Saint George Monastery

Monastery in Ksamil

St. George's Monastery, Sarandë — St. George’s Monastery, Sarandë

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Calistemon

The Saint George Monastery is one of the best places to visit in Sarandë for travelers seeking calm, culture, and sweeping Ionian panoramas. Perched on a hillside above the coast and surrounded by olive groves, it offers a tranquil escape from the busy beaches below. Often visited on walking tours of Sarandë's historic hillsides, the monastery provides a rare glimpse into Albania's Orthodox heritage and its resilience across centuries of upheaval.

Believed to date back to the 14th century, the monastery is dedicated to Saint George, one of the most venerated figures in Eastern Orthodoxy. Its quiet chapel, stone courtyards, and faded frescoes create an atmosphere of reflection, while the viewpoint outside reveals a magnificent panorama over Sarandë, the Ionian Sea, the plains of Vurg, and-on clear days-the mountains of northern Greece.

History and Significance of Saint George Monastery
Things to See and Do in Saint George Monastery
How to Get to Saint George Monastery
Practical Tips on Visiting Saint George Monastery
Where to Stay close to Saint George Monastery
Is Saint George Monastery Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Saint George Monastery
Nearby Attractions to Saint George Monastery

History and Significance of Saint George Monastery

Founded during the late medieval period, the monastery once served as a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians in southern Albania. Throughout Ottoman rule, it remained a discreet center of worship and local identity, offering a spiritual refuge during times of political and cultural pressure.

During the Communist era, when Albania enforced state atheism and closed religious institutions, the site endured neglect but was never fully destroyed. After the 1990s, it gradually returned to life as both a functioning place of worship and a modest heritage site. Its survival through centuries of shifting political landscapes has made it a symbol of quiet resilience and spiritual continuity in the region.

Things to See and Do in Saint George Monastery

Visitors can explore the small chapel adorned with religious icons and traces of historical frescoes, offering insight into centuries of Orthodox artistic tradition. The monastery’s restored stone buildings and peaceful courtyards provide ideal places to pause and reflect.

The views are among the greatest rewards of visiting. From the terrace, the coastline stretches out in a sweep of blue, with Sarandë’s white buildings on one side and the rugged hills of Vurg on the other. Nature lovers will enjoy walking around the olive groves and rocky paths that surround the monastery, which feel wonderfully removed from the coastal bustle.

How to Get to Saint George Monastery

The nearest airport is Corfu International Airport, with ferry connections to Sarandë throughout the year. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ksamil on Booking.com. From Sarandë’s port or bus station, travelers can hire a taxi or take local transport part of the way, then walk up the hillside to the monastery.

Those arriving by car can drive up the winding hillside road and park near the entrance before continuing on foot to explore the grounds. 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 Saint George Monastery

Entrance fee: Free or small donation.
Opening hours: Usually daylight hours; access may vary during services.
Official website: No dedicated site; check local tourism resources.
How long to spend: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Accessibility: Steep uphill road and uneven paths; not wheelchair-friendly.
Facilities: Limited; nearest cafés and restrooms are in Sarandë.
Photography tip: Visit just before sunset for golden light over the Ionian Sea.
Guided tours: Local guides in Sarandë offer combined hilltop monastery tours.
Nearby food options: Restaurants and seaside cafés are plentiful in Sarandë’s waterfront area.

Where to Stay close to Saint George Monastery

For seaside comfort with easy access to the hill roads, Bougainville Bay Hotel offers ocean-view rooms and resort-style amenities. A boutique option near the center is Hotel Apollon, while Harmony Hotel provides a peaceful stay along the coastal route toward Ksamil.

Is Saint George Monastery Worth Visiting?

Yes. It is one of the must-see places in Sarandë for its serene hilltop atmosphere, historic chapel, and unforgettable views. The peaceful setting provides a meaningful contrast to the Riviera's energetic beaches, making it a rewarding cultural stop.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (112)

Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Almishtaya is a peaceful Orthodox monastery set amid evergreen trees and pleasant natural surroundings; visitors praise its calming atmosphere and recommend it as a must-see stop in the Wadi al Nassara area. The newer church features icons of saints and a large central golden chandelier, while the site also has a small shop outside selling souvenirs, crosses and icons; some visitors noted the old church isn’t always open.

philip

a week ago

"Beautiful church and monasterynBeautiful nature and evergreen trees surrounding the place give it a wonderful viewnThe new church contains icons ofsaints and a huge golden chandelier in the middle of the churchnOutside the monastery there is a small shop selling souvenirs, crosses and icons..."

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Joe Badr

a year ago

"While touring the area of wadi al nassara , the old saint George's orthodox monastery is a must visit..."

Ghusen Cha'lan

4 years ago

"Nice place for a quick stop really nice Monastery. Wish the old church was open tho"

FAQs for Visiting Saint George Monastery

Modest, respectful clothing is recommended since it is an active religious site.

Yes, though the uphill path is steep. Many visitors combine a taxi ride with a short scenic walk.

Yes, though supervision is needed near viewpoint edges.

Drone use is often restricted near religious sites; check local guidance.

Yes, it hosts occasional services and remains a functioning place of worship.

Nearby Attractions to Saint George Monastery

Lekursi Castle: A hilltop fortress with panoramic views and a popular restaurant.
Monastery of Forty Saints: A historic hilltop complex overlooking Sarandë.
Sarandë Promenade: Scenic seafront lined with cafés and beaches.
Butrint National Park: UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site.
Mirror Beach: Crystal-clear swimming spot just south of the city.

The Saint George Monastery appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ksamil!

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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