Best beaches and hotspots

Sarandë is located in southern Albania on the Ionian Sea, near the border with Greece. This lively coastal city is known for its combination of stunning beaches, bustling promenade and cultural attractions. Whether you’re coming to visit the historic ruins of Butrint National Park, the magnificent views from Likorisi Castle, or the lively atmosphere of the street and its many beach clubs, Sarandë offers a surprisingly good mix of nature, culture and beach life. Scroll down to discover all our tips for Sarande!

The coastal towns of Ksamil and Sarandë are located in southern Albania, just a 30-minute drive away. They have a lot in common, which sometimes makes it difficult to decide where to stay. However, there are still clear differences. Sarandë is a lively town with a wide range of restaurants, bars and accommodation. Most of the beaches here are pebbly. Ksamil is a smaller village with a more relaxed atmosphere and sandy beaches. In both places, it gets bustling during high season with beach bars and restaurants. Beach bars often play loud music, and the beaches are filled with sunbeds. Read our tips for Ksamil to get a better idea of ​​this destination.

From cultural attractions to relaxing on the beach, you can easily spend several days enjoying Sarandë and its surroundings. These are the places and activities we think you shouldn’t miss during your stay in this southern Albania beach town.

Watch the sunset from Licorisi Castle

At the top of the hill east of Sarandë lies Likoresi Castle, known in Albanian as Calaga e Licoricet. This medieval castle was built by the 10th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire during his campaign across southern Albania. Today the castle is one of Sarandë’s most famous landmarks, especially because of its panoramic views of the city, the sea and, on clear days, the Greek island of Corfu.

You can walk up to the castle, but most people go by car or taxi. The journey from the city center usually takes no more than 10 minutes. Lekuresi Castle is especially popular in the evening. As the sun sets, the balcony fills with people eager to see the amazing view.

Discover the ancient Monastery of the Forty Saints

Not far from Licorisi Castle lies the less-visited but historically important Monastery of 40 Saints. The monastery was built in the 6th century to honor forty Christian soldiers from Sebastia who were executed for refusing to renounce their faith, and has become a major pilgrimage site. It grew to become one of the most important religious centers in southern Albania, especially during the Middle Ages.

Although it was severely damaged during the Communist regime, parts of the walls, arches and underground rooms are still visible. Thanks to its somewhat remote location, you’ll rarely encounter other visitors here – perfect for those looking for peace and history off the beaten path.

advice: Too crowded at sunset at Lekuresi Castle? Head to the Monastery of the Forty Saints instead. The view is absolutely stunning, and you’ll likely have the whole place to yourself!

A walk along Hassan Tahsini Street

Hasan Tahsini Street is the beating heart of Sarandë, with a lively promenade running along the city’s coast. During the day, many people walk down the street towards the beach or the harbour, looking for a cool place or a sunny balcony. In the evening, the street turns into a lively gathering place where locals and travelers come together for an evening stroll, dinner or simply to enjoy the sea.

Along the street you will find countless restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. In the summer, there is a daily tourist market along Hassan Tahsini Street, where you can buy souvenirs, jewelry, sports shirts, and perfumes.

Must do: Boat tour along the coast

Outside of Sarandë you will find countless hidden sites along the coast that are only accessible by boat. The best way to explore these turquoise coves, secluded beaches, caves and snorkelling spots is with This is a fun boat tourWhere you will spend the whole day on the water. By speedboat, you’ll explore Angkor Cave, beautiful Kruiza Beach, and sail through the impressive rock formations of Gremina Bay. At each stop, you will have time to take photos, admire the view of the rugged cliffs, or dive into the water. A real highlight of a perfect day on the water!

You can relax at one of Sarandë’s many beach clubs

Of course, you came to Sarandë to relax, and what better place to do that than a cozy beach club? Here you can soak up the sun in style, relaxing on a comfortable bed with a cocktail in hand. Many beach clubs also have a restaurant where you can enjoy a long lunch or a delicious dinner by the sea. We’ve tested quite a few, and these are our favorites.

• Mango Beach – One of the most popular beach clubs in Sarandë. Mango Beach is located just south of the city center and is known for its wide beach and lively atmosphere. You can rent a sun lounger and umbrella here, and they serve delicious food and cocktails. Don’t expect peace and quiet, but rather a lively atmosphere with music and a young crowd.
• Lost Seashore – For those looking for something a little more elegant, Lost Seaside is a great option. With its bohemian décor and menu full of Mediterranean dishes, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing day at the beach with a touch of luxury.
• Sunset Beach and Restaurant – Around Plazhi Era you will find several beach clubs offering sunbeds, lunch and cold drinks, including Sunset Restaurant and Beach. The atmosphere here is more relaxed and local compared to other Sarandë beach clubs, with families spending the day by the sea.
• Mokobija Beach – Mucobega Beach is located just outside Sarandë, and is part of a hotel of the same name. However, the beach is also open to non-guests. This place is perfect if you are looking for a little more peace without sacrificing comfort. You will find nice sunbeds, a quiet bay with clear water and a fun bar on the beach.

