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The tricky thing about going somewhere that has only recently become popular is that while everyone wants to see what the hype is about, few actually know how to get the most out of the experience.
That is exactly the case with Sanadë (or Saranda), Albania, a place that will become one of the trendiest beach hotspots in Europe this summer, but remains unknown to most people.
Where to? What to see? What’s worth doing? How do you stay safe, on a budget and ensure you get the most out of the experience?
Fortunately for you, I have now been on holiday in Saranda more than ten timesand I’m here to share everything I’ve learned during my time in the city, answering all these questions and more.
So if you’re planning to explore some of the most beautiful places on the Albanian Riviera this summer, this is the only travel guide you need.
The best things to do and see in Saranda
While there’s a lot to be said about the value of flexibility and spontaneity when it comes to a great travel experience, it will always work to your advantage when you go somewhere as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania. .
In Saranda, however, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of hotels, bars and restaurants that seem to have taken over the city, and, as you might have guessed, while some are really great places where your money will last a long time. Others are simply tourist traps, no matter the time of day.
I’m here to help you figure out where it’s really worth going.
Where to stay?
There are some truly fantastic hotels in Saranda (places like Hotel Bahamas and Santa Quaranta offer excellent value for the $100 price tag), but most locals who come to the city opt for short-term rentals instead.
Now I have stayed in beautiful apartments in the city center for as little as $40 a night but these are usually not listed on booking sites and can only be found through acquaintances so if you are looking for that kind of price or experience you will want to contact a local traveler or another traveler who has been to Saranda; Facebook groups are great for that kind of thing.
Alternatively, you can always book Airbnbs, which in Europe are generally much better run and reasonably priced than in the US – cute little 1-bedrooms in the city center rarely cost more than $50 a night.
Where to eat?
One thing about the food in Saranda is that while it isn’t groundbreaking, it is reliably tasty.
Below I will list some of the places I went to again and again during my time in the city:
- L’arte Della Pizza
- Balbi 34
- Why not? -Burger Bar
- Restaurant Pupi
- Oda and Babes
Where to go at night?
So you’ve been to the beach, you’ve had lunch, and now it’s nighttime and you’re rested, dressed and ready to go out – where are you going?
Well, if you’re looking for the classic club experience, Jericho and Vamos are your best bet – during the summer there’s a party every night, and unless you’re there at a particularly busy time, you won’t need a party. make reservations too.
On the other hand, those looking for a relaxing night out with a nice drink in hand can head to one of my favorite places in the city: Noname Cocktail Bar.
It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes some of the best cocktails in town for less than $10.
The music is great, but not so loud that you can’t hear yourself talking, and it’s right on the main promenade so you can watch the people go by and breathe in the summer sea breeze – it’s always one of the highlights of my Saranda been traveling.
The best beach in Saranda
The first beaches you see once you set foot in Saranda are the beaches right next to the boulevard.
Now these are called ‘public beaches’, but you still have to pay if you use the sunbeds here, although the price will be significantly lower than what you pay on nearby private beaches – between $4 and $5 for a set of beach chairs. two sun loungers and a parasol depending on the month.
That said, bringing your own umbrella and towels/chair is perfectly acceptable (which is more than what can be said for most private beaches in Saranda), and of course free.
However, if you come all the way to Albania, in my opinion it is a waste of time to spend your days on such a substandard and poorly organized beach, especially when there are so many better options.
Sunbeds are a little more expensive here, ranging between $15 and $20 per day, but you get a lot for your money as the beach is clean and well maintained, the service is great and the water is great.
There are even small, unoccupied areas where you can lounge for free, but these are quite small and rocky, so make sure you weigh the pros and cons beforehand.
But while this is my favorite beach in Saranda, it still can’t match the places you’ll find outside the city, so be sure to budget for some day trips during your Albanian summer vacation.
Exploring the region beyond the main city
Saranda is the type of town where you will never be bored, but there is so much to see and do in the nearby villages that it would actually be a shame to spend your entire holiday in the town.
Let’s start with the beaches, because that’s probably what you come here for in the first place.
I have loved Pasqyra Beach since the first day I set foot there.
It was 2013, and this was the first beach I saw that ticked all the boxes – it had wooden sunbeds and straw umbrellas, the ground was pebbly but not uncomfortable, there were people but it wasn’t too crowded, the sea was so crystal clear as can be, and I only paid about $7 for a pair of lounge chairs – that’s a great price to pay for what feels like your own private tropical paradise.
Granted, that price has now risen to ~$20, but other than that not much has changed.
In fact, this hidden Albanian gem was named the beach bluest waters in the worldleaving behind many more famous places.
Other beaches you won’t want to miss during your Saranda trip are Ksamil, Livadi and Jala, but I wouldn’t recommend going to Dhërmi – it’s really beautiful, but unfortunately overtourism has turned it into a poorly managed beach. , overpriced mess.
For those who want to enjoy something other than the daily sunbathing, Syri i Kaltër and the Butrint National Archaeological Park are not to be missed.
How to stay safe and avoid paying too much
What most travelers consider before going to Albania is whether it is really safe.
I am happy to report that Saranda is one of the safest places I have vacationed in my life.
Even walking home from the club at 3 a.m., I never felt unsafe, not on the boulevard (which was still relatively busy even at that hour), nor in the quieter neighborhoods I frequented. had to walk through on the way back.
Now I’m not saying what I did was a good idea, as normal safety measures are always necessary (especially when traveling alone), but it does show how safe and non-threatening the atmosphere is here.
One risk you do run is paying too much.
Locals are known for trying to squeeze a few extra bucks out of visitors, so my top tips for always getting fair prices include:
- Although the Euro has lost quite a bit of strength to the Albanian Lek in recent months, 1 € still does not equal 100 Lek (that’s the exchange rate most companies quote foreigners), so always use the local currency if possible.
- Stick to the larger money exchange offices in the center of town. If you can check online reviews, so much the better.
- When renting a tanning bed, always ask other people or an employee how much it costs FOR you actually sit down so you can make an informed decision and avoid any confrontations later.
- Only go to restaurants where the menus have clearly marked prices.
- Only use reputable taxi services such as Saranda Taxi 715 (+355 69 669 0142) and try to stay away from random drivers who try to poach tourists on the streets.
And with that last piece of information, you are now 100% ready to make the most of your holiday in Saranda – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
