The 10 Best Things To Do In Sarandë Albania

Sarande › The 10 Best Things To Do In Sarandë Albania

Sarandë in Albania – also known as Saranda – is a popular coastal town on the Albanian Riviera. The town lies peacefully in a wide bay and enjoys no less than 300 days of sunshine a year. No wonder it has grown from a once sleepy fishing village to a thriving town that is a popular summer holiday destination. In this article, I will take a closer look at the area and tell you about the many leisure activities available in Sarandë and the surrounding area.

There is plenty of things to do here and you can be sure that the memories of your holiday in Sarandë will last a lifetime. From the best activities and things to do, historical sites and restaurants, we’ve got you covered in this in-depth blog post. Read on and start planning your visit to Sarandë!

Table of Contents

Sarandë – A Paradise For Beach Lovers, Active Holidays And Culture Vultures Alike

But let’s start with the historical background. Knowing the history and origins of a destination always helps you to put things into context when you see, do or visit it. The history of Sarandë dates back to ancient Epirus, a Greek state that existed between around the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. At the time of Cicero, it was an important harbour city. It later fell under the control of the Byzantine and later the Ottoman Empire. It was later also occupied by Italy and Greece.

Thousands of years of history and many different foreign influences have left their mark on today’s Sarandë. There are numerous fascinating archaeological sites in the area and Sarandë still has a significant Greek population. In fact, it is one of the two centres of the Greek minority in Albania.

You’ll see Greek influences everywhere. This is also because the city is close to the popular Greek island of Corfu, with which it has a direct ferry connection. We will come to this in more detail later in this article.

Sarande – Things To Do

You should plan at least two days for your visit to Sarandë. If you’ve already booked your flight to Albania, you probably want to know what you can do in Sarandë – right? Luckily, there are numerous things to do in Sarandë and the surrounding area. These include attractions within the city as well as day trips from Saranda in Albania. There’s enough to do here to keep you busy for days.

Hasan Tahsini Boulevard & Promenade Sarandë

One of the first things you should do in Sarandë is take a walk along Hasan Tahsini Boulevard. This beautiful pedestrian promenade by the sea is located on the northern shore of the small bay of Sarandë.

• Location: Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini

The boulevard provides access to the beach, while many bars and cafés serve a variety of drinks and snacks. In summer, there are also great markets here where you can find souvenirs. This gives you a first-class first impression of the city.

The Ancient Synagogue Complex

I discovered the ruins of the ancient synagogue on my walk down to the promenade, the archaeological site is very central in Sarandë. Historically, there has been quite a large Jewish community in Sarandë and southern Albania for many centuries. One of the best places in Sarandë to explore this fascinating heritage is the old synagogue complex near the town hall.

• Location: Synagogue

This building complex dates back to the 5th century and once housed a school, a community centre and various religious facilities. After being destroyed by an earthquake, the synagogue was rebuilt as a basilica in the 6th century.

Lëkurësi Castle Sarandë

The castle (Kalaja e Lëkurësit | Lekursi Castle) was built in the early 16th century by Sultan Suleymani and is located on the top of a hill in Lëkurës, with a direct view of Sarande, the Ksamil Islands, the Albanian Riviera and Corfu. It is located about 2-3 km from the centre of Sarandë and is an important sight of the town. The castle was originally built to protect the town of Sarandë from invaders who would reach the coast by boat. Lekursi is the perfect destination if you want to get out of the city for a few hours. Nowadays, the castle houses a restaurant.

• Location: Kalaja e Lëkurësit

To get there, you either have to hike up for 30-45 minutes or take a taxi from the city. The road leading to the castle is in poor condition and if you take a taxi from the city centre, the taxi drivers, knowing that you are a tourist, will charge you up to four times what a local would pay.

In summer, the castle is sometimes used as a small concert venue.tip: The sunsets up here are particularly impressive!

Hike to the 40 Saints Monastery

Probably the most important tourist highlight in Sarande is the Monastery of the 40 Saints. This 6th century monastery literally gave the town its name – Sarande means 40 in Greek. In the centuries that followed, however, it underwent major changes. Legend has it that the monastery was built in honour of forty Roman martyrs who refused to renounce their Christian faith and were banished. So this sight should definitely be on your list when visiting the city.

