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The Ultimate Guide You Need in Saranda, Albania

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By Vangjel Dhimo on January 28th, 2023

WHERE TO EAT IN SARANDA?

Saranda, Albania has a diverse and delicious food scene, combining traditional Albanian dishes and international influences.

Saranda is well-known for its fresh seafood, and as locals, we propose the following finest seafood restaurants:

*CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING NAMES TO VISIT THEIR RESTAURANTS*

LaYo’s Restaurant ( sea food )

Fish Restaurant Black Marlin ( sea food)

Sheqeri Pikant ( Spicy Sugar) ( gourmet variety)

Demi Restaurant ( variety )

Restaurant Agimi ( variety )

Centrali Restaurant ( located in the heart of the promenade)

Moma Pasta Fresca ( pure Italian restaurant )

Fresh cooked fish in Saranda Albania fish restaurants
Fresh cooked fish in Saranda Albania fish restaurants

If you enjoy traditional cuisine, Saranda offers a number of restaurants that we recommend:

Oda e Babës

Haxhi

Taverna Laberia

Limani

These family-run restaurants serve quality Saranda food and generous portions.

Limani Restaurant in Saranda, Albania, dining area with tables and chairs, elegant decor, and panoramic sea views
Photo of Limani Restaurant in Saranda, Albania

There are also several places that sell significant amounts of fresh seafood at extremely low costs, which we recommend you visit:

Taverna Fish Filipi

Taverna Kapiteni

Fresh cooked fish in Saranda Albania fish restaurants

If, on the other hand, you enjoy fast food and pizza, we have you covered!

Bulla’s Corner Fast Food

Restaurant & Pizzeria Roel

Bar Restaurant Piceria Alfa

Fast Food Clasic

WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO PARTY SARANDA

Here are my top picks!

Mango (Opens seasonally)

This is the most popular club located just out of the Saranda city centre.

City Lounge (Opens seasonally)

This is another fantastic Saranda beach club that is also our local favorite.

Orange Club (all year open)

This Saranda beach club is located just a walk away from the boulevard.

Lost (opens seasonally)

Rock Cafe Saranda ( all year open )

Orange Club, a popular waterfront nightlife spot in Saranda, Albania, with outdoor seating

THE BEST BEACHES YOU MUST VISIT IN SARANDA

VISIT MIRROR BEACH

It is considered to be one of the best beaches in Albania.

Mirror Beach in Saranda, Albania, showcasing the crystal-clear turquoise waters by aerial views and people in sunbeds

VISIT KSAMIL

Ksamil is the most popular location along the Albanian Riviera.

Ksamil Beach, showing white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and the island with big greenery
Ksamil Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania

Arameras Beach

At Arameras it is peaceful and magical. An experience you will never forget.

Arameras Beach, secluded beach in Ksamil, Albania with white sunbeds , restaurant and corfu views
Photo of Arameras Beachin Ksamil, Albania

WHERE CAN I RENT A CAR OR A BOAT?

Sipa Tours is the most well known rental agency when it comes to renting everything you will need in the city of Saranda as well as guides around the significant cultural spots you must visit.

Sipa Tours (<– click here)

Taxi Saranda : +355 69 279 3557

TRANSPORTATION MEANS AND BUS SCHEDULES

Saranda to Ksamil and Butrint (100LEK)

  • Between 6.30am – 6.30pm every hour on the half hour

Saranda to Tirana *reports from travel agencies that the price is up to 1600 Lek)

  • 5:00am
  • 6:30am
  • 8:30am
  • 9:30am
  • 10:45am
  • 2:00pm

Saranda to Himara

  • 10:00am (not confirmed)
  • 11:30am
  • 1:00pm (not confirmed)
  • 2:00pm

Saranda to Borsh

  • 12:30 midday

Saranda to Vlora

  • 8/8:30am
  • 11:30am

Saranda to Gijrokastёr

  • Can catch the bus that goes towards Tirana, Berat, Fier, Elbasan or Lushnje.

The quickest and easiest method to travel to Saranda is to fly into Corfu, Greece, and then take the boat from Corfu to Saranda.

This is the only place where you can book the tickets:

Finikas Lines (click the name for more information)

Below you can find the updated schedule for 2023:

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SARANDA

WALK TO THE BOULEVARD

The boulevard is packed with people throughout the summer months, especially when cruise ships begin to dock in Saranda.

