Visit Saranda, Albania: Jewel of the Albanian Riviera (2026)
I love to visit Saranda, Albania. It has that perfect mix of Mediterranean seaside location, small city charm, and laid back atmosphere that makes it hard to leave.
After Ksamil, Saranda is the most visited destination on the Albanian Riviera. The city is beautiful – the centre wraps around the Bay of Saranda, and no matter where you are there are views of the water and Corfu, Greece.
This is where you come to slow down. Saranda doesn’t have many sites or attractions. I spend my days walking on the waterfront, drinking coffee in local cafes and enjoying the beaches. For a change of pace I’ll do an excursion to Butrint National Park or an agritourism near Saranda.
Visit Saranda: Jewel of the Albanian Riviera
I’ve spent considerable time in Saranda with my dog, Watson. We return every spring for about a month. In this guide I’m going to give you all the information you need to plan your visit to Saranda.
Where is Saranda
Saranda is in south east Albania, 26 km from Greece. It is a coastal city, on the Ionian Sea.
From the capital city of Tirana it is 262 km, and the drive is about 5 hours. It is much closer to the Corfu, Greece airport – only 32 km.
How to Get to Saranda
There are two main ways to get to Saranda: from Tirana or from Corfu, Greece. A lot of visitors prefer to fly into Corfu and take the ferry over.
I’ve always flow into Tirana, but after meeting my daughter in Corfu and taking the ferry back together, I think the ferry is more convenient.
From Tirana
- Bus: There are many daily buses from Tirana’s South North Bus Terminal. It’s a 5 hour bus ride and costs 1700 lek ($20 USD).
- Private transfer (taxi): Just about all taxis in Albania will do intercity transfers. Airport taxis charge around 20,000 lek ($236 USD) to drive to Saranda.
- Rent a car: There are all sorts of rental car companies beside the airport. I recommend you book a car in advance. I use DiscoverCars.com for car rentals in Albania and have had good experiences with them.
From Corfu, Greece
Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be a very convenient way to visit Saranda. The Corfu airport is 3.5 km from the Corfu port, and the Saranda port is right in the centre, so once you arrive you can probably walk to your hotel.
There are multiple daily crossings from Corfu to Saranda. Buy your tickets in advance if high season. I check the schedule on the Direct Ferries website, then buy my ticket directly with the ferry company.
There are two types of ferries: the fast ferry (hydrofoil) and slow ferry (traditional ferry). During off and shoulder seasons, just the fast ferry is operating. The trip takes 30 minutes. The slow ferry takes almost 2 hours.
Is Saranda Worth Visiting?
Yes! Saranda is absolutely worth visiting. It’s a beautiful Mediterranean city and makes an excellent base for exploring southern Albania and the Riviera beaches.
While Saranda doesn’t have a lot of sites itself, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and slow down. It’s an extremely pleasant city for long walks on the seafront promenade and drinks (or coffee) by the water.
Saranda is also practical for visiting nearby destinations like Gjiorkaster, Syri i Kalter, Ksamil or Butrint National Park.
If you’re planning a longer trip, here’s how I fit Saranda into a two week Albania highlights itinerary.
Best Time to Visit to Saranda
The best time to visit Saranda is shoulder season. I think April to mid May and September to mid October are the best weeks. The weather is pleasant (though early April can have some rain and the sea is cool), and it’s not overly crowded. Hotels and restaurants are cheaper during this time.
I visit Saranda almost every March or April. It’s one of the best places to go in Albania in spring. The almond and cherry trees are blooming, and if you get into the countryside, there are literally fields of wildflowers.
I’ve visited Saranda in June too and it’s okay, but it’s hotter, busier and prices are higher. The beaches are really good at this time.
July and August are high season. Tourists outnumber locals, prices are at their highest and it’s much busier. Every day is hot and sunny. It’s great beach weather and Saranda has an energetic vibe.
Late autumn and winter in Saranda are very quiet. It’s actually a very popular nomad and expat destination during this time of year. But for visitors with limited time Saranda is not the best destination at this time. It’s cool, rainy and many restaurants and hotels are closed.
Where to Stay in Saranda
For such a small place, it’s surprisingly tricky to figure out the best area to stay in Saranda. Saranda is built on steep hills. The further you go from the water, the steeper it gets.
Personally, I think Kodra is the best area to stay in. Kodra is by the sea, mostly flat, and close to the centre. I usually book an Airbnb there. The section close to the water is more touristy with lots of small hotels. The upper part of Kodra is more local.
