Saranda—also called Sarandë—is a well-liked coastal city in southern Albania. It’s one of many predominant vacationer locations on the Albanian Riviera, nestled peacefully in a large gulf and having fun with no fewer than 300 sunny days per yr.
It’s no shock that it’s grown from a once-sleepy fishing village right into a thriving metropolis, a bustling summer time trip vacation spot. This publish will discover the world in-depth and speak in regards to the many issues to do in Saranda and its environment.
There’s loads of enjoyable available right here, and relaxation assured these recollections out of your holidays in Saranda will final a lifetime. From one of the best seashores in Saranda to Saranda nightlife, historic websites, and eating places, we’ll cowl all of it on this elaborate weblog publish. Learn on, after which get cracking to plan your go to to Saranda!
First, although, let’s begin with some historic background. Figuring out the historical past and origins of a vacation spot at all times helps you set issues into context while you see, do, or go to them.
Saranda’s recorded historical past goes again to Historic Epirus, which was a Greek state between roughly the 4th and a pair ofnd centuries B.C. In antiquity, the city was often called Onchesmus (or Onchesmos). It was an essential port city within the time of Cicero. Later, it fell beneath the management of the Byzantine and subsequently the Ottoman Empire. It was later occupied by Italy and Greece as nicely.
This millennia-long historical past and many various overseas influences have left their marks on the Saranda of right this moment. Quite a few fascinating archaeological websites dot the world, whereas Saranda nonetheless has a major Greek inhabitants. In truth, it’s one of many two Greek minority facilities in Albania.
You’ll see Greek influences in every single place. That is additionally because of its location close to the favored Greek island of Corfu, with which it has a direct ferry connection. We’ll get to that particularly later on this publish.
When you have already booked your flight to Albania, you’ll in all probability wish to know what to do in Saranda – proper? Properly, fortunate for you, beneath are greater than 15 issues to do in Saranda and the close by space.
They embody each sights inside the metropolis in addition to day journeys from Saranda in Albania. There’s a lot to maintain you busy for days on finish right here. So, it’s extremely beneficial that you just put aside at the least three days to your go to to Saranda.
One of many first issues you must do in Saranda goes for a stroll on the Hasan Tahsini Boulevard. This stunning pedestrian seaside walkway lies on the north shore of the little bay of Saranda.
The boulevard provides seaside entry, whereas many bars and cafes serve a wide range of drinks and snacks. There are enjoyable markets to discover in summer time, too, that are distinctive locations to seek out souvenirs. This makes for a top-notch first impression of the town.
Traditionally, a reasonably giant Jewish neighborhood has known as Saranda and southern Albania residence for a lot of centuries. Among the best locations to go to in Saranda to discover this fascinating heritage is the outdated Synagogue Advanced close to the Metropolis Corridor.
This historic constructing complicated dates from the 5th century and as soon as included a faculty and neighborhood middle, together with numerous spiritual buildings. After being destroyed by an earthquake, the synagogue was rebuilt as a basilica within the 6th century.
Arguably probably the most vital Saranda tourism highlights are the 40 Saints Monastery. This 6th-century monastery is actually how the town received its title—Saranda means 40 in Greek. It was modified extensively over the subsequent centuries, although. In accordance with the legend, the monastery was inbuilt honor of forty Roman martyrs who wouldn’t resign their Christian religion and had been banished.
Due to the remaining battle injury, the monastery isn’t in a very nice state, however simply due to its historic significance and great views of Saranda, it’s nonetheless value visiting. For those who ask permission from Saranda’s metropolis corridor, you may enter the surviving crypt.
One of the vital widespread locations within the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil lies simply south of Saranda. It’s residence to top-of-the-line seashores in Saranda, that are full of seaside chairs and lined with bustling bars and eating places.
