15 Things to Do in Saranda, Albania Beyond the Beach 2025
Saranda is one of the most beautiful cities in Albania. Considered the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, it’s famous for fantastic beaches and endless days of sunshine. But are there things to do in Saranda besides going to the beach? You bet!
I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Saranda with my dog, and we found plenty to do beyond the beach.
Things to Do in Saranda, Albania
Even though Saranda isn’t that big, there’s enough to keep you busy if you want to be.
While there’s a few things to do right in Saranda, there’s several fantastic attractions just outside the city that are easily reached by shared mini bus (furgon).
Planning a longer trip to Albania? See how I fit Saranda into this two-week highlights of Albania itinerary, with both car and bus versions.
1. Enjoy the Views from Lekuresi Castle
Historic Lekuresi Castle is a spectacular view point and sunset location. This is the perfect thing to do when you first arrive in Saranda.
The castle was built in 1537 by the Ottoman empire and parts of the fortification wall and tower are still intact.
If you order food or drinks from the restaurant, you can get a prime table on the huge terrace overlooking Saranda and Corfu, Greece. It’s really beautiful in the evening when the sun goes down.
It’s possible to walk there from the centre in about 45 minutes, but I’m glad I got a ride with a friend. It’s not an inspiring walk – uphill on the same road as the cars.
2. Stroll the Beachfront Promenade
One of the things I love the most about Saranda is the promenade. Unlike other Albanian seaside cities like Vlore and Durres, Saranda’s beachfront promenade is right in the centre and the main focal point of the town.
The promenade stretches for 2 km around the Bay of Saranda past cafes, restaurants, marinas, gelato shops and beaches. Definitely one of the most pleasant walks at any time of day, it comes alive in the evenings when everyone takes the traditional evening stroll.
3. Have Coffee and Cake at Limani
Even though I generally avoid tourist heavy restaurants and cafes, I made an exception for Limani.
Limani has the most prime location in Saranda – on the promenade and waterfront. In fact, they have a long pier with tables set up so your chances of getting waterfront seating are pretty good.
The food and service are average, but you can’t go wrong with coffee and dessert.
4. See the Archeological Ruins of Synagogue – Basilica
The ruins are a little underwhelming (especially if you’ve been to Butrint or seen the Durres amphitheatre), but they’re free and right in the centre of Saranda so you may as well check them out.
What is interesting is this site was a synagogue built in the 5th century, then converted into an Orthodox basilica in the 6th century.
There are mosaics with images of the Ark of the Covenant and a menorah but I’ve never seen them. Every time I’ve walked through Synagogue – Basilica the little museum has been closed.
5. Shop at Saranda Town Market
This is a small market that sells local fruit and vegetables, honey, dried fruits, olives, nuts, beans and mountain teas. I saw a lot of homemade wine for sale in plastic bottles – I’d be a little cautious of that!
Make sure you bargain because many vendors inflate the prices for tourists. I think the prices at the neighbourhood markets are better for produce, but this is a good place to pick up other specialty items.
The market is on Rruga Jonianet, on the port side.
6. Take a Boat Tour
One of the best things to do in Albania is to take a half day boat tour from Saranda. You’ll see all kinds of vendors set up along the beachfront promenade by Limani.
There’s lots of choices – sunset tours, party tours, secluded beach tours. I even saw Pirates of the Caribbean and Viking theme ships!
7. Visit the Bektashi Tekke
There’s several beautiful tekkes in Albania, a place of worship for the Bektashi Sufi sect of Islam. I saw a very old one in Kruja, and visiting the Bektashi World Order and tekke was one of the things I did in Tirana.
After the fall of the Ottoman empire in Turkey, Bektashism was forbidden. The order found refuge in Albania in 1931 on the invitation of King Zog.
The green dome of the tekke on the hillside is visible from many parts of Saranda. It took me about 30 minutes to walk there from just outside the centre.
8. Hike up to the Monastery of Fourty Saints
The ruins of this Byzantine period Orthodox monastery sit on top of a hill overlooking Saranda and the Ionian Sea. It’s a peaceful and atmospheric site. I was the only one there when I visited.