After Kodra, I like the centre – the area behind the promenade, but not past Rruga Onhezmi. It gets very steep after that.
I avoid Rruga Butrinti completely – that’s the area that runs down the coast toward Ksamil. It’s steep, there’s a lot of traffic, and it’s too touristy for my liking. But, if you’re in Saranda primarily for the beaches and clubs, this is where the best beaches and bars are.
These are the hotels I recommend for visitors in Saranda:
- Luxury: Hotel Vale – Luxurious and modern 4 star hotel on the beach promenade with sea view rooms.
- Mid-range: Titania Hotel – Excellent location beside the promenade, good value.
- Budget: Vila Konomi – Simple, but very clean and modern studio apartments with sea views.
- Beachfront: Vila Era Beach – Nice beachfront hotel with excellent location very close to the centre.
What to Do in Saranda
Even though I keep saying there isn’t much to do in Saranda, there are a few sites and attractions. Here are things to do in Saranda:
1. Saranda Beach
The beaches around Saranda are part of Albania’s Riviera and have a beautiful turquoise colour. The better beaches that run south along Rruga Butrinti toward Ksamil are mostly private – you have to rent an umbrella and lounger. But the ones right in the centre are public and free.
Here’s more information about the beaches in Saranda.
2. Lekuresi Castle
Lekuresi Castle is a spectacular view point and sunset location. The castle was built in 1537 by the Ottomans, but not much of the original remains. There’s a restaurant at the top with a large terrace overlooking the city and Corfu, Greece.
3. Beachfront Promenade
Saranda has a 2 km promenade that stretches around the bay. It’s full of hotels, restaurants, cafes and the public beaches. It’s busy at all times of day, but really comes alive in the evening when everyone take the traditional stroll called ‘xhiro.’
4. Archeological Ruins of Synagogue – Basilica
These are a group of ruins in the centre of a 5th century synagogue which was converted into an Orthodox basilica in the 6th century. They are a little underwhelming, but it’s a free site.
5. Museum of Traditions & the Archeological Museum
These are two very small museums beside the promenade. One fee of 100 lek ($1.25 USD) gets you into both.
The Archeological Museum has a few small sculptures and sections of an ancient mosaic floor. This may or may not be the mosaic floor found at the Synagogue – Basilica ruins. I haven’t been able to confirm it either way.
The Museum of Traditions has lots of historic photographs of Saranda and a few traditional costumes.
6. Saranda Town Market
Local market that has lots of fruit and vegetables, honey, olives, nuts, beans, mountain tea and homemade wine in plastic bottles. The market is on Rruga Jonianet.
7. Boat Tour
One of the best things to do in Albania is to take a half day boat tour from Saranda. There’s lots of choices – sunset tours, party tours, secluded beach tours. There are vendors all over the centre, with lots along the beachfront promenade.
8. Bektashi Tekke
This is a little bit of a hike (about 30 minutes), but the tekke has beautiful paintings and is worth seeing. A tekke is a place of worship for the Bektashi Sufi sect of Islam and there’s quite a few in Albania.
9. Monastery of Fourty Saints
This is another site you can hike to just outside the centre. It’s the ruins of a Byzantine Orthodox monastery from the 6th century. The site is very peaceful and has great views of Saranda and the Ionian Sea.
10. Agrotourism Isak
If you feel like getting out of Saranda and seeing a bit of the countryside, a wine tasting at Agrotourism Isak is a great option. There’s a restaurant too, so you can have lunch or opt for a tasting with appetizers – there’s several packages to choose from.
Agrotoursim Isak makes an impressive number of wines and rakis, as well as their own olive oil, honey and jams, which they sell in their farm shop.
It’s only 7.5 km from Saranda and easy to reach by taxi if you don’t have a car.
Here’s a self-drive DIY Saranda day trip I put together for myself that includes Agrotourism Isak, hidden ruins and an ancient monastery.
11. Ksamil
Ksamil is Albania’s most famous beach resort town, known as the Maldives of Europe. It is touristy, but the beaches of Ksamil are the best in Albania. It’s 14 km from Saranda but easy to reach.
There’s a local bus that leaves from the roundabout by 9 Tetori School (it also stops behind Friendship Park) and goes to Ksamil and then Butrint. You can take the same bus to return to Saranda.
12. Butrint National Park (UNESCO)
Butrint National Park is a nature reserve with medieval ruins dating back to 600 BC. There’s also walking trails and hundreds of species of flora. It’s 17 km south of Saranda, but well worth a visit.