Take some time to stroll down the boulevard, day or night, and take in the view. During the summer, there are marketplaces where you may pick up some souvenirs and everything else you will wish for.

VISIT LËKURËSI CASTLE

Lekursi Castle is located at the top of a hill overlooking Saranda.

Although this Saranda castle is now a restaurant, the views above Saranda and even into the neighboring farmland are breathtaking and well worth the trip.

It’s one of the top Saranda sites to see because of the outstanding vista! Of course, it’s one of Saranda’s best sunset sites and historical places.

Photo of the Castle of Lekursi in Saranda, Albania, a historic castle on a hilltop, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Saranda Bay
Photo of the Castle of Lekursi in Saranda, Albania, a historic castle perched on a hilltop

BUTRINT (UNESCO SITE)

Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich of ancient ruins located near Ksamil. It was inhabited before the Greeks arrived, and afterwards the Romans took possession.

It takes around 2 or 3 hours to explore and costs 700 Lek to enter.

VISIT BLUE EYE (SYRI I KALTËR)

The Blue Eye is a natural phenomena and one of the most unusual sights in the area. No Saranda vacation is complete without a visit here.

Divers have attempted to determine the depth of the spring but have only gone down 50 meters and are still unable to locate the source or how far down the spring runs.

Blue Eye, a natural wonder in southern Albania, featuring a stunning crystal-clear blue waters
Photo of the Blue Eye, a natural wonder in southern Albania

DISCOVER ANCIENT SARANDA

Believe it or not, there are historic ruins of a synagogue going back to the 5th century right in the center.

These structures were developed into a basilica in the sixth century, but were subsequently destroyed by an earthquake.

These ruins were found only in 1984.

BOAT TRIP IN THE ALBANIAN RIVIERA

The Albanian Riviera is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal clear waters and white sandy shores.

If you want to visit a big part of them within a day then we would reccomend you go with :

Onhezmus Boat Tour (<–click the link)

ONE OF THE BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO IN SARANDA

SPIRANCA DIVING CENTER

Saranda and the surrounding area have a number of dive sites to choose from, including shipwrecks, reefs, and caves. Some popular dive sites include the Ksamil Islands, and the Blue Eye, a stunning natural spring with crystal clear water.

HOW TO GET TO KSAMIL

If you don’t have a car, taking the bus from Sarande to Ksamil is the most convenient option (100lek).

The bus from Saranda can be boarded at the stops . The bus will also pick you up from a variety of different locations across the city.

Just keep an eye out for bus stop signs and seats. You can typically just hold out your hand and the bus drivers will come and pick you up even if you aren’t at the designated stop; they are really kind here in Albania.

The bus runs every half-hour from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. It operates seven days a week.

Click the name to get the location KSAMIL

MONEY EXCHANGE

The official currency in Albania is the Lek (ALL). As Saranda is a very popular touristic destination there are many licensed exchanges across every zone of the city. Here are some of the exchanges you might locate in different parts of the city depending on where you are:

Exchange “DENMAR SH.P.K”

VOYAGE EXCHANGE

EXCHANGE FINIKAS

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

127 for ambulance service

fire

128 for fire

police

129 for police

warning

112 for the national emergency number.

HOW CAN I BUY A PROPERTY IN ALBANIA SARANDA?

Albania is a country that has undergone significant development in recent years, with a growing economy and a booming real estate market. The country has a rich history and culture, and the landscape is diverse, with stunning beaches, mountains, and forests.

We specialize in helping our clients find the perfect property in Albania. We work with buyers and sellers, providing expert advice and guidance every step of the way. Our goal is to make the buying or selling process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Looks are important. And Saranda possesses all of them. It’s a fantastic location to visit and an even better place to live. When it comes to real estate, appearance is everything. Saranda does really have some of the best properties in Albania.

The key to finding the ideal property that meets your tastes, whether you are seeking to buy a house or a plot of land to build your dream home, is location. If you plan to move to Saranda, you must first discover the perfect place to reside, as well as someone who can properly lead you through the process of purchasing property in Saranda. The Elite’s Realty Group would happily provide you with a wide range of homes and plots in prime areas.

Click here to explore the most outstanding properties of Saranda and find your way to the perfect investment.