Saranda: The secret summer paradise of the Albanian Riviera!

Saranda: The secret summer paradise of the Albanian Riviera!

Travel season is approaching and temperatures are rising in southern Europe, prompting many vacationers to consider sunny destinations. In this context, Saranda, a coastal city in southern Albania, is becoming increasingly popular. It is not only referred to as the “Pearl of the Albanian Riviera”, but is also increasingly perceived as the “Maldives of Europe”. This trendy destination is attracting more and more travelers looking for a combination of historic and modern experiences. According to an article by Vinicius Costa in the American travel magazine “Travel off Path”, the city is also characterized as a developing tourist town offering stunning scenery in a horseshoe-shaped bay between green hills and the Ionian Sea.

The official Albanian spelling “Sarandë” and the English and German names “Saranda” refer to the same coastal city, which is only about 30 kilometers from the Greek border. In the summer months the population explodes from around 30,000 to up to 300,000 people. It is estimated that over two million tourists visit Saranda in a season, with around 40 percent coming from abroad. These inflows are not least due to the city being considered inexpensive, which attracts backpackers, solo travelers and families.

Fascinating activities in Saranda

The city offers a variety of activities that make the stay attractive for both adventure seekers and those seeking relaxation. Popular things to do in Sarandë include:

• Flanieren auf dem Boulevard
• Besuch der Burg Lëkurësi für einen atemberaubenden Ausblick
• Erkundung der UNESCO-Stätte Butrint
• Besichtigung der Burg von Ali Pasha
• Besuch des berühmten Blauen Auges (Syri i Kaltër)
• Erholung am Spiegelstrand
• Tagesausflug nach Ksamil
• Genuss frischer Meeresfrüchte in lokalen Fischrestaurants
• Entdeckung der Ruinen einer alten Synagoge

The gastronomy in Saranda, including well-known restaurants such as Taverna Laberia and Limani, is another reason for the city's popularity. At night, Saranda bustles with a lively nightlife in venues such as Jericho and Hou Nalu, attracting both locals and tourists.

Seasons and safety

The climatic conditions in Saranda are characterized by a short, hot and dry summer, followed by a long, cold and wet winter. Temperatures vary between 3°C in winter and 35°C in summer. While the city quiets down in September and tourist numbers decline, winter visitors benefit from cheaper prices and a less hectic atmosphere. During this time, a variety of restaurants remain open and Saranda enjoys an average of 320 days of sunshine per year.

The city is considered safe overall, but as with anywhere, visitors should be wary of pickpockets, especially in busier tourist areas. The most convenient way to get there is via the nearby airports in Tirana and Corfu, the latter being just a 30-minute ferry ride away.

Given the increasing popularity of Saranda, the city is not only a picturesque holiday destination but also offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a culturally rich history and enjoy breathtaking landscapes. More and more travelers are discovering this gem, making Saranda a must for their next trip to the European South.