The 10 Best Beaches in Saranda and the Albanian Riviera

Sarande › The 10 Best Beaches in Saranda and the Albanian Riviera

Discover the ultimate list of the best Saranda beaches in Albania and on the Albanian Riviera!

Saranda (or Sarandë) on the Albanian Riviera on the Ionian Sea has been blessed with a beautiful coastline. In recent years, Saranda has become a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful beaches.

Here you will find lively beaches, secluded bays and narrow stretches of coastline. The beaches are dotted with parasols and sun loungers for hire. Prices vary depending on the popularity of the beach. You will find bars and restaurants on all the beaches I have listed.

Table Of Contents

The coast around Saranda offers little space for wide and long beaches. The beaches in this area are therefore rather narrow and smaller.

I can say that Albania is no longer the hidden gem it was a few years ago, with tourist numbers increasing year by year. No wonder, because the friendly locals, the affordable prices and the breathtaking beaches make Albania a very attractive destination for holiday makers.

Quick Overview:

• My personal opinion: Saranda is one of the best places for a beach holiday in Albania and a great base to explore. Some of the most beautiful beaches are located just south of Saranda.
• My favourite beaches in Saranda: Mango Beach, Flamingo Beach
• My favourite beaches in the area: Pulebardha Beach, Mirror Beach
• Hidden gems for beaches: Gjiri i Hartes Beach, Buneci Beach
• Where to stay in Saranda?: At Hotel Teuta, you can find perfectly located accommodation with sea view at great value for money. The closest Beach – Maestral – is just a 5-minute walk away.

Where To Find The Best Beaches In Saranda – Saranda Beach Map

To view all of the beaches listed in order, click the square in the top left-hand corner of the map below. I’ve pinned them on this map so you can get a better idea of where they are all located. 

Beaches in Saranda

The well-known city beach, Saranda Beach, is located in the middle of the city on the promenade. There are also a number of other beaches directly in Saranda.

Saranda – City Beach (Plazhi Sarande)

The city beach in Saranda is nothing too special. It is a narrow strip of gravel that runs between the sea and the promenade. But if you have a day trip behind you, and you want to swim in the sea without going far away, then Saranda Beach is a wonderful option.

• Location: Saranda Beach

Mango Beach

A beautiful and clean beach in the south of Saranda, although it is completely privately owned. You have to rent two sun loungers and an umbrella for 2,000 lek (= 20 Euros) at Mango Beach.

• Location: Mango Beach

However, there is a restaurant with good service and reasonable prices. From the afternoon onwards, very loud music is sometimes played in the high season.

Era Beach (Plazhi Era)

• Location: Plazhi Era

Located in the east of Saranda, Plazhi Era is my favourite private beach in town. The small beach is part of Hotel Vila Era meaning you will need to pay for sunbeds and parasols here (200 Lek or around €20). Although you can get some slightly cheaper prices at some of the others, Plazhi Era is worth paying more for with its chic and classy vibe. 

Gjiri i Midhjeve

A pleasant pebble beach in a bay with a shallow entrance at the southern end of Saranda. Gjiri i Midhjeve literally means Mussel Bay. As Gjiri i Midhjeve is also a private beach, you have to pay 2,000 lek (= 20 Euros) for two sun loungers and a parasol in high season. In the low season, you often only pay 1,000 lek (= 10 Euros).

• Location: Gjiri i Midhjeve

There is a small bar, but you can only get drinks there. The beach is easily accessible with a vehicle and parking can be done either directly on the beach on a private parking or a little up by the road.

Best Hotels On The Beach 

There are not many hotels in Saranda with direct beach access. This is because the centre is dominated by the promenade and city beach, while the coastline on either side contains a lot of rocky sections. 

However, if accommodation on the beach is what you’re looking for, I’ve included my top recommendations for you here:

Demi Hotel $$$ – Direct access to a private beach with sun loungers and parasols. Beautifully furnished, each room has a balcony with sea views. Some rooms have a whirlpool on the balcony overlooking the sea. There is a restaurant on site. Fantastic breakfast. Rooms for the summer are often quickly booked up. ☑ Check availability and prices here.

Buzë Boutique Hotel $$ – Direct access to a clean private pebble beach with sun loungers and parasols. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Located on the southern side of Saranda with rooms in modern design. Great breakfast. An airport shuttle is available for an additional fee. ☑ Check availability and prices here.

Saranda – Beaches to the South

Pulëbardha Beach

This beach is also known as Seagulls Beach. It is a beautiful, narrow bay halfway between Ksamil and Saranda and can be reached from the main road via a gravel road. Plazhi i Pulëbardhës is embedded in a dramatic, rocky coastal landscape and invites you to linger with its crystal-clear, sky-blue water and small restaurants.

• Location: Pulëbardha Beach

The surf gets stronger here in windy weather. Only adults are recommended to swim here. The beach is unsuitable for children.

Tip: In the high season, it is best to arrive here early in the morning. Parking becomes a little inconvenient after 11 am.

Shpella e Pëllumbave Beach – small & picturesque

This somewhat smaller pebble beach is located in the neighbourhood of Pulëbardha Beach. This beach is my personal favourite. It can be reached via several steps from the parking lot. Its picturesque location makes it very popular: the pebble beach with azure blue water lies in a marvellous setting under high cliffs. Go for a swim in the beautiful water or treat yourself to a refreshment at the beach bar.

