Monastery’s Beach, Sarandë

Beach in Sarandë

Monastry Beach Albania
Monastry Beach Albania
All Rights Reserved / Andrew Ashton

Monastery Beach (also known as Manastir Beach) is the kind of place you remember long after you've left the Albanian Riviera: a tucked-away bay framed by hills, with water that turns that unmistakable Ionian turquoise on calm days. It sits between Sarandë and Ksamil, directly below the Monastery of St. George, which watches over the cove from the ridge like a quiet landmark for travelers who like their beaches with a side of story.

What makes it special is the feeling of being hidden in plain sight. The road drops you into a pocket of coastline that feels sheltered from the busy Riviera rhythm, with a small parking area, seasonal beach setup, and usually just enough buzz from the bar to keep things easy without breaking the calm. If you're collecting one of the top attractions in Sarandë, this is a rewarding detour, and it also works surprisingly well as a scenic add-on during a walking tour of Sarandë if you're happy to combine it with a short taxi or bus ride.

History and Significance of Monastery Beach

The beach takes its name from the Monastery of St. George (Manastiri i Shën Gjergjit), perched on the hill above. The setting is classic southern Albania: a small religious complex in a strategic spot, with wide views over the Ionian Sea on one side and the wetlands and lake landscape around Butrint on the other. Even if you’re not visiting for the monastery itself, it adds a sense of place that’s missing from many “pretty cove” stops along the Riviera.

Today, the area reflects the wider changes happening along the coast, where tourism growth is reshaping access and infrastructure. The upside is that you’ll often find better amenities here than you might expect for such a secluded bay, but it’s also smart to approach with flexible expectations, especially in high season when beach operations and access arrangements can shift.

Things to See and Do in Monastery Beach

Swimming is the main event, and the water here tends to feel immediately deep and refreshingly clear, which is perfect if you like a quick plunge rather than a long, shallow wade. The shoreline is usually pebbly, so water shoes make the experience far more comfortable, particularly when you’re stepping in and out of the sea. If the day is calm, bring a mask: the rocky edges of the bay can be good for casual snorkeling.

For a simple “do a little more than just lie on a sunbed” plan, combine the beach with the monastery viewpoint above. The short climb rewards you with one of those wide, cinematic panoramas where you can read the geography of the coast in one glance-Sarandë curving along the water, Corfu on the horizon, and the green inland lakescape behind you. It's a great way to turn a beach stop into a half-day outing with a natural rhythm: swim first, viewpoint later, then a cold drink back down by the water.

How to Get to Monastery Beach

Most travelers visit from Sarandë or Ksamil, and the final approach is part of the adventure: a narrow turn-off from the coastal road (SH81) followed by a steep descent toward the bay. The nearest airports are Corfu International Airport (CFU) via the Corfu-Sarandë ferry, or Tirana International Airport (TIA) followed by a long overland journey to the south. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Sarandë on Booking.com.

There isn't a practical train option to reach Sarandë or Ksamil, so buses and minibuses are the realistic public-transport backbone for this stretch of coastline. From Sarandë, look for buses/minibuses heading toward Ksamil and Butrint and ask to be dropped near the signed turn for the monastery/Manastiri i Shën Gjergjit, then continue down toward the beach (taxi is the easiest last-mile option if it's hot or you're carrying beach gear).

Driving is straightforward once you're on SH81 between Sarandë and Ksamil; watch for the signposted turn and take the descent slowly, especially if there's oncoming traffic or you're visiting in peak season when the road feels tighter. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Monastery Beach

  • Entrance fee: Free entry; sunbeds and umbrellas are typically paid in peak season.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Best time to visit: Aim for early morning for calmer water and a quieter feel, or late afternoon for softer light and a more relaxed vibe once day-trippers thin out.
  • How long to spend: Plan 2-4 hours for a swim-and-relax visit, or half a day if you want to add the monastery viewpoint and a slow lunch.
  • Accessibility: The steep approach and pebbly shore can be challenging; if mobility is limited, consider a taxi to reduce walking and bring supportive footwear.
  • Facilities: Expect seasonal sunbeds and a beach bar/restaurant setup, with limited shade away from the managed areas and a small parking area near the shore.

Where to Stay Close to Monastery Beach

For a beach-first itinerary, base yourself in Ksamil for quick access to coves and Butrint; for more dining choice and stronger transport links, stay central in Sarandë.

If you want an easy, comfortable base in Sarandë with a classic seafront feel, Hotel Saranda Butrinti, Affiliated by Meliá puts you close to the promenade, restaurants, and ferry connections while keeping beach day-trips simple. For a resort-style stay a little south of town, Bougainville Bay Hotel is a solid pick with a more self-contained setup and a “holiday mode” atmosphere. If you’d rather sleep closer to the Riviera’s beach circuit, Vila Iliria is a practical Ksamil base for early starts and quick hops between beaches.

