Saranda, Things to See Between Beaches and Sea

The beaches around Saranda offer a mix of lively spots and quiet retreats with crystal-clear waters surrounded by imposing cliffs.

The central city beaches are easily accessible to everyone, while some of those on the southern side are private and generally reserved for guests of nearby clubs and resorts.

In Saranda, there are three public beaches all located close to each other. The largest beach is right next to the tourist information center and is a lovely place to spend a few hours sunbathing or taking a refreshing swim.

Saranda Beach is the main beach of the city and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.

The beach consists of small pebbles and has crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Along the promenade, there are several restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite or a drink, and it's possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. From here, you can also rent a boat to explore the coast.

Both of the other free public beaches in Saranda are located between the tourist information center and the ferry terminal. Although these beaches are smaller, they are still good options for a few hours of relaxation.

The public beaches in the area are generally more frequented by locals but can still be relatively crowded, especially during the summer months of July and August, since even though they are not the most charming in the area, they are certainly the most accessible.

The best beaches in the area tend to be a bit further from Saranda. To the west of the city center, Era Beach offers a more exclusive beach experience, mainly catering to guests of adjacent luxury hotels.

Between Saranda and Ksamil, there are idyllic and almost untouched beaches such as Plazhi i Pasqyrave and Plazhi i Quetesise. Although some beaches can be a bit difficult to reach, they are definitely worth the effort for those seeking tranquility and spectacular scenery, such as the beach of Pulëbardha, which boasts one of the most stunning views in the area.

The Mirror Beach, also known as Pasqyrave Beach, is located about 10 kilometers south of Saranda.

It is a secluded beach known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills, making it a perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Mango Beach is another secluded beach located about 15 kilometers south of Saranda. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills and offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea.

Mango Beach is accessible only by boat or by descending a steep path.

Ksamil is a small village located about 17 kilometers south of Saranda. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque islands.

The beaches of Ksamil are renowned for their white sand and breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. The beaches are also surrounded by lush green hills, making them a perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. There are also numerous restaurants and cafés located near the beaches, where you can eat and drink.

To reach the beaches of Ksamil, you can take a taxi or bus from Saranda.

The town is also famous for the iconic Ksamil Islands. Easily accessible by boat, these small islands are the perfect destination to meet unspoiled nature and wild beaches.

In addition to the beaches mentioned above, there are many other beautiful beaches located near Saranda. Some of these include:

In addition to its magnificent beaches that attract crowds of sunbathers in the summer, Saranda also boasts a long list of historical attractions that enrich its offerings to travelers even outside the high season, allowing for an experience of the true beauty of the Albanian coast in a more tranquil environment.

The first introduction to the city comes from taking a scenic stroll along the main boulevard along Saranda beach. The walkway connects all the city's focal points.

Along the entire boulevard are interesting restaurants and cafes where you can try some of the best meals as well as many activities offering fun boat trips.

Butrint National Park is the most visited UNESCO World Heritage site in the country, ideal for history enthusiasts. The park hosts an extraordinary Roman theater, a Greek temple, and a forum, surprisingly well preserved.

One of the most astonishing natural phenomena around Saranda is the so-called Blue Eye, a spectacular freshwater spring with icy, crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush vegetation creating a stunning landscape.

Situated on Lekursi Hill, Saranda Castle overlooks the city, offering beautiful views of the coast. Built in 1537, today it hosts a restaurant with a terrace and traditional music events for an authentic Albanian experience.

Located very close to Butrint National Park, Ali Pasha Castle is one of the main tourist destinations in Saranda.

Built around the 15th century by the Venetians, it is only reachable by boat as it sits on an island. From its panoramic terraces, visitors enjoy stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains.

Situated halfway between Saranda and Ksamil, St. George Monastery is a true historical gem. Located on a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea on one side and Butrint Lake on the other.

There are no direct flights to Saranda; if traveling by air, you can fly to Tirana and then take a bus or rent a car to reach Saranda (it takes about 4-5 hours of travel).

By ferry, you can depart from Brindisi, Bari, or Ancona and take a ferry to Vlorë or Durrës. From there, you can continue by car or bus to Saranda (about 2-3 hours from Vlorë, 4-5 hours from Durrës).

Another quick and convenient option is to travel from the island of Corfu, with direct ferries from Corfu reaching Saranda in about 30 minutes.