CITY
Saranda is the main seaside town in southern Albania. It sits on a beautiful bay in the Ionian Sea, just across from the Greek island of Corfu. Known for its long beaches, turquoise water, and relaxed holiday vibe, this lively coastal town has become one of the top summer destinations in Albania.
Even though Saranda is popular for sun and sea, the area also has ancient ruins, castles, and peaceful mountain villages to explore. You can spend lazy days on the beach or go on short day trips to discover some of Albania’s most interesting sights.
Map of Saranda
Here are the best places to visit in and around Saranda — from lively seaside spots to quiet nature escapes.
The seaside promenade is Saranda’s main gathering place. It stretches along the bay with palm trees, benches, cafés, and beach bars. Locals come here for their evening walk, and street artists and vendors appear during summer nights.
Tip: Visit just before sunset for cooler air and beautiful golden light. It’s also the best time to find outdoor tables at restaurants.
Several small pebble beaches sit right in town, including Santa Quaranta, Mirror Beach, and Mango Beach. They have calm, clear water and are perfect for a quick swim. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, or just sit on the stones.
Tip: Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet — the pebbles can be sharp.
Lekuresi Castle rises on a hill above Saranda. The Ottomans built it in the 1500s to guard the coast. Today, you can walk through the ruins and enjoy a restaurant with panoramic views over the town, sea, and nearby islands.
Tip: Go about an hour before sunset. You can explore the castle first and then stay for dinner as the lights of Saranda turn on below.
Ksamil is only 20 minutes south of Saranda and has Albania’s most famous beaches. The water is bright turquoise, and the sand is soft and white. Small islets sit just offshore — you can swim or rent a kayak to reach them.
Tip: In July and August, come early (before 9:00) to find parking and a sunbed. In June and September, it’s much calmer.
Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 30 minutes away. The park has Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ruins surrounded by forests, lakes, and wetlands. Paths are shaded and well-marked, making it an easy walk.
Tip: Allow 2–3 hours to see everything. Bring water and insect repellent, especially in summer.
The Blue Eye is a natural spring 25 km from Saranda. Cold, clear water bubbles up from a deep cave and forms a bright turquoise pool surrounded by forest. It’s one of the most photographed places in Albania.
Tip: There’s a 20–30 minute shaded walk from the parking area. Bring snacks and water, as there are few shops nearby.
This ruined 6th-century Byzantine monastery sits on a quiet hill above Saranda. You can walk or drive halfway and then hike the last part. The view of Saranda Bay and Corfu is stunning.
Tip: Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat — there’s no shade on the path.
Saranda is easy to reach by bus, car, or ferry. Buses run daily from Tirana, Vlora, and Gjirokastër. Ferries from Corfu take just 30 minutes, making Saranda popular with day-trippers from Greece.
Most main attractions are within 30 minutes of the city. Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore nearby beaches and sights like Butrint, the Blue Eye, and Ksamil. Parking is available at most beaches, castles, and viewpoints.
Summer (June–September) is lively and hot, while spring and autumn are quieter and still warm — ideal if you want space to explore. Two to three days is enough to see the main highlights, though many visitors stay longer to relax by the sea.
