There are such a lot of nice issues to do in Saranda. It’s the right place for exploring the most effective of the Albanian Riviera.
Saranda isn’t solely inside a stone’s throw of the Greek island of Corfu, nevertheless it’s surrounded by a number of the finest sights, seashores, and nature that Southern Albania has to supply.
I spent one month exploring the most effective locations to go to in Saranda. As as a digital nomad in Albania, I cherished the relaxed cafe tradition, gorgeous seashores, and its accessibility to the remainder of Southern Albania, which is completely lovely.
15 Finest Issues to Do in Saranda
In case you’re questioning the place to go in Saranda, this information will provide help to plan your journey. This seashore city really is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Albania.
Listed below are the 15 finest issues to do in Saranda, Albania.
1. Take a Stroll Down the Saranda Embankment
One of many first issues you must do when visiting Saranda is to stroll alongside the Saranda Embankment. The embankment hyperlinks the neighbourhoods in Saranda, so a leisurely stroll is a wonderful option to get your bearings upon arrival.
Right here is the place you’ll see a lot of native companies providing boat journeys, which is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Saranda. It’s an awesome place to get some actions deliberate.
On the port finish, you’ll see that there are swimming lanes the place you may get your train in for the day, adopted by a espresso in one of many cosy cafes. Regardless of being the place the place boats set off, the water is extremely clear and nice for a dip.
The embankment runs parallel to Saranda Seaside and has a number of the finest eating places, cafes, and eating places alongside it. I like to recommend making an attempt New House for a espresso with a view, or No Identify Bar for a cheeky cocktail.
2. Go to the Mystical Blue Eye (One in every of My Favorite Issues to Do in Saranda)
The Blue Eye is a should see in Saranda. It was one of many highlights of my journey and it shouldn’t be missed. The Blue Eye is round 20 km from Saranda so many individuals take a tour from Saranda to go to.
The Blue Eye, or Syri i Kalter in Albanian, is a pure spring and phenomenon. The deep, darkish center and clear blue water surrounding the centre resembles a pupil and iris. It’s no less than 50m deep, however the high-pressure water has made it not possible to discover additional.
On this tour, you’ll be picked up from Saranda and a personal information will take you to and across the Blue Eye Nationwide Park. Right here, you’ll have loads of time to discover and swim within the swimming pools earlier than heading again to Saranda – beware, the water is a cool 10°C all yr spherical.
The Blue Eye needs to be on the high of your listing of issues to see in Saranda. It’s a very distinctive expertise.
3. Eat Some Unimaginable Seafood
Saranda’s shut proximity to the ocean, rivers, and lakes makes it the right place for foodies who love seafood.
Mussels and trout may be discovered on most restaurant menus; you must you’ll want to attempt these. Each are sometimes from Lake Butrint, which surrounds the Butrint Nationwide Park additionally featured on this listing, and recent and engaging dishes to attempt.
Saranda’s location on the Mediterranean Sea implies that there’s at all times an enormous choice of seafood on provide and lots of eating places do it very well. My favorite spots embrace Haxhi (you must have their seafood spaghetti) and Fish Filipi for a recent and native expertise.
Eat your method across the pretty tavernas and pattern the freshest seafood in Saranda. See additionally: Should Attempt Albanian Meals
4. Go to Lovely Ksamil
Ksamil is likely one of the most lovely locations to go to in Saranda. It’s only a 20-minute drive additional south alongside the coast the place you’ll cross numerous gorgeous seashores on the best way. Ksamil’s shoreline attracts hundreds of vacationers from everywhere in the world for good motive.
The seashores are dwelling to the clearest, most lovely turquoise water. Break up into bays, the seashores are each pebbly and sandy, and the colors change from bay to bay. Each single one is so clear and serene.
Ksamil can’t be missed because it’s the most effective locations to see in Saranda. This tour, led by a neighborhood information, will take you to islands and seashores in Ksami in addition to the Butrint Archaeological Park – nice Saranda sights featured on this listing.
You’ll acquire a glimpse of the most effective of southern Albania, while exploring some hidden gems you may not discover alone. You possibly can learn extra in regards to the extremely rated expertise right here.
☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Finest Airbnbs in Tirana, Albania
5. Go to Mirror Seaside
Pasqyra Seaside, or because it’s extra generally identified, Mirror Seaside, is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Saranda. It’s known as Mirror Seaside as a result of the solar displays into the clear blue water like a mirror, which based on locals, offers it a magical impact.
I’ve to agree. The water was a vibrant blue color and it jogged my memory of the water in Mexico. It needs to be seen to be believed. The seashore is accessed by a one-track highway which results in a carpark. I’d advocate that you simply get a taxi right here, or rent a scooter.
There’s a restaurant on the seashore the place you’ll be able to seize some refreshments and lunch to make a full day of it. There are additionally solar loungers so that you can chill out on, have a sleep, or get caught into your newest learn.
6. Go to Butrint Nationwide Park
Butrint is likely one of the finest issues to see in Saranda for historical past buffs. This historic metropolis is essentially the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Website within the nation.
It’s acquired an actual mixture of influences, having been occupied by the Greeks, Romans, and Venetians all through its lengthy historical past. You’ll see a Roman Theatre, Temple, and Discussion board that are very well preserved.
Its lovely environment make it probably the most picturesque of the Saranda sights, primarily based on Lake Butrint and the wetlands which full the Nationwide Park.
Entrance prices 1000 LEK ($9) per particular person, or you’ll be able to take this tour. This consists of your switch to and from Saranda, entrance charges, and in addition features a information which is admittedly helpful when you’re considering studying extra info as you discover the location.
7. Take the Ferry to Corfu
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Saranda is to go to the Greek Island of Corfu. You possibly can see Corfu simply throughout the water when at Saranda seashore or strolling alongside the embankment.
Within the excessive season, ferries go from the port to Corfu city commonly. The quick ferry runs thrice a day and takes round half-hour. The slower ferry runs later into the night till 7 pm, and takes a bit over an hour. You should purchase tickets from each boats on the workplaces subsequent to the ferry terminal.
The ferry will land simply up the coast from the Corfu Outdated City. There are shuttle buses into the center of Outdated City, or you’ll be able to stroll down. Head into the Outdated City and discover the cobbled streets with boutique outlets, native eating places, and funky bars.
Make a journey across the Outdated Fortress with unimaginable views over the City. The Church of St Spyridon is price a search for the spectacular ornament inside, and the long-lasting Liston Avenue is a good location for a drink.
You possibly can soak up the entire of Outdated City in a day; seize an early ferry from Saranda and head dwelling on the 7 pm ferry again to Albania. This was one in all my favorite journeys. Don’t miss it.
8. Benefit from the Sundown at Lekuresi Citadel
A visit to Saranda isn’t full with out seeing Lekuresi Citadel at sundown. It’s right here that you simply’ll get the most effective view of Saranda and the bay. It’s probably the most romantic and fairly locations to go to in Saranda.
Located on the highest of Lekuresi Hill, it has an iconic view of Saranda and Corfu, and in addition the valley and mountain vary on the opposite facet of the hill. The fortress was initially inbuilt 1537 by the Ottomans to regulate the Saranda harbour and Saranda-Butrint highway throughout an assault on Corfu.
At present it’s deserted, and homes a restaurant and bar, the terrace of which overlooks the bay. It’s a should see in Saranda.
When it comes to getting there, you’ll be able to stroll, nevertheless it’s round 3-4 kilometres from the centre, and all uphill which generally is a problem in the summertime warmth.
Alternatively, you could possibly take this tour which not solely takes you to see Lekuresi Citadel, however a number of of the most effective highlights in Saranda, together with the Blue Eye, Ksamil, and Gjirokaster.
9. Take a Boat Journey
One in every of my favorite actions in Saranda is to take a ship journey. There are various native companies providing excursions. Some head south and discover the seashores on the best way to Ksamil, and a few head north towards Himara.
The complete shoreline is gorgeous and I really like exploring the coves, bays, and seashores — many of those seashores can solely be reached by boat.
To the north, you’ll be able to go to the attractive seashores of Krorez and Kakome seashores. To the south, you’ll see Monastery Seaside and Pulebardha, each equally gorgeous. You’re spoilt for alternative relating to seashores in Saranda.