The same bus that goes to Ksamil also goes to Butrint. There’s two stops in Saranda, but I recommend getting on at the first one in front of 9 Tetori School. When I took this bus it was jam packed by the time it got to the second stop near Friendship Park.
13. Blue Eye of Saranda (Syri i Kalter)
The Blue Eye of Saranda (Syri i Kalter) is a beautiful natural spring 22 km from Saranda. The water is such a vivid blue it resembles a human eye. Swimming is not allowed, but I have seen people ignoring this rule – the water is very cold, though.
There are a couple of bus options from Saranda. There are 2 daily buses from the bus station near Friendship Park at 10 am and 2:15 pm (double check times – they can change), and the KMG tourist shuttle.
Many visitors combine the Blue Eye with the historic mountain town of Gjirokaster. The easiest way to visit these sites is with a tour like this Gjirokaster and Blue Eye 6 hour day tour.
14. Day Trip to Corfu, Greece
Saranda is only 30 minutes away from Corfu, Greece by fast ferry. It’s the ultimate day trip! Despite being so close, the town of Corfu is very different from Saranda – full of Venetian architecture, museums and historic forts.
There’s plenty to do in Corfu, and it’s so easy to visit from Saranda.
Here’s how I did my day trip from Saranda to Corfu.
Where to Eat in Saranda
Saranda has plenty of restaurants. Most serve traditional Albanian food and seafood, but there’s a few pasta restaurants and pizza places.
Honestly I can’t say how good the pizza and pasta is, since I stick to seafood and Albanian dishes. Those are very good!
Here are some of my favourite places to eat in Saranda:
- Peta Jon: My favourite byrek shop across the street from the port. Also sells sandwiches and Greek style pastry. When in Saranda I go here almost daily!
- Taste of Tradition: Excellent cafeteria style (upscale) eatery specializing in traditional Albanian dishes. Menu changes daily.
- Taverna Ulson: Great seafood and traditional dishes a little away from the tourist crowds.
- Rozmarine: Best place for a nice dinner. Specializing in fresh seafood.
- Limani: Popular waterfront cafe. The food isn’t the best, but it’s an excellent spot for a coffee.
Good to Know Before Visiting Saranda
Here’s a few things to be aware of before you visit Saranda:
- You need cash: Credit cards are accepted in some places, but cash is essential. Some vendors will take euros.
- ATMs are expensive: Expect to pay up to 800 lek ($9.50 USD) per transaction. ABI machines have the best rates of 500 lek ($6 USD). There’s one in the centre.
- You can’t drink the tap water: While fine for bathing, brushing teeth etc., drink bottled water.
- Don’t flush the toilet paper: There’s always a bin beside the toilet.
- SIM cards: I always use Vodafone. Locals all say it has the best coverage.
- Public transit: There’s no bus system for Saranda itself, but there are mini buses that travel to destinations in Albania like Ksamil, Vlore and Tirana. The main bus station is by the Synagogue – Basilica ruins on Rruga Onhezmi.
- Stray dogs and cats: There are quite a few in Saranda. They are not aggressive or dangerous, but the number of strays does bother some people.
Saranda or Ksamil, Which is Better to Visit?
Unless the only thing you want to do is visit beaches and enjoy beach clubs, Saranda is better than Ksamil.
Ksamil is primarily a beach resort holiday destination. Apart from the beaches, there’s not much to see. And if you’re travelling off season don’t stay in Ksamil – almost everything is shut down.
I stayed in Ksamil a week and explored it thoroughly. It has gorgeous beaches and great beach clubs, but it’s too commercialized for my taste. Even most locals don’t like Ksamil for this reason.
On the other hand, Saranda is a small city with a year round population. While many of the restaurants and hotels near the water close during the quieter months, a lot stay open all year.
Saranda is bigger than Ksamil, has more to see and do, and is more culturally authentic.
My recommendation? Take the early morning Ksamil-Butrint bus from Saranda and enjoy Ksamil for the day (it’s only 15 km away).
Pros and Cons of Visiting Saranda
All in all, I think Saranda is one of the best destinations in Albania, which is why I return every year. It has a relaxing vibe, and it’s a good spot to explore the rest of southern Albania from.
Last Words on Visit Saranda: Jewel of the Albanian Riviera
Saranda is the perfect place to start an Albanian adventure. It’s safe, beautiful, reasonably affordable, and locals are welcoming.
It’s not a place packed with must see sights, and that is exactly what is so great about it. I visit Saranda to slow down, relax and enjoy the little things like long seafront walks and sunsets over the water.
