If you’re asking yourself, “Which place truly deserves the crown for the best seaside town in Albania or somewhere else?” here’s the short answer: Saranda wins — for beaches, culture, day trips, nightlife, and investment potential.
Why is Saranda the Best seaside town in Albania in 2025?
Saranda isn’t just pretty; it’s strategic. It’s widely described as the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, a true base for south-coast adventures and island-hopping.
- UNESCO next door: Butrint National Park — a remarkable blend of ruins and wetlands — sits about 18–20 km south of Saranda. That’s rare access to world heritage on a beach holiday.
- Natural wonders: The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a famous spring with dazzling clarity, an easy day trip from the city.
- Island access: Fast ferries link Corfu and Saranda in 30–35 minutes (up to ~90 on car ferries), so travelers can pair Greek island vibes with Albanian Riviera value — in a single weekend.
Put simply, when people search “best seaside town in Albania,” they’re looking for a place that packs beaches, culture, and convenience into one hub. Saranda does that.
Beaches, bays, and easy day trips
Just south of town you’ve got a string of beloved coves:
- Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave) — known for clear, glassy water and dramatic cliffs between Saranda and Ksamil. Expect a rough access road but big rewards.
- Pulëbardha (Seagulls) Beach — a narrow bay with sky-blue water and small restaurants, reached by a short gravel road off the main route.
- Ksamil — technically a village 14 km south of Saranda, famous for shallow turquoise waters and islets, making “the best seaside town in Albania” feel even more justified thanks to the wider coastline.
For culture lovers, Butrint is a must — an ancient city in a lush park where Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian layers sit side by side. It’s the kind of day trip that elevates a beach week into a memorable journey.
Practical magic: access, climate, and comfort
- Get in fast: With multiple daily crossings, Corfu–Saranda ferries make weekend getaways painless and keep rental demand strong. High-speed options run ~30–35 minutes.
- Long swim season: Sea temps regularly stay comfortable into autumn, so late-September and October still feel like summer on the Ionian.
Food, promenade, and golden-hour views
Saranda’s waterfront promenade curves around a natural bay lined with cafés and seafood spots, and Lëkurësi Castle above town serves panoramic sunsets across the Ionian and toward Corfu. That mix of easy-going evenings and postcard views is a big reason people keep returning — and why “the best seaside town in Albania is Saranda” continues to feel accurate.
For renters and investors: why Saranda makes financial sense
Saranda isn’t only a holiday pin-drop; it’s an increasingly connected gateway city with growing arrivals:
- Passenger growth at the port: 2025 has seen notable increases in port passenger volumes, reflecting stronger demand from ferries and cruises. More people equals better occupancy for quality rentals.
- Tourism momentum nationwide: Albania welcomed record visitors in 2024 and continued growth in 2025, signaling tailwinds for the south coast — and Saranda benefits first.
If you’re weighing where to spend a week or where to place capital you can contact Saranda Elite’s Realty Group who is the first ever real estate agency in Saranda from 2005.
So… what should you do next?
If you’re traveling soon, base yourself in the bay and day-trip south to Ksamil and Butrint, then loop back for sunset at Lëkurësi. If you’re exploring a longer stay or seasonal rental, message our local team for trusted options in the center, on the promenade, or near the quieter coves — we host quality stays and can match you with the right view, budget, and timing. Because when it comes to the best seaside town in Albania the experience is even better than the photos.
Contact us today, and we will set up everything for you.