You may have the selection of taking a gaggle journey on one of many bigger catamarans or a pirate ship boat, each of which may be seen simply alongside the promenade. Normally, drinks are included, and the vibe is much more vigorous. One even had a foam celebration on board!
Alternatively, you’ll be able to guide a personal boat with a skipper to take you to the seashores. I did this and it value €150 for a 6-hour journey. In case you’re with a number of buddies, this can be a actually enjoyable, stress-free, and cost-effective method of exploring the coast.
In case you choose to take a ship journey over the recent water of Butrint Lake, check out this tour on a conventional boat to a mussel farm. Moreover studying about mussel cultivation, you’ll additionally expertise Butrint Nationwide Park otherwise – from the water.
10. Go Quad Biking
You’ll probably spend most of your time in Saranda absorbing the solar on the numerous lovely seashores. However, if you wish to do one thing adventurous, taking a jeep tour is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Saranda.
On this full-day tour, you’ll be proven some unspoilt surroundings and native villages. You’ll go off-road and discover some hidden gems of the Albanian countryside and coast, see a number of the finest Saranda sights, and be guided to the Blue Eye.
Led by a neighborhood information, you’ll be taught all about Albania and the most effective locations to see in Saranda, and also you’ll cease for lunch in a neighborhood village to get pleasure from delicacies with a view.
Seeing Saranda by jeep is a enjoyable option to discover the south coast. You possibly can learn extra in regards to the tour right here.
11. Soak Up Some Solar on the Saranda Seashores
If you wish to have a calming day within the solar with out having to journey far, then you definitely’re in luck. There are many seashores in Saranda that are completely lovely, and certain simply steps out of your entrance door.
The general public seashore, Saranda Seaside, which runs alongside the promenade is a good possibility, notably when you’re staying within the centre. It’s just some minutes’ stroll and there are many cafes and bars to maintain you refreshed all through your day.
Within the Kodrra space, there are some pretty ‘non-public’ seashores, which you’ll get pleasure from by paying for a solar mattress. The associated fee for 2, with an umbrella, is round 500 LEK ($4.50). The water right here is crystal clear and it’s a really chill and stress-free space. I might advocate Shemo Seaside Bar for a very good lunch – in addition they have sunbeds to rent.
On the Rruga Butrinti highway, there are some pretty seashores too. Flamingo Seaside and Mango Seaside are each pebbly seashores with a lot of sunbeds and enjoyable seashore golf equipment for music and drinks.
12. Go to the Himara Seashores
Himara is north of Saranda and its enticing seashores, charming promenade, and city make it a very good day journey from Saranda. It’s a extremely standard city in the summertime for good motive. The intense, pebbly seashore and the glittering water right here is spectacular.
Himara is situated round 50 km north of Saranda nevertheless it’s simple to take a bus or a tour from Saranda to go to the beautiful seashores right here.
This tour leaves from Saranda and also you’ll spend a while at the most effective seashores in Himara. You’ll additionally go to the attractive Borsh Waterfall, and the village of Qeparo which has beautiful structure and fairly church buildings.
13. Get pleasure from a Cocktail with a View
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Saranda at evening is to get pleasure from a drink in one of many many nice cocktail bars.
One of the best factor in regards to the cocktails is that they’re so reasonably priced. Normally, a cocktail is round 500 LEK ($4.50). There are such a lot of bars to select from, and most are alongside the Saranda embankment providing improbable views of the bay.
A few of my favourites are Tipsy Bar, for scrumptious frozen fruit daiquiris and a pleasant place to take in the night sunshine. No Identify Bar for the most effective Aperol spritz with a view of individuals having fun with the splash park, and Rooftop for wonderful music, cocktails, and a view of the harbour.
14. Go to Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is Albania’s best-kept secret. It’s an historic Ottoman city that’s so nicely preserved it’s earned UNESCO World Heritage standing. It ought to positively be in your listing when planning the place to go in Saranda.
Gjirokaster is dominated by the Fortress the place you’ll see wonderful views of town, the Gjere mountains, and the Drino River. Inside, you’ll discover a museum holding many fascinating and vital artifacts, together with a US Air Power Jet which crashed and landed in WWII.
