Final Up to date
The difficult factor about going someplace that’s only recently turn out to be fashionable is that whereas everybody needs 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 one in all Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer season but stays unknown to most individuals.
The place to go? What to see? What’s value doing? The way to keep protected, on a price range, and sure that you simply’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, in the event you’re planning on exploring a number of the most beautiful locations on the Albanian Riviera this summer season, that is the one journey information you want.
The Greatest Issues To Do And See In Saranda
Whereas there’s rather a lot to be mentioned concerning the worth of flexibility and spontaneity with regards to a fantastic journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having a minimum of a faint concept of an itinerary will at all times work in your favor.
In Saranda, nevertheless, you is likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of inns, bars, and eating places that appear to have taken over town, and, as you may’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 truly value going.
The place To Keep?
There are some actually implausible inns in Saranda (locations like Lodge Bahamas and Santa Quaranta provide glorious worth for the $100-something price ticket), however most locals coming to town go for short-term leases as a substitute.
Now, I’ve stayed in stunning residences within the metropolis heart for simply $40 an evening, however these are often unlisted on reserving websites and solely discovered by acquaintances, so in the event you’re in search of that kind of value or expertise, you’ll need to attain out to a neighborhood or one other traveler who’s been to Saranda; Fb teams are nice for that sort of factor.
Alternatively, you may at all times 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 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.
Under, I’ll checklist a number of 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?
Properly, in the event you’re in search of the traditional membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your greatest bets – throughout summer season there’s a celebration occurring each single evening, and except you’re there throughout a very busy time, you gained’t want a reservation, both.
However, these in search of only a laid-back evening with a very good drink of their hand can head over to one in all my favourite locations within the metropolis – Noname Cocktail Bar.
It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes a number of 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 season sea breeze – it’s at all times been one of many highlights of my Saranda journeys.
The Greatest Seashore 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 in the event you use the sunbeds right here, although the value will probably be notably decrease than what you’ll pay in close by non-public 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 may be mentioned for many non-public seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.
Nevertheless, in the event you’re coming all the best way 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 below are a bit pricier, ranging between $15-$20 a day, however you’ll get plenty of bang to your buck because the 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 cost, 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 exterior town, so ensure to price range for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer season getaway.
Exploring The Area Past The Major 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 most likely what you’re right here to see within the first place.
I’ve cherished Pasqyra Seashore because the 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, 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 a fantastic value to pay for what looks 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, forsaking far better-known locations.
Different seashores you gained’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 beautiful, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.
For individuals who need to get pleasure from 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 actually protected.
I’m glad to report that Saranda is without doubt one of 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 on my method again.
Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good suggestion since regular security precautions are at all times essential (particularly in the event you’re touring alone), but it surely goes to indicate 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 attempting to squeeze a couple of additional bucks from guests, so my prime tricks to at all times get truthful 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 trade price most companies quote foreigners), so at all times use the native forex if attainable.
- Stick to larger cash trade locations situated within the metropolis heart, in the event you can try on-line opinions, all the higher.
- When renting a sunbed, at all times ask different individuals or an worker about how a lot they value BEFORE you truly sit down, that method, you can also 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 attempting 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 gained’t be dissatisfied!
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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