Is Monastery Beach Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you like beaches that feel tucked away rather than fully urbanized. It’s not the soft-sand, endless-shallow-water type of spot, but the sheltered bay, clear water, and the monastery viewpoint give it a distinctive character that makes it feel like more than just another swim stop on the Riviera.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

3.7 (923)

Manastır Beach in Erdek offers a calm shoreline with clear turquoise water and pleasant views; visitors report a mix of experiences—some praise its cleanliness and tranquility while others warn of high prices for drinks and issues with garbage and poor service in parts of the area—so expect a pretty beach but check facilities and bring your own refreshments if you want to avoid extra cost.

nodze sodze
4 months ago
"Don't mix natural (halk) open beach with this separate "beach resort". I would not recommend it to anyone.The worst service."
Zdravko Lazarof
5 years ago
"50tl just for " good morning". Surrounded by garbage and stink everywhere, but "Manastır Beach" and few private houses close themselves insideacting, like nothing's wrong. Shame on you. You should do something to clean this place at all, not only your own room, or even worn the dirty people throwing their garbage there. Really disappointed...."
Tayyar YILDIZOĞLU
5 years ago
"There are so beautiful beach and really nice view. but i want to give a recommended. if you go that place you have to take a long cold drink. becauseof there are very high prices for cold drinks...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

If you’re traveling with kids, the main thing to know is that the water can get deep fairly quickly, so this beach suits confident swimmers best. Coming earlier in the day helps you claim a comfortable setup before the peak heat, and it makes the shoreline feel less hectic.

Pack water shoes and a few float-friendly essentials, and keep the plan simple: swim, snack, rest, repeat. If you want to add the monastery viewpoint, treat it as an optional extra depending on energy levels and the day’s temperature.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is a strong couples’ beach because it feels naturally enclosed, with cliffs and hills creating a private-cove mood. Late afternoon is especially good when the light softens and the bay feels calmer, making it ideal for a slow swim followed by a drink by the water.

Pair it with a short stop at the monastery viewpoint above for an easy “two-scene” date: sea level first, panoramic views second. It’s a simple way to make the day feel curated without over-planning.

Budget Travelers

Monastery Beach can work well on a budget if you treat it as a bring-your-own day: water, snacks, and a lightweight towel setup. The terrain makes a compact beach kit more comfortable than hauling lots of gear.

If you'd rather avoid paid extras, arrive early and look for a comfortable spot to spread out, then time your swim for when the bay is quietest. Budget-friendly stays in Ksamil can also make it cheaper to do multiple beaches without repeated long taxi rides.

FAQs for Visiting Monastery Beach

Getting There

It sits on the SH81 coastal road between Sarandë and Ksamil, below the Monastery of St. George. Most people visit it as a short detour from either town.
The simplest option is a taxi directly to the beach access road, especially in hot weather. If you’re using local buses/minibuses, ask to be dropped near the sign for the monastery and continue down toward the bay.
It’s technically possible but not comfortable for most travelers because of distance, heat, and road conditions. A short taxi ride is usually the sensible choice.

Visiting Experience

The shore is typically pebbly, so water shoes make a big difference. The water is often clear and gets deep relatively quickly compared with sandier bays.
For casual snorkeling, yes-especially along the rockier edges of the bay on calm days. Bring your own mask and aim for mornings when visibility is best.
Early morning feels peaceful and uncrowded, with calmer water and less noise. Late afternoon can be beautifully atmospheric too, particularly for softer light and a slower pace.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes-the monastery viewpoint above the beach is the obvious pairing and adds context to the landscape. You can also combine the beach with Butrint for a full day that mixes swimming and heritage.
It often appears as a “hidden cove” add-on rather than a main stop, which is exactly why it can feel like a good find. It’s easiest to slot in as a half-day escape between bigger sights.

Photography

Yes, especially for wide shots that show the cove shape and the surrounding hills. The contrast between bright water and rugged coastline looks great in clear weather.
The higher ground near the monastery area gives you the most dramatic angle over the bay. If you want an easy shot, aim for the edges of the beach looking back across the cove.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Ksamil is the easiest option for a big choice of casual meals and seaside restaurants. Sarandë is better if you want a longer evening promenade and more varied dining after sunset.

Nearby Attractions to Monastery Beach

  • Butrint National Park: Albania's headline archaeological site, with ancient ruins set in a lush, lake-side landscape.
  • Ksamil Islands: A string of tiny islets just offshore, ideal for short swims, boat trips, and postcard-blue water.
  • Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave): A dramatic, cliff-framed bay known for clear water and striking light on calm days.
  • Lekursi Castle: A hilltop fortress above Sarandë with sweeping sunset views over the coast and Corfu.
  • Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): A surreal freshwater spring with glassy, electric-blue depths in a cool, forested setting.

The Monastery’s Beach appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Sarandë!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free entry; sunbeds and umbrellas are typically paid in peak season.

Address: Saranda SH81 Albania
Sarandë: 5 km

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