SarandaAlbania · Ferry Destinations

All About Saranda

In complete contrast to the French Riviera, the seaside resort towns of Albania have a fascinatingly pastoral charisma that makes them among the hottest upcoming travel destinations in the world. Saranda (or Sarandë), often considered as the ‘capital of Albanian Riviera’, is a horse-shoe bay in the northern part of the Ionian Sea that boasts 300 days of glorious sunshine. Taking a ferry to Saranda is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets. A relatively new settlement dating back to the early 1900s, Saranda has a predominantly Greek vibe due to its many Greek residents and proximity to Corfu. A holiday in Saranda is a fun-filled adventure consisting of idle days on exotic beaches, the discovery of ancient monuments, a pulsating nightlife, and an emerging budget-friendly culinary scene.   
 

Routes and Ferries to Saranda

There are limited ways to reach Saranda, especially since the nearest airport is in Tirana, which is 5 hours away by bus. As a result, tourists wanting to enjoy the Albanian Riviera typically fly to Corfu, followed by a ferry to Saranda.

Several boats, easily bookable via Ferryscanner, connect Corfu with Saranda. Scheduled ferries by Joy Lines, Ionian Seaways, and Sarris Lines take just over an hour to cover this distance of 35 kilometers. However, Finikas Lines and Joy Lines also have faster vessels that complete the voyage in 30 minutes if you’re short on time.

A favorite holiday destination among residents of neighboring countries, during summer there are regular buses between Saranda and towns in North Macedonia and Kosovo that take 12 hours and 7 hours, respectively.
 

Ports of Saranda

The Port of Saranda is located next to the city center, making it simple for passengers taking a ferry to Saranda from Corfu, either with or without cars, to visit the city for a day. Boats from Brindisi and Bari in Italy also arrive at the ferry terminal here. Over the last decade, the port has undergone massive expansion to accommodate cruise ships that could not dock earlier due to the surrounding shallow waters. When staying in Saranda, the port is convenient enough to reach by walking, or if you have lots of luggage, call for a taxi. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Saranda.
 

Best Beaches

Saranda’s beaches offer visitors an outstanding opportunity to enjoy the Albanian seaside. Particularly from May to mid-September when temperatures touch 40°C (104°F). Surrounded by limestone hills and olive groves, there’s a rustic beauty to these stony stretches that have pleasantly unique characteristics to make them popular sunny-day escapes.

Mirror Beach

The most talked-about beach near Saranda is surprisingly still a hidden gem that many enthusiastic beach-lovers overlook. The beach gets its name from the mirror-like stunning effect that’s visible when the sunlight reflects off the water. It is a spectacle worth all the trouble it will take getting here. There aren’t many facilities at Mirror Beach, but you can rent loungers and eat at the small restaurant. The area is perfect for snorkeling, and a large rock in the sea has both children and adults swimming over and jumping off into the refreshingly turquoise waters below.

Plazhi i Manastirit

The Monastery Beach is at the southern tip of the city, en-route to Ksamil, and so-called because of an ancient monastery atop a hill nearby. The cove has gorgeous warm deep blue waters, making it quite popular even with its somewhat hard-to-reach disposition. You’ll need to bring shoes here since both the beach and the water surface has rocks. The facilities are moderately good with a couple of restaurants, decent toilets, and sunbed hire aplenty.

Big Bay

Seekers of the unknown will love Big Bay, a rural rocky beach that is only 20 minutes from the center of Saranda, but still a secret spot that remains secluded even during the summer months. You’ll need your own car to reach here, passing through a dirt track with cows and goats often accompanying you along the way. There are no facilities on the beach, but the water is excellent for swimming, the surroundings are theatrical, and the views are quite simply brilliant.

Mango Beach

The hippest place in Saranda, called Mango Beach comes alive with energy in the morning and continues to stay the same until late. Even though it is not sandy, the beach is full by midday, with people swimming in the cobalt blue water or lazing around in the sun. Waiters from nearby bars and restaurants walk the beach, taking orders, and typically they only accept cash. As the sun sets, the vibe here changes dramatically as the area becomes a hotspot for parties and clubbing that goes on till the wee hours of the night.

Saranda Beach

Just a short hop away from the port, Saranda Beach is the perfect spot to take a respite from sightseeing and relax. There are umbrellas and sun loungers to rent on this pebble beach and a few places nearby to pick up a snack and a fresh drink. While the water is clean, people typically avoid swimming here. Instead, the beach is idyllic for a gentle stroll along the waterfront or to watch local fishermen bring in the day’s catch.
 

Neighborhoods

Visitors in Saranda typically use it as a base and take day trips to Ksamil and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. However, it is worth spending a day or two traversing through Saranda’s interesting neighborhoods that guarantee fun activities, cute beaches, and plenty of old-world charms.

Lëkursi

Saranda has limited sightseeing options, but the one unmissable excursion is a visit to Lëkursi Castle. The 16th-century fort is set on top of a hill from where you can catch panoramic views of the town, the Butrint Lagoon, and even Corfu on a clear day. The castle was built by the Ottoman emperor, Suleiman I, in a square style with two towers, one in the north and the other in the south of the construction. You can hike to the castle in 45 minutes or drive up by car and stick around until sundown for some breathtaking scenery.

Qender

The bustling center of the city, called Qender, is next to Saranda Beach and west of the embankment where people often go for an evening walk. In Qender, you will find many restaurants, the local farmer’s market, Friendship Park, commercial activities, and countless shopping opportunities. Next to the bus terminal in Qender, you get to witness a hint of local history through the remains of a 5th-century synagogue.

Kodrra

Kodrra is a popular neighborhood that lies just west of the port, famous for its beachside resorts, restaurants, and waterfront cafes. Plazhi Era is a small beach in the area,  popular with families who come here to play and swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Qafë e Gjashtës

Adjoining Lëkursi in the north is the neighborhood of Qafë e Gjashtës. A quiet residential area, it comprises a few restaurants and apartments that allow guests to reside away from the crowded and more lively areas next to the coastline. Travelers looking for budget accommodations or a serene getaway should consider booking their hotel in Qafë e Gjashtës.
 

Transportation Around Saranda

It’s recommended that you roam around the touristy neighborhoods of Saranda on foot, as it gives you a chance to admire the views and mingle with the locals. However, to discover all the hidden gems of Saranda and use the city as a vantage point to explore the Albanian Riviera, renting a car is the best option. Several rental agencies have offices in town and offer competitive rates that range from €30 to €50 per day, including insurance and unlimited kilometers.

If not renting a car, a taxi would be your preferred option. Economical and comfortable, taxis are readily available at tourist spots and outside hotels. When traveling to nearby areas, hire a cab for the entire day.

Busses, and minibusses, in Saranda, are spectacularly cheap. A trip to Butrint will cost you less than €1. Most busses start from Friendship Park and travel throughout the city and to nearby towns. There are no designated stops, so feel free to hail one while walking along the road. Remember to inform the driver about your destination, so they can stop accordingly.