Built in the 6th century, it was once an important pilgrimage site. Until the 1930s the basilica and bell tower were intact, but during WWII they sustained massive damage. Today it’s mostly ruins, but pilgrims still visit and leave flowers.
From the centre it’s a 2.5 km mostly uphill walk. Once you get into the hills you’ll see a completely different landscape than Saranda – all fields and countryside.
9. Eat Fresh Seafood
When you’re this close to the sea, the thing to eat is seafood. It’s so fresh and so good!
Fresh anchovies (nothing like the ones you get on pizza), sea bream, squid, shrimp, mussels, octopus – it’s all excellent. My favourite restaurants in Saranda for fish are Taverna Oxhacu and Taverna Beni Peshkatari.
If you’re awake early enough, head to the marina on the promenade and you’ll see the fishing boats coming in with the fresh catch. You can purchase directly from some of the fishermen.
10. Enjoy a Beer at Shark Beach Bar
I really like this casual bar perched on the water at Era Beach in Saranda. It has a completely different feel from the beach clubs and bars along Rruga Butrinti – and it’s a lot easier to reach.
Plus, Era Beach is the best beach in the centre. If you’re looking for a nice one you can easily walk to – this is it.
11. Sip a Cocktail at Porto Eda Rooftop
The rooftop lounge at the Porto Eda Hotel is the nicest lounge with views in the centre.
They usually only open during peak season (mid June to September) and were still closed when I visited. But they allowed me up to take a look – it’s definitely a great cocktail spot!
If you’re looking for more of a party, dance club vibe check out Rooftop at the Illyrian Boutique Hotel. It’s nice too.
12. Spend a Day at Ksamil
Ksamil is the most famous holiday destination in Albania, known as the Maldives of Europe. It’s only 15 km from Saranda, why not visit for the day?
I’m not going to lie – it’s super touristy but Ksamil is worth visiting for the day, at least so you can see what all the fuss is about.
The main beaches in Ksamil are close to each other, so you can easily beach hop, but you’ll have to pay for an umbrella and sunbeds. Besides beaches, you can walk around the town, eat seafood and just check out the town.
To get there from Saranda take the Ksamil – Butrint bus from Rruga Skenderbeu. To return to Saranda take the same bus from SH81 (the main road in Ksamil) – there are several bus stops along the road.
13. Go on a Day Trip to Butrint National Park (UNESCO)
If you only have time for one excursion, it should be Butrint National Park. It’s one of the most important historic attractions in Albania and UNESCO.
Butrint is a large nature reserve, 86 square km. Within the park are ancient and medieval ruins dating back to 600 BC. Most of the ruins are grouped together and in good condition.
The park itself is beautiful, full of walking trails, and hundreds of species of flora. I saw my first wild calla lilies in Butrint.
Dogs are permitted. I went with friends who have dogs, and we explored the ruins and park with our 5 collective dogs.
To get there just take the Ksamil – Butrint bus from Rruga Skenderbeu in Saranda. You can also take a taxi for 3000 lek ($36 USD) or 8000 lek ($96 lek) including 2 hours waiting and the return. I use Saranda Eco Taxi.
14. Do a Tour to Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) & Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster and Syri i Kalter are two of Albania’s most visited sites, an hour’s drive from Saranda. I visited both in one day, going to Gjirokaster first and then stopping at Syri i Kalter on the way back.
Gjirokaster (UNESCO) is an enchanting medieval stone city. Explore the imposing hill top castle and wander the cobble stone streets of the 17th century bazaar. It will give you a completely different perspective on Albania’s culture and history.
Syri i Kalter (also known as the Blue Eye) are beautiful natural springs. They are so clear you can see to a depth of 50 metres.
The easiest way to visit these sites is with a tour like this Gjirokaster and Blue Eye 6 hour day tour.
When I did this trip it was March and the tours weren’t running yet, so I used Taxi Landi. Very reliable, but the more expensive option.
If you are driving, I recommend doing Syri i Kalter first before it gets too hot. The walk to the springs from the parking lot is 1 km without much shade.
15. Take the Ferry to Corfu, Greece
Take the ferry from Saranda and visit Corfu, Greece for the day. There’s multiple daily ferries. The crossing takes 30 minutes on the hydrofoil and 1.5 hours on the slow ferry.
