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Sarandë Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in 5 Days in Sarandë, Albania
- 20 hours ago
- 11 min read
Sarandë is a beautiful and charming coastal town located in the south of Albania, along the Ionian Sea. It's known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant beach life, and stunning sunsets. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it the Maldives of Europe.
Sarandë has become one of the most popular destinations on the Albanian Riviera. One surprising fact is that this lively and bustling town was once a quiet fishing village.
Today, it offers a vibrant blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and modern tourism.
Whether you want to relax on the beaches, explore ancient ruins like Butrint, or take a boat trip to discover hidden coves and nearby islands, Sarandë truly offers something for every kind of traveler.
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How to reach Sarandë:
Corfu International Airport:
You can fly into Corfu International Airport (CFU) in Greece. From there, take a taxi or bus to Corfu Harbour, where you can catch a direct ferry to Sarandë. The ferry ride takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
Ferries operate daily and quite frequently. Since Sarandë is not in the Schengen area, there is passport control both in Corfu and Sarandë. Be sure to bring your passport and arrive at Corfu Harbour at least one hour before the ferry's departure time.
Tirana International Airport (TIA):
You can reach Tirana, it is 270 KM from Sarandë. From Tirana International Airport, you can take a taxi to the Regional Bus Terminal in Tirana, and it takes around 5-6 hours to reach Sarandë from Tirana by Bus. In our case, we rented a private taxi and it cost around €170 one way.
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You can also rent a car from Tirana Airport and reach Sarandë by driving.
How to commute in Sarandë:
Walk:
Sarandë is a small, walkable coastal town. You can explore the beachfront promenade, restaurants, cafes, and nearby attractions. There are many hotels, beaches, and restaurants within a 15–20 minute walk.
Local buses & Furgons:
There are local buses running between Sarandë and Ksamil, and also minibuses to Butrint and Gjirokastër. The buses are always very crowded during the summer season, so it is suggested to start earlier in the morning.
Taxis:
You can also take a taxi to get around Sarandë. Our hotel was a bit far from the city center, so we hired a taxi driver. We used to call him whenever we needed a ride, and he would come and pick us up from different locations.
Rent a Scooter:
There are different Scooter rentals available near the beach. You can rent a scooter and explore the different places around Sarandë.
Where to stay in Sarandë:
There are different options for staying in Sarandë. Our stay depends on your budget and preference.
Santa Quaranta Premium Resort: It’s a beachfront 5-star hotel with an outdoor pool and private beach, and sea view rooms.
Bougainville Bay Hotel: The hotel is stylish and artsy, with a saltwater infinity pool, private beach, and fitness center, and close to town.
Hotel Saranda Palace: It’s a modern 4-star hotel with a seafront pool, spa, fitness centre, and balconies overlooking the bay.
Siro Kerma Private Beach Villa: The Villa is located on the south of central Sarandë, and it is a cozy, family‑run boutique hotel with its own private beach. The hotel has many sea‑view balcony rooms, and you can swim straight into crystal‑clear water and relax on sun loungers by the sea.
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Tips for Exploring Sarandë
Cash (Lek & Euro): Most vendors, tourist activities, and restaurants accept only cash. Both Euros and Albanian Lek are accepted, but if you pay in Euros, you may have to pay a bit extra due to conversion rates. It’s best to bring cash from your home country if possible. In our case, we withdrew money locally, but it cost us extra due to ATM fees and currency conversion charges.
Sunscreen: From June to August, the weather is very warm. Don’t forget to bring high-SPF sunscreen — it’s more expensive locally and not always available in good quality.
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Swimwear: Pack at least two sets of swimwear for beach hopping, along with a beach towel, mat, hat, and sunglasses.
Swimming Shoes: Most beaches are rocky or pebbly, so water shoes are helpful to prevent cuts and make walking more comfortable.
Light Clothing + a Layer: Bring light, breathable clothing for the day, but also pack a light sweater or jacket for cool evenings or breezy ferry rides.