• Location: Monastery of the 40 Saints

Due to the remaining war damage, the monastery is not in particularly good condition, but it is definitely worth a visit for its historical significance and the beautiful view of Sarande alone.

I walked up the path that Google Maps suggests. It actually takes almost an hour to get from the centre of Sarande to the ruins of the monastery. At the top, however, there are some beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the harbour area of the city. After exploring the complex, I chose a different route back and entered Kristiano wine bar to enjoy the sunset from there.

From there, the way down to the town centre is relatively easy to find.

Bektashi Teke of Sarande (Teqeja Sarandë)

The Bektashi Teke “Teqeja Reshat Dede Baba” is located in the north-west, on the outskirts of Sarande. I visited the teke on the recommendation of a local tour guide and had never heard of it before. My impression on arrival was that hardly any people go there.

The construction of the teke was started in 2009 by Dede Reshat Bardhi, the former world leader of the Bektashi (1991-2011), and began where the footprints of Sari Salltik were located, as legend has it. Sarande is located off Corfu, where Sari Salltiku, the first missionary of Islam and Bektashism, stopped when his story began in the Balkans.

• Location: Teqeja Sarandë

In the tomb to the left as you enter the building rest the remains of two prominent clerics, Father Islam and Father Bilal. The Teke in Sarande also has a museum with many original Bektashi artefacts to marvel at.

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Read: Where To Stay In Sarandë

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More Things To Do, Attractions & Sights around Sarande

Butrint National Park

If you visit Sarande, you must also visit Butrint National Park. As one of more than a dozen national parks in Albania, Butrint is one of Albania’s absolute must-see sights. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a multitude of highlights.

Most famous is the ancient city of Butrint, which is located within the park. This marvellous collection of ruins represents human history in the region better than anything else. It includes sites dating from the 4th century BC to 19th century Ottoman fortifications.

• Location: Butrint National Archaeological Park

In addition to this enormous historical significance, Butrint National Park is also home to a large number of wild animals. It is the only place in the country where you can see turtles and Balkan wall lizards. Dolphins frolic in the waters and wolves roam the hillsides.

• Cost: The entrance fee for the Park is 1000 ALL (around 10 euros)
• Opening Hours: daily (including weekends) from 9 am to 7 pm

A visit to Butrint, a highlight of both Sarande and Albania, should definitely be on your itinerary if you are staying on the Albanian Riviera. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Albania.

Venetian Triangular Castle

This beautiful sight is sometimes overlooked by tourists visiting the Butrint National Park from Sarande. Don’t make this mistake! About a minute before you reach Butrint, you will see a turn-off with a car park and a viewing platform. From here, you’ll have a view of the Ali Pasha Castle in the distance, which sits on its own little island. It’s not the most imposing castle, but its location, surrounded by water, sets it apart from other attractions in Albania.

• Location: Venetian Triangular Castle

This beautiful castle dates back to either the 15th or 16th century. Built by the Venetians on Corfu, it later became one of the residences of Ali Pasha of Tepelenë until 1820.

The castle was originally built to protect the fish traps of Butrint, which were important for the supply and economy of Butrint during the Venetian period. If you want to admire the castle from up close, you have to cross the canal on the old cable ferry.

St George’s Monastery

St George’s Monastery may be less well-known than the 40 Saints Monastery in Sarande, but it is also worth a visit if you are interested in history and/or architecture. It’s about halfway between Sarande and Ksamil and you can reach it by bus to Butrint – ask the driver to drop you off on the road to the monastery! Look out for a sign saying “Manastiri I Shën Gjergjit” and walk up the hill.

The historic monastery consists of a reconstructed 14th century church surrounded by the monastery walls. Located on Dema Hill, it offers a spectacular view of the Ionian Sea and Lake Butrint. Don’t forget to take a look at the monastery beach, which is just a few metres away and is arguably one of the best beaches in Sarande.

Insider Tip Sarande: Hiking to the “Manastiri i Shën Merisë” Monastery

The hike to the Monastery of St Marie (Manastiri i Shën Merisë) is something for the adventurous. I discovered the monastery on the map in early 2024 and decided to go exploring.

