As one of the Albanian Riviera’s most popular resort towns, Sarandë brings a lot to the table as a travel destination. It has dozens of beaches to lounge around at, plenty of fresh seafood to satisfy your taste buds, and direct access to the epic, UNESCO-recognized Butrint National Park.
Plus, it’s only a short boat ride to the Greek Island of Corfu and an even shorter drive to mainland Greece for those wanting to dive more into classical antiquity.
My partner and I came here at the end of spring, and ended up extending our stay in Sarandë by a few weeks, waiting for the summer season to start picking up. We enjoyed the laid-back vibes, the ever-present sunshine, and the splash of Greek culture that almost all of Southern Albania has.
That extra time also allowed us to explore the food scene more in-depth and visit as many beaches along the coastline as we could manage. In the end, we found the city to have a nice contrast to some of the other beloved Albanian Riviera towns.
This is my detailed guide to Sarandë, including the top highlights, day trip recommendations to other Albanian Riviera destinations, and the best beaches around town. I also share some of my favorite restaurants and a few accommodations worth staying in.
Here are 12 wonderful things to do in Sarandë, Albania.
Walk the Sarandë Embankment
In all likelihood, the Sarandë Embankment is the first place you’ll visit after arriving in the city. The promenade runs along the head of the Bay of Sarandë, and is where days start and end, whether it’s catching a boat out to sea, a morning coffee with a view, or an evening xhiro at sunset.
I really enjoyed strolling along the embankment with a view of ships gliding along the water, sights of Corfu in the background, and the faint sound of waves splashing on the pebbled shores. It reminds me a lot of Fethiye, which has a long restaurant-filled promenade and views of Greek islands.
The Port of Sarandë sits at the western end, with ferries connecting to the aforementioned Corfu and yachts heading out to sea. As you walk east from there, you’ll eventually come across the picturesque Saranda Marina. There are steps down to Saranda Public Beach in multiple places between the port and marina, as well as a patch of sand after the marina.
It gets crowded here in the summer months, with a steady stream of people at all hours. Most of the popular bars run along this coastal boulevard, as do some nice restaurants, which I’ll cover later in the article. Overall, the promenade is a nice spot to capture Sarandë’s overall energy.
More Sights on the Sarandë Embankment | The remains of ancient Onchesmos, Hasan Tahsini Monument, Nicolae Iorga Monument, Galeria Art Saranda, the mermaid mural, and the Orange Pickers Sculpture
Sunsets at Lëkurësi Castle
On the hilltop above the Bay of Sarandë are the remains of an Ottoman-era fortress called Lëkurësi Castle.
Built in the 16th century by Suleiman the Great, it was considered a strategic fortress to defend the area against the Venetians. Since then, it has seen numerous attacks and sieges, such as the 19th-century Albanian-Greek conflict known as the Battle of Lëkurës.
Those days, however, are long gone.
Lëkurësi Castle has now been transformed into a restaurant and viewpoint with epic views of the Albanian coastline. Corfu is looming just off the bay, and you can see clearly all the way down to the islands off Ksamil. It’s also my favorite place to catch the sunset in Sarandë.
While I can’t really recommend the restaurant for its food, having a drink on the terrace with those views is absolutely worth the trek up. Alternatively, you can just come grab a seat on the castle walls for the sunset and avoid the restaurant altogether.
If you’re here in the off-season, the restaurant will be closed, and you’ll have the place almost all to yourself. When I first arrived in Sarandë, this was the case.
Getting There | You can absolutely hike up here from Sarandë. It will take between 45 minutes and an hour, and it gets a bit steep at the end. If you want to skip the trek, you can opt to grab a taxi from the city center.
Entry | Free
Visit the Monastery of the 40 Saints
On the hill opposite Lëkurësi Castle sit the ruins of a 6th-century Eastern Orthodox monastery called the Monastery of the Forty Saint Martyrs. Interestingly, the city of Sarandë gets its name from this exact monastery. In Greek, it was named Agioi Saranda, which roughly translates from Greek to Forty Saints.
