Known as the pearl of Albanian Riviera, the southernmost Albanian district is a top destination in Albania during summer, offering tourists a combination of rocky and sandy beaches as well as cultural heritage attractions such as the Butrint UNESCO World Heritage site and the Blue Eye spring. Situated just next to the Greek island of Corfu with regular ferry lines, Saranda remains one of Albania’s top destinations despite the boom of uncontrolled constructions somehow spoiling the beauty of Albania’s southernmost coastal town.
“Saranda is a great location for summer travelers who want a good deal without having to compromise cleanliness or good food. Whether you want to relax on the beach and swim to one of the islands in Ksamil, visit ancient archaeological sites like Butrint, or perhaps just enjoy a nice meal or drink next to the glistening Ionian sea, you will likely find yourself charmed by this unique location,” says a Saranda promotional website.
In 2013, Saranda, known for its beautiful pure Ionian waters, was named by the United States Price of Travel portal as the third cheapest beach destination in Europe.
“The town of Sarand롩n the south is arguably the highlight of the Albanian Riviera, and part of its appeal is that it’s just across the channel from the (also modestly priced) Greek island of Corfu. Perhaps one day it will be competing for the mass market cheap holidaymaker, so it could be a good choice for those who like to go to those places first so they can complain about the development later,” says the portal.
Nicknamed as the pearl of Albania, the southern coastal town of Saranda is one of the top destinations in Albania known for coastal and archeological tourism, the latter represented by the Butrint park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992.
Lonely Planet on Saranda
Lonely Planet tourist guide which in 2011 placed Albania as a top tourist destination describes
Saranda as having grown rapidly in the past decade with skeletal high-rises crowd around its horseshoe shape and hundreds more being built in the outlying region. “Saranda is bustling in summer – buses are crowded with people carrying swimming paraphernalia and the weather means it’s almost obligatory to go for a swim. A daily stream of Corfu holidaymakers take the 45-minute ferry trip to Albania, add the Albanian stamp to their passports and hit Butrint or the Blue Eye Spring before heading back.”
The town’s name comes from Ayii Saranda, an early monastery dedicated to 40 saints; its bombed remains (including some preserved frescos) are still high on the hill above the town. The town was called Porto Edda for a period in the 1940s, after Mussolini’s daughter.
Saranda’s stony beaches are quite decent and there are plenty of sights in and around town, including the mesmerising ancient archaeological site of Butrint and the hypnotic Blue Eye Spring. Between Saranda and Butrint, the lovely beaches and islands of Ksamil are perfect for a dip after a day of exploring.
Four main streets arc around Saranda’s bay, including the waterfront promenade that becomes prime xhiro (evening walk) territory in the evening.
Things to do
Butrint
A visit to the ancient UNESCO World Heritage site city of Butrint is another must when travelling in the vicinity of Saranda. Butrint is described as a microcosm of European history since it exhibits remains from most major empires of the area, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ruins. Information about the city is well-presented in English and Albanian brochures. Each important site also has signs with historical facts and dates in order to help visitors understand what they are seeing.
Interesting things to see in Butrint include the Greek amphitheatre (later remodeled by the Romans), the baptistery, the cathedral, the lion’s gate, and the museum which includes many interesting artifacts found in the area.
The Blue Eye spring
This natural, deep spring embodies the clear, vibrant blue color which is seen in many of Albania’s water bodies. The way in which the water bubbles up to the surface helps create the illusion of an eye, with the dark-colored center as the pupil, and the surrounding blue water appearing as the iris. The spring is reported to be about 45 meters deep, but some say it goes even further.
Ksamil
In order to really enjoy swimming and sunbathing while in Sarand묠it is really necessary to spend at least a day in Ksamil. There are a few beaches from which it is even possible to swim to one of the nearby islands. Paddleboats are available for rent, or else you can pay a boat to take you to one of the islands which are a little further away. There are nearby restaurants which have freshly caught fish, and mussels from lake Butrint. You can get to Ksamil by following the road towards Butrint.
Lekursi Castle
Built in the 16th century (circa 1537), Lekursi Castle is located on the top of a hill, overlooking Sarand뮠There are excellent views of Corfu and the islands of Ksamil from the castle, and inside you’ll find a nice restaurant which is frequently visited by tourists. The castle was built because the vantage point was ideal for protecting the city from invaders who might have tried to come by boat.
Synagogue Complex
Located near to the City Hall in Saranda, these ruins show that there was a large wealthy Jewish community in Oncheasmos ancient name for Saranda) during the 5th century AD. There was a community center and school in addition to religious activities. The floors have many different mosaics, including animals and also a menorah and other Jewish symbols, which proves that this was a synagogue. The buildings were destroyed either by an earthquake or by Slavic invasion. The synagogue had been converted into a basilica during the 6th century.
40 Saints Monastery
The 40 Saints Monastery refers to the same story where modern “Saranda” got its name from (Saranda means “40” in Greek). This monastery was built in the 6th century, then was modified over a period of several hundred years. It is comprised of two levels, but the upper one was destroyed in WWII. The monastery was built in honor of 40 Christian martyrs (Roman Soldiers) who were sent to their death in Siberia when they wouldn’t renounce their religion. Visitors can enter the crypt with permission from the town hall in Sarande.
Ancient Town of Finiq
Visit Finiq by following the Sarande-Gjirocaster national rd. Here you can see evidence of life from during the Bronze Ages, but also the remnants of a town which developed mostly during the 2nd century BC, but continued into the 5th and 6th centuries BC, with the greatest amount of development during the 2nd century BC.
Finiq was the most fortified town of the Illyrian tribe of the Chaonians. It had merchant connections with cities as far as Corinth and Syracuse, which was proved by coins found during excavations. 233 BC Finiq became the center of the Epirote league. In 230 BC, the Ardians (another Illyrian tribe) invaded from the North, then took slaves and war trophies and left. This is where the Treaty of Finiq took place, an agreement between Rome and Philip of Macedon which ended the First Macedonian War. In 168 BC the Romans invaded and took over Finiq. The amphitheater of Phoenike was one of the biggest during its time.
Saint Nicholas Monastery
Located in Mesopotam, this monastery is on a small hill between two branches of the Bistrica River. There are several large white blocks at the base of the church which are pre-christian. It also Includes relief sculptures of mythical animals. There is a large, unique and complex church. Destroyed and rebuilt many times, stages of building are visible. The Albanian government is currently undertaking restoration. The wall of the complex includes ruins which are older than the church itself, and also several towers.
Lukove
Lukove is a beautiful seaside village, with an old road that leads down the hillside to “Lukove beach.” During the summertime it is a peaceful escape from the more crowded beaches of Saranda and Ksamil. The beach is characterized by course sand and smooth pebbles, and the water is an aquamarine color like you’d expect to see only in the tropics.
Borsh
Located in the Northern part of Sarande District, the beach at Borshi is known as “the Pearl of Southern Albania”. It contains a castle, a mosque and a madrasa (an Islamic school). The territory changed hands several times throughout the years, being at one time a part of Ancient Epirus, another time part of the Roman Empire, and also was held by the Turks. At 5 km, Borshi has the longest beach in the Ionian Sea.
Himar덊Although technically located in the District of Vlor묠Himar롩s not too far from the city of Sarand롡nd would make a nice day trip or else a nice place to stop if travelling up the coast. There are beautiful white sand beaches, and majestic mountains which slope down towards the sea. Himar롩s bilingual, with many of the residents speaking an archaic dialect of Greek.
