 Saranda | ||
| Saranda | ||
| Qark | Vlora County | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 41.000 (2017) | |
| height | 0 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Saranda, also Sarandë, the gate after Southern Albania, is a small town with about 33,000 inhabitants, which is located on a beautiful horseshoe bay between the mountains and the Ionian Sea. The name Saranda is derived from an early Christian monastery dedicated to Agioi Saranta (forty saints).
Saranda is opposite the Greek island of Corfu and is characterized by a Mediterranean climate and warm sea water. Saranda usually has over 300 days of sunshine a year. Due to its location and warm weather, Saranda is one of the most attractive tourist cities on the Albanian Riviera, where honeymooners traditionally spend their vacation. There are several hotels and restaurants right by the sea and along the main promenade that offer catering facilities and accommodation.
The nearby Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
getting there
By bus
Tirana buses can be driven by bus lines, taxis or taxis. The two main routes are Tirana-Durres-Fieri-Vlora-Dhermi-Saranda and Tirana-Durresi-Fieri-Mallakastra-Tepelena-Gjirokastra-Saranda.
By car
From Kosovo and North Macedonia, follow this route to Saranda: Struga-Qafe Thana-Librazhd-Elbasani-Rrogozhina-Fier and so on. It is connected to Greece by land on the border of Qafe Bota with Igoumenitsa, and on the border of Kakavi with Ioannina. The tourists who come here from Greece reach the border from Kakavi to Ioannina or Igoumenitsa. It takes about 40 minutes from Ioannina to Kakavi and when you get to Kakavi, follow this route: Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Jergucat-Qafe and Muzines-Saranda.
By boat
The ferry terminal has regular ferries to Corfu ferries. The journey time is around 45 minutes.
kitchen
Fresh fish is plentiful in Saranda and available in most restaurants. Seaside establishments and fishing ports offer the freshest fish, but generally good seafood is everywhere.
- American Blue, Rruga Butrinti, Saranda. Tel.: 355 69 839 9162, Email: [email protected].
An American sports bar. Many travelers come to watch their teams. Good to see the Bundesliga live on TV.Open: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tourist Attractions
Museums and exhibitions
- 1 Ethnographic Museum
- 2 Sculpture garden
Buildings
- 3 Ruins of the synagogue from the 5th century, Rruga Skënderbeu and Rruga Vangjel Pandi cnr.
- synagogue
- 4 Old fortress of Lekures at "Qafa e Gjashtes" (above Saranda). There is an open-air restaurant in the fort that offers good views of Saranda Bay, the surrounding mountains, the Butrint Lagoon and the island Corfu offers.
Parks
- 5 Central Park (Parku Miqesia, Friendship Park), Rruga Telat Noga & Rruga Onhezmi corner.
activities
shop
accommodation
Cheap
- Backpackers SR, Rruga Mithat Hoxha Num 10, Lagja 4 Sarande, 7500. Tel.: 355 694345426. Open throughout the year. Free breakfast. Free wifi. Kitchen. Free security lockers. Free linen and sheets. Roof terrace. In summer dinner on the beach in front of the hostel. Run by Tomi, a local resident who is such a nice and helpful guy.
- The Hairy Lemon Hostel, Rruga Mitat Hoxha, 8th floor (lemon logo on the door). Tel.: 355 69 3559317.A small hostel run by a great Irish lady. Has hot shower, laundry, free breakfast, 24 hour tea and coffee, internet, comfy bunks and a large balcony with great views of the beach and Corfu.
- The Wallaby Hostel, Rruga Pandeli Bocari, 9703. Tel.: 355 69 333 4588, Email: [email protected].Recently moved hostel run by two Australian guys. The reception is open around the clock and sometimes has German-speaking staff. Large communal kitchen on the lowest floor with plenty of seating and space for beer pong. The large roof offers a great view of the city and bay.Open: 24/7.
trips
- Butrint, ancient ruins
- Phoinike, ancient site at Finiq
- Shën Kollë, Byzantine Church in Mesopotam
- Syri i Kaltër, karst cave
