Saranda / Albania

Saranda, the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, is located on the Ionian Sea coast, just 14 kilometers east of Greek Corfu. The town, with approximately 20,000 inhabitants, is home to a significant Greek minority. Thanks to its strategic location and a combination of natural beauty and historical monuments, Saranda is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists, not only during cruises in the Mediterranean. Besides the breathtaking blue waters of the Ionian Sea, visitors are also attracted by the archaeological treasures the town holds.

What to taste in Saranda?

Albanian cuisine is one of the main attractions for tourists, combining influences from the Ottoman Empire, Italy, and Greece. It belongs to the family of Mediterranean cuisines and offers a diverse range of flavors that reflect the rich cultural history of the country. The foundation is healthy local ingredients – vegetables, fruits, fish, dairy products, and all kinds of meat, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Popular dishes here include:

Seafood – grilled fish, shrimp, calamari,
Tavë Kosi – baked lamb with rice in yogurt sauce,
Byrek – savory pie made from phyllo dough with various fillings (cheese/spinach/minced meat),
Fergesë – chicken liver or veal with vegetables, eggs, and local curd cheese,
Qofte – often grilled spicy meatballs, served with mashed potatoes or rice,
Tarator – cold soup or salad made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, walnuts, dill, vegetable oil, and water,
Trilece – creamy sponge cake soaked in three types of milk and topped with caramel glaze,
Raki – local brandy made from grapes,
Skandërbeu – local brandy.

Why will you love Saranda?

Saranda is one of those places that will enchant you at first sight. Imagine a town where sunny days are almost a given – with up to 300 sunny days a year, ensuring pleasant weather all year round. Its rocky beaches are an ideal retreat for anyone seeking peace and the beauty of nature. However, if you're also looking for a touch of history, just take a stroll along the promenade, lined with old taverns, cafes, and traditional stone houses. This combination will transport you to the past, while the current vibrant life surrounds you at every step. Every corner of this town invites you to enjoy the harmony between history, nature, and life by the sea.

Practical tips:

Official language: Albanian, but in tourist areas, you can communicate in English
Currency: Albanian lek (ALL)
Opening hours: Most shops are open from 8:00 to 12:00, with a siesta break, and then again from 15:00 to 19:00, with Sunday usually closed. However, in summer and tourist locations, shops are open all day, including weekends.
Public transport: It is usually provided by buses and minibuses, connecting the town with surrounding areas. Timetables are often irregular, and stops are not always well-marked, so it is recommended to inquire locally. Cruise ships dock near the port, and visitors are transported to the shore by tenders.
Weather: Saranda has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild, rainier winters (average 14 °C) and hot sunny summers (exceeding 30 °C). The main tourist season is from April to October.

The most interesting from Saranda's history:

In ancient times, Saranda was inhabited by the Greek Chaonian tribe and flourished as an important port. In the 6th century, the town was attacked by Ostrogoths and also became a frequent target for pirates. It even seems that in the 12th century, it was completely abandoned. Even at the beginning of the 20th century, Saranda was just a port without permanent settlement, and in 1913, it was annexed to the newly formed Albania. In the following years, the town was occupied by Greece, later by Italy, and since the end of World War II, it has been part of Albania.

Useful information

Port map:

Places worth seeing:

Getting to the port:

Boats are anchored in the harbor Port of Saranda at the address: Rruga Mitat Hoxha, Saranda, 9701 Albania. The harbor features a terminal that serves ferries between Saranda and Corfu, cruise ships, and private yachts arriving in Saranda. Inside, there are restrooms, a café, and car rental offices. The terminal is about a 10-minute walk from the city center.