Reusable Water Bottle: Tap water is safe in most areas, but locals usually drink bottled water. A reusable bottle with a filter can help reduce both waste and the cost of buying water frequently.
Snorkeling Gear: The clear Ionian Sea is perfect for snorkeling. If you already have snorkeling gear, bring it with you; otherwise, you can rent it locally.
Power Adapter: Albania uses European standard plugs (Type C and F, 230V). Bring a travel adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
Is Sarandë cheap to travel to?
There is a perception that Albania is generally cheap. To be honest, Sarandë is not as cheap compared to Tirana, but if you compare the cost of activities and food to other Balkan or Western countries, it’s still quite affordable.
A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people will cost around €25–35, while a budget meal may cost €4–7. We stayed about 2–3 km away from Sarandë Beach, and a taxi ride used to cost us around €15 one way.
As for activities, things like a Jeep tour or half-day beach hopping cost us around €50 per activity. Renting a sunbed in Ksamil costs us about €20 each.
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We also stayed in a hotel with a private beach and breakfast included, which cost us around €150 for each night. Public buses, on the other hand, are very affordable.
If you're on a budget, we suggest eating where the locals eat, such as traditional tavernas or bakeries.
Traveling in May or September helps avoid peak season prices. Also, consider staying in an Airbnb or guesthouse, and always negotiate taxi prices in advance, as meters are not commonly used.
How many days are needed for Sarandë?
We would recommend spending at least five to seven days in Sarandë to fully enjoy the area without feeling rushed.
On the first day, you can settle in, relax at Sarandë Beach, and dine at one of the waterfront restaurants. On the second day, consider going on an island-hopping tour or a boat trip to explore the nearby coastline.
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Day three is perfect for a full-day visit to the Ksamil Islands and Butrint National Park, both of which offer stunning natural beauty and cultural significance. On the fourth day, take a day trip to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a unique natural spring surrounded by lush forest.
Finally, spend your fifth day relaxing at the beach or discovering one of the quieter, hidden beaches nearby for a more laid-back experience.
Things to do in Sarandë:
1. Sarandë Promenade:
You can start by exploring the Sarandë Promenade, also known as Hasan Tahsini Boulevard. The Promenade has a lively waterfront with cafes and shops.
Things to do at the Sarandë Promenade:
a. Sarandë City Beach:
There are beaches next to the Sarandë Promenade with loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars. You can swim and relax, and enjoy your time.
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There is also an Inflatable playground, which is great for family activities. There are also some seaside massage tents along the promenade. You can also join the yoga session offered by locals at the beach.
b. Restaurants & Rooftop Bars:
There are many restaurants, cafes, and Rooftop Bars with a great view of the sea and lively music. You can definitely enjoy the food with the great vibes.
Some of our favorite restaurants are Haxhi Restaurant, Bar Restaurant Limani, and Taverna Fish Land.
c. Nightlife:
The nightlife vibes are just amazing, with street performers, live Albanian folk music, and people spontaneously dancing traditional Albanian dances. You can also enjoy live Balkan music at the beach bars.
d. Ferris wheel:
There is a small fair setup on the coast of the city. There is a Ferris Wheel located at the southern end near the pier. The best time is to take a ride at either sunset or evening, where you can enjoy the view and breeze off the Ionian Sea. Be aware that they only accept cash.
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e. Open-Air Bazaar:
There are bazaars set up along the promenade in the evening during summer. You can find handmade crafts, beachwear, jewelry, local olive oil, raki, herbs, and fresh fruit.
f. Pirate Cruise:
There are also pirate-themed boat tours departing from Sarandë Port for short rides. At night, the pirate boats are lit up with colorful lights, and you can enjoy music and even join the crew in traditional dancing.
Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Tickets can be booked on the spot, and payment is accepted in cash only.
g. Boat tour:
There are several boat tours to different areas in the east and west of the Ionian coast. There are different tours that start in the morning and it around a day trip and stop at different locations that aren’t accessible by car.
