Sarandë is located in southern Albania on the Ionian Sea, close to the border with Greece. This lively coastal town is known for its combination of stunning beaches, a bustling promenade, and cultural highlights. Whether you’re coming for the historic ruins of Butrint National Park, the iconic views from Lekuresi Castle, or the vibrant vibe of the boulevard and many beach clubs, Sarandë offers a surprisingly good mix of nature, culture, and beach life. Scroll down to discover all our tips for Sarandë!

Which is better: Sarandë or Ksamil?

The coastal towns of Ksamil and Sarandë are located in southern Albania, just a 30-minute drive apart. They have a lot in common, which sometimes makes it hard to decide where to stay. Still, there are clear differences. Sarandë is a lively city with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and accommodations. Most of the beaches here are pebbly. Ksamil, on the other hand, is a smaller village with a cozier vibe and sandy beaches. In both places, the atmosphere is buzzing during high season with beach bars and eateries. 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.

Things to do in Sarandë

From cultural highlights 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 while staying in this southern Albanian beach town.

Watch the sunset from Lekuresi Castle

High on the hill east of Sarandë lies Lekuresi Castle, known in Albanian as Kalaja e Lëkurësit. This medieval castle was built by the tenth sultan of the Ottoman Empire during his campaign through southern Albania. Today, the castle is one of Sarandë’s most famous landmarks, especially for its panoramic views over the city, the sea, and, on clear days, the Greek island of Corfu.

You can hike up to the castle, but most people go by car or taxi. The ride from the city center usually takes no more than 10 minutes. Lekuresi Castle is especially popular in the evenings. As the sun sets, the terrace fills with people eager to witness the spectacular view.

Discover the ancient 40 Saints Monastery

Not far from Lekuresi Castle lies the lesser-visited but historically important 40 Saints Monastery. Built in the 6th century to honor forty Christian soldiers from Sebaste who were executed for refusing to renounce their faith, the monastery became a major pilgrimage site. It grew into one of the most significant religious centers in southern Albania, especially during the Middle Ages.

Although heavily damaged during the communist regime, parts of the walls, arches, and underground chambers are still visible. Thanks to its somewhat remote location, you’ll rarely encounter other visitors here—perfect for those seeking peace and history off the beaten path.

Tip: Too crowded at sunset at Lekuresi Castle? Head to the 40 Saints Monastery instead. The view is just as stunning, and chances are you’ll have the place all to yourself!

Stroll along Hasan Tahsini Boulevard

Hasan Tahsini Boulevard is the beating heart of Sarandë, with a lively promenade stretching along the city’s coastline. During the day, many people walk the boulevard toward the beach or harbor, looking for a cool spot or a sunny terrace. In the evening, the boulevard transforms into a vibrant gathering place where locals and travelers come together for an evening stroll, dinner, or simply to enjoy the sea.

Along the boulevard, you’ll find countless restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. In summer, a daily tourist market pops up along the Hasan Tahsini Boulevard, where you can shop for souvenirs, jewelry, sports shirts, and perfumes.

Must do: Boat tour along the coast

Just outside Sarandë, you’ll find countless hidden spots along the coastline that can only be reached by boat. The best way to explore these turquoise bays, secluded beaches, caves, and snorkeling spots is with this fun boat tour, where you’ll spend the entire day on the water. By speedboat, you’ll explore Anchor Cave, the beautiful Krorëza Beach, and sail past the impressive rock formations of Gremina Bay. At every stop, you’ll have time to take photos, enjoy the view of the rugged cliffs, or dive into the water. A true highlight for a perfect day on the water!

Relax at one of Sarandë’s many beach clubs

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

• Mango Beach – One of the most famous beach clubs in Sarandë. Mango Beach is just south of the city center and is known for its wide beach and lively atmosphere. You can rent a sunbed and umbrella here, and they serve tasty food and cocktails. Don’t expect peace and quiet, but rather an energetic vibe with music and a young crowd.
• Lost Seaside – For those looking for something a bit more stylish, Lost Seaside is a great choice. With its bohemian-style decor and menu full of Mediterranean dishes, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing beach day with a touch of luxury.
• Sunset Beach and Restaurant – Around Plazhi Era, you’ll find several beach clubs offering sunbeds, lunch, and cold drinks, including Sunset Beach and Restaurant. The vibe here is more laid-back and local compared to other Sarandë beach clubs, with families spending the day by the sea.
• Mucobega Beach – Mucobega Beach is just outside Sarandë and is part of a hotel of the same name. However, the beach is also open to non-guests. This spot is ideal if you’re looking for a bit more peace without sacrificing comfort. You’ll find nice sunbeds, a quiet bay with crystal-clear water, and a fun beach bar.

Step back in time at Butrint National Park

If you think southern Albania is all about sun, sea, and sand, think again. Less than a 30-minute drive from Sarandë lies the lush Butrint National Park. This ancient city, now overtaken by nature, offers a unique glimpse into Albania’s rich past. Walking through the park, you’ll come across an old amphitheater, a basilica, ancient city gates, and a Venetian fortress—all surrounded by greenery and water. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves culture and wants to escape the busy coastal towns.

