Sarandë, Albania Travel Guide: Must-See Sights, Hidden Gems & Local Tips From An Expert

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The tough factor about going someplace that’s only in the near past change into in style is that whereas everybody needs to see what the hype is all about, few truly know how one can get probably the most out of the expertise.

That’s precisely the case with Sanadë (or Saranda), Albania, a spot that’s set to change into certainly one of Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer time but stays unknown to most individuals.

The place to go? What to see? What’s value doing? Learn how to keep secure, on a finances, and sure that you just’re getting probably the most out of the expertise?

Fortunately for you, I’ve already vacationed in Saranda greater than a dozen instances by this level, and I’m right here to share every little thing I’ve realized throughout my time within the metropolis, answering all of those questions and extra within the course of.

So, for those who’re planning on exploring a number of the most attractive locations on the Albanian Riviera this summer time, that is the one journey information you want.

The Finest Issues To Do And See In Saranda

Whereas there’s quite a bit to be mentioned concerning the worth of flexibility and spontaneity in terms of an important journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having a minimum of a faint thought of an itinerary will at all times work in your favor.

In Saranda, nevertheless, you is likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of resorts, bars, and eating places that appear to have taken over town, and, as you may’ve guessed, whereas some are genuinely nice locations the place your cash goes a good distance, others are simply vacationer traps not with the time of day.

I’m right here that can assist you determine the place it’s truly value going.

The place To Keep?

There are some actually incredible resorts in Saranda (locations like Resort Bahamas and Santa Quaranta supply excellent value for the $100-something price ticket), however most locals coming to town go for short-term leases as an alternative.

Now, I’ve stayed in lovely residences within the metropolis middle for simply $40 an evening, however these are normally unlisted on reserving websites and solely discovered via acquaintances, so for those who’re in search of that kind of value or expertise, you’ll need to attain out to a neighborhood or one other traveler who’s been to Saranda; Fb teams are nice for that type of factor.

Alternatively, you may at all times e book Airbnbs, which, typically talking, are far better-managed and decently priced in Europe than they’re within the U.S. – cute little 1-bedrooms within the metropolis middle not often price greater than $50 an evening.

The place To Eat?

One factor about meals in Saranda is that whereas it’s not something groundbreaking, it’s reliably tasty.

Beneath, I’ll record a number of the locations I’ve discovered myself turning to time and time once more throughout my time within the metropolis:

• L’arte Della Pizza
• Balbi 34
• Why Not? – Burger Bar
• Restaurant Pupi
• Oda e Babës

The place To Go At Evening?

So, you’ve been to the seashore, you had your lunch, and now it’s nighttime and also you’re rested, dressed up, and able to exit – the place do you go?

Nicely, for those who’re in search of the basic membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your greatest bets – throughout summer time there’s a celebration occurring each single night time, and until you’re there throughout a very busy time, you received’t want a reservation, both.

Alternatively, these in search of only a laid-back night time with a superb drink of their hand can head over to certainly one of my favourite locations within the metropolis – Noname Cocktail Bar.

It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes a number of the greatest cocktails within the metropolis for underneath $10.

The music is nice however not so loud which you could’t hear your self speaking, and it’s proper on the principle promenade so you may watch the individuals go by and absorb that summer time sea breeze – it’s at all times been one of many highlights of my Saranda journeys.

The Finest Seaside In Saranda

The primary seashores you’ll see when you set foot in Saranda are those positioned simply beside the promenade.

Now, these are referred to as “public seashores,” however you’ll nonetheless get charged for those who use the sunbeds right here, although the worth will probably be notably decrease than what you’ll pay in close by non-public seashores – between $4 and $5 for a set of two loungers and an umbrella relying on the month.

With that mentioned, bringing your personal umbrella and towels/chair is completely acceptable (which is greater than what will be mentioned for many non-public seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.

Nevertheless, for those who’re coming all the way in which to Albania, spending your days on such a sub-par and poorly organized seashore is, in my view, a waste of time, particularly when there are such a lot of higher choices.

Sunbeds listed here are a bit pricier, ranging between $15-$20 a day, however you’ll get a variety of bang in your buck because the seashore is clear and well-maintained, the service is nice, and the water is simply to die for.

There are even small, unoccupied areas the place you may lounge round at no cost, however these are fairly small and rocky, so ensure that to weigh out the professionals and cons beforehand.

However whereas that is my favourite seashore inside Saranda, it nonetheless doesn’t maintain a candle to the locations you’ll discover outdoors town, so ensure that to finances for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer time getaway. 

Exploring The Area Past The Most important Metropolis

Saranda is the kind of metropolis that by no means leaves you bored, however there’s simply a lot to see and do in close by villages that spending your complete vacation within the metropolis would truthfully be a waste of alternative.

Let’s begin with seashores since that’s most likely what you’re right here to see within the first place.

I’ve beloved Pasqyra Seaside because the first day I set foot in it.

It was 2013, and this was the primary seashore I noticed that checked each single field – it had padded picket sunbeds and straw umbrellas, the bottom was pebbly however not uncomfortable, there have been individuals there, but it surely wasn’t too crowded, the ocean was as crystal-clear as they arrive, and I solely paid about $7 for a pair of loungers – that’s an important value to pay for what appears like your personal tropical paradise.

Granted, that value has gone as much as ~$20 now, however not a lot else has modified.

In reality, this hidden Albanian gem was named the seashore with the bluest waters in the world, forsaking far better-known locations.

Different seashores you received’t need to miss out on throughout your travels in Saranda embody Ksamil, Livadi, and Jala, however I’d advise towards going to Dhërmi – it actually is attractive, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.

For individuals who need to take pleasure in one thing past the day by day sunbathing periods, Syri i Kaltër and Butrint Nationwide Archaeological Park are to not be missed.

How To Keep Secure And Keep away from Getting Overcharged

What most vacationers contemplate earlier than going to Albania is whether or not it’s actually secure.

I’m glad to report that Saranda is among the most secure locations I’ve vacationed in my life.

Even once I walked residence at 3 A.M. from the membership, I by no means felt unsafe, not within the promenade (which was nonetheless comparatively busy even at that hour), nor within the extra quiet neighborhoods I needed to stroll via on my manner again.

Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good suggestion since regular security precautions are at all times essential (particularly for those who’re touring alone), but it surely goes to point out simply how secure and non-threatening the ambiance is right here.

One threat you do run, although, is that of getting overcharged.

Locals are infamous for making an attempt to squeeze just a few further bucks from guests, so my prime tricks to at all times get truthful costs embody:

• Whereas the euro has misplaced fairly a little bit of energy to the Albanian Lek these previous few months, 1€ remains to be not equal to 100 Lek (that’s the change fee most companies quote foreigners), so at all times use the native foreign money if potential.
• Stick to larger cash change locations positioned within the metropolis middle, for those who can take a look at on-line opinions, all the higher.
• When renting a sunbed, at all times ask different individuals or an worker about how a lot they price BEFORE you truly sit down, that manner, you may make an knowledgeable resolution and keep away from any potential confrontations down the road.
• Solely go to eating places the place the menus have clearly marked-out costs.
• Solely use respected taxi companies like Saranda Taxi 715 (+355 69 669 0142) and attempt to steer away from random drivers making an attempt to poach vacationers within the streets.

And with that final bit of knowledge, you’re now 100% able to take advantage of out of your Saranda trip – I assure you received’t be disenchanted!

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Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.