Cities in Albania
Sarandë: Gateway to the South and the Riviera
Sarandë is the big resort town of southern Albania, spread as a white slope around the bay facing the Greek island of Corfu. In summer it is busy and loud, but its real value is as a base: almost every southern site is a short drive away, and the seafront promenade is perfect for the evening.
Don’t come to Sarandë for “sights” in the town itself — come for it as a convenient logistics hub, full of cheap accommodation and restaurants, from which you strike out to the gems of the south. Three nights here cover the entire southern tip of Albania.
What to see and do
The town itself is mainly a long promenade with cafés, fish restaurants and sunsets over Corfu — lovely for an evening stroll with an ice cream. Above it sits Lëkurësi Castle — a 16th-century fortified ruin with a restaurant and panoramic views over the bay and Ksamil; the sunset climb up there is the local classic. Hidden in the centre is also the ancient Monastery of the Forty Saints (Onhezmi), which gave Sarandë its name.
The base for the south
The real reason to stay in Sarandë is what surrounds it. Ksamil and its little islands are 20 minutes away; Butrint, the ancient UNESCO city, about 30 minutes south; and the Blue Eye spring about 40 minutes inland. An organised day tour of the south covers all three in one day for anyone without a car; with a rental it’s easy to do it all independently.
Getting there
You reach Sarandë by bus from Tirana (about 4–5 hours), Gjirokastër (about 1.5 hours), or by ferry from Corfu (the most convenient approach from Western Europe via Greece). A fast ferry also runs in summer. There is no airport nearby — the closest are Ioannina or Corfu in Greece, or Tirana in Albania.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Sarandë is cheap and varied — from seafront hotels to family apartments with a kitchenette, an excellent option for families. Compare stays in Sarandë in advance, especially in summer when prices jump. For quieter beaches, nearby Ksamil is a calmer place to sleep.
From Sarandë you head north along the Riviera. For the full picture — the Albania guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sarandë a good base for the south?
Yes, it is the obvious base. From Sarandë you easily reach Ksamil (20 minutes), Butrint (30 minutes) and the Blue Eye spring (40 minutes), and it connects well to the rest of the Riviera.
Can you reach Corfu from Sarandë?
Yes. There is a daily ferry to the Greek island of Corfu, a 30–70 minute crossing. A nice add-on for anyone wanting a taste of Greece too.
How many days should you stay in Sarandë?
Two or three nights is a good amount: a day for Ksamil, a day for Butrint and the Blue Eye, and an evening or two on the promenade. Beach lovers can also use it as a base for the whole southern Riviera.