Like most historical buildings in Albania, the Forty Saints Monastery has a turbulent past. At one point, it was one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region.
Of course, that was before Ottoman rule, which brought repeated destruction to the structure during the conquest. It eventually fell into disrepair and was later bombed during WWII, before catching a second wind as a military base during communist times.
Nowadays, you only get to see what’s left of the rubble, which is a mix of the still-standing base, heaps of broken stone, and windswept trees above the Bay of Sarandë. But it’s a pretty cool place to explore if you’re interested in history, and it offers stunning views that are only bested by the nearby castle.
Getting There | You can hike up to the monastery from the city center. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes.
Entry | 200 Lek, or free if someone isn’t there to collect the fee.
Relax on Sarandë’s Beaches
Most people choose Sarandë as their travel base for the simple reason that it’s a beach resort town. So, of course, I’d be remiss not to mention the city’s beach destinations.
While you won’t find sandy shores like those a few kilometers south in Ksamil, you will find the same calm, turquoise waters. And with a local bus connecting the two Riviera towns, you’re in for weeks’ worth of beach visits in the surrounding area.
Here is a basic rundown of the Sarandë beaches:
Sarandë Beach
The main public beach in Sarandë runs parallel to the Sarandë Embankment and is nice for a pre- or post-meal dip. It’s the easiest to access, and unlike most of the others I’ll mention, it isn’t as filled with sunbeds.
This makes it ideal for those who just want to throw a towel down and cool off for a bit. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw away from accommodations that are smack in the city center.
Western & Northwestern Beaches
African Beach Club & Era Beach (Plazhi Era) | You’ll find these two just past the Port of Sarandë. In all likelihood, you’ll have to buy something to stay on the beach at African Beach Club, whether it’s a sunbed rental or a drink from the bar. It’s a more bougie beach club vibe, but with nice drinks and good views. Plazhi Era is pretty much the same, but a little bit cheaper. There are more beaches just like these two that are connected to different hotels and restaurants just north.
Mucobega Beach | A pretty sand beach around the peninsula from the others. It’s often pretty clean, has beautiful waters, and has the prototypical attached restaurant/bar. The sunbeds are the going rate around town, and the softer sands are a nice contrast to the rockier ones in the area.
Kakoma Beach & Krorëza Beach | Secluded and picturesque is the best way to explain these two. Both are well north of Sarandë, and it’s pretty tough to visit by anything other than boat, so they are often included as stops on a boat tour.
If you want a memorable boat trip along the Albanian Riviera, then these tours are a decent option. The usual stops include the two aforementioned beaches, the Cape of Qefal (Kepi i Qefalit), the Cave of Milot, and Soldier’s Bay.
Here are a few recommended tours:
South and Southeastern Beaches
There are several beaches south of Sarandë Public Beach, all the way down to Ksamil and the Greek border. Most are within walking distance, but the public bus to Butrint does have stops close to a few of them.
Santa Quaranta Resort, Mango Beach, & Flamingo Beach | These are all mostly private beaches, where you need to pay for a sunbed that’s on the higher end of prices in the area. The beach bars can be fun, and if you’re looking to socialize, then they are decent options. Places like Flamingo Beach should technically be free, but you’ll usually get hassled if you don’t rent out a chair.
Mussel Bay (Gjiri i Midhjeve) | A quiet little cove around the corner from Berdenesh Bay. It has larger stones, is mostly used by the nearby hotels, and is often covered in sunbeds during peak season.
Heaven Beach | This is definitely one of the harder-to-reach beaches in Sarandë, but if you’re willing to do a short trek from the bus stop, you’re in for a cozy hidden cove with some gorgeous seaside views. There’s a restaurant here, plenty of sunbeds for rent, and secluded vibes. My partner and I walked here from the center and had a friendly dog tag along with us for the whole journey. In the summer heat, though, I’d opt for the bus.