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h. Kayaking & Paddleboarding:
You can also rent a kayaking boat, or you can join guided tours to discover hidden coves and enjoy the scenic coastline from the water.
2. Sarandë Synagogue Ruins:
Sarandë Synagogue Ruins is located near the city center and it's an ancient synagogue, reflecting the diverse historical communities of the area.
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3. Lëkurësi Castle:
Lëkurësi Castle is located on the hill. The castle was built in the 16th century, and it offers panoramic views of the town, the Ionian Sea, and the nearby islands of Ksamil and Corfu.
It's an ideal spot for sunset watching and enjoying local cuisine at the on-site restaurant. The Castle has a restaurant with open-air Shisha - if you are a fan of Shisha, then you should definitely visit it in the evening.
We took a taxi to Lëkurësi Castle, and it took us around 30 minutes to reach there.
4. Butrint National Park:
Butrint is located around 18 km south of Sarandë, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has ancient ruins from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations.
We were totally amazed to see the beauty of the National Park. We took a Taxi from Sarandë, and the way was very beautiful. The site has an ancient amphitheater, a Baptistery with a mosaic floor, and a Roman forum.
We highly suggest spending at alteast 3-4 hours at the location and enjoying the ruins.
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5. Monastery of the Forty Saints:
You can also visit a 6th-century Eastern Orthodox monastery, from which Sarandë derives its name.
6. Blue Eye:
Blue Eye is a mesmerizing natural spring with crystal-clear blue water, located about 33 km from Sarandë. You can reach the starting point by car or taxi, and from there, take a short walk to Blue Eye.
There is also a restaurant nearby with a beautiful view. The depth of the spring is still unknown, and the water is very cold.
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7. Ksamil Beaches:
If you want to visit the "Maldives of Europe," Ksamil has white sandy beaches with turquoise waters. If you prefer to stay in a quieter place, Ksamil is a great option. It is just 12 km south of Sarandë.
We went to Bora Bora Beach early in the morning, rented sunbeds, and enjoyed the beautiful sea view. You can also rent boats and go jet skiing there.
The beach gets very crowded during the summer, so it’s highly recommended to go early in the morning if you want to secure a sunbed.
You can take a bus from Sarandë to Ksamil, but in our case, we took a taxi, which was quite easy and convenient.
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8. Jeep Tour:
We also took a jeep tour, which we booked at the Sarandë Promenade, but you can also book it online. The jeep picked us up from our hotel. Our group included the driver, a guide, and four other people, so there were six of us in total.
The tour began with a visit to the historic Lëkurësi Castle, built in 1537 by the Ottoman Empire. It also included some off-road driving through beautiful natural landscapes.
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We stopped at some of the most beautiful and lesser-known beaches on the Albanian Riviera, which were not popular among tourists but absolutely stunning.
The trip also included an excursion to discover the Porto Palermo peninsula, where we stopped for an authentic lunch hosted by an Albanian family at a traditional restaurant.
We also visited Qeparo, an ancient stone village on the Albanian Riviera.
At the end of the day, we went to the Blue Eye National Park in Albania. The entire tour lasted from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. It was an amazing experience, and I highly recommend it.
9. Qeparo:
The Qeparo is located about 30-40 minutes from Sarandë. The town is an old stone village on the hillside, and it has traditional stone houses with cobblestone streets. There is also a lower Qeparo, which is more modern, and it has beaches like Jale Beach and Himarë.
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Ending Note:
You can also take a day trip to Corfu. Although one day isn’t enough to fully explore everything Corfu has to offer, it’s still possible to get a glimpse of the charming Old Town and experience some of its highlights.
If you have enough time, Gjirokastër is a must-visit. It’s about 65 km east of Sarandë and accessible by bus, taxi, or organized tours. Gjirokastër Castle offers panoramic views and houses an interesting museum.
The town features narrow streets lined with traditional shops and cafes, where you can find local crafts and delicacies. You’ll also see beautiful Ottoman-era stone houses with characteristic slate roofs, some of which have been converted into charming guesthouses.
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