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The difficult factor about going someplace that’s only recently develop into widespread is that whereas everybody needs to see what the hype is all about, few truly know easy methods 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 develop into certainly one of Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer time but stays unknown to most individuals.
Where to go? What to see? What’s price doing? How to remain secure, on a funds, and sure that you just’re getting probably the most out of the expertise?
Luckily 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, when you’re planning on exploring among the most attractive locations on the Albanian Riviera this summer time, that is the one journey information you want.
The Best Things To Do And See In Saranda
While there’s rather a lot to be mentioned in regards to the worth of flexibility and spontaneity with regards to an amazing journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having at the least a faint thought of an itinerary will all the time work in your favor.
In Saranda, nevertheless, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of motels, 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 determine the place it’s truly price going.
Where To Stay?
There are some really unbelievable motels in Saranda (locations like Hotel Bahamas and Santa Quaranta supply excellent value for the $100-something price ticket), however most locals coming to town go for short-term leases as an alternative.
Now, I’ve stayed in stunning residences within the metropolis heart for simply $40 an evening, however these are normally unlisted on reserving websites and solely discovered by means of acquaintances, so when you’re in search of that sort of value or expertise, you’ll wish to attain out to a neighborhood or one other traveler who’s been to Saranda; Facebook teams are nice for that type of factor.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to all the time guide 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 hardly ever value greater than $50 an evening.
Where To Eat?
One factor about meals in Saranda is that whereas it’s not something groundbreaking, it’s reliably tasty.
Below, I’ll checklist among 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
Where To Go At Night?
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?
Well, when you’re in search of the traditional membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your finest bets – throughout summer time there’s a celebration occurring each single night time, and until you’re there throughout a very busy time, you gained’t want a reservation, both.
On the opposite hand, these in search of only a laid-back night time with a great drink of their hand can head over to certainly one of my favourite locations within the metropolis – Noname Cocktail Bar.
It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes among the finest cocktails within the metropolis for below $10.
The music is nice however not so loud that you would be able to’t hear your self speaking, and it’s proper on the primary promenade so you’ll be able to watch the individuals go by and absorb that summer time sea breeze – it’s all the time been one of many highlights of my Saranda journeys.
The Best Beach In Saranda
The first seashores you’ll see when you set foot in Saranda are those positioned simply beside the promenade.
Now, these are known as “public beaches,” however you’ll nonetheless get charged when you use the sunbeds right here, although the value shall be notably decrease than what you’ll pay in close by personal 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 could be mentioned for many personal seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.
However, when you’re coming all the best way to Albania, spending your days on such a sub-par and poorly organized seashore is, for my part, a waste of time, particularly when there are such a lot of higher choices.
Sunbeds listed here are a bit pricier, ranging between $15-$20 a day, however you’ll get loads of bang in your buck for the reason that 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’ll be able to lounge round without cost, however these are fairly small and rocky, so make certain to weigh out the professionals and cons beforehand.
But whereas that is my favourite seashore inside Saranda, it nonetheless doesn’t maintain a candle to the locations you’ll discover outdoors town, so make certain to funds for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer time getaway.
Exploring The Region Beyond The Main City
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 total vacation within the metropolis would actually be a waste of alternative.
Let’s begin with seashores since that’s in all probability what you’re right here to see within the first place.
I’ve beloved Pasqyra Beach for the reason that 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, however it 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 an amazing 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, abandoning far better-known locations.
Other seashores you gained’t wish to miss out on throughout your travels in Saranda embrace Ksamil, Livadi, and Jala, however I’d advise in opposition to going to Dhërmi – it really is attractive, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.
For those that wish to take pleasure in one thing past the every day sunbathing classes, Syri i Kaltër and Butrint National Archaeological Park are to not be missed.
How To Stay Safe And Avoid Getting Overcharged
What most vacationers take into account earlier than going to Albania is whether or not it’s really secure.
I’m completely happy to report that Saranda is likely one of the most secure locations I’ve vacationed in my life.
Even once 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 means of on my means again.
Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good suggestion since regular security precautions are all the time essential (particularly when you’re touring alone), however it goes to indicate simply how secure and non-threatening the ambiance is right here.
One danger you do run, although, is that of getting overcharged.
Locals are infamous for attempting to squeeze a number of additional bucks from guests, so my prime tricks to all the time get truthful costs embrace:
- While 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 change fee most companies quote foreigners), so all the time use the native forex if attainable.
- Stick to larger cash change locations positioned within the metropolis heart, when you can try on-line opinions, all the higher.
- When renting a sunbed, all the time ask different individuals or an worker about how a lot they value BEFORE you truly sit down, that means, you may make an knowledgeable choice and keep away from any potential confrontations down the road.
- Only go to eating places the place the menus have clearly marked-out costs.
- Only 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 data, you’re now 100% able to take advantage of out of your Saranda trip – I assure you gained’t be disenchanted!
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’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.
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