Sarandë

Serene coastal landscape of Saranda, Albania with hills and islands under a cloudy sky.
Andreas Ebner, Pexels

Sarandë, nestled on the Albanian Riviera, offers visitors beautiful Mediterranean beaches and a vibrant coastal atmosphere. It serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby natural wonders like the Blue Eye Spring and historical sites such as the ancient city of Butrint.

The city's promenade and central areas buzz with activity, providing numerous opportunities to socialize at its many bars, cafes, and restaurants, particularly during the lively summer months. For those seeking to connect with fellow travelers or the expat community, establishments like The Buzz Bar and Marini Restaurant are popular gathering spots.

Top 5 Things to do in Sarandë

Visitors to Sarandë can immerse themselves in ancient history, marvel at unique natural phenomena, relax on picturesque beaches, and enjoy panoramic views.

1. Butrint National Park

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, an ancient city with ruins spanning over two millennia, from Greek and Roman to Byzantine and Venetian civilizations. Wander through the well-preserved theatre, basilica, city walls, and a small museum housed within the Venetian Castle. It is an extensive site that offers a deep dive into the region's rich past. Allow at least three hours for a thorough visit.

Cost: Entrance fee is approximately 1000 LEK (€9.40-€10) for adults. Guided tours are available, with private tours starting from around €30 per person, depending on inclusions.

Transport: Butrint is located approximately 18 km south of Sarandë. Public buses depart frequently from near Friendship Park or the Port of Sarandë, passing through Ksamil. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes and costs around 200 LEK (€1.90). Taxis offer a faster option, taking 20-25 minutes, with costs ranging from €10-€15 for a one-way trip or €75-€90 for a round trip with waiting time. Negotiate the price beforehand.

2. The Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër)

Witness the captivating Blue Eye, a natural karst spring known for its exceptionally clear, deep blue waters that resemble a human eye. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a tranquil escape. The water temperature remains cold year-round. Swimming directly in the main spring is generally not permitted. Allow 1-2 hours for the visit.

Cost: Entrance fee is 50 LEK (€0.50) per person. If arriving by car, there's an additional parking fee of 300 LEK (€3). An optional road train from the parking area to the spring costs 300 LEK (€3) one-way.

Transport: The Blue Eye is about 22 km from Sarandë. Public buses to Gjirokastër, which stop at the Blue Eye, depart from Sarandë at specific times (e.g., 10:00 AM and 2:15 PM). The bus journey takes 30-45 minutes and costs approximately 400 LEK (€4). A taxi for a round trip, including waiting time, typically costs €35-€60. Negotiate the fare with the driver.

3. Ksamil Beaches and Islands

Spend a day at Ksamil, a coastal village renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, often compared to the Maldives. Visitors can relax on sun loungers, swim in the clear sea, or take short boat trips to the nearby small islands. Ksamil is also known for its fresh mussels. During peak season, beaches can be crowded, and sunbed reservations might be necessary.

Cost: Access to some beaches may require payment for sunbeds, ranging from approximately $15-$20 a day. Public areas are available but can be rocky.

Transport: Ksamil is located 12 km south of Sarandë. Frequent public buses running to Butrint pass through Ksamil. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes and costs 150 LEK (€1.40). Taxis from Sarandë to Ksamil typically cost around €13-€35 for a one-way trip. Prices may vary with season and negotiation.

4. Lëkurësi Castle

Visit the ruins of Lëkurësi Castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking Sarandë. Although mostly a ruin, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Sarandë Bay, the Ionian Sea, and even the distant Greek island of Corfu. The best time to visit is at sunset for spectacular photographic opportunities. A restaurant within the castle grounds serves traditional Albanian cuisine.

Cost: There is no entrance fee to the castle ruins themselves. Food and drinks at the restaurant inside the castle will be an additional cost. A taxi for a round trip might cost around 1000 LEK (~€10).

Transport: Lëkurësi Castle is located on a hill above Sarandë. It is not within walking distance for most, as the hike is steep. A taxi ride from the city center takes around 15 minutes and costs approximately €10 for a round trip, with the driver often waiting for your return.

5. Sarandë Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Hasan Tahsini Boulevard, Sarandë's lively pedestrian promenade. Lined with palm trees, benches, bars, cafes, and restaurants, it is particularly vibrant in the evenings. This is an excellent place to experience the city's social atmosphere, enjoy fresh seafood, or simply watch the sunset over the Ionian Sea. Local markets selling souvenirs are often present during summer.

Cost: Free to walk. Costs for food, drinks, or souvenirs vary based on personal preference.

Transport: The promenade is centrally located and easily accessible by walking from most accommodations in Sarandë.

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