One overcast morning in May we hopped on a high speed boat and made the trip from Corfu Greece to Saranda Albania. Despite the fact that we’ve heard nothing but wonderful things, Albania still remains very far off the typical travelers route. We had been wanting to visit for awhile now ever since having a blast in the neighboring countries of Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro. When we read about the stunning beaches and delicious local food of Southern Albania we were sold! In this post we take you through our experience of arriving in Albania, jumping feet first at the Saranda beach, and the best things to do in this seaside city.

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Strolling the Saranda Beach & Waterfront

Most of the action takes place in the heart of the city along the sweeping waters edge. Starting in the ferry port up the coast to the far end of the Saranda beach is a beautiful walkway. When cruise ships come to town the sidewalk is filled with tourists flocking to Southern Albania, and locals selling souvenirs and knock off clothing.

You’ll find everything from designer bags and Gucci belts to scales where you can pay .15 cents to weigh yourself! As you walk further down the long stretch of pebbles, Saranda beach turns into soft sand and clear welcoming water. It’s one of the best things to do in Saranda, and a great spot to jump in and cool off on the hot summer days!

Coffee is a Way of Life in Saranda

Every morning we would start our day by walking down to the boardwalk and finding a different coffee shop right on the ocean. We had our pick of Greek, Turkish, or really any other type of coffee we wanted. The best part is that it never cost more than 100 Lek (.90 cents USD) even at the fanciest restaurants! What makes Saranda beach iconic is the bright buildings that fill the mountainside and make up the city, surrounding it with a fun and colorful aura.

Summer Celebrations in the Southern Albania Riviera

In late May there really wasn’t much going on in Saranda Albania. We witnessed the day the cruise ships came into town which seemed to bring the small city alive. Otherwise, when there was no ship visiting Saranda it became a slow and sleepy seaside town. That was until Friday!

On the last Friday in the month of May we were sitting in a small barber shop right on the main street when we heard the first of many car horns. From that moment on, we heard cheering, celebrations, and even fireworks for hours on end. It reminded us of when we were traveling in Vietnam and the national team won an important football match. It was then that every motorbike in the city took to the streets to celebrate.

Well, this was similar to that, but for a very different reason. It was the last day of the school year and the official start of summer! As tradition goes, the graduating class spends the afternoon (and into the night) driving around in a parade of cars and cheering to everyone they pass. This certainly made for an interesting introduction to Southern Albania!

Saranda Price Breakdown: Getting More Than What You Pay For

There’s a common saying that you get what you pay for. Well we quickly realized in Saranda you get that… And more! From the best things to do in Saranda Albania to eating out and accommodations, we were paying half or a quarter of what we had been in Greece and other parts of Europe.

Don’t think that’s saying much? How about this for a comparison. We spent 6 months traveling through countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Our Saranda Albania hotels were cheaper and a better quality than anything we had in most of Asia! For $13 a night in Saranda we had a large one bedroom apartment with full kitchen, balcony, washing machine, which slept slept 5 people comfortably. For those you who have traveled long term you know how important a washing machine is so that was a nice bonus.

Saranda Albania Price Breakdown

Budget Hotel: $10-30

$10-30 Luxury Hotel: $60-100+

$60-100+ Bus to Kismil: Under $1

Under $1 Coffee: Under $1

Under $1 Bakery Breakfast: Under .50 Cents

Under .50 Cents Dinner: $15-20 (Two People) Wine, Appetizers, and Seafood Main Courses

$15-20 (Two People) Wine, Appetizers, and Seafood Main Courses Beer: $1-2

Introduction to Southern Albania Cuisine

We hadn’t been in Albania for more than 15 minutes before we were stopped in our tracks outside a bakery. It exploded with smells and flavors of fresh bread and delicious pastries. If you’ve never had a burek, be warned because these amazing morning treats can quickly turn into an addiction! The thin layers of airy dough are filled with different specialties such as spinach, cheese, and mixed meats. However, our morning burek was just the start of our love affair with the Saranda food scene.

25 Local Dishes & Drinks to Try in Albania

Haxhi Restaurant

Tucked up and away from the more touristic waters edge, this charming restaurant of Haxhi is a completely family owned and run. The menu is simple and everything is cooked fresh by the mother of the house who runs the kitchen with her daughter. The friendly waiter who helped us (also with some great advice on Southern Albania) was the son, and it was clear how proud he was of the restaurant.

The mussels which come from nearby Lake Butrint were quite simply the best we’ve ever had! Also, the salads, grilled vegetables, Tzatziki, and whole fried fish were all exceptional. By now I’m sure you’ve realized that tasting the local dishes and drinks is one of the best things to do in Saranda Albania.

Haxhi Restaurant Location

Considering Adding Saranda to Your Albania Trip?

As Saranda was our first stop in the country we had nothing to compare it to. There are many travelers who decided to skip the city and stay in a smaller beach town, or who had visited and didn’t enjoy their experience compared to the rest of the country.

For us arriving from Greece, taking the time to eat great food, and explore the area was a nice introduction to Southern Albania. With that being said, we do prefer smaller towns and think a night or two in Saranda would be more then enough time.

Continue On To…

Himare: North about an hour up the coast from Saranda beach. The small seaside village of Himare is what many travelers regard as their favorite in Albania.

Best Things To Do In Himare Beach

Ksamil: A quick 30 minute drive south is the booming beach town of Ksamil. Many take a day trip from Saranda, but we recommend staying overnight if you have the time.

Beaches of Ksamil: Albania’s Most Popular Summer Town

Gjirokaster: Set inland is the beautiful mountain town of Gjirokaster. Rich history with charming small streets, great local food, and even a castle!

Travelers Guide to the Mountain Town of Gjirokaster

Have you ever visited Saranda Albania and have any recommendations to share? If you have any questions about our trip please let us know in the comments below!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

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Where to Stay in Saranda Albania

Ultra Luxury (High End) – White Residence Luxury Apartments – Large luxury apartments with gorgeous sea views. Modern decor and amenities just steps from the beach.

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Vila Kalcuni – Set just outside the city center, Vila Kalcuni has beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. You’ll enjoy the buffet breakfast and great location in a quiet area of Saranda.

Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – Alfred’s Apartments – Our home during our stay! Quality apartments of all sizes at a great price. Our apartment had a balcony and even a washing machine.

Hostel Life (Budget) – Sunset Hostel – Brand new hostel with nice views over the city, comfortable beds, and close to all the best things to do in Saranda Albania

For more places to stay in Saranda Albania you can explore the latest prices here!

*By booking through our website we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us continue our travels and keep providing great content to our readers! You can also bookmark this link for all your future stays*

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