Sarande and Ksamil by Anisa M.
Sightseeing
Our Gem! A beautiful historical park protected by UNESCO. For 2.5 hours you will walk the path of history, learn about the ancient city of Butrint and be protected by the sun from the abundance of century old trees. there is a museum at the top and marvelous views of the sea, the lake and the Vivari chanel.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water with you and avoid going when the sun is too strong.
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I-Butrint National Park
SH81Our Gem! A beautiful historical park protected by UNESCO. For 2.5 hours you will walk the path of history, learn about the ancient city of Butrint and be protected by the sun from the abundance of century old trees. there is a museum at the top and marvelous views of the sea, the lake and the Vivari chanel.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water with you and avoid going when the sun is too strong.
A must-see park with beautiful vivid colors surrounded by water, with an underground freshwater spring that, even though its freezing cold (4 degrees Celcius) creates long diving queues . There’s is still no exact estimation on how deep the eye is, but divers have only reached 50 m.
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Blue Eye
A must-see park with beautiful vivid colors surrounded by water, with an underground freshwater spring that, even though its freezing cold (4 degrees Celcius) creates long diving queues . There’s is still no exact estimation on how deep the eye is, but divers have only reached 50 m.
I recommend you to go here during the day or at twilight is, because the views from up here are breathtaking.
360 degree view (like every decent castle has, here in Albania) you can see the ever growing Saranda town, the island of Corfu, Butrinti lake, the Riviera coastline and on the other side: the fields, rivers and majestic mountains ( or as my guest from NZ called them " small hills")
It’s always windy, so you won't feel hot but don't forget your sunscreen.
During night time here you will find a display of Albanian culture and traditions starting from the food, souvenirs and the Polyphonic Musical Group
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Ikhasteli leLekuresi
I recommend you to go here during the day or at twilight is, because the views from up here are breathtaking.
360 degree view (like every decent castle has, here in Albania) you can see the ever growing Saranda town, the island of Corfu, Butrinti lake, the Riviera coastline and on the other side: the fields, rivers and majestic mountains ( or as my guest from NZ called them " small hills")
It’s always windy, so you won't feel hot but don't forget your sunscreen.
During night time here you will find a display of Albanian culture and traditions starting from the food, souvenirs and the Polyphonic Musical Group
Absolutely amazing views of Ksamil, Sarandë, Corfu, the Ionian Sea and the Butrinti Lake.
It is a bit of a hike to reach the peak but it’s all worth it.
get there before noon to have a chance to visit the inside of the monastery before it closes.
Manastiri i Shën Gjergjit
Absolutely amazing views of Ksamil, Sarandë, Corfu, the Ionian Sea and the Butrinti Lake.
It is a bit of a hike to reach the peak but it’s all worth it.
get there before noon to have a chance to visit the inside of the monastery before it closes.
The very reason Saranda is called “Saranda”!
Built in the 6th century, on top of a high hill, it is dedicated to 40 saints of Sebaste ( or so they say). There are different versions as to why this place came into existence but today only ruins remain. If only they could speak and tell us the truth.
Enjoy spectacular views of the whole area as you contemplate about life. It will be worth it!
You can hike or drive all the way to the top.
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Manastiri i 40 Shenjtorëve
The very reason Saranda is called “Saranda”!
Built in the 6th century, on top of a high hill, it is dedicated to 40 saints of Sebaste ( or so they say). There are different versions as to why this place came into existence but today only ruins remain. If only they could speak and tell us the truth.
Enjoy spectacular views of the whole area as you contemplate about life. It will be worth it!
You can hike or drive all the way to the top.
The fort holds historic significance for the Albanian people. It was built in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha of South Albania and Northern Greece.
Centuries later the fort served as former Soviet submarine base during the communist regime in Albania. Now it is one of my favourite places to visit.
It is situated 2 minutes from the Porto Palermo beach and If you get there before 14:00 you will be able to visit and enjoy the views before it closes.
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Porto Palermo Castle
The fort holds historic significance for the Albanian people. It was built in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha of South Albania and Northern Greece.
Centuries later the fort served as former Soviet submarine base during the communist regime in Albania. Now it is one of my favourite places to visit.
