Sarandë is a city on the Albanian Riviera, in southern Albania. Sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and hills of olive groves, the town is on a horseshoe-shaped bay, edged by beaches and a promenade. In the center are the archaeological remains of a 5th-century synagogue, later an early Christian basilica. Intricate floor mosaics are still evident. The 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle is on a hilltop above the town. From the plebby beaches near the town to the vibrant nightlife, from the ancient archaeological sites to natural treasures, Saranda is a top choice destination that every traveler should include in his itinerary and will not disappoint you.
1. Swim At Pasqyra Beach
South of Saranda, Pasqyra Beach is a terrific bay that is never crowded, not even in the peak of the season. Many tourists prefer to spend their time at the urban beach of Saranda because it’s more comfortable and easier to reach, but if you want to see an off-the-beaten-path place, head to this secluded natural bay lapped by turquoise waters.
2. Stroll Through The Boulevard Hasan Tahasani
Saranda is one of the favored destinations by Albanians to spend their holidays. The town is very pleasant and offers an opportunity to spend gorgeous days without breaking the bank. The first thing to do in town is to stroll through the recently renewed boulevard, a long, elegant street near the sea. Here, you can walk admiring the gorgeous sea views or sit at a bar, order a coffee and relax.
3. Visit Forty Saints Monastery
Saranda is not just home to extraordinary beaches but has a long and ancient history too. The town takes its name from the monastery of forty saints built on a hill behind the bay in the 15th century. By the legend, “40 saints” refers to the 40 Roman martyrs who were killed because they wouldn’t renounce their Christian faith. The monastery is today in a state of ruin but totally worth a visit, not just for its importance but for the panoramic views over Saranda.
4. Relax On Ksamil Beach
South of Saranda, there is Ksamil, one of the best beach destinations in Albania. Ksamil is also called “the Ionian pearl” because of its beauty. It is located in a dramatic setting, a bay with three small islands reachable by a swim or a boat ride and surrounded by turquoise waters. We suggest that you avoid Ksamil in August because it is very crowded.
5. Visit The Rest Of The Old Synagogue
In the ancient times, a large Jewish community inhabited Saranda and generally the south of Albania. Did you know that the Land of the Eagles was the only country in Europe that was a safe haven for the Jewish community from concentration camps during the Second World War? Once in Saranda, you can’t miss the chance to visit the remnants of the Synagogue and admire its mosaics on the floor.
6. Reach Lekursi Castle
One of the highlights of Saranda is the Lekursi Castle, a magnificent castle from the mid-1500s located on the top of the hill that surround the town. To reach it, you have two options: You can walk about 40-50 minutes or you can grab a cab. Whatever you decide, don’t forget to bring your camera with you to take beautiful pictures of both Saranda and Corfu Island.
Short Verdict
As you see, opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Saranda (Albania) is a quintessential Mediterranean destination, with five months of warm weather and a selection of dreamlike beaches up and down its coast. A typical scene around Saranda is a pebbly bay washed by clear turquoise waters and backed by limestone hills with aromatic scrub and olive trees. You can pick from tourist hotspots with family activities or secluded beaches in natural reserves. And if you need more than lazy days by the sea you can travel to quaint seaside villages, natural landmarks and, best of all, Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological park. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags!
Spend Incredible Summer In Albania