Sarandë, Albania Travel Guide: Must-See Sights, Hidden Gems & Local Tips From An Expert
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The tough factor about going someplace that’s only in the near past turn out to be well-liked is that whereas everybody needs to see what the hype is all about, few really know how one can get probably the most out of the expertise.
That’s precisely the case with Sanadë (or Saranda), Albania, a spot that’s set to turn out to be one among Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer time but stays unknown to most individuals.
The place to go? What to see? What’s value doing? The best way to keep protected, on a price range, and sure that you just’re getting probably the most out of the expertise?
Fortunately for you, I’ve already vacationed in Saranda greater than a dozen occasions by this level, and I’m right here to share all the things I’ve realized throughout my time within the metropolis, answering all of those questions and extra within the course of.
So, should you’re planning on exploring a number of the most attractive locations on the Albanian Riviera this summer time, that is the one journey information you want.
The Finest Issues To Do And See In Saranda
Whereas there’s so much to be stated in regards to the worth of flexibility and spontaneity on the subject of an ideal journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having at the very least a faint concept of an itinerary will all the time work in your favor.
In Saranda, nonetheless, you could be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of accommodations, bars, and eating places that appear to have taken over the town, and, as you may’ve guessed, whereas some are genuinely nice locations the place your cash goes a great distance, others are simply vacationer traps not with the time of day.
I’m right here that can assist you determine the place it’s really value going.
The place To Keep?
There are some actually implausible accommodations in Saranda (locations like Lodge Bahamas and Santa Quaranta provide excellent value for the $100-something price ticket), however most locals coming to the town go for short-term leases as an alternative.
Now, I’ve stayed in stunning residences within the metropolis middle for simply $40 an evening, however these are often unlisted on reserving websites and solely discovered by acquaintances, so should you’re on the lookout for that kind of value or expertise, you’ll wish to attain out to a neighborhood or one other traveler who’s been to Saranda; Fb teams are nice for that form of factor.
Alternatively, you possibly can all the time e-book Airbnbs, which, usually talking, are far better-managed and decently priced in Europe than they’re within the U.S. – cute little 1-bedrooms within the metropolis middle not often value greater than $50 an evening.
The place To Eat?
One factor about meals in Saranda is that whereas it’s not something groundbreaking, it’s reliably tasty.
Under, I’ll listing a number of the locations I’ve discovered myself turning to time and time once more throughout my time within the metropolis:
- L’arte Della Pizza
- Balbi 34
- Why Not? – Burger Bar
- Restaurant Pupi
- Oda e Babës
The place To Go At Night time?
So, you’ve been to the seaside, you had your lunch, and now it’s nighttime and also you’re rested, dressed up, and able to exit – the place do you go?
Properly, should you’re on the lookout for the basic membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your greatest bets – throughout summer time there’s a celebration happening each single night time, and except you’re there throughout a very busy time, you received’t want a reservation, both.
Then again, these on the lookout for only a laid-back night time with a great drink of their hand can head over to one among my favourite locations within the metropolis – Noname Cocktail Bar.
It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes a number of the greatest cocktails within the metropolis for underneath $10.
The music is nice however not so loud that you could’t hear your self speaking, and it’s proper on the principle promenade so you possibly can watch the folks go by and soak up that summer time sea breeze – it’s all the time been one of many highlights of my Saranda journeys.
The Finest Seashore In Saranda
The primary seashores you’ll see when you set foot in Saranda are those positioned simply beside the promenade.
Now, these are known as “public seashores,” however you’ll nonetheless get charged should you use the sunbeds right here, although the value will likely be notably decrease than what you’ll pay in close by personal seashores – between $4 and $5 for a set of two loungers and an umbrella relying on the month.
With that stated, bringing your personal umbrella and towels/chair is completely acceptable (which is greater than what may be stated for many personal seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.
Nonetheless, should you’re coming all the way in which to Albania, spending your days on such a sub-par and poorly organized seaside is, in my view, a waste of time, particularly when there are such a lot of higher choices.
Sunbeds listed below are a bit pricier, ranging between $15-$20 a day, however you’ll get loads of bang on your buck because the seaside is clear and well-maintained, the service is nice, and the water is simply to die for.
There are even small, unoccupied areas the place you possibly can lounge round without spending a dime, however these are fairly small and rocky, so ensure that to weigh out the professionals and cons beforehand.
However whereas that is my favourite seaside inside Saranda, it nonetheless doesn’t maintain a candle to the locations you’ll discover outdoors the town, so ensure that to price range for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer time getaway.
Exploring The Area Past The Essential Metropolis
Saranda is the kind of metropolis that by no means leaves you bored, however there’s simply a lot to see and do in close by villages that spending your complete vacation within the metropolis would truthfully be a waste of alternative.
Let’s begin with seashores since that’s most likely what you’re right here to see within the first place.
I’ve cherished Pasqyra Seashore because the first day I set foot in it.
It was 2013, and this was the primary seaside I noticed that checked each single field – it had padded wood sunbeds and straw umbrellas, the bottom was pebbly however not uncomfortable, there have been folks there, but it surely wasn’t too crowded, the ocean was as crystal-clear as they arrive, and I solely paid about $7 for a pair of loungers – that’s an ideal value to pay for what looks like your personal tropical paradise.
Granted, that value has gone as much as ~$20 now, however not a lot else has modified.
In truth, this hidden Albanian gem was named the seaside with the bluest waters in the world, forsaking far better-known locations.
Different seashores you received’t wish to miss out on throughout your travels in Saranda embrace Ksamil, Livadi, and Jala, however I’d advise in opposition to going to Dhërmi – it actually is attractive, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.
For many who wish to get pleasure from one thing past the every day sunbathing periods, Syri i Kaltër and Butrint Nationwide Archaeological Park are to not be missed.
How To Keep Secure And Keep away from Getting Overcharged
What most vacationers contemplate earlier than going to Albania is whether or not it’s actually protected.
I’m completely happy to report that Saranda is without doubt one of the most secure locations I’ve vacationed in my life.
Even after I walked dwelling at 3 A.M. from the membership, I by no means felt unsafe, not within the promenade (which was nonetheless comparatively busy even at that hour), nor within the extra quiet neighborhoods I needed to stroll by on my means again.
Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good suggestion since regular security precautions are all the time needed (particularly should you’re touring alone), but it surely goes to point out simply how protected and non-threatening the environment is right here.
One threat you do run, although, is that of getting overcharged.
Locals are infamous for making an attempt to squeeze just a few additional bucks from guests, so my high tricks to all the time get truthful costs embrace:
- Whereas the euro has misplaced fairly a little bit of energy to the Albanian Lek these previous few months, 1€ remains to be not equal to 100 Lek (that’s the alternate fee most companies quote foreigners), so all the time use the native foreign money if potential.
- Stick to greater cash alternate locations positioned within the metropolis middle, should you can try on-line opinions, all the higher.
- When renting a sunbed, all the time ask different folks or an worker about how a lot they value BEFORE you really sit down, that means, you can also make an knowledgeable determination and keep away from any potential confrontations down the road.
- Solely go to eating places the place the menus have clearly marked-out costs.
- Solely use respected taxi companies like Saranda Taxi 715 (+355 69 669 0142) and attempt to steer away from random drivers making an attempt to poach vacationers within the streets.
And with that final bit of knowledge, you’re now 100% able to take advantage of out of your Saranda trip – I assure you received’t be upset!
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.