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 recently turn out to be standard is that whereas everybody desires to see what the hype is all about, few truly know tips on how to 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 certainly one of Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer time but stays unknown to most individuals.
The place to go? What to see? What’s price doing? Easy methods to keep protected, on a finances, 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, if you happen to’re planning on exploring among 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 lots to be mentioned in regards to the worth of flexibility and spontaneity in terms of an excellent journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having a minimum of a faint concept 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 would possibly’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 can assist you work out the place it’s truly price going.
The place To Keep?
There are some really implausible lodges in Saranda (locations like Lodge 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 an alternative.
Now, I’ve stayed in stunning residences within the metropolis heart for simply $40 an evening, however these are normally unlisted on reserving websites and solely discovered by way of acquaintances, so if you happen to’re in search of that sort 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 may all the time e-book 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 heart not often 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.
Under, 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, if you happen to’re in search of the traditional membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your greatest bets – throughout summer time there’s a celebration occurring each single evening, and except 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 certainly one of 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 below $10.
The music is nice however not so loud you can’t hear your self speaking, and it’s proper on the principle promenade so you may watch the individuals 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 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 if you happen to use the sunbeds right here, although the value shall 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 might be mentioned for many personal seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.
Nonetheless, if you happen to’re coming all the way in which to Albania, spending your days on such a sub-par and poorly organized seashore is, in my view, a waste of time, particularly when there are such a lot of higher choices.
Sunbeds listed here are a bit pricier, ranging between $15-$20 a day, however you’ll get plenty 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 ensure 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 the town, so ensure to finances for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer time getaway.
Exploring The Area Past The Principal 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 whole vacation within the metropolis would truthfully be a waste of alternative.
Let’s begin with seashores since that’s in all probability 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 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 excellent 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.
In reality, this hidden Albanian gem was named the seashore with the bluest waters in the world, abandoning 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 really is attractive, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.
For many who wish to take pleasure in 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 Protected And Keep away from Getting Overcharged
What most vacationers think about earlier than going to Albania is whether or not it’s really protected.
I’m glad to report that Saranda is among 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 way of on my manner 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 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 additional bucks from guests, so my prime 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 trade price most companies quote foreigners), so all the time use the native forex if potential.
- Stick to greater cash trade locations positioned within the metropolis heart, if you happen to can try on-line critiques, all the higher.
- When renting a sunbed, all the time ask different individuals or an worker about how a lot they price BEFORE you truly sit down, that manner, 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 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 data, you’re now 100% able to take advantage of out of your Saranda trip – I assure you received’t be disillusioned!
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Opinions expressed listed here 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, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.