Last Updated
The difficult factor about going someplace that’s only recently develop into well-liked is that whereas everybody needs to see what the hype is all about, few really know find out 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 develop into considered one of Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer season but stays unknown to most individuals.
Where to go? What to see? What’s price doing? How to remain protected, on a finances, 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 occasions 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, if you happen to’re planning on exploring a few of the most beautiful locations on the Albanian Riviera this summer season, that is the one journey information you want.
The Best Things To Do And See In Saranda
While there’s so much to be mentioned concerning the worth of flexibility and spontaneity in relation to an awesome journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having no less than a faint concept of an itinerary will at all times work in your favor.
In Saranda, nonetheless, you could be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of accommodations, bars, and eating places that appear to have taken over the town, and, as you would possibly’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 can assist you determine the place it’s really price going.
Where To Stay?
There are some really implausible accommodations in Saranda (locations like Hotel Bahamas and Santa Quaranta provide excellent value for the $100-something price ticket), however most locals coming to the town go for short-term leases as a substitute.
Now, I’ve stayed in lovely residences within the metropolis middle for simply $40 an evening, however these are often unlisted on reserving websites and solely discovered by acquaintances, so if you happen to’re on the lookout for that kind of worth or expertise, you’ll need to attain out to an area or one other traveler who’s been to Saranda; Facebook teams are nice for that form of factor.
Alternatively, you possibly can 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 middle hardly ever price 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 listing a few 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
Where To Go At Night?
So, you’ve been to the seaside, 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, if you happen to’re on the lookout for the basic membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your greatest bets – throughout summer season there’s a celebration happening each single evening, and except you’re there throughout a very busy time, you gained’t want a reservation, both.
On the opposite hand, these on the lookout for only a laid-back evening with drink of their hand can head over to considered one of my favourite locations within the metropolis – Noname Cocktail Bar.
It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes a few of the greatest cocktails within the metropolis for underneath $10.
The music is nice however not so loud which you can’t hear your self speaking, and it’s proper on the principle promenade so you possibly can watch the folks go by and absorb that summer season sea breeze – it’s at all times 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 situated simply beside the promenade.
Now, these are known as “public beaches,” however you’ll nonetheless get charged if you happen to use the sunbeds right here, although the worth might 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 personal umbrella and towels/chair is completely acceptable (which is greater than what could be mentioned for many non-public seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.
However, if you happen to’re coming all the way in which to Albania, spending your days on such a sub-par and poorly organized seaside is, in my view, 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 quite a lot of bang in your buck for the reason that seaside 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 possibly can lounge round without cost, however these are fairly small and rocky, so be certain to weigh out the professionals and cons beforehand.
But whereas that is my favourite seaside inside Saranda, it nonetheless doesn’t maintain a candle to the locations you’ll discover outdoors the town, so be certain to finances for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer season 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 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 Beach for the reason that first day I set foot in it.
It was 2013, and this was the primary seaside 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 folks there, nevertheless 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 awesome worth to pay for what appears like your personal tropical paradise.
Granted, that worth has gone as much as ~$20 now, however not a lot else has modified.
In truth, this hidden Albanian gem was named the seaside with the bluest waters in the world, abandoning far better-known locations.
Other seashores you gained’t need to miss out on throughout your travels in Saranda embody Ksamil, Livadi, and Jala, however I’d advise in opposition to going to Dhërmi – it really is beautiful, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.
For those that need to get pleasure from one thing past the each 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 think about earlier than going to Albania is whether or not it’s really protected.
I’m joyful to report that Saranda is without doubt one of the most secure locations I’ve vacationed in my life.
Even after I walked residence 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 manner again.
Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good suggestion since regular security precautions are at all times mandatory (particularly if you happen to’re touring alone), nevertheless it goes to indicate simply how protected and non-threatening the ambiance is right here.
One threat you do run, although, is that of getting overcharged.
Locals are infamous for making an attempt to squeeze just a few additional bucks from guests, so my prime tricks to at all times get truthful costs embody:
- 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 price most companies quote foreigners), so at all times use the native forex if attainable.
- Stick to larger cash change locations situated within the metropolis middle, if you happen to can take a look at on-line evaluations, all the higher.
- When renting a sunbed, at all times ask different folks or an worker about how a lot they price BEFORE you really sit down, that manner, you can also make an knowledgeable resolution 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 providers like Saranda Taxi 715 (+355 69 669 0142) and attempt to steer away from random drivers making an attempt 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 dissatisfied!
↓ Join Our Community ↓
The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the most recent journey information, conversations, and Q&A’s taking place each day!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your e-mail tackle to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
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, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.
Source link