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 sights and practical advice for your visit.

Take a day trip to Ksamil

Just a 30-minute drive from Sarandë is Ksamil, one of Albania’s most popular beach destinations. As soon as you arrive and see the bright blue water, you’ll immediately understand why. Thanks to its popularity, Ksamil attracts many tourists each year. So don’t expect the traditional Albanian charm you might find in Theth or Berat, but rather a lively, sun-soaked atmosphere that revolves around beach life.

Wander past the beach clubs, take a refreshing dip in the sea, enjoy an ice cream on the promenade, and end the day with a delicious dinner while watching the sunset. Curious about all our tips for Ksamil? 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 perfect for those craving a change of scenery. Stroll through the charming old center of Corfu Town, visit a fortress, enjoy Greek cuisine, or swim at one of the island’s beautiful beaches. There are plenty of ways to spend your day! You can book your ferry ticket to Corfu online.

Visit the best beaches in and around Sarandë

Sarandë doesn’t have long sandy beaches, but what you will find are small coves with turquoise water. The road between Sarandë and Ksamil is especially full of beautiful beaches.

• Shpella e Pëllumbave Beach – Our absolute favorite is Shpella e Pëllumbave Beach. This small beach is surrounded by a huge rock wall and has a cozy beach bar. From the parking lot at the top of the hill, it’s less than a 15-minute walk down an unpaved path. The last stretch is a steep staircase that leads you through the beach bar down to the sea.
• Mirror Beach – Another popular beach is Plazhi i Pasqyrave, better known as Mirror Beach, thanks to its crystal-clear water that often lies as still as a mirror. At the edges of Mirror Beach, you’ll find beautiful rock formations in the water to climb over or snorkel around.
• Monastery Beach – Monastery Beach, or Plazhi i Manastirit in Albanian, is a quiet, secluded pebble beach south of Sarandë. You’ll reach it via a narrow, steep concrete road. Once there, you can enjoy a peaceful beach with crystal-clear water. A historic monastery is also within walking distance.
• Edon-Bina Beach – If you’d rather avoid beach clubs and are looking for peace and quiet, Edon-Bina Beach is perfect. It’s a private beach, so you’ll pay a small entrance fee.
• Pulëbardha Beach – This is a busier beach, with crystal-clear blue water, rocky formations, and plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas.
• Saranda Beach – Prefer to stay in town? Saranda Beach is a good option. There are no sunbeds for rent, but you can simply lay out your towel. The water here is great for swimming!

Restaurant tips in Sarandë

Craving a freshly baked byrek, a plate full of seafood, or a light fruit salad? Sarandë has it all! The town is packed with great eateries, from traditional taverns to modern fusion kitchens. Here are our favorite spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick snack.

• Byrektore Koder – This simple, local bakery is the perfect place for a quick and affordable snack. They serve delicious, freshly baked byrek—savory filo dough pastries filled with cheese, spinach, or ground meat, which you may know as börek. You’ll find the bakery a few streets behind the boulevard, a bit hidden but very popular with locals. Come early in the day, because once they sell out, they’re truly out!
• Green Life Market – A fantastic restaurant with a fully vegan and gluten-free menu. Think yellow lentil curry, falafel salad, and soy balls with mashed potatoes.
• Lezet Hotel & Restaurant – One of our absolute favorites in Sarandë. At the restaurant of Lezet Hotel, you can build your own plate from a buffet full of hot and cold dishes, ranging from soups and salads to meat dishes and pasta. Easy, quick, and tasty!
• The Nomad Burgers & Steaks – This spot is all about massive burgers, juicy steaks, and sides like mozzarella sticks and onion rings.
• Taste of Tradition – As the name suggests, this tavern focuses on traditional Albanian cuisine. Located just outside the busy center, you can enjoy dishes like lamb with yogurt, stuffed eggplant, and oven-baked white cheese in peace.
• Naná Fusion Restaurant – Creamy truffle pasta, Asian bowls, and sushi: if you’re craving something other than traditional Albanian food, Naná Fusion is the place to go.
• NutriGreens Salad Bar Sarande – Don’t feel like a heavy meal or want something easy to take away? Here you can create your own salad bowl!

Our favorite places to stay in Sarandë

Accommodations in Sarandë are not cheap, especially in high season when prices skyrocket. We searched for great places where you really get good value for money. Want to stay somewhere with a pool? Then Apartments Romario is perfect. The rooms, and even the pool, have a stunning view of the sea. The view is especially magical at sunset! The host Romario is incredibly kind and makes delicious coffee and cocktails. Another stylish option is Hotel Olsi. This hotel has a great location, just a short walk from the boulevard and the beach. You’ll stay in a quiet room with a wonderful shower, a king-size bed, and air conditioning. For a budget-friendly option, check out Vila Jon’a. Here too, you can enjoy a refreshing pool, and in the morning, breakfast is served on the terrace.

Apartments Romario More info

Hotel Olsi More info

Vila Jon’a More info