Monastery Beach & Ksamil Beaches | If you’re not beached out, you can always head further south to Monastery Beach and the small hidden shores that dot the coastline down to Ksamil. I’ve covered these in detail in both my Ksamil Guide and Ksamil Beach Guide, so I won’t say much more than they are worth a visit. I link those posts and cover Ksamil in more detail later on in the article.
More | There are several restaurants/bars/hotels with cabanas where you can also access the seaside, like Orange Club, Crystal Island, and Lost Seaside.
Explore the Food Scene
After spending a couple of weeks exploring the restaurant scene, I can confirm that Sarandë is a great food destination!
While Albanian dishes are definitely on display here, there’s also a heavy Greek influence and a dash of Italian flair. Oh, and it’s right on the sea, so you can expect some wonderful fresh seafood and plenty of sunset views to go along with your meal.
I should note that Sarandë is very seasonal, so don’t expect every restaurant to be open all year round. There are still a few that do, but many operate only during the peak tourist months. You should also make sure to have Lek on hand when eating out. Several restaurants around town are cash only and don’t accept cards.
Here are some of my recommended restaurants:
Taverna Labëria | A wonderful grill with some of the best tzatziki I’ve ever had. It’s all about seafood, grilled meats, and house wine here. The owner is super friendly, too.
Haxhi | I highly recommend the seafood here; it was just fantastic. They also do decent pastas and risottos, plus the interior design is pretty cool. If you can manage to find a seat near the balcony, you’ll be treated to some amazing views of the sea.
Restaurant Te Bequa | The focus here is more on traditional Albanian cuisine. It’s an affordable local restaurant with good portions and a mom-and-pop type atmosphere.
Taverna Fish Filipi | A very popular Sarandë eatery that’s famous for its fresh seafood. The fish is well prepared, but just be aware that it can get busy during peak hours.
Oda e Babës | A very welcoming local establishment with authentic Albanian cuisine and occasional live music. They do a large meze platter that’s great for those who want to try a bit of everything.
A FEW MORE OPTIONS
Pizzeria Maria Madalena | For a pretty darn good pizza.
Manxurane Restaurant & Wines | For French fusion and good wine.
Limani Bar Restaurant | For the waterfront vibes.
Balbi 34 | For the pastas.
For a more intimate experience, you can also join an Albanian cooking class like this farm-to-table feast.
Wander The City For More Obscure Highlights
For most, the embankment and the southern hills will be the highlight of Sarandë. The other epic things to see involve day trips to nearby towns and sites.
However, after exploring the city more in-depth, I noticed a few unique spots that may resonate with the more curious traveler out there. Don’t expect to be blown away by any of these, but if you have an extended stay in Sarandë, these are the lesser-visited places I think are worth a look:
Reshat Dede Baba Tekke | The picturesque mosque sits all the way at the western end of Sarandë. It’s quite noticeable and offers spectacular views of the bay. It was under construction while I was there, so I didn’t enter, but the interior is supposed to be beautiful, too. It’s worth a stop, especially if you’re planning to walk the coast to places like Penguin Bay.
Basilica Synagogue Archaeological Remains | Smack in the center of Sarandë, near Friendship Park, are the ruins of a 6th-century Basilica. In its western wing, a synagogue once stood, but now only a handful of stones remain. It’s one of the few places in the city center that connect Sarandë to the past. A small, modern mosque named Xhamia Sarandë is right next to it.
Church of Saint Haralambos | A pretty Greek Orthodox church that overlooks the embankment and the sea.
Sarandë Museum of Archaeology | Not so much a museum, but a large room with a beautiful historic mosaic on display. Entry costs 100 Lek and also covers admission to the Museum of Traditions across the street.
Head Inland to the Blue Eye
Albania’s iconic Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) sits almost halfway between Sarandë and Gjirokastër in the midst of the Albanian countryside. For years now, this has been one of the most popular sights in the country.