It’s a super-busy spot in summer time, but there are nonetheless pockets the place you could find some extra peace and quiet. Often known as the “Ionian Pearl,” Ksamil can also be well-known for its crystal-clear water and a handful of islands, a few which you’ll be able to even swim to. For those who’re in search of a fantastic Saranda seaside, you’ll discover a seashore paradise proper right here. Getting from Saranda to Ksamil is a chunk of cake. You might both hire a automobile in Saranda your self—providing you with the liberty to do some extra exploring within the area—or hop on a direct bus between the 2 cities.
Sunbathe On Mirror Seashore
Situated simply earlier than Ksamil, Mirror Seashore is a comparatively secluded seaside that gives nice snorkeling alternatives and is fairly quiet. Nevertheless, the query is how lengthy that may stay this manner since this seaside is constantly talked about in overviews of one of the best seashores in Saranda, Albania. Sure, that features this publish, too!
That being stated, Mirror Seashore does get crowded in summer time, although. And since the highway out and in is small and bumpy, you’re suggested to depart early.
Go to Dhermi Village and Dhermi Seashore
Simply north of Saranda, you’ll discover the village of Dhermi, constructed on the seaward slopes of the Ceraunian Mountains. This small city is residence to one of many best seashores within the Albanian Riviera.
Moreover, experiencing its nightlife is considered one of many prime issues to do in Albania by the youth of Albania. Though it’s residence to an excellent Saranda seaside, this can be a small village although, so it would by no means be too overwhelmingly busy.
Get Stuffed On Contemporary Fish And Seafood
An actual Saranda journey expertise will not be full with out indulging within the metropolis’s scrumptious fish and seafood. In spite of everything, this can be a reasonably giant coastal metropolis, and its fleet of fishing boats brings in a great deal of freshly caught fish day by day.
You may head over to the fishing harbor and instantly purchase all types of fish and seafood from the fishermen. Alternatively, you could find an abundance of various fish dishes adorn Saranda restaurant menus.
Drive Llogara Go
For those who like to go to Albania’s nationwide parks, there are a few nice choices close to Saranda. Llogara Nationwide Park is an unbelievable coastal mountain park about two hours’ drive north of the town. This scenic park lies simply north of Dhermi, by the best way, so it makes for an gratifying mixture for a day journey from Saranda.
Llogara Nationwide Park options beautiful mountain and forest surroundings, however its most well-known function is the Llogara Go. This scenic drive really retraces—kind of—the route taken by none aside from Julius Caesar himself when he chased Basic Pompey in 48 B.C. It’s a phenomenal little drive up from Dhermi and provides spectacular views of the Albanian Riviera beneath.
Swim At The Longest Seashore On The Ionian Sea Coast
Seven kilometers lengthy, Borsh Seashore is the longest seaside on the Ionia Beach. It’s thought of one in all Albania’s greatest locations for sunbathers and beach-goers, surrounded by stunning hills and bushes.
As a result of it’s so lengthy, you’ll discover stretches the place there are many individuals, but additionally sections that provide final privateness so, whether or not you’re feeling like being a part of a crowd or basking in solitude, this improbable seaside because it all.
Go to Lekuresi Fort
Situated on a strategic hilltop overlooking Saranda, the Ksamil Islands, the Albanian Riviera, and Corfu, Lekuresi Fort is a serious vacationer attraction within the Saranda space.
Relationship from the mid-16th century, it’s the proper vacation spot when you’d prefer to get out of city for a few hours. These days, the fort homes a restaurant. You may get there by both mountain climbing up for 30-45 minutes or getting a taxi from the town.
Spend The Afternoon In Butrint Nationwide Park
It’s truthful to say that while you go to Saranda, you merely have to go to Butrint Nationwide Park as nicely. One of many dozen-plus nationwide parks in Albania, Butrint is definitely one in all Albania’s absolute must-see locations. Designated as World Heritage by UNESCO, it options a variety of highlights.
Its predominant declare to fame is the traditional metropolis of Butrint, which is located inside the park. This marvelous assortment of ruins represents human historical past within the area higher than the rest. It consists of websites that date from the 4th century B.C. all through 19th-century Ottoman fortifications.