• Location: Shpella e Pëllumbave

To get to Shpella e Pëllumbave, follow Rruga Butrinti road between Saranda and Ksamil and take the exit at the sign of Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave). From there you just follow the unpaved gravel road until you see the sign of Shpella e Pellumbave where you take a left. When you reach the end of the road, you need to climb down a few flights of stairs to reach the beach.

I recommend renting a car or taking a taxi. The bus between Saranda and Butrint will only drop you off at the exit of the main road. From where it will be a rather long walk with no shade to the beach, so make sure to bring plenty of water if you decide to hike all the way.

Mirror Beach – Plazhi i Pasqyrave

This beach is also known as Mirror Beach and is located on the same stretch of coast as Shpella e Pëllumbave. The small, pretty beach is easily accessible by car and also has space for a beach bar.

As Plazhi i Pasqyrave is tiny, it is somewhat quieter here than on the other beaches in the area. The surf can also be stronger here when the wind blows.

Facts about Mirror Beach

• Pebble beach
• Restaurant available
• Umbrella and sun lounger hire

Gjiri i Hartës Beach

Also known as Harta Bay, it is a sheltered bay between Ksamil and Saranda. Thanks to its location, there is hardly any swell here even in windy weather, making it a perfect beach for families.

• Location: Gjiri i Hartës

You’ll find all the amenities you need for a great beach day in Harta Bay and the beach is easily accessible.

Ksamil – lively beach with white sand

Ksamil Beach is a collection of private beach clubs located by the sea in the town of the same name. It is one of the most popular beaches in the whole of Albania, and with good reason. The water is gorgeous, just like in the Caribbean. There are hardly any waves, which makes Ksamil the perfect beach resort for children. You’ll find all the amenities and water sports you require for a relaxing day at the beach.

• Location: Plazhi Ksamilit

I recommend visiting Ksamil and its beaches as they are really stunning. Just be prepared that it can get quite busy here in summer and that the area is getting more and more built up.

There are paid parking spaces nearby, but they fill up quickly in the summer months.

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Read: Where To Stay In Sarande

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Tip: Arrive early in the morning or reserve a sun lounger with umbrella the day before! You are not allowed to bring your own beach towel to the private beach clubs.

Saranda – Beaches to the North

Krorëza Beach

To the north of Saranda, you will find a couple of secluded beaches that are more challenging to reach by car. They’re best visited as part of a boat tour departing from Saranda. 

The beach that most tours spend the most time at is beautiful Krorëza Beach. This large bay is still relatively unspoiled, with just a few beach bars having sprung up to accommodate the boat trips. 

There are also sections set up with loungers and umbrellas to rent – or if you’re visiting in the shoulder season, some tours will throw these in with the tour price.

Even though Krorëza Beach is more isolated, don’t expect it to feel like a super hidden spot if you’re visiting during the season between June and September. More and more boat tours stop here in summer and you can expect a long line of boats anchored. However, as the beach is quite streched out, it doesn’t feel as crammed as some of the others on this list. You can always find some quieter spots at the northern end towards the rocks. 

Lukova Beach

Around 20 kilometres from Saranda, you will find one of the few sandy beaches in southern Albania. So if you want to leave your beach shoes in your hotel room and feel the soft sand between your toes, this beach is perfect.

• Location: Lukova Beach

If you don’t just want to lie on the beach, I recommend taking a trip to the small town of Lukova. Here you will find many authentic and affordable restaurants and bars that invite you to linger. Lukova is the perfect starting point for tours along the Albanian Riviera. From here, you can quickly reach Saranda, as well as Himarë and Borsh.

Facts about Lukova Beach

• Sandy beach
• Restaurants & hotels nearby
• Umbrella & sun loungers for rent

Buneci Beach – crystal turquoise water and light fine pebble

Buneci, a former military zone, is located between the village of Piqeras and Lukova and boasts a stunning public beach, known for its breathtaking views and warm waters. The beach is characterized by its rocky terrain, making bathing shoes necessary for visitors.

It is also known for its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil seaside experience. In high season during July and August, however, it can get more corded here as well.

• Location: Buneci Beach

Parking is conveniently available near the beach. However, the road leading from the main path to the beach is described as narrow and bumpy, which makes the journey itself an adventure. Nevertheless, visitors find the journey worthwhile. A market is also located nearby and provides a handy resource for beachgoers.

The sea at Buneci Beach can vary in its conditions. Sometimes it is calm and clear, while at other times it can be frothy with seaweed. The beach is also known for its strong waves and crystal clear water.

FAQs

Does Saranda have beautiful beaches?

The beaches around Saranda have clear, turquoise waters and are framed by towering cliffs, making them some of the most unique and beautiful beaches you will ever see.

Is it better to stay in Saranda or Ksamil?

There is no right or wrong choice between Saranda and Ksamil. If you are looking for an adventurous holiday with beach time and day trips, Saranda is the right choice. If, on the other hand, you want a relaxing beach holiday, I recommend Ksamil with a day trip to Saranda. Saranda and Ksamil both have very beautiful beaches to offer. If you only consider the beaches within the town itself, then I recommend the beaches in Ksamil.

How much does the ferry from Corfu to Saranda cost?

The Corfu Saranda ferry route is operated by Finikas Lines & Ionian Seaways. Ferries from Corfu to Saranda cost from € 20 depending on the season and ferry operator.

You can find more beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera in our blog post: The 10 most beautiful beaches in Albania