This coastal town on the Albanian Riviera has clear waters and sandy beaches. Its palm-lined promenade offers sea views, cafes, and restaurants. It's a gateway to explore Albania.
Sarandë is a coastal town in southern Albania along the Ionian Sea. Known for its sunny climate with over 300 days of sunshine yearly, Sarandë draws visitors to its beaches and nearby sites. You can walk among ancient ruins at Butrint, swim in the Blue Eye spring, or take a quick ferry to the Greek island of Corfu from this lively Albanian town.
Beaches and coast
Sarandë's horseshoe-shaped bay has both sand and pebble beaches with calm, blue waters. The main public beach in town is lined with palm trees and cafes. For fewer crowds, go to Mirror Beach south of town. Cliffs surround this beach, creating a quiet atmosphere. You can rent a paddleboat or relax on the shore looking out at the Ionian Sea.
Natural wonders
The Blue Eye spring, or Syri i Kaltër in Albanian, is in the hills outside Sarandë. Sunlight hitting the water creates a striking blue color, with oxygen bubbles rising from at least 50 meters below the surface. Oak and sycamore trees grow around the spring, making it cooler than the surrounding area. A wooden platform above the spring lets you look directly into the "eye."
Day trips
Sarandë is a good base for exploring the region. Visit the village of Ksamil, where you can hire a boat to small offshore islands. The Greek island of Corfu is only a 30-minute ferry ride away. To see coastal village life, go north to Dhërmi, located between the Ceraunian Mountains and the sea.
Local cuisine
Albanian food combines Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. In Sarandë, you'll find many fresh seafood dishes. Try tavë krapi, carp baked with onions and tomatoes, or grilled sea bass caught that day. Many dishes use olive oil from local groves. For a quick meal, look for byrek, a savory pastry filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Historical sites
Sarandë and its surroundings have many archaeological sites. Butrint, 14 kilometers south, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with ruins from 800 BC through the Roman and Byzantine periods. In town, you can see the remains of a 3rd-century synagogue, which has floor mosaics showing Jewish symbols. Lekuresi Castle, on a hill above Sarandë, dates to Ottoman times and overlooks the bay and Corfu.
Getting there and transportation
The easiest way to reach Sarandë is by ferry from Corfu, Greece. Ferries run multiple times daily and take about 30 minutes. In Sarandë, you can walk or take taxis. To visit nearby places like Butrint or the Blue Eye spring, consider renting a car or joining a tour. Public buses connect Sarandë to other coastal towns and Tirana, the capital.
Climate and when to visit
Sarandë has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. May to September is best for visiting, with warm temperatures good for beach activities. July and August are busiest, so consider May-June or September for good weather and fewer people.
