Where is Saranda Located?

Saranda is located in southern Albania, on an open sea gulf in the Ionian Sea. It has about 30,000 inhabitants and is the largest city in the south. Thanks to its amazing climate, Saranda is packed with tourists almost all year, but the best time for some amazing holidays in Albania would be between the months of May and September. 

The name “Saranda” actually comes from the monastery named Agioi Saranda, which means “Forty Saints.” After being changed a few times under Ottoman and Italian rule, Saranda finally got its name for good when Albania gained independence in 1912.

How to Get to Saranda?

Saranda, Albania, is easily reachable from any city, and you can get there by car, bus/taxi, or boat. 

Let’s go through each of these options to see which fits you best:

Where to Stay When Visiting Saranda

You can choose from many amazing accommodation opportunities in Saranda, which is known for its high-quality hotels. 

Let’s dive into some of the best options:

#1. Palma City Hotel

One of the most popular hotels in Saranda, Palma City, offers very comfortable accommodation, along with an outdoor pool, free parking, and a back garden. 

It’s right in front of the beach, which means you’ll get some stunning views from the balconies. You can also enjoy a drink on the terrace, especially in the summer evenings.

#2. Villa Green Garden

Situated very close to the beach, Villa Green Garden is a very interesting option. There is greenery everywhere you go, which makes the place so beautiful. You can take advantage of free parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace.

The rooms are pretty great, coming with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and balconies with garden views.

#3. Bougainville Bay Hotel

Bougainville Bay Hotel is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful resorts in the South. It’s very unique thanks to the magenta-colored flowers that you can spot in every corner, the Bougainvillea. 

It’s full of tourists all year, but of course, it peaks in the summer. It’s the place where commodities and aesthetics perfectly intertwine, making sure you have a memorable vacation.

#4. Mucobega Hotel

Mucobega Hotel offers 4-star accommodation with great rooms, a restaurant, and a beautiful garden. All the rooms have balconies where you can relax and enjoy the views, and there are also water sports available. 

You can also go to the hotel’s private beach, which has free sun loungers and drinks for guests.

15 Best Things To Do in Saranda

Let’s now explore the top 15 things to do in Saranda:

#1. Take a walk down Hasan Tahsini Boulevard

The first thing every single tourist should do once they visit Saranda is take a scenic walk down the main boulevard along Saranda Beach. It links together all the neighbors in Saranda, so it’s a great way to get to know the city a bit more.

Along the whole boulevard, there are interesting restaurants and cafes where you can try some of the best meals and drinks, but we’ll get into those later! There are also many businesses offering boat trips, which are a very fun thing to do in Saranda.

#2. Visit Butrint National Park

The most visited UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country, Butrint National Park, is just a place to visit for history buffs. You’ll get to see an amazing Roman theater, a Greek temple, and a forum, which are surprisingly well-preserved. 

Butrint used to be one of the most beautiful cities of the Roman Empire, and today, that’s all that's left of it. Entrance to the park costs €9 per person, and it’s open every day until 7 p.m. 

#3. Marvel at The Blue Eye

One of the most amazing natural phenomena and among the best places to visit in Albania, The Blue Eye welcomes visitors every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Also known as “Syri i Kalter” or The Blue Eye, Albania is a freshwater spring surrounded by bright greenery, making for beautiful scenery. 

The furthest that divers have gone into the spring is 50 meters, but it might be even deeper. The water is ice-cold and crystal clear. Diving into the spring is actually not allowed, but many people can’t resist the water. 

#4. Check out Lekursi Castle

Located on Lekursi Hill, Saranda Castle looks over the city, giving some stunning views of the coastline. It was built in 1537 by Sultan Suleyman The Magnificent, when he took control of the Saranda harbor. 

Inside the walls of the castle, there’s also a restaurant where you can enjoy some delicious meals on the terrace. It can be pretty busy in the summer, especially during the evenings, when they organize traditional music nights for a truly authentic Albanian experience. 

#5. Enjoy some delicious seafood

One of the top things to do in Saranda is try the amazing seafood each restaurant has to offer. Even if you’re not a huge fan of seafood, we guarantee you’ll come back wanting to try it again!

If you’re looking for a real seafood dish, though, you can head down to the fishing docks, which are about 25 minutes from the center, and try the restaurants there, which get the freshest food right from the fishing boats. 

Some of the restaurants in Saranda we can mention are Oceanic Restaurant, Taste of The South, and more.

#6. Visit the Ksamil Islands

Of course, we can’t forget the famous Ksamil Islands, one of the highlights of the Albanian Riviera. You can easily get to Ksamil from Saranda, either by car, bus, or boat. A bus ticket costs about €1.5, and they depart from 6 AM to 6 PM daily. 

To get to the actual islands, you can take a boat from Ksamil or just swim there, but only if the water is still enough. It really feels like a piece of paradise, with the amazingly clear water and the beautiful sandy beaches.

