Sarandë
Riviera base camp, with Corfu on the horizon
Sarandë is the busy hub of the south: a curved bay lined with a palm promenade, ferries to Corfu, and day trips to Butrint, Ksamil and the Blue Eye.
When to go
June to September for swimming. May and October are warm, cheap and much calmer.
Getting there
Buses from Tirana take 5–6 hours along the coast. Ferries to Corfu take 30–70 minutes — bring your passport.
Must-see spots
Lëkurësi Castle
Hilltop ruin above the town with a restaurant and the best bay view.
Butrint National Park
UNESCO ancient city in a lagoon — Greek theatre, Roman baths, Venetian tower. Half a day.
Ticket: About 1,000 ALL
Ksamil islands
Turquoise shallows and tiny islands you can swim to, 20 minutes south.
Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
Bottomless-looking spring in the hills inland.
Ticket: About 200 ALL
Sarandë promenade
Evening passeggiata, ice cream and sunset over the water.
Monastery of 40 Saints
Ruined Byzantine monastery on the ridge, the town's namesake.
Where to eat
Haxhi seafood restaurants (Limion)
Try: Grilled sea bass, mussels from Butrint lagoon
Butrint mussels are farmed a few kilometres away and are excellent.
Taverna Laberia
Try: Lamb, fërgesë, village salads
For a break from fish.
Promenade byrek stalls
Try: Byrek and fresh fruit juice
Cheapest breakfast in town.
Sunset & evening spots
Lëkurësi Castle
Sun setting behind Corfu with the whole bay below you. Go by taxi and walk down.
North end of the promenade
Flat sea-level view straight into the sunset, with bars along the rocks.
Hikes nearby
- Llogara to Gjipe · 12 km · Moderate