And besides the coastal waters of the Andean Sea, it’s probably the best place to find relief from the blistering summer sun.
The Blue Eye is also as mysterious as it is captivating, with divers never being able to reach the bottom of the endless karst hole. The only thing that’s known for sure about its the main source for the Bistricë River. But that’s not so important during a visit, since you’ll most likely just be popping in for a quick cool-off.
You could easily spend a half-day here, relaxing under the shaded trees and swimming in the vibrant turquoise waters.
Getting There | Buses heading in the direction of Gjirokastër will normally stop here if you ask them. In the past, they would charge half price for the ticket, but that’s not so common anymore. Otherwise, car rental or joining a combined tour will be your best bet.
TOURS TO THE BLUE EYE
Several tours are running to the Blue Eye from Sarandë in Albania’s peak season. Most of these involve another site around the city and take either half or a full day. Popular stops include Gjirokastër, Lëkurësi Castle, the Monastery of St Nikolla, Kordhocë Bridge, and sometimes a beach or two, like Buneci Beach.
Here are a few recommended ones to look into:
Tour 1 | Saranda Jeep Tour, Blue Eye, Castle, Secret Beach & Off-Road
Tour 2 | 1-Day Tour in Blue Eye, Monastery, Gjirokastër, and Lekursi Castle
Soak Up History at Butrint National Park
Butrint National Park is easily one of the top things to do in Sarandë, if not the whole of Albania.
It’s one of the four recognized UNESCO World Heritage sites and is the best place to learn about the country’s ancient Greek and Roman history. After all, Caesar played a large role in the creation of Butrint.
I was also surprised by how well the whole complex has been preserved, especially since it goes through bouts of flooding. And while I enjoyed my time in the ancient city of Apollonia up north, it didn’t match the epicness of here.
A guide could certainly enhance the experience at Butrint National Park, but I think the park administration has done such a great job that you don’t have to worry about one. Just about everything is labelled in detail, plus there’s a typical route laid out to see the entirety of the grounds in one fell swoop.
There’s a lot to take in here, including a gorgeous Roman amphitheatre, the remnants of a great basilica, a baptistery with iconic mosaics, and almost anything else you can think of from a classical city. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see baby turtles floating in the waters near the amphitheatre.
At the end of Butrint’s walkthrough, you’ll come to a Venetian Castle that houses a small museum and boasts some pretty impressive views of a triangular castle across the canal.
Entrance | 1000 Lek
Getting There | Just hop on the local bus to Ksamil/Butrint. There are stops all along Rruga Skënderbeu and the SH81 heading in the right direction. From Sarandë, it should take no longer than 30 minutes to reach the entrance.
More | There are a couple of castles near Butrint National Park if you’re feeling like a little more exploring. A quick boat crossing will get you to the aforementioned Venetian Triangular Castle. It’s 100 Lek each way, and despite being mostly abandoned, it feels well-maintained. Up the canal is also the island fortress known as Ali Pasha’s Castle. You can get close to it by hiking along the coastal road north of Butrint, or haggle with a local boat to take you up close.
Spend a day in Ksamil
After spending time exploring Butrint National Park, it’s worth stopping by Ksamil for a beach break. It’s on the way back from the national park and is home to some of the Albanian Riviera’s most picturesque beaches.
Ksamil is a beach town through and through, so don’t expect much to explore beyond its diverse coastline. Ali Pasha’s island castle is nearby, but otherwise it’s all about fresh seafood, sunbathing, and coastal hikes that end at the beach.
I really enjoyed my time in the small town. The iconic Four Islands that lie off the shoreline are easy to explore by kayak; Monastery Beach offers a great starting point for hiking to hidden coves, and Ksamil’s main strip of sand is known for its soft sand and turquoise waters.