It is situated 2 minutes from the Porto Palermo beach and If you get there before 14:00 you will be able to visit and enjoy the views before it closes.
Beaches i like
one of my favourite beaches. It has clear waters , you can choose to sit in a sandy area or in a gravely area. It also has an area where is public, so you can put your own umbrella
The road to get there is unpaved ,if you have a car, but this has never discouraged anybody.
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Mirrors’ beach
SH81one of my favourite beaches. It has clear waters , you can choose to sit in a sandy area or in a gravely area. It also has an area where is public, so you can put your own umbrella
The road to get there is unpaved ,if you have a car, but this has never discouraged anybody.
It’s raw Albanian Riviera at its best. There are round smooth pebbles everywhere, the water is crystal clear, even underwater you walk on a smooth surface of a big stony plaques and it looks like sand. The view from the top restaurant is amazing and the food is great.
The road to get there is not paved, it looks like you'd be going on a jungle adventure for a few minutes. And from there you descend to the beach via stairs.
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Pulebardha Beach
It’s raw Albanian Riviera at its best. There are round smooth pebbles everywhere, the water is crystal clear, even underwater you walk on a smooth surface of a big stony plaques and it looks like sand. The view from the top restaurant is amazing and the food is great.
The road to get there is not paved, it looks like you'd be going on a jungle adventure for a few minutes. And from there you descend to the beach via stairs.
Long sandy and gravely beach on one side and behind you fields and hills filled with olive trees.
The water is clear and deep. there is a certain feeling you get when you go in the water here and i just can't explain it, you have to see for yourself.
Lukovë - Shpellë
Lukovë - ShpellëLong sandy and gravely beach on one side and behind you fields and hills filled with olive trees.
The water is clear and deep. there is a certain feeling you get when you go in the water here and i just can't explain it, you have to see for yourself.
this beach is located in one of the bays of Lukove village, the road to get there is difficult not suited for every vehicle.
for this reason it is not crowded and absolutely perfect.
this is a sandy beach, surrounded by a forest of olive trees which make it 10 times more beautiful.
The Old Anchor
this beach is located in one of the bays of Lukove village, the road to get there is difficult not suited for every vehicle.
for this reason it is not crowded and absolutely perfect.
this is a sandy beach, surrounded by a forest of olive trees which make it 10 times more beautiful.
The perfect place for families with small children and toddlers who like to play in the sand.
This beach has shallow waters with a soft sandy bed.
Surrounded by trees behind you and a beautiful view of Corfu Island.
It is a few minutes drive away from Ksamil centre and it is a quite popular destination.
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Pema e Thate
The perfect place for families with small children and toddlers who like to play in the sand.
This beach has shallow waters with a soft sandy bed.
Surrounded by trees behind you and a beautiful view of Corfu Island.
It is a few minutes drive away from Ksamil centre and it is a quite popular destination.
This is a beautiful beach away from the crowds . It is a 40 minute picturesque drive from Sarande, the road to the beach gets difficult after you leave the main road but it is all worth it.
The food is also good and so are the prices.
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Bunec Beach
This is a beautiful beach away from the crowds . It is a 40 minute picturesque drive from Sarande, the road to the beach gets difficult after you leave the main road but it is all worth it.
The food is also good and so are the prices.
Arameras Beach Resort
I like this place for the beautiful scenery and soft white sand
Food scene
if you are a fan of sea food this is one of the best places to try, if not the best. located by the seaside it has a beautiful view to go with the amazing food.
Bar Restaurant Legisi
if you are a fan of sea food this is one of the best places to try, if not the best. located by the seaside it has a beautiful view to go with the amazing food.
there are some options on the menu that differ from the regular traditional way normally cook sea food which i think are interesting to try.
Atlantis Lounge
there are some options on the menu that differ from the regular traditional way normally cook sea food which i think are interesting to try.
a must visit is the Mussel House restaurant down by the lake. the food is amazing and so are the prices. you have a beautiful view of the lake and the hills surrounding it. often you find artist performing live during the night hours.