I was only able to get within a few hundred metres by car before an iron gate blocked my onward journey and access to Kakome beach. From there, a narrow path led me up the hill to the right, past an improvised horse and goat farm. From there, heading west, I finally reached the monastery. It took me about 25 minutes to get there. There was no one to be found there except a few horses grazing inside the monastery walls.

• Location: Manastiri i Shën Merisë

Day Trips from Sarandë

My top five day trips from Sarande are a great way to explore the surrounding area. Albania’s Ionian coast is full of breathtaking landscapes and views. So it makes sense to explore the area around Sarande.

Visit the Blue Eye Sarande & Gjirokaster

One of Albania’s most popular tourist attractions, Syri I Kalter is a famous freshwater spring about 22 kilometres inland from the city centre and the perfect day trip from Sarande. This breathtaking natural phenomenon is extraordinary because its crystal clear blue water gushes from a spring at the bottom of a karst basin that is more than 50 metres deep (no one knows exactly how deep it actually is).

• Location: The Blue Eye

Book: Tour to The National Park of Blue Eye

The “Blue Eye”, as it is known in English, with its bright blue water and round shape, is indeed like a colossal iris and undoubtedly one of the most fantastic experiences in the immediate vicinity of Sarande and a fabulous place to visit with children.

• Cost: 50 LEK (~€0.50) per person, parking costs 100 LEK (~€1.00) for a car.
• Opening Hours: Daily 7am to 7pm

Choosing one of the many hotels in Sarande as a base from which to explore southern Albania is a great idea. There are many great day trips in the region. One of the best is the drive to Gjirokaster, which incidentally also takes you right past the Blue Eye – an excellent combination.

The old city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its remarkable Ottoman architecture, which was built by large landowners. The ‘city of stone’ is a popular destination near Sarande to spend an afternoon exploring culture and history.

Book: Gjirokastra & Blue Eye Day Tour

The Gjirokaster fortress towers over the old town centre and is a sight not to be missed. It is both the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the former communist leader of Albania, and the venue for the annual Gjirokaster National Folklore Festival.

Explore the Archaeological Park of Phoenice (Finiq)

One of the best activities in the area for history buffs is a day trip to the Phoenice Archaeological Park. This site is also known as Finiq Archaeological Park and is located just 12 km from Sarande city centre. The park is home to ruins dating back over 1,000 years, from the 5th century BC to the 6th century AD, from the ancient Macedonians and Greeks to the Roman and Byzantine empires.

• Location: Phoenice Archaeological Park

However, there is hardly any public transport to this fascinating park, so I recommend you hire a car for the day and drive there yourself. (The only public transport is a minibus to the village of Finiq, from where you have to walk 2km up the steep hill). Guided tours and taxis are also available.

Travel tip: Go in the early morning to avoid the heat at midday as there is almost no shade to be found at the site. Take some water and snacks with you as well.

You can visit a variety of ruins in the Phoenice Archaeological Park. The most important sights include the ancient city wall and entrance, the large bastion, the early Christian basilica, the Hellenistic temple “Thesaurus” and the house with two peristyles. The main attraction of the park is the theatre, the remains of a semi-circular amphitheatre, which stands on a terrace on a hill.

I also found the view of the surrounding countryside from the hill simply breathtaking. There are also the remains of several bunkers from the communist era scattered around the hill. The entrance fee is 300 Lek (approx. 3 EUR) and you can park right at the entrance. I recommend visiting the park early in the morning, as it can get very hot at midday.

Where To Stay In Sarandë

Sarandë has been a popular holiday destination for a long time and is particularly busy during the peak tourist season in July and August. At these times you should not expect too much in terms of value for money.

Villa Kristiano 21 (Budget): A wonderful oasis with spacious clean rooms, located in walking distance from city beach and promenade. Breakfast here is unique and prepared lovingly. The family run villa offers great hospitality, making your stay simply perfect! ☑ Check availability and prices here.

