Little-known beach resort with more than 300 sunny days has £26 flights & £2 pints
WITH more than 285 miles of coastline and 300 days of sunshine every year, Albania is home to a hidden gem.
Saranda is one of the locals’ favourite beach destinations, and it’s only three hours from the UK.
Why Saranda?
The city of Saranda sits on an open gulf of the Ionian Sea within the Mediterranean Sea, making it an excellent spot for a beach holiday.
That said, there’s a lot to explore away from the shores. For instance, the Lëkurësi castle is a must-see and offers incredible city views.
It’s also known for its deep blue waters and the remains of the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO world heritage site.
And it’s the closest city to the Blue Eye – a natural phenomenon occurring near Muzinë.
Holidaymakers can hike along the panoramic Llogara Pass, a high mountain pass along the Albanian Riviera.
Thanks to its strategic positions, you could even spend a day on nearby islands like Ksamil (Albania) and Corfu (Greece).
What to do in Saranda?
Saranda is known for its stretches of sandy beaches along the Albanian Riviera, clear waters and relaxed vibe.
A great thing about Saranda is that most attractions can be explored on foot.
Known as the “capital city” of the Riviera, there are many beaches to visit there and around the area.
The Saranda Promenade backs Saranda’s main beach, one of the busiest and a hotspot for tourists and locals.
The promenade stretches for about one mile and is filled with market stalls, local restaurants, bars, and small shops.
Saranda is also very cheap for British tourists, with a cup of coffee costing around 201 Lek (£1.70), while pints of local beer are 250 Lek (£2.11).
Small imported beer bottles cost 110 to 250 Lek (£0.90 to £2.11).
On one end of the boulevard is a small theme park, Luna Park Gjika, with air hockey, bumper cars, flippers, and a carousel.
On the other end, you’ll find one of the location’s most popular restaurants, “Bar & Restaurant Limani”, which sits on the pier and offers 360-degree views of the sea and promenade.
Prices here range between £11 and £27, and it has more than 1,000 raving reviews on Tripadvisor.
Away from the shore, the Hillary Clinton Memorial in Saranda has been described as a “quirky place” to visit.
This was constructed as a token of gratitude to the Americans for their help to Albania and its people.
The bust appears to move around the town occasionally, so you might have to walk around to find it.
A lesser-known activity and hotspot to visit is Syri i Kalter in the village of Muzinë, also known as the “Blue Eye”.
The “Blue Eye” is a natural water spring with vibrant blue waters surrounded by greenery.
The natural phenomenon is often described as “breathtaking” by visitors, and divers have reached 164 feet under, but its real depth remains a mystery.
A must-see for those willing to travel outside of Saranda is Ksamil Beach, which has even been dubbed the “Maldives of Europe” by some fans.
Reaching the village of Ksamil from Saranda is relatively easy, as it takes 25 minutes by car, and cabs cost around 1,500 Lek (£13).
Speaking of the Riviera’s likeliness to the Maldives, you can also spend the day in a Maldives-style overwater hut for just 1,000 Lek (£8.46)
The beach in question is Pema E Thatë, a private spot with access to some of the country’s best blue waters.
Finally, if you’re after a day trip, Corfu is only a two-hour ferry away.
Reaching the Greek island costs about £15, and there are two direct ferries daily.
When is the best time to visit Saranda?
Saranda has more than 300 sunny days a year, with highs of around 34C in the summer months and temperatures around the mid-teens in winter.
Most people say spring is the sweet spot to visit the Albanian city, as you should find sunny days and highs of around 23C.
Meanwhile, July and August are the hottest months, with average temperatures around 30C.
Saranda is a great destination to visit all year round if you’re not after a beach holiday. However, any time between April and September should do if you’re after catching a tan and spending your day by the beach.
What are the best deals to visit Saranda?
Saranda has no airport, so the quickest way to reach the destination is by flying to Tirana and then hopping on a bus, shuttle or cab.
Direct flights from the UK to Albania operate almost daily, with return fares starting from just £52 (£26 each way).
Meanwhile, hotel rooms are available from £45 per night, and Airbnb properties cost from £44 per night.
What else should I know about Saranda?
The local language in Saranda is Albanian, but staff in hotels and popular attractions may also know English.
Although the local language is Albanian, many locals also know Italian and Greek due to the city’s location.
Albanian LEK is the local currency, with 1,000 Lek equalling around £8.50.
Euros are also widely accepted in hotels and restaurants, but double-checking beforehand is always best.
There are currently no restrictions for Brits travelling to Albania.
However, your passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.
Brits can also stay in Albania for up to 80 days without a visa.
For more destination inspiration, we also found the Turkish holiday destination fans claim also is the ‘Maldives of the Mediterranean’.
Plus, we’ve also revealed the tiny Italian island only locals know about— it’s as good as Capri but much cheaper.
For a discounted holiday, easyJet’s new sale has thousands of beach holidays for less than £300pp.
Prices correct at the time of publication.