There seems to be a beach for everyone, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a place that fits your style. I cover each beach more extensively in my ‘Ksamil Beach Guide’ if you want a deeper look.
Getting There | Use the same Ksamil/Butrint bus I mentioned in the previous section. The bus should take about 20 minutes from Sarandë and 10 minutes from Butrint National Park. Ksamil has a couple of bus stops; you can get off at any, since it’s a pretty walkable town.
Cruise over Sarandë Bay to Corfu
If you want to experience the Albanian coastline from a different angle, swim in some of the hidden coves, or just spend a day out on the sea, then cruising the Bay of Sarandë is a must.
There are several types of tours on the water, many of which leave from the Sarandë Marina. The most common are speedboats to the various beaches along the Albanian Riviera, usually stopping at a cave or two that can’t be accessed on foot. I mentioned these already in the beaches portion of this article.
However, I left out Corfu, the place that seems to never escape one’s view in Sarandë.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, visiting one of Greece’s most beloved islands will be right in your wheelhouse. The island is large, so if you plan to explore its history and see many of its sights, then a weekend or longer trip is a prerequisite.
But if you just want to see Corfu Town and its immediate surroundings, then a day trip is a possibility. Ferries leave the Port of Sarandë early in the morning during the peak season and arrive quite late. The border crossing can be slow-paced, but it’s worth it for the experience of seeing the island.
A few companies also run full-day tours to Corfu that let you absorb some of its history while limiting the chaos of doing things on your own. This ‘Corfu Town and Palaiokastritsa Day Trip with Cruise’ tour is a good example.
See More of the Albanian Riviera
For those of you looking to experience the Albanian Riviera to its fullest, Sarandë is a great place to base yourself.
There’s easy access to almost every place south of Llogara National Park, which means some of the country’s most beautiful beaches are only a quick drive away. This includes lovely beach towns like Dhërmi and Himarë, along with some of the other underappreciated coastal destinations.
These are the spots I think are worth a visit:
Dhërmi | The small beach town is home to the bustling Dhërmi Beach and is within walking distance of the equally stunning Drymades Beach. The old town offers breathtaking views of Albania’s craggy coastline and has a handful of lovely churches to visit.
There are also several fun water activities for those looking to see some seaside caves and hidden beaches. I cover the town in more detail in my ‘Dhërmi Guide.’
Vuno | A small hilltop town with direct access to the impressive Gjipe Canyon and secluded Gjipe Beach. You can see the canyon and beach on their own, but the town is cute and has a couple of nice restaurants and viewpoints.
Himarë | I think this is the Riviera’s coolest town, and it punches above its weight. There are several magnificent beaches nearby, a really cool abandoned castle, and tons of excellent restaurants. It’s also not far from Porto Palermo Castle and views of the secret submarine bunker. For more information on Himarë, you can check my ‘Himarë Guide.’
Borsh | The expansive Borsh Beach is the main attraction here, and it’s a nice change of pace with how large and wild it feels compared to some of the other places I’ve mentioned. But it’s also worth stopping by the Castle of Borsh, too, to wander the ruins and catch some seriously nice views.
SOME OTHER ALBANIAN RIVIERA SPOTS
- Krorëza Beach
- Lukovë
- Buneci Beach
- Qeparo
Day Trip to Gjirokastër
Southern Albania is one of my favorite places in the world. And while the coast has plenty to do with that, the inland city of Gjirokastër also stands out with its epic castle and beautiful UNESCO old town.
There’s a lot to do here, so if you can manage to spend a couple of nights, I recommend it. But if that’s not possible, then a day trip is certainly doable. Most of Gjirokastër’s highlights are within walking distance of each other, and it’s only about an hour’s drive from Sarandë.
Here are some suggestions for a day trip to Gjirokastër:
- Explore the UNESCO-inscribed Gjirokastër Old Town, including its energetic bazaar. The Ottoman architecture here, along with that in Berat, is what designated the city as a World Heritage Site.