#7. See the Ali Pasha Castle

Located very close to Butrint National Park, Ali Pasha Castle is one of the top tourist destinations in Saranda. It was built around the 15th century by the Venetians and later reconstructed by Ottoman ruler Ali Pashe Tepelena. 

The only way to get to the actual castle is by boat since it’s on an island, but you can see the castle from a viewing deck close by. The castle’s viewpoints offer some stunning views of the sea and the mountains. 

#8. Explore the Monastery of St.George

Situated halfway between Saranda and Ksamil, The Monastery of St.George is a real historical gem. It’s located on a hill, and you can enjoy stunning views of the Ionian Sea on one side and Butrint Lake on the other. 

The monastery was built in the 14th century and is still in great condition. And you can ask to look inside the church.

#9. Visit the amazing National Marine Park of Karaburun-Sazan

The only marine park in Albania, this amazing coastal park stretches through the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, the largest island in Albania. It’s one of the best places to visit in the summer. You can go snorkeling, swimming, or scuba diving and marvel at the amazing underwater world. 

While you’re exploring, you may see some beautiful, colorful corals, marine life like sea turtles, or even friendly dolphins.

#10. Take a day trip to the beautiful island of Corfu

Just a 30-minute ferry ride away from Saranda lies the island of Corfu in Greece. It’s a great day trip idea for the summer. You can catch a ferry early in the morning and then leave in the evening, as they depart all throughout the day.

If you’re visiting during the off-season, though, there’s only one ferry every day, so you’re going to have to stay in Corfu. 

#11. Take a swim at Mirror Beach

Among the best beaches in Albania, Mirror Beach, or, as they say in Albanian, “Plazhi i Pasqyrave”, is simply a must-visit. You can come and enjoy the soft white sand, the hot sun, and the refreshing turquoise waters. 

The road leading to the beach is a bit tricky, so be careful. It can get pretty crowded in the summer, and the road is basically just one car lane. It’s totally worth it, though; you’ll see that as soon as you arrive!

#12. Enjoy the nightlife at one of the many clubs

When it comes to Saranda's nightlife and music, the city doesn’t disappoint. All along the beach, you’ll find some of the best clubs and bars, beaming with music and dancing. They’re mostly open during the summer season, so enjoy it all you can!

Some of the most popular clubs we can mention are Orange Club, Mango Club, and Disco Tropica. They have great singers and DJs performing almost every day to give some amazing vibes, perfectly fitting with the summer atmosphere.

#13. Take a scenic boat trip

Boat trips are among the best things to do in Saranda and the perfect opportunity to explore the Albanian Riviera. Floating on the aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea, you’ll get to see stunning virgin beaches, mysterious caves, and much more. 

There are many companies offering boat tours for tourists. Just head to the shore, and you’ll find yourself in front of many options to choose from. 

#14. Explore The Ancient Complex

Saranda was home to a large Jewish community for centuries, leaving a marvelous heritage like the Synagogue Complex. It dates from the 5th century and includes the ruins of a school, a community center, and some religious structures. 

It was destroyed in an earthquake but later rebuilt in the 6th century as a basilica.

#15. Visit Dhërmi village

If you’re up for a day trip, you can visit the heavenly village of Dhërmi. It’s located just north of Saranda, and it takes about an hour or so to get there. The town is home to some of the best beaches in Albania, with their crystal water and soft white sand. 

There are also many restaurants and bars around to enjoy some nice meals and drinks. There’s also the old town of Dhërmi, with its beautiful stone streets and small churches, especially the Monastery of Saint Mary on top of the hill.

Travel With Kalemi to Sarandё

During this tour you’ll get to explore a very popular UNESCO site, along with the rich culture and traditions of Albanians. You’ll start your tour in Tirana, where you’ll meet with your guide and head to Saranda. The drive to there is absolutely amazing, with views of the Albanian Riviera accompanying you along the way.

After a stop in Saranda, you’ll visit The Blue Eye, one of the most beautiful phenomena in Albania. It’s a turquoise-watered spring, surrounded by lush greenery. Careful if you want to dive in! The water is ice cold and at least 50 meters deep!

Your next and final stop is Gjirokastra, also known as “the stone city”. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its large historical and cultural significance, being one of the best preserved medieval towns. In Gjirokastra you’ll get to visit Zekate House, as well as the bazaar, where you’ll find some of the best authentic souvenirs.

Don’t Forget!

Saranda is one of the most beautiful cities on the Albanian Riviera, welcoming tons of tourists every summer. It’s located just in the south of the country, with about 30,000 inhabitants. It also has an amazing climate, which really helps with tourism. 

There are many hotels in Saranda that you can choose from, like the Palma City Hotel, Bougainville Bay, and Green Garden Villa, to mention a few. 

As for activities and things to do in Saranda, the list is pretty long. You can start your vacation by strolling the main boulevard or visiting historical sites like the castle or the ancient complex. 

For some fun in the sun, you can visit Mirror Beach, the Ksamil Islands, or take a day trip to Dhermi or Corfu in Greece. Don’t wait any longer, and come enjoy this gem of the Riviera.

Things to Do in Saranda FAQ