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 needs to see what the hype is all about, few really know the best way 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 grow to be one in every of Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer season but stays unknown to most individuals.
The place to go? What to see? What’s price doing? Find out how to keep protected, on a price range, 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 instances by this level, and I’m right here to share every little thing I’ve discovered throughout my time within the metropolis, answering all of those questions and extra within the course of.
So, when you’re planning on exploring among the most attractive 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 an important journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having at the very least a faint concept of an itinerary will all the time work in your favor.
In Saranda, nonetheless, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of inns, 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 will help you work out the place it’s really price going.
The place To Keep?
There are some actually implausible inns 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 a substitute.
Now, I’ve stayed in stunning residences within the metropolis middle for simply $40 an evening, however these are often unlisted on reserving websites and solely discovered by way of acquaintances, so when you’re searching for 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 form of factor.
Alternatively, you may 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 middle not often 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 checklist 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 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, when you’re searching for the basic membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your finest bets – throughout summer season 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 searching for only a laid-back evening with a great drink of their hand can head over to one in every 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 beneath $10.
The music is nice however not so loud that you may’t hear your self speaking, and it’s proper on the primary promenade so you may watch the folks 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 situated simply beside the promenade.
Now, these are referred to as “public seashores,” however you’ll nonetheless get charged when you 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 stated, bringing your individual umbrella and towels/chair is completely acceptable (which is greater than what will be stated for many personal seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.
Nonetheless, when 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 here are a bit pricier, ranging between $15-$20 a day, however you’ll get quite a lot 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 free of charge, however these are fairly small and rocky, so make certain 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 make certain to price range for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer season getaway.
Exploring The Area Past The Predominant 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 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 picket 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 an important value to pay for what seems like your individual tropical paradise.
Granted, that value has gone as much as ~$20 now, however not a lot else has modified.
In truth, 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 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 attractive, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.
For many who need to get pleasure from one thing past the day by day sunbathing periods, 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 protected.
I’m blissful to report that Saranda is likely one of the most secure locations I’ve vacationed in my life.
Even after 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 by way of on my approach again.
Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good suggestion since regular security precautions are all the time mandatory (particularly when you’re touring alone), but it surely goes to point out simply how protected and non-threatening the ambiance is right here.
One threat you do run, although, is that of getting overcharged.
Locals are infamous for making an attempt to squeeze a number of additional bucks from guests, so my high 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 alternate fee most companies quote foreigners), so all the time use the native forex if doable.
- Stick to greater cash alternate locations situated within the metropolis middle, when you can try 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 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 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 received’t be disenchanted!
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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.