Sarandë: The Complete Guide

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

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 […]

Visiting Lekursi Castle

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Monastery of Forty Saints

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 […]

Visiting Monastery of Forty Saints

Sarandë Synagogue

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 […]

Location: Rr Skënderbeu | Hours: 8am-8pm Apr-Oct, to 5pm Nov-Mar | Price: 100 lekë | Distance: 2.4km

Visiting Sarandë Synagogue

Monastery’s Beach

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 […]

Location: Saranda SH81 Albania | Distance: 5.4km

Visiting Monastery’s Beach

Ksamil Village

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 […]

| Website | Distance: 10.8km

Visiting Ksamil Village

Butrint National Park

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 […]

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

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 […]

| Price: 50 LEK | Distance: 15.8km

Visiting Syri Kalter - The Blue Eye

Borsh Castle & Mosque

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 […]

Visiting Borsh Castle & Mosque

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.

Average Temperatures in Sarandë

January 13°C 21
February 15°C 19
March 16°C 15
April 19°C 9
May 22°C 8
June 26°C 4
July 29°C 1
August 29°C 2
September 26°C 13
October 24°C 22
November 19°C 32
December 15°C 22

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