- Grab a wonderful Albanian meal, and maybe a pitcher of homemade red or white verë, in the heart of the Old Bazaar.
- Hike to the picturesque Ali Pasha’s Bridge on the outskirts of town. The bridge is the ruin of a historic aqueduct that has become popular with the local goats!
- Wander through the Gjirokastër Castle, one of the prettiest in the Balkans, and learn of its tumultuous history.
- Visit one of the historic Ottoman-era houses to learn how families used to live back in the day. Popular homes to visit are the Skenduli and Zekate Houses.
- Go beneath the hilltop castle into the Gjirokastër Cold War Tunnel and see one of Albania’s largest bunkers.
For a more in-depth look at the city, you can check out my ‘Guide to Gjirokastër’ post.
Getting There | Driving only takes around an hour each way by either going via Rruga Khardiq or via SH99 and SH4. If you take the latter route, you can stop by the Blue Eye for a quick cool down. Public buses and furgons have routes leaving from near Friendship Park in Sarandë.
You can certainly use them for a day trip, but expect packed vehicles and possible delays during the peak months. Check out my ‘Albanian Bus Guide’ that I link below in the ‘Getting Around’ section, for routes and timetables. Of course, you can always join a tour like this one that includes Gjirokastër to make things easy.
GETTING AROUND SARANDE
Sarandë isn’t too big, so most things are within walking distance. Even the castle and the monastery can be reached on foot, even though they are a bit away from the Sarandë Embankment and the center.
However, you can always opt to take a taxi for convenience. For buses to Butrint National Park, Ksamil, and other day trips, these are the main spots to know around the city:
Ksamil/Butrint Bus Route | There are several bus stops around Sarandë, starting near the roundabout by Eli’s Seafront Boutique Apartment and appearing all along Rruga Skënderbeu. This route ends at Butrint National Park, but also stops in Ksamil and nearby popular beaches along the stretch south of the city, like Monastery Beach. Buses run all day.
Trans Dea Bus Station (maps) | This is where you catch buses to the northern coastal towns like Dhërmi and Himarë. It also has longer routes to other places in Albania, and if in doubt, you can ask them here about where to catch buses. With that being said, be aware that it can be chaotic; they often oversell buses (so you might have to stand), and they like to try to upcharge for tickets.
Friendship Park (maps) | Most other buses and furgons will leave from around this area. Public transport in Albania can get crazy, so just ask around if you have questions regarding bus routes.
For more details about bus routes, timetables, and more, feel free to check out my ‘Albania Bus Guide’ for a more in-depth look. I try to update the guide as often as I can.
WHERE TO STAY IN SARANDE
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of accommodation options around Sarandë. You can expect everything from budget hostels up to luxury hotels, and they’re all relatively close to each other.
I stayed at a few places around Sarandë during my trip. The first was just west of the embankment in the Isabela Apartments. These are budget-friendly, fully-equipped apartments that I suggest for those wanting to be near the center, but not in the heart of things. I also stayed along the road to Ksamil, which is also a bit quieter but has more limited restaurants in the area.
Here are some other recommendations for Sarandë:
Saranda Boutique Hostel | A budget hostel a bit up the hill in the city. It’s clean, with modern dorm facilities, nice views, and a social atmosphere.
Apartments Klajdi | Beautiful midrange apartments that come with a kitchenette and modern amenities.
Villa Kristiano 21 & Hotel Teuta | Two wonderful accommodations that are east of the city center, near the hills, by the castle and monastery. Both places have new rooms with outstanding sea views at mid-range and up prices.
Hotel Agimi | A high-end hotel with a gorgeous infinity pool and sea views. It’s on the road to Ksamil but close enough to walk to the center.
AlYACHT Premium Hotel | A luxury hotel in the heart of Sarandë, which offers double rooms and suites. The rooms are spotless, and the views of the bay are stunning.
For more Sarandë hotels and hostels, check here.