Once in Corfu, walk or take a taxi to the centre and explore the historic old town, the Corfu market, the archeological museum, or just stroll along the Liston and have a coffee.
Where else can you go to Greece so easily for the day? It’s one of the best day trips you can take from Saranda and easy to manage on your own.
Buy your ferry tickets in advance at the Finkas office by the Saranda port. You can purchase them online, but they’re €5 less each way when buying them in person.
16. Have a Beach Day
You can’t go to Saranda and not visit the beaches! Saranda has a very long public beach (free) beside the promenade, but there’s even nicer ones just a little further away from the centre.
I like Mucobega Beach and Era Beach on the port side of Saranda, and Mango Beach on the Rruga Butrinti side of the city. If you want a beach club, party vibe Lost Seaside Beach (Maestral Beach) is very popular.
Except for Saranda Beach (the public/free one), you have to rent umbrellas and beach loungers.
Best Ways to Get to Saranda
There are two main ways to get to Saranda: by bus from Tirana or by ferry from Corfu, Greece.
- From Tirana: Buses leave from the South North bus station frequently. These could be full size buses or shared mini buses (furgons). The drive is about 5 hours and in summer 2025 I paid 1700 lek ($20 USD). Airport taxis were charging 20,000 lek ($236 USD) to drive to Saranda.
- From Corfu, Greece: There are multiple ferries each day and the crossing takes 30 minutes on the hyrdofoil. If you have a car with you, you’ll have to take the slow ferry, which takes 1.5 hours. The Saranda Port is right in the centre, and the Corfu Port is not far from the Corfu airport – making this a convenient option. Check the ferry schedule on the Direct Ferries website.
Personally, I don’t mind flying into Tirana and taking the bus. I like the opportunity to stay in the capital a few days. Tirana is a great city to visit, definitely under-rated.
Where to Stay in Saranda
When I stay in Saranda I always look for a place in Kodra. Kodra is behind the port, very central but not right in the tourist zone.
I avoid Rruga Butrinti area like the plague! This is the party zone and the main road (very congested in summer). Unless you’re staying right on Rruga Butrinti you’ll have to deal with a steep incline.
My favourite places to stay in Saranda:
Hotel Vale: Luxury hotel right on the promenade facing the sea. They have their own gelato bar!
Titania Hotel: Excellent mid-priced hotel on the beach front promenade.
Vila Konomi: Family run budget apartments 15 minutes walk from the promenade. I stayed here for 2 weeks and liked it a lot.
Vila Era Beach: Nice beachfront hotel near the port. Guests have beach access.
Is Saranda Safe?
Yes! Saranda and Albania in general are very safe.
I travel alone with my small dog and can honestly say I have never felt uncomfortable, and have never been harassed by anyone in Albania. Locals are respectful and friendly.
Things to Know Before You Visit Saranda
- Albania is a cash society. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere.
- Use the ABI atm for withdrawals, they have the lowest fees (500 lek).
- You can’t drink the tap water
- You can’t flush toilet paper
- Book your accommodation in advance. In peak season Saranda is often fully booked. Tourists end up sleeping on the streets every summer because they can’t find a hotel at the last minute.
- Saranda is not cheap in summer. It is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, but it’s not a super budget destination.
- Vodafone is the best cell network. There’s a Vodafone shop on the Saranda promenade.
FAQs About Saranda, Albania
Yes, absolutely. Saranda is a beautiful Albanian city and has a loyal following of tourists and expats who come every year. There’s great beaches, wonderful restaurants, and a lively seafront promenade.
I think a minimum of 3 days is good. That would give you time to visit the beaches, see the local sites and do a day trip to Butrint National Park or Gjirokaster and Syri i Kalter.
Saranda does have bars, lounges and beach clubs but it’s not a crazy party town. However, if you want to enjoy the nightlife there are clubs you can dance all night, especially on Rruga Butrinti.
Last Words on Things to Do in Saranda, Albania Beyond the Beach
I first visited Saranda because I heard so many good things about it from other expats. But it’s the laid back vibe, the seaside location and the friendly locals that keep me coming back every year.
If you’re thinking about visiting Saranda, I can honestly say it’s worth it – beach lover or not!