Lake Butrint
a must visit is the Mussel House restaurant down by the lake. the food is amazing and so are the prices. you have a beautiful view of the lake and the hills surrounding it. often you find artist performing live during the night hours.
SunSet Saranda Restaurant
109 Rruga Mitat Hoxhagreat food, amazing views of the beach . you can also dine outside
this place has great food and even better prices.
the service is excellent and definitely worth a try
Mama's Kitcheb
this place has great food and even better prices.
the service is excellent and definitely worth a try
located along the promenade, this restaurant offers great food and good prices all year round.
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Gerthela
located along the promenade, this restaurant offers great food and good prices all year round.
Absolutely amazing food!
If you enjoy sea food cuisine You don’t want to miss it. Trust me!
Kristal Seafood Restaurant
Absolutely amazing food!
If you enjoy sea food cuisine You don’t want to miss it. Trust me!
To quote my Italian guest who recommended it to me :” Anisa it was so amazing, you have to show this to your guests. The meat was so delicious we ate and ate”
Bar Restorant Rustico
To quote my Italian guest who recommended it to me :” Anisa it was so amazing, you have to show this to your guests. The meat was so delicious we ate and ate”
Great quality and great prices. No wonder it’s always full. You can snatch a table or order from your airbnb if you are staying in ksamil
Beshiku
Great quality and great prices. No wonder it’s always full. You can snatch a table or order from your airbnb if you are staying in ksamil
Restaurant Pizza Malasi
Rruga Butrinti 9701, Saranda, i-Albania
There are two locations for this restaurant . The menu consists of traditional food you would find everyday in albanian tables.
Ristorant Te Bequa
There are two locations for this restaurant . The menu consists of traditional food you would find everyday in albanian tables.
L'arte Della Pizza Ksamil & Cucinadimare Pasta fresca
V2F5+Q8F Rruga: Flamurtari, Saranda 9701, i-Albania
Fresh pasta with very reasonable prices
Restorant Shpella
Great food and great prices.
Loved by many previous guests.
Nightlife
here you can enjoy food and drinks with a gorgeous view of ksamil islands and village
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Bianco Lounge Bar
here you can enjoy food and drinks with a gorgeous view of ksamil islands and village
here there's always a party.
always a famous singer/performer doing a live show at night
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Orange Cocktail Bar Music
SH81 Rruga Butrintihere there's always a party.
always a famous singer/performer doing a live show at night
Bon Vivant - Sarandë
cute lounge among trees near the beach.
Santa Quaranta Seaside Beach
Jericho Cocktail Bar
Shëtitorja Naim Frashërigreat cocktails and a party atmosphere
Beach Bar Poda
Rruga Gjiri Podadrinks and fun during the day and night
RoofTop Cocktails & Dreams
Rruga FlamuritBars and drinks
VIEW bar terrace
Rruga Gjergj Aranitilovely place, amazing view, good cocktails and drinks
The drinks are special and delicious. The music is always great and the view is beautiful. Located across the street from Jericho bar and next to the church
En
Hou Nalu
51 Rruga Mustafa MatohitiThe drinks are special and delicious. The music is always great and the view is beautiful. Located across the street from Jericho bar and next to the church
En
Boulevard 40
21 Rruga FlamuritAsi Rooftop Resto Lounge
Izeluleko zedolobha
Ukuzulazula
To go from Sarande to Ksamil by bus
In order for you to travel from Sarande to Ksamil you need to take the bus. It departs every 30 minutes usually at the 00 minute mark And 30 minute mark ( please keep in mind that due to traffic it will be delayed) . There’s a station near the port , near supermarket Conad. And another one in the center in front of the synagogue ( right near friendship park). The ticket costs 100 lek. The Same bus can also take you to Butrint but you must ask the driver or ticket guy for confirmation. Have a safe trip !
Ungaphuthelwa
Boat rides to virgin beaches you can’t drive to
Along the promenade and near Limani restaurant there are big wooden boats and small boats that take you on a tour to 3 or 4 different beaches. You enjoy each of them for about an hour. Some offer food some don’t. However bring your own food and beverage because once you are in Krorez you will stay there until 4 or 5 pm . The boats usually depart at 8 or 9 or earlier and they usually cost about 25€ per person