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 develop into common is that whereas everybody desires to see what the hype is all about, few really know easy methods to get essentially the most out of the expertise.
That’s precisely the case with Sanadë (or Saranda), Albania, a spot that’s set to develop into one in all Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer season but stays unknown to most individuals.
The place to go? What to see? What’s value doing? The best way to keep secure, on a funds, and sure that you just’re getting essentially 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 discovered throughout my time within the metropolis, answering all of those questions and extra within the course of.
So, if you happen to’re planning on exploring among the most beautiful locations on the Albanian Riviera this summer season, that is the one journey information you want.
The Finest Issues To Do And See In Saranda
Whereas there’s so much to be mentioned in regards to the worth of flexibility and spontaneity in the case of an important journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having at the least a faint thought of an itinerary will all the time work in your favor.
In Saranda, nevertheless, you could be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of lodges, 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 lodges in Saranda (locations like Resort Bahamas and Santa Quaranta supply excellent value for the $100-something price ticket), however most locals coming to the town go for short-term leases as a substitute.
Now, I’ve stayed in lovely flats within the metropolis heart for simply $40 an evening, however these are normally unlisted on reserving websites and solely discovered via acquaintances, so if you happen to’re in search of that sort of value or expertise, you’ll need to attain out to an area or one other traveler who’s been to Saranda; Fb teams are nice for that sort of factor.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to 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 heart hardly ever price 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.
Beneath, I’ll listing among 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?
Nicely, if you happen to’re in search of the traditional membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your greatest bets – throughout summer season there’s a celebration occurring each single evening, and until you’re there throughout a very busy time, you received’t want a reservation, both.
Alternatively, these in search of only a laid-back evening with an excellent drink of their hand can head over to one in all my favourite locations within the metropolis – Noname Cocktail Bar.
It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes among the greatest cocktails within the metropolis for underneath $10.
The music is nice however not so loud which you could’t hear your self speaking, and it’s proper on the principle promenade so you’ll be able to watch the individuals go by and absorb that summer season sea breeze – it’s all the time been one of many highlights of my Saranda journeys.
The Finest Seaside In Saranda
The primary seashores you’ll see when you set foot in Saranda are those positioned simply beside the promenade.
Now, these are referred to as “public seashores,” however you’ll nonetheless get charged if you happen to use the sunbeds right here, although the worth might 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 mentioned, bringing your individual umbrella and towels/chair is completely acceptable (which is greater than what could be mentioned for many personal seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re coming all the best way 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 lots of bang on your buck for the reason that 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’ll be able to lounge round without spending a dime, however these are fairly small and rocky, so make sure 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 exterior the town, so make sure that to funds for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer season getaway.
Exploring The Area Past The Fundamental 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 actually 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 beloved Pasqyra Seaside for the reason that 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 picket sunbeds and straw umbrellas, the bottom was pebbly however not uncomfortable, there have been individuals there, nevertheless it 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 important value to pay for what appears like your individual tropical paradise.
Granted, that value has gone as much as ~$20 now, however not a lot else has modified.
The truth is, 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 need to miss out on throughout your travels in Saranda embody Ksamil, Livadi, and Jala, however I’d advise towards going to Dhërmi – it actually is beautiful, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.
For individuals who need to get pleasure from one thing past the day by day sunbathing classes, 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 think about earlier than going to Albania is whether or not it’s actually secure.
I’m blissful to report that Saranda is among the most secure locations I’ve vacationed in my life.
Even once I walked residence 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 via on my method again.
Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good suggestion since regular security precautions are all the time needed (particularly if you happen to’re touring alone), nevertheless it goes to point out simply how secure and non-threatening the environment is right here.
One threat you do run, although, is that of getting overcharged.
Locals are infamous for attempting to squeeze just a few further bucks from guests, so my prime tricks to all the time get honest costs embody:
- Whereas the euro has misplaced fairly a little bit of energy to the Albanian Lek these previous few months, 1€ continues to be not equal to 100 Lek (that’s the trade fee most companies quote foreigners), so all the time use the native forex if doable.
- Stick to greater cash trade locations positioned within the metropolis heart, if you happen to can take a look at on-line evaluations, all the higher.
- When renting a sunbed, all the time ask different individuals or an worker about how a lot they price BEFORE you really sit down, that method, you may make an knowledgeable choice 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 attempting 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 creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.