Within the Outdated City, you’ll discover a lot of candy artisan outlets promoting handmade items, and souvenirs. You’ll actually really feel such as you’ve stepped again in time when strolling the cobbled streets.
While it’s not in Saranda, it’s very shut. Many individuals keep in Saranda to be by the coast, in addition to inside shut proximity of Gjirokaster and the opposite finest sights in Albania.
This tour leaves from Saranda and also you’ll profit from a educated native information to let you know all in regards to the Citadel and the city. They’ll additionally take you to the Blue Eye so you’ll be able to tick off two of the principle Saranda sights in in the future.
15. Have Enjoyable within the Splash Park
In case you’ve acquired youngsters, the Splash Park should purchase you no less than an hour of leisure. However when you, like me, additionally need to attempt it out, you completely can. It isn’t only for children and adults are greater than welcome to affix in.
The splash park is an inflatable impediment course in the midst of Saranda Seaside. Consider a tame Whole Wipeout and also you’re just about there.
It’s probably the most hilarious issues to do in Saranda for positive. You pay in time increments and there’s a kiosk arrange for cost on the seashore reverse the park. You too can retailer your issues right here and seize a life jacket if wanted.
Cost round, leap in, and try to survive the inflatable kingdom!
The place to Keep in Saranda
There are three areas to remain in Saranda: Qender (the Centre), Kodrra, and Rruga Butrinti. Every neighbourhood presents one thing a bit totally different.
Qender
Qender is the most effective place to remain in Saranda if you wish to be in the midst of issues. The beauty of this neighbourhood is that it’s inside strolling distance of the opposite neighbourhoods, in addition to the seashore.
I like to recommend staying in Qender. There are many lodging choices right here and also you’re near a number of the finest eating places, bars, and issues to do in Saranda. It’s an awesome place to base your self all yr round.
The First Lodge Saranda is a wonderful possibility if you wish to keep in Qender. It has a reasonably backyard and a terrace with a view, and it’s solely a 3-minute stroll from Flamingo Seaside.
Rruga Butrinti
Rruga Butrinti may be very near Mango and Flamingo seashore, and the bars and eating places which line the principle highway between Saranda and Ksamil. It’s very quiet right here out of season.
Koddra
Koddra is essentially the most reasonably priced neighbourhood, and standard with price range backpackers. It’s near many seashore bars, together with Shemo, but additionally feels a bit extra native and away from the vacationer crowds within the centre, and on the embankment.
FAQs In regards to the Actions in Saranda
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Saranda? Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Saranda, Albania.
Completely. Not solely does it have nice bars, eating places, and seashores, nevertheless it’s the right base for exploring the opposite cities and sights alongside the Albanian Riviera. As Saranda is a metropolis with round 30,000 inhabitants, it’s a very good place to expertise native life, making it way more than only a vacationer vacation spot. When you’ve loved the entire actions in Tirana, I like to recommend visiting Saranda to get pleasure from a while on the seashore.
Saranda is predicated on the Ionian Sea Gulf which is a bay inside the Mediterranean Sea. It’s encircled by Southern Italy, the west coast of Greece, and the Greek Ionian Islands. This consists of Corfu which may be seen from Saranda embankment and accessed simply by ferry.
Sure, Saranda is secure to go to. In excessive season, it’s full of vacationers and feels very secure.
Albania as an entire is a secure nation. When travelling anyplace, try to be cautious of petty theft/pickpockets by being conscious of your private belongings.
Saranda, like lots of the different cities on the Albanian Riviera, is thought for its crystal clear, azure waters. It’s the shoreline that it’s well-known for, however there are such a lot of locations to go to in Saranda that makes it an unforgettable vacation spot.
There are various enjoyable actions in Saranda to select from. You possibly can go to the seashore, go paddleboarding, or go to a number of the major sights in Saranda such because the Blue Eye, Lekuresi Citadel, and Butrint Nationwide Park.
Now You Know What to Do in Saranda
There are such a lot of nice locations to go to in Saranda for all sorts of travellers. It presents lovely seashores, nature and tradition, while additionally being a very good base for exploring the remainder of the Albanian Riviera.
I hope this weblog publish helps you intend your travels to Saranda and create the most effective itinerary on your journey.
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