Step back in time at Butrint National Park

If you think southern Albania is all about sun, sea and sand, think again. The lush Butrint National Park is less than 30 minutes’ drive from Sarandë. Now taken over by nature, this ancient city offers a unique glimpse into Albania’s rich past. Walking through the park, you’ll come across an ancient amphitheater, a church, the old city gates, and a Venetian castle – all surrounded by greenery and water. It’s the perfect place for anyone who loves culture and wants to escape the crowded coastal cities.

Are you planning to visit this unique place? Be sure to check out our tips for Butrint National Park in advance, where you’ll find the best attractions and practical tips for your visit.

Take a day trip to Ksamil

Located just a 30-minute drive from Sarandë, Ksamil is one of the most popular beach destinations in Albania. Once you arrive and see the bright blue waters, you’ll immediately understand why. Thanks to its popularity, Ksamil attracts many tourists every year. So don’t expect the traditional Albanian charm you might find in Theth or Berat, but rather expect a lively, sunshine-filled atmosphere all about beach life.

Wander among the beach clubs, take a refreshing swim in the sea, enjoy ice cream on the Corniche, and end your day with a delicious dinner while watching the sunset. Curious about all our Ksamil tips? Check out our tips for Ksamil.

Take a day trip to Corfu

From Sarandë, you can take a ferry in about 30 minutes to the Greek island of Corfu. A day trip to Corfu is ideal for those craving a change of scenery. You can stroll through Corfu’s charming old town centre, visit the castle, enjoy Greek cuisine, or swim at one of the island’s beautiful beaches. There are so many ways to spend your day! You can Book your ferry ticket to Corfu online.

Sarandë does not have long sandy beaches, but what you will find are small coves with turquoise waters. The road between Sarandë and Ksamil is particularly full of beautiful beaches.

• Špila i Belombavi Beach – Our absolute favorite is Shebela i Belombavi Beach. This small beach is surrounded by a huge rock wall and has a cozy beach bar. From the car park at the top of the hill, it’s less than a 15-minute walk along an unpaved road. The last part is a steep staircase that leads you past the beach bar and down to the sea.
• Mirror Beach – Another popular beach is Plazhi and Pasqyraveknown as Mirror Beach, thanks to its clear waters that often remain still like a mirror. On the outskirts of Mirror Beach, you’ll find beautiful rock formations in the water that you can climb over or snorkel around.
• Monastery Beach – Monastery Beach, or Plazhi and Manastirit In Albanian, it is a quiet and secluded pebble beach south of Sarandë. You will reach it via a narrow, steep concrete road. Once you get there, you can enjoy a quiet beach with crystal clear water. The historic monastery is also within walking distance.
• Idun Pena Beach – If you prefer to avoid the beach clubs and are looking for peace and quiet, Idun Bena Beach is the perfect place. It’s a private beach, so you’ll pay a small entrance fee.
• Polibarda Beach – It is a busier beach with clear blue water, rock formations and plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas.
• Saranda Beach – Do you prefer to stay in the city? Saranda Beach is a good option. There are no sunbeds to rent, but you can simply lay down your own towel. The water here is great for swimming!

Craving fresh perique, a plate full of seafood, or a light fruit salad? Sarande has it all! The city is full of great restaurants, from traditional pubs to modern cuisine. Here are our favorite places for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick snack.

• Perector Coder – This unpretentious local bakery is the perfect place for a quick and affordable snack. They serve delicious fresh borek, which is a delicious phyllo dough pastry filled with cheese, spinach or ground meat, which you may know as borek. You’ll find the bakery a few streets back, it’s a bit hidden but very popular with locals. Come early in the day, because once they sell out, they really sell out!
• Green Life Market – A wonderful restaurant with an entirely vegetarian and gluten-free menu. Think curried yellow lentils, falafel salad, and soy balls with mashed potatoes.
• Lisette Hotel and Restaurant – One of my absolute favorites in Sarandë. In the Hotel Lisette restaurant you can build your own plate from a buffet full of hot and cold dishes, from soups and salads to meat and pasta dishes. Easy, fast and delicious!
• The Nomad Burger and Steaks – This place is all about huge burgers, delicious steaks, and sides like mozzarella sticks and onion rings.
• Taste of tradition – As the name suggests, this pub focuses on traditional Albanian cuisine. Located just outside the busy centre, you can enjoy dishes such as lamb with yoghurt, stuffed eggplant and oven-baked white cheese in peace.
• Nana Fusion Restaurant – Creamy truffle pasta, Asian dishes, and sushi: If you want something other than traditional Albanian food, Naná Fusion is the place for you.
• NutriGreens Salad Bar Sarande – Don’t feel like you’re eating a heavy meal or want to eat something that’s easy to get down? Here you can create your own salad bowl!

Accommodation in Sarandë is not cheap, especially in high season when prices rise dramatically. We’ve looked for great places where you can get good value for money. Would you like to stay somewhere with a pool? then Romario apartments ideal. The rooms and even the pool have an amazing view of the sea. The view is especially magical at sunset! The host Romario is very nice and serves delicious coffee and cocktails. Another elegant option is Olsi Hotel. This hotel has a great location, just a short walk from the street and the beach. You’ll stay in a quiet room with a great shower, king-size bed and air conditioning. For a budget-friendly option, check this out Villa Juna. Here you can also enjoy the refreshing swimming pool, and in the morning breakfast is served on the terrace.