AL
Sarandë
A seaside town facing Corfu, and the base for Butrint, Ksamil and the Blue Eye spring
A seaside town facing Corfu, and the base for Butrint, Ksamil and the Blue Eye spring
About 18km south, this UNESCO-listed site has Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian remains in a forest by a lagoon, including a theatre and baptistery.
Go early or late to avoid tour groups.
Photo: Aktron, CC BY-SA 4.0
Small white-sand beaches and islets with clear water lie about 14km south. They are very crowded in July and August.
Arrive early for a spot.
Photo: Aktron, CC BY-SA 4.0
About 25km inland, a deep spring wells up in a pool of intense blue water. The water is cold all year.
There is no bus to the entrance.
Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0
This 16th-century hilltop castle above town has a restaurant and views over Sarandë, Butrint lagoon and Corfu. It is popular at sunset.
Photo: Ezhdërha, CC BY-SA 4.0
The ruins of the monastery that gave the town its name sit on the hill above town, with views over the bay.
Photo: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try fresh grilled fish, mussels from Butrint lagoon, byrek (filo pie) and Albanian salads with feta.
The promenade has many seafood restaurants.
Buses run from Tirana and Gjirokastër; the trip from Tirana takes several hours. Ferries cross from Corfu, about 30 minutes on fast boats.
Local buses go south to Ksamil and Butrint. A car or taxi is needed for the Blue Eye.
Albania uses the lek (ALL). Euros are often accepted in tourist areas.
History, beaches and springs.
Visit Butrint early, then swim at Ksamil.
Drive to the Blue Eye, and watch sunset at Lëkurësi Castle.
Take a day trip by ferry to Corfu, or by road to Gjirokastër.
Bring your passport for the Corfu ferry.
July and August are hot and crowded.
Carry lek; small places may not take cards.
A car makes inland trips easier.
Quick answers for planning time in Sarandë.
About 18km, around 30 minutes by bus.
Yes, by ferry; fast boats take about 30 minutes.
By car or taxi; there is no bus to the entrance.
Yes, about 14km south.
June to September for the beach.
Planning a wider trip? Our Albania travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.