Hotel Oasis (Mid Range): Hotel Oasis offers a terrace and views of the sea. The hotel is located in the southern part of the city, away from the hustle und bustle of the main touristic areas, just 100 metres from the sea, while the nearest beach is 300 metres away. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some units have a seating area where you can relax. ☑ Check availability and prices here.

Buzë Boutique Hotel (Premium): Situated 200 metres from Maestral Beach, Buzë Boutique Hotel features accommodation with outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a safe, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. All rooms have a wardrobe. The plus of the hotel is ist direct access to the private beach along with a beautiful bar. ☑ Check availability and prices here.

Local Food and Cuisine

A true travel experience is not complete without sampling the city’s local fish and seafood. After all, it’s a fairly large coastal town with a fleet of fishing boats delivering plenty of freshly caught fish every day.

Some typical dishes in Sarande and Albania that you should try during your Sarande holiday are:

• Tarator – Tarator is eaten either as a cold soup or as a dip and consists of strained yoghurt mixed with cucumber, olive oil, garlic, salt and herbs such as dill, parsley and/or mint. This dish is known as tzatziki in Greece.
• Kaçkavall – A yellow cheese that is popular throughout Albania and is served as a snack, appetiser or side dish. It comes in a raw or fried version.
• Qifqi – These small balls of eggs, boiled rice, herbs, salt and pepper and sometimes cheese are a traditional dish in Gjirokaster and cannot be found anywhere else. Be sure to try this authentic food during your day trip from Sarande to Gjirokaster.
• Grilled fish and seafood – Albanians love to grill their food. Grilled dishes can be found all over the country, but grilled fish is particularly popular on the coast. The most common types of fish and seafood that are grilled include sea bass, eel, carp, trout, prawns, squid and octopus.
• Trileçe – There are many delicious desserts that are typical of Albania. One of them is Trileçe, the Albanian version of the famous Spanish sponge cake “Tres Leches”. Traditionally, trileçe is made with three different types of milk – goat, cow and water buffalo milk – but the most common mix you’ll find today is cream and cow’s milk.

Travel FAQ

Now that you know the best things to do in Sarande, let’s look at some other practical questions you may have.

Where is Sarandë located?

Sarandë is located in the far south of Albania, close to the border with Greece and the Greek island of Corfu. The geography consists of the Sarande Hills, a coastal mountain range that stretches between Borsh and Ftelia Bay. These slopes descend towards the Ionian Sea and end in a series of beaches, cliffs, bays and inlets. This is the Albanian Riviera, one of the best places in Albania if you’re looking for a beach holiday.

How to get to Sarande?

The easiest way to get to Sarande is to rent a car and drive. Driving in Albania is not difficult, and the motorway network is dense and convenient. Be aware, however, that many roads have at least some sections that wind through mountainous terrain and are therefore somewhat slower. Take your time when travelling through Albania. The drive from Tirana to Sarande, for example, is around 280 kilometres long and takes at least 4.5 hours.

You should also take the scenic SH 8 motorway, which runs along the southern Albanian coast from Vlore to Sarande. If you want to use public transport, you can do that too. There are several direct bus lines to Sarande from other cities in Albania and from places in neighbouring countries. One of the most popular is the bus line from Tirana to Sarande, a super convenient way to get from the country’s main airport to its main beach destination. You can also reach Sarande by direct ferry from Corfu, Greece. The ferry journey from Corfu to Sarande only takes around 30 minutes.

Which ferry companies operate between Corfu and Sarande?

There are three companies that operate ferries between the harbour of Sarande and the harbour of Corfu (Kerkyra): Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways. The ferries operate all year round and during the busy summer months the timetables are more frequent. All companies offer a high-speed hydrofoil ferry, which takes just 30 minutes, and a slower car ferry, which takes around 1.5 hours. The ferry harbour in Sarande is located on Rruga Mitat Hoxha.

Travel Tip: Be there at least 30mins before departure as you will have to go through customs.

How do I get to the ferry to Sarande in Corfu?

In Corfu you have to go to the international ferry terminal, which is located behind the domestic terminal if you are coming from Corfu Town.

If you arrive at Corfu airport and want to go directly to the harbour for your ferry to Sarande, you can take bus no. 15, which takes about 20 minutes and costs €1.20. A taxi costs around €15 to €20.

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