s lower than a 15-minute stroll down an unpaved path. The final stretch is a steep staircase that leads you thru the seaside bar right down to the ocean.
Mirror Seaside – One other well-liked seaside is Plazhi i Pasqyrave, higher generally known as Mirror Seaside, due to its crystal-clear water that usually lies as nonetheless as a mirror. On the edges of Mirror Seaside, you’ll discover lovely rock formations within the water to climb over or snorkel round.
Monastery Seaside – Monastery Seaside, or Plazhi i Manastirit in Albanian, is a quiet, secluded pebble seaside south of Sarandë. You’ll attain it by way of a slim, steep concrete highway. As soon as there, you may take pleasure in a peaceable seaside with crystal-clear water. A historic monastery can also be inside strolling distance.
Edon-Bina Seaside – When you’d relatively keep away from seaside golf equipment and are on the lookout for peace and quiet, Edon-Bina Seaside is ideal. It’s a non-public seaside, so that you’ll pay a small entrance charge.
Pulëbardha Seaside – It is a busier seaside, with crystal-clear blue water, rocky formations, and loads of sunbeds and umbrellas.
Saranda Seaside – Favor to remain on the town? Saranda Seaside is an effective choice. There are not any sunbeds for lease, however you may merely lay out your towel. The water right here is nice for swimming!
Craving a freshly baked byrek, a plate stuffed with seafood, or a light-weight fruit salad? Sarandë has all of it! The city is filled with nice eateries, from conventional taverns to fashionable fusion kitchens. Listed below are our favourite spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a fast snack.
Byrektore Koder – This straightforward, native bakery is the proper place for a fast and reasonably priced snack. They serve scrumptious, freshly baked byrek—savory filo dough pastries stuffed with cheese, spinach, or floor meat, which you will know as börek. You’ll discover the bakery a couple of streets behind the boulevard, a bit hidden however extremely popular with locals. Come early within the day, as a result of as soon as they promote out, they’re really out!
Inexperienced Life Market – A improbable restaurant with a completely vegan and gluten-free menu. Suppose yellow lentil curry, falafel salad, and soy balls with mashed potatoes.
Lezet Resort & Restaurant – One in all our absolute favorites in Sarandë. On the restaurant of Lezet Resort, you may construct your personal plate from a buffet stuffed with cold and hot dishes, starting from soups and salads to meat dishes and pasta. Straightforward, fast, and engaging!
The Nomad Burgers & Steaks – This spot is all about large burgers, juicy steaks, and sides like mozzarella sticks and onion rings.
Style of Custom – Because the title suggests, this tavern focuses on conventional Albanian delicacies. Situated simply outdoors the busy middle, you may take pleasure in dishes like lamb with yogurt, stuffed eggplant, and oven-baked white cheese in peace.
Naná Fusion Restaurant – Creamy truffle pasta, Asian bowls, and sushi: in case you’re craving one thing aside from conventional Albanian meals, Naná Fusion is the place to go.
NutriGreens Salad Bar Sarande – Don’t really feel like a heavy meal or need one thing simple to remove? Right here you may create your personal salad bowl!
Lodging in Sarandë should not low cost, particularly in excessive season when costs skyrocket. We searched for nice locations the place you actually get good worth for cash. Need to keep someplace with a pool? Then Residences Romario is ideal. The rooms, and even the pool, have a surprising view of the ocean. The view is very magical at sundown! The host Romario is extremely sort and makes scrumptious espresso and cocktails. One other fashionable choice is Resort Olsi. This resort has an ideal location, only a brief stroll from the boulevard and the seaside. You’ll keep in a quiet room with a beautiful bathe, a king-size mattress, and air con. For a budget-friendly choice, try Vila Jon’a. Right here too, you may take pleasure in a refreshing pool, and within the morning, breakfast is served on the terrace.
