From the plebby beaches near the town to the vibrant nightlife, from the ancient archaeological sites to natural treasures and picturesque villages against mountainous landscapes, Saranda should definitely be in your list of places to visit in Albania. Although during the summer months it can get very crowded. Located on a gulf in the Ionian Sea, Saranda is a quintessential Mediterranean destination that boasts numerous unique sites, picturesque landscapes, and dreamy beaches.
Saranda is not just home to extraordinary beaches but has a long and ancient history . The town takes its name from the monastery of forty saints built on a hill behind the bay in the 15th century.
Find below a few places not to be missed during your stay in Saranda.
The first thing to do in town is to stroll through the recently renewed boulevard, a long, elegant street near the sea. Here, you can walk admiring the gorgeous sea views or sit at a bar, order a coffee and relax.
A must visit to the Butrint Archeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The first Albanian location included on the UNESCO heritage list in 1992, Butrint was described as a “microcosm of Mediterranean history.” Founded in the beginning of the 7th century BC, Butrint has attracted the attention of historians and travellers for millennia.
The Ancient Synagogue
In the ancient times, a large Jewish community inhabited Saranda and generally the south of Albania. Albania is the only country in Europe that was a safe haven for the Jewish community from concentration camps during the Second World War. Once in Saranda, you can’t miss the chance to visit the remnants of the Synagogue and admire its mosaics on the floor.
Monastery of St. Nicholas, This 11th century site is unique due to its antiquity, architecture, level of artistry values, and large size.
Forty Saints Monastery
Is one of the magical viewpoints to Saranda. The town owes its name to this monastery. By the legend, “40 saints” refers to the 40 Roman martyrs who were killed because they wouldn’t renounce their Christian faith. The monastery is today in a state of ruin but totally worth a visit, not just for its importance but for the panoramic views over Saranda.
Lekurësi Castle
One of the highlights of Saranda, this treasure of local cultural heritage from the mid 1500s, is located on top of a hill among the ruins of the village of the same name, which was abandoned during the 19th century. To reach it, you have two options: You can walk about 40-50 minutes or you can grab a taxi. Once there you can enjoy the great views of Saranda and Corfu island.
Blue Eye
Among the area’s many treasures, the Blue Eye is a natural phenomenon of the first order. In the sunlight, the cold water that springs from a depth of about 50 meters takes on a blue color and the shape of the eye. It is clearly distinguished from the rest of the spring, which is a green in color.
What was once a sleepy fishing village is now a thriving city. There are many beaches in the city and the surrounding area. While the city’s beaches are crowded, Saranda is a great base for exploring the beaches around such as Pulëbardhat, Pasqyrat, Manastiri or going to Ksamil beaches.
South of Saranda, Pasqyra Beach is a terrific secluded bay lapped by turquoise waters that is never crowded, not even in high season.
Ksamil Beach
Considered the “the Ionian pearl,” and located in a dramatic setting, Ksamil bay with its three small islands offers many small beaches, bays and intimate capes. This bay, surrounded by turquoise waters can be reached with a swim or by boat. It can get very crowded in August.