In addition to this very good historic significance, Butrint Nationwide Park can also be residence to a lot of wildlife. It’s the one place within the nation the place you may see tortoises and Balkan wall lizards. Dolphins frolic within the waters whereas wolves roam the hillsides.
A go to to Butrint, a spotlight of each Saranda and Albania tourism, ought to completely be in your itinerary when you’re spending time within the Albanian Riviera. It’s one of many prime Albania vacationer sights.
Don’t Miss Ali Pasha Fort
It is a stunning website that’s generally neglected by vacationers visiting Butrint Nationwide Park from Saranda. Don’t make that mistake! A couple of minute earlier than you attain Butrint, you’ll see a turnout with a parking zone and viewing platform. From right here, there’s a view of Ali Pasha Fort within the distance, sitting by itself small island. It’s not probably the most imposing fort, however its location, surrounded by water, is what units it aside from different Albania sights.
This high quality fort dates from both the 15th or 16th century. Constructed by the Venetians on Corfu, it later turned one in all Ali Pasha’s residences of Tepelenë till 1820.
See Syri I Kalter – The Blue Eye
One in every of Albania’s hottest vacationer sights, Syri I Kalter is a well-known freshwater spring about 22 kilometers inland from downtown Saranda. This beautiful pure phenomenon is extraordinary as a result of its crystal-clear blue water bubbles up from a spring on the backside of a karst pool greater than 50 meters deep (nobody actually is aware of how deep it really is).
Recognized in English because the “Blue Eye”—its brilliant blue water and spherical form does make it appear to be an enormous iris—that is unquestionably one of many best Saranda tourism sights and a wonderful place to go to with children.
Go On A Day Journey To Gjirokaster
Selecting one of many quite a few Saranda inns as a base to discover southern Albania is a superb concept. There are many enjoyable day journeys within the area. Among the best is the drive to Gjirokaster, which by the best way, takes you proper by the Blue Eye as nicely—a beautiful mixture.
This historic city middle is a UNESCO World Heritage Website due to its exceptional Ottoman structure constructed by large-estate farmers. Nicknamed the “Metropolis of Stone,” it’s a well-known vacation spot close to Saranda for a day of cultural and historic exploration.
Gjirokaster Fortress towers above the outdated city middle, which is a website that’s completely to not be missed. It’s each the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, former communist chief of Albania, and the positioning of the annual Gjirokaster Nationwide Folklore Competition.
Discover The St. George Monastery
Much less well-known than Saranda’s 40 Saints Monastery, the St. George Monastery is value visiting, too, when you’re into historical past and/or structure. Situated about midway between Saranda and Ksamil, you may get there on the bus to Butrint—simply ask the driving force to drop you off on the highway to the monastery! Search for an indication saying “Manastiri I Shën Gjergjit” and stroll up the hill.
This historic monastery contains a reconstructed 14th-century church, surrounded by the monastery complicated partitions. Perched atop Dema hill, it provides spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and Butrint Lake. Don’t overlook to take a look at Monastery Seashore, simply down the hill, which is arguably top-of-the-line seashores in Saranda.
Snorkel Or Scuba Dive In Karaburun-Sazan Nationwide Marine Park
Karaburun-Sazan Nationwide Marine Park is the one marine nationwide park in Albania. It protects an space of water that’s nearly 2 kilometers large. This marvelous coastal nature park occupies the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, Albania’s largest island, situated between Saranda and Vlore.
Suppose you want snorkeling, swimming, and even scuba diving, this top-of-the-line locations to go to close to Saranda for you. Underneath the floor of the southern Adriatic, you’ll discover quite a few shipwrecks, courting from way back to Greek and Roman instances, but additionally from World Warfare II.
In your (beneath)water exploration, you may also come throughout marine life like sea turtles, numerous corrals, and even dolphins. It’s really a little bit coastal paradise for anybody who loves pristine nature.
