Sarandë, Albania Travel Guide: Must-See Sights, Hidden Gems & Local Tips From An Expert
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The difficult factor about going someplace that’s only recently grow to be fashionable is that whereas everybody desires to see what the hype is all about, few really know the best way 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 grow to be certainly one of 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? Easy methods to keep protected, on a funds, and sure that you simply’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 every part I’ve realized throughout my time within the metropolis, answering all of those questions and extra within the course of.
So, in the event you’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 lots to be stated concerning the worth of flexibility and spontaneity in the case of a fantastic journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having at the very least a faint thought of an itinerary will all the time work in your favor.
In Saranda, nonetheless, you could be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of motels, bars, and eating places that appear to have taken over town, and, as you may’ve guessed, whereas some are genuinely nice locations the place your cash goes a good distance, others are simply vacationer traps not with the time of day.
I’m right here that will help you determine the place it’s really value going.
The place To Keep?
There are some really implausible motels in Saranda (locations like Resort Bahamas and Santa Quaranta provide excellent value for the $100-something price ticket), however most locals coming to town go for short-term leases as a substitute.
Now, I’ve stayed in lovely residences within the metropolis middle for simply $40 an evening, however these are normally unlisted on reserving websites and solely discovered via acquaintances, so in the event you’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 may all the time guide Airbnbs, which, typically 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 hardly ever 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.
Beneath, I’ll record 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 Evening?
So, you’ve been to the seashore, 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, in the event you’re in search of the traditional membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your finest bets – throughout summer season there’s a celebration happening each single night time, and except you’re there throughout a very busy time, you gained’t want a reservation, both.
However, these in search of only a laid-back night time with drink of their hand can head over to certainly one of my favourite locations within the metropolis – Noname Cocktail Bar.
It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes among the finest 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 may watch the folks go by and soak up 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 known as “public seashores,” however you’ll nonetheless get charged in the event you use the sunbeds right here, although the worth will likely be notably decrease than what you’ll pay in close by non-public 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 non-public seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.
Nonetheless, in the event you’re coming all the way in which to Albania, spending your days on such a sub-par and poorly organized seashore is, for my part, 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 in your buck for the reason that seashore 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 may lounge round without spending a dime, however these are fairly small and rocky, so be certain that to weigh out the professionals and cons beforehand.
However whereas that is my favourite seashore inside Saranda, it nonetheless doesn’t maintain a candle to the locations you’ll discover outdoors town, so be certain that to funds for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer season getaway.
Exploring The Area Past The Primary 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 total 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 beloved Pasqyra Seaside for the reason that first day I set foot in it.
It was 2013, and this was the primary seashore 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 a fantastic value to pay for what appears like your personal tropical paradise.
Granted, that value has gone as much as ~$20 now, however not a lot else has modified.
Actually, this hidden Albanian gem was named the seashore with the bluest waters in the world, abandoning far better-known locations.
Different seashores you gained’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 really is beautiful, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.
For many who need to take pleasure in one thing past the each day sunbathing classes, Syri i Kaltër and Butrint Nationwide Archaeological Park are to not be missed.
How To Keep Protected And Keep away from Getting Overcharged
What most vacationers contemplate earlier than going to Albania is whether or not it’s really protected.
I’m blissful to report that Saranda is likely one of the most secure locations I’ve vacationed in my life.
Even once 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 via on my approach again.
Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good suggestion since regular security precautions are all the time vital (particularly in the event you’re touring alone), but it surely goes to point out simply how protected and non-threatening the environment is right here.
One danger you do run, although, is that of getting overcharged.
Locals are infamous for making an attempt to squeeze a couple of further bucks from guests, so my prime tricks to all the time get truthful costs embody:
- 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 trade price most companies quote foreigners), so all the time use the native foreign money if potential.
- Stick to greater cash trade locations positioned within the metropolis middle, in the event you can take a look at on-line evaluations, 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 approach, you can also make an knowledgeable resolution 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 providers 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 gained’t be disenchanted!
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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.