Sarandë: The Complete Guide

View Of Saranda From Lekuresi Castle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jarosław Lichoń

Sarandë, situated on the southern coast of Albania along the Ionian Sea, beckons visitors with its stunning coastal scenery, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere.  Nestled along the picturesque coastline of the Ionian Sea, Sarandë is a charming coastal town that offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. With its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and lush green hills, Sarandë is a paradise for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The town boasts a rich history that dates back thousands of years, with traces of ancient civilizations visible in its archaeological sites and historic landmarks. Visitors can explore attractions such as the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved ruins and stunning natural surroundings. The Castle of Lëkurësi, perched on a hill overlooking the town, offers panoramic views of the coastline and is a popular spot for watching the sunset.

In addition to its natural beauty and historical sites, Sarandë offers a vibrant cultural scene with a variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops lining its bustling waterfront promenade. Visitors can sample delicious Albanian cuisine, relax at waterfront cafes, or enjoy live music and entertainment in the evenings.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Sarandë is a gateway to some of Albania’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. The nearby Blue Eye Spring, known for its stunning blue waters and surrounding forest, is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and swimming. The nearby Llogara Pass offers spectacular views of the Albanian Riviera and is a favorite spot for paragliding enthusiasts.

Visiting Sarandë for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Sarandë on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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8 Best places to See in Sarandë

This complete guide to Sarandë not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Sarandë and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Lekursi Castle

Lekuresi Castle Saranda Albania
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pasztilla¨aka Attila Terbócs
Lëkurësi Castle is a castle ruin in southern Albania, on hill to the south east of Sarandë. Lëkurës Castle was built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent,  who also invaded Corfu and wanted to protect Saranda's harbour and the road that connected it to Butrint. At one time the castle surrounded a whole village of Lëkurës but today lies…
Visiting Lekursi Castle

Click here to read our blog about Best places to visit in Albania

Monastery of Forty Saints

Monastry Of 40 Saints Sarande
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Albinfo
Saranda takes its name from the Forty Saints Monastery a 6th century Byzantine monastery. It is thought that the Monastery was a major Byzantine pilgrimage site. "Forty Saints" relates to the tale of forty Roman martyrs forbidden  who were once asked to renounce their faith in exchange of shelter from a severe sea storm. The Romans were loyal to their…
Visiting Monastery of Forty Saints

Sarandë Synagogue

Onchesmos 5th C Synagogue 2
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pasztilla aka Attila Terbócs
Sarandë which was the city of Onchesmos in the 4th or 5th century, was the site of Albania's first synagogue. These old ruins represent what was once a community center and old school used for bible studies. Exploring the complex  you can find four floor mosaics here, which are normally covered with sand to protect them, though photos are provided…
Location: Rr Skënderbeu | Hours: 8am-8pm Apr-Oct, to 5pm Nov-Mar | Price: 100 lekë | Distance: 2.4km
Visiting Sarandë Synagogue

Monastery’s Beach

Monastry Beach Albania
© 2025 Noamds Travel Guide
Monastery's Beach also known as Manastir Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the Albanian Riviera. It takes its name from the Monastery of St. George, on the hill overlooking the beach. Completely sealed and hidden from all angles, the beach itself is a kind of sanctuary. There is a small car park is available, the beach also…
Location: Saranda SH81 Albania | Distance: 5.4km
Visiting Monastery’s Beach

Ksamil Village

Ksamil Albanian Riviera
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Artur Malinowski
Ksamil is a pretty village in the Butrint National Park  located south of the city of Sarandë. Ksamil is one of the most frequented coastal resorts by both domestic and foreign tourists, the main attractions being the white sand and crystal clear waters of the mainland beach and the and the nearby Ksamil Islands. What makes Ksamil different from any…
| Website | Distance: 10.8km
Visiting Ksamil Village

Butrint National Park

Butrint Ancient Amphitheatre
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pudelek
The Butrint National Park is a national park 18 kilometers south of Sarandë. The park is mainly hilly terrain with freshwater lakes, wetlands, salt marshes, open plains, reed beds and islands. Butrint's archaeological heritage is one of the country's most important the area has the largest collection of ancient ruins in Albania and has been occupied since the Stone Age. The ruins date back to 800BC when the Chaonians…
Location: "Butrinti" Street, Sarandë | Hours: Every day 09:00-19:00 | Price: 800 lek | Distance: 12.9km
Visiting Butrint National Park

Syri Kalter - The Blue Eye

Blue Eye Albania 03
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Eleroja
The "Blue Eye" is a deep subsurface well, or “blue hole,”  the water spring is a mesmerising natural phenomenon of extremely blue (and absolutely freezing) water!  What makes it even more beautiful is the crystal-clear surrounding water which exposes the rocks and vegetation at the edge. On a sunny day the spring, producing a deep blue hue that glows like…
| Price: 50 LEK | Distance: 15.8km
Visiting Syri Kalter - The Blue Eye

Borsh Castle & Mosque

Borsh Castle Albania 2
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Timea
The castle dates from the 3rd-4th century B.C. It was known as the Sopot Castle in the Middle Ages, and was listed in the memoirs of the Byzantine Emperor, daughter of Alexios I Komnenos, Anna Komnenos as early as 1192. In the 18th century, during the rule of Ali Pasha, a mosque was added to the castle, which has remained…
Visiting Borsh Castle & Mosque

Where to Stay in Sarandë

Staying along the waterfront promenade offers access to modern hotels with sea views, lively restaurants, and nightlife. For a more tranquil stay, accommodations near Ksamil or in the hills above Sarandë provide a quieter and more scenic retreat.

A 3 to 4-day stay is ideal for exploring the beaches, visiting Butrint National Park, and taking a boat trip to the Blue Eye spring. A 5-day stay allows for day trips to Gjirokastër, Himarë, or the Greek island of Corfu.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Sarandë. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Sarandë Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Sarandë

The best time to visit Sarandë, Albania, is during the late spring and early autumn months, specifically from May to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius (70s to 80s Fahrenheit). The sea is also warm enough for swimming, making it ideal for beach activities and water sports.

Additionally, visiting Sarandë during the shoulder seasons allows you to avoid the large crowds that descend upon the city during the peak summer months of July and August. With fewer tourists, you’ll have a more peaceful and relaxing experience exploring the city’s attractions, dining at local restaurants, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife.

If you prefer warmer weather and don’t mind larger crowds, the summer months of July and August can still be enjoyable for a visit to Sarandë. Just be prepared for higher temperatures, more tourists, and potentially higher prices for accommodation and activities.

On the other hand, visiting Sarandë during the winter months from November to March may not be as popular due to cooler temperatures and fewer tourist amenities available. However, if you enjoy a quieter atmosphere and don’t mind cooler weather, you may still find value in visiting during this time, especially if you’re interested in exploring the city’s cultural attractions and nearby historical sites without the crowds.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 11°C
  • February 13°C
  • March 14°C
  • April 17°C
  • May 20°C
  • June 24°C
  • July 27°C
  • August 27°C
  • September 24°C
  • October 22°C
  • November 17°C
  • December 13°C

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