Go to Phoenice Archaeological Park
Among the best issues to do in Saranda for historical past buffs is a day journey to Phoenice Archaeological Park. Also called Finiq Archaeological Park, this website is simply 12 km from the Saranda metropolis middle. The park has ruins that span over a 1,000 years, from the 5th century BC to the 6th century AD, from the Historic Macedonians and Greeks to the Roman and Byzantine Empires.
There’s hardly any public transportation to this fascinating park, although, so we advocate renting a automobile for the day and driving up there your self. (The one type of public transportation is taking a mini-bus to the village of Finiq and strolling 2 km up the steep hill.) Guided excursions and taxis can be found, too.
At Phoenice Archaeological Park, you may see a wealth of ruins. Notable particular person websites embody the Historic Metropolis Wall and Entrance, the Nice Bastion, the Paleo-Christian Basilica, the “Thesaurus” Hellenistic Temple, and the Home With Two Peristyles. Arguably the park’s star attraction is the Theatre, the stays of a semi-circular amphitheater set on a terrace in a hillside.
Go To Greece
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Saranda is happening a day journey to Corfu. This massive Greek island is simply a fast and direct ferry experience away. Corfu is arguably one in all Greece’s most well-known trip islands, an historic island strongly intertwined with Greek historical past and mythology.
Quite a few fascinating historic websites dot the island, together with the island’s namesake city of Corfu, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Moreover, Corfu has greater than its fair proportion of breathtaking seashores, bays, and hills.
Albania Saranda FAQs
Now that you already know one of the best issues to do in Saranda let’s dive into another sensible questions you might have.
The place Is Saranda Situated?
Saranda lies in Albania’s far southern tip, close to the border with Greece and the Greek island of Corfu. The closest main metropolis to the north is Vlore, whereas Delvina and Gjirokaster are to the east.
Its geography contains of the Saranda hills, seaside mountains that stretch out between Borsh to Ftelia Bay. These slopes descent towards the Ionian Sea, the place they finish as a sequence of seashores, cliffs, bays, and inlets. All of this is called the Albanian Riviera, top-of-the-line locations to see in Albania when you’re in search of seaside trip locations.
How To Get To Saranda?
The best solution to get to Saranda is by renting a automobile and driving your self. Driving in Albania will not be tough, and the community of highways dense and handy. Consider, although, that many roads have at the least some sections which are winding by mountainous terrain and are subsequently a bit slower.
Take your time when driving throughout Albania. The drive from Tirana to Saranda, for instance, is about 280 kilometers and takes a minimal of 4.5 hours. You’re additionally inspired to take the scenic SH8 freeway, which runs alongside the southern Albanian coast from Vlore to Saranda.
For those who’d like to make use of public transportation, you are able to do that as nicely. There are a number of direct bus traces to Saranda from different cities in Albania and places in surrounding nations. One of the vital widespread is the Tirana to Saranda bus route, a super-convenient solution to get from the nation’s predominant airport to its premier seaside vacation spot.
Moreover, you may as well get to Saranda from Corfu, Greece, by way of a direct ferry. The Corfu Saranda ferry experience solely takes about 30 minutes.
What Is The Climate In Saranda Like?
Saranda climate is the epitome of typical Mediterranean climate. It’s the proper instance of what the Mediterranean local weather is like. The town enjoys heat to sizzling summers—cooled off a bit by a refreshing sea breeze—and delicate winters.
Temperature very hardly ever drops beneath freezing in these elements. Summers are super-dry, too, and the wettest time of the yr is in November and December. Saranda is an exceptionally sunny place, blessed with an unbelievable 300+ days of sunshine per yr.
What Is The Finest Time To Go To Saranda?
As identified above, summers can get sizzling in Saranda. They’re additionally very busy, attracting a crowd of beach-goers composed of Albanians and overseas vacationers.
Due to this fact, for probably the most snug and stress-free seaside vacation in Saranda, it’s greatest to go to both in Could-June or in September-October. These shoulder seasons include pleasant climate and temperatures. There are additionally fewer different vacationers and sometimes barely decrease Saranda lodging costs than the height summer time months.
