Saranda City Beach (Albania) — our honest review 2024 and tips
Saranda beaches are one of the best places for a seaside holiday.
Saranda is the main resort in southern Albania, with turquoise sea and clean beaches perfect for vacation.
City Beach of Saranda
Saranda has three beaches: one in the center near the port, and also to its right and left.
The beaches are not leased: there are no paid umbrellas or sunbeds here.
Let’s look at each of the three beaches separately.
The Beach on the Far Right
On the right side, the beach borders the Kompleksi i Motti sports complex.
Here, a sea pool is equipped for swimming and water sports.
There are designated 50-meter swim lanes and an area for water polo.
Shore composition: coarse sand, slightly rough to the touch.
Summary: suitable for lovers of active seaside recreation and swimmers.
- Swimming pool in Saranda for active recreation by the sea.
The Main (Central) Beach
In the very center of Saranda lies the main beach.
Features:
- width: about 5 to 15 meters;
- length: about 200 meters;
- shore composition: coarse Albanian sand.
In the center of the beach there is a pier for diving and showers with fresh water.
This part of the shore offers a beautiful panorama of Saranda and the city bay.
In the morning, the seawater here is clean and clear.
- The central beach of Saranda at sunset.
The Beach on the Far Left
In the left corner of the city is another beach.
Beach features:
- length: about 300 meters;
- width: from 5 to 30 meters;
- shore composition: coarse sand.
Along the entire left shore, large stone steps lead from the promenade to the beach, and they are comfortable for sitting.
Inflatable attractions for tourists are placed in the sea at this beach.
- The beaches of Saranda are filled with holidaymakers.
The Pier for Boats on the Left
At the far left end, there is a pier for excursion boats.
Every morning, tourists are actively recruited here for sea trips along the Albanian coast.
At the end of the excursion, each boat makes a long stop at Krorez Beach.
Thus, in the morning, you can buy a ticket and go on a sea trip.
From this pier, the original boat Vikingen departs every morning.
- The Vikingen ship awaits tourists for a sea excursion.
Saranda Port
Marina for Boats
The entire central part of the shoreline is occupied by the port of Saranda.
Numerous excursion boats dock here.
And fishermen sell fresh fish, which never goes unsold during the season.
- Many boats are moored at the pier of Saranda.
Boat and Ship Excursions
Along the central promenade of Saranda, there are many advertisement stands.
Different companies offer their excursion services.
The average price for an excursion is from 25 to 30 euros, with breakfast, during the season.
At the beginning of September, the high season is still ongoing.
Numerous tourists from all over the world are eager to enjoy a seaside holiday in Albania before winter.
- Sale of tickets for excursions in Saranda in the morning.
Excursion Discounts in September
In September, some companies begin lowering prices to 15 and 20 euros per spot. See the billboard in the photo.
You can see that the price depends on the expenses — for example, with or without breakfast.
The exact time spent at each location is also indicated.
As a rule, the ship first visits minor sites, spending about 15 minutes on each.
Then it drops off tourists at Krorez Beach for several hours, after which it returns to Saranda by 18:00.
- At the end of the season there are promotions for sea voyages.
Sea Excursion Prices
Every day, dozens of ships with hundreds of tourists go out on sea trips.
Excursion ticket options:
- trip with breakfast: €30/ticket;
- trip with breakfast and lunch at a café, for example at Krorez Beach: €45/ticket;
- trip without breakfast: €25/ticket.
Saranda has a well-developed excursion boat business.
For this reason, prices are optimal compared to other cities along the coast.
- Every morning, ships leave from Saranda along the Albanian coast.
Stop at Krorez Beach
Krorez Beach is a popular stop for excursion ships.
And its popularity is well-deserved.
Tourists visit a beach that is inaccessible to motorists.
There, they find crystal-clear sea and unforgettable experiences.
Typically, ships stop at Krorez Beach for 3 or 4 hours.
- Excursion ships brought tourists to Krorez beach.
Saranda: Transport
How to Get from Saranda to Ksamil
A bus route runs through Saranda, passing through Ksamil and going to Butrint.
The route runs daily from 07:00 in the morning to 20:00 in the evening.
Route details:
- ticket price: 150 lek to Butrint, 100 lek to Ksamil;
- interval: every 30 minutes in either direction;
- payment: in cash (lek) to the conductor on board.
The bus departs from the final stop (roundabout) near the stadium. Along the way, it stops every 5 minutes, moving through the city.
Route start coordinates: 39.873210, 20.001963
- The exact timetable of buses in Saranda.
Saranda–Vlora: Bus Final Stop
A daily bus runs from Vlora to Saranda.
During the summer season, two buses operate with an interval of 1.5 hours, while in winter — one bus.
The route runs along the coast through Dhermi, where a 15-minute stop is made.
Departure from Saranda to Vlora:
- departure point: the intersection near the park in the center;
- coordinates: 39.875232, 20.006491;
- departure time: from 11:30 to 11:45 AM;
- travel time to Vlora: about 4 hours;
- arrival point: Neptun store in Vlora.
- There was a crowd of people at the final stop in Saranda.
Where to Stay for One Night
In Saranda, there is a hostel called Casa Mia Economi Condos.
A night stay costs 10 euros. Price valid as of September 4 and 5, 2024.
Amenities:
- single-level separate bed;
- fresh bed linen;
- toilet and shower in the room;
- internet;
- air conditioning;
- refrigerator;
- balcony where you can hang clothes to dry.
It is stated that the hostel offers places in shared rooms (men and women in one room).
However, they try to place men in men’s rooms, and women — in women’s rooms.
- View of a room at the Casa Mia hostel in Saranda.
Advantages of Saranda Beaches
What attracts tourists to Saranda’s beaches?
Advantages:
- all beaches are public and free (no paid spots);
- open-air sea pool;
- wide choice of excursion boats for trips;
- clean sea water;
- availability of public showers along the beaches;
- proximity to Ksamil with its beautiful beaches.
Thus, the beaches of Saranda will suit many tourists for vacation.
History buffs can visit the ancient city of Butrint, which is a 30-minute bus ride away.
In addition, in our Complete guide to the Ionian Coast, you will find interesting beaches to visit and relax near Saranda.
- Transparent sea in the morning in Saranda.
Shorts: Seaside pool on the right side of the beach in Saranda
Shot date: September 5, 2024.
This video shows Saranda beach and the seaside pool on the right side. Sun, sea, and a calm atmosphere for a comfortable family vacation in Saranda.
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