What To Eat In Saranda?
You’ll discover the most common Albanian meals served in eating places in Saranda. Nevertheless, as a coastal metropolis within the Mediterranean, Saranda has a thriving fish and seafood scene. The nice local weather of southern Albanian additionally lends itself completely to the cultivation of produce like olives and citrus fruits. You’ll discover that these components are used liberally in native dishes. Dairy and meat are additionally fairly widespread right here.
Some typical dishes in Saranda and Albania you may wish to attempt throughout your Saranda trip are:
- Tarator – Eaten as both a chilly soup or a dip, tarator is strained yogurt combined with cucumber, olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs reminiscent of dill, parsley, and/or mint. This dish is called tzatziki throughout the border in Greece.
- Kaçkavall – A yellow cheese that’s widespread throughout Albania and served as a snack, appetizer, or facet dish. You will discover it in a uncooked or fried model.
- Qifqi – These small balls of eggs, boiled rice, herbs, salt and pepper, and generally cheese are the standard dish of Gjirokaster and tough to seek out wherever else. Positively do that genuine meals throughout your day journey from Saranda to Gjirokaster.
- Grilled fish and seafood – Albanians like grilling their meals. You’ll discover grilled dishes all around the nation, however alongside the coast, grilled fish is extraordinarily widespread. Frequent forms of fish and seafood which are served grilled embody sea bass, eel, carp, trout, prawn, calamari, and octopus.
- Trileçe – There are many mouthwatering desserts typical to Albania. A scrumptious one is trileçe, the Albanian model of the well-known Spanish “tres leches” sponge cake. Historically, trileçe is made with three several types of milk—goat, cow, and water buffalo milk—however the commonest combine you’ll discover right this moment is cream and cow’s milk.
Finest Locations To Eat & Drink In Saranda
There’s undoubtedly no lack of wonderful Saranda eating places, bars, and cafés. Take a look at the next picks.
Finest Saranda Eating places
- SunSet Saranda Restaurant – A welcoming and widespread restaurant set proper on the seaside and waterfront within the northwestern a part of Saranda.
- Mare Nostrum Delicacies – One of many top-rated eating places in Saranda, Mare Nostrum serves excellent pasta and seafood dishes at a venue that overlooks the gorgeous bay.
- Haxhi – Situated a bit extra within the metropolis’s inside, Haxhi is a revered restaurant providing a wide range of meals, from seafood and Mediterranean to grilled and vegetarian dishes.
- La Petite – Folks rave about how cozy, romantic, and charming this place is, whereas the flowery and assorted menu, together with Mediterranean and Central European dishes, attracts all types of consumers.
- SeaSide Artist Terrace Bar Restaurant – The next-end rooftop restaurant in Saranda, providing beautiful views of the ocean and famend for its fish and seafood dishes.
Finest Saranda Bars
- Jericho Cocktail Bar – Arguably the primary bar in Saranda, Jericho boasts an outstanding waterfront location and is known for its tasty cocktails.
- ROX Café Bar – A comfy venue, fabulous workers, and enjoyable music makes this a well-liked place for informal cocktails, beers, or different drinks.
- Terrace Cocktail Bar – This bar and membership function an outstanding location overlooking the palm tree-lined and sun-soaked bay of Saranda, high quality trendy décor, and a complete number of chilly drinks.
- 21 Bar – A contemporary and much-visited bar serving every little thing from espresso to cocktails within the very coronary heart of Saranda.
- View Bar Terrace – Its location greater up on the slopes gives this well-rated bar with sensational views of the town—particularly enjoyable at night time.
- Beer Home Saranda – Beer fans, is not going to be disenchanted when visiting Beer Home, well-known for its grand environment and enormous beer choice, from native brews to imports.
Are you prepared to go to Saranda? Or, when you have already been, please inform us beneath what else we must always add to this epic Saranda sights information.