Planning a trip to Albania? Discover essential travel tips and uncover hidden gems that will make your journey unforgettable. From vibrant cities to breathtaking landscapes, Albania offers rich culture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals that will leave you eager to explore more!

Curious about Tirana? Discover why Albania’s vibrant capital city deserves a spot on your travel bucket list! From lively coffee shops and historic landmarks to breathtaking landscapes, Tirana offers an unforgettable blend of culture, energy, and adventure.

Discover the ancient wonders of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site located near Sarandë, Albania. Rich in history, Butrint dates back over 2,500 years and has been home to ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. This archaeological park is filled with captivating ruins, including a well-preserved Roman theatre, an early Christian basilica, and rare mosaics. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, archaeology lover, or simply seeking breathtaking scenery, Butrint offers a unique experience. Plan your visit with tips on transportation, highlights to explore, and practical advice to ensure you don’t miss out on this must-see destination!

Sarandë: Sun, Sea, and Surprises on Albania’s Coast Sarandë was the start to my digital nomad adventure. Mainly, because the weather in October was still perfectly warm and visiting the coast off-season let us avoid the huge amount of tourists that usually visit. It is safe, affordable and you can get the best out of both worlds: party and clubbing during the season and cultural input by visiting the places close by. Let me show you what you shouldn’t miss when visiting Sarandë! Table of Contents Where to Stay & Shop in Sarandë Weather Wise: Sarandë Through the Seasons Recommended Day Trips Eats & Treats: What to eat in Sarandë Sarandë’s Social Scene: Culture and Nightlife Wrap Up: Final Thoughts on Sarandë Sources Where to Stay & Shop in Sarandë Weather Wise: Sarandë Through the Seasons Recommended Day Trips Eats & Treats: What to eat in Sarandë Sarandë’s Social Scene: Culture and Nightlife Wrap Up: Final Thoughts on Sarandë Sources Fact Sheet City Name: Sarandë/Saranda Country: Albania Population: Approximately 20,000 Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL) Language: Albanian (English and even some Italian spoken) Religion: A mix of Islam and Christianity Landscape: stunning waterfront and part of the Albanian Riviera Climate: Mediterranean; hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Plug Type: Type C and F, 230V supply voltage and 50H City Name: Sarandë/Saranda Country: Albania Population: Approximately 20,000 Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL) Language: Albanian (English and even some Italian spoken) Religion: A mix of Islam and Christianity Landscape: stunning waterfront and part of the Albanian Riviera Climate: Mediterranean; hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Plug Type: Type C and F, 230V supply voltage and 50H Where to Stay & Shop in Sarandë The main happenings of Sarandë are close to the port. So if you want to avoid having to walk a lot, I recommend you get a place around there. It is close to the beach, the busses and restaurants. We had a place a bit further east (around Hotel Iliria) and it took us around 15-20 minutes to walk down to the beach. Just be aware that the area is very steep due to the hills and even if a distance looks close, don’t underestimate the slopes! There are small supermarkets everywhere. My recommendation if you want to save some money: SPA, close to the port. There is also a local market at the Rruga Jonanet, where you can find local products like olive oil, wine, nuts and fruits and vegetables. Personally, I found the sellers a bit to intrusive, but if you are not bothered by that, I recommend you check it out. (A map I created on google with my point of interests: sightseeing spots, beaches, restaurants with vegetarian options and more.) Weather Wise: Sarandë Through the Seasons We went to Sarandë in October, which was perfect: less tourism, still good weather (I wouldn’t recommend to stay later than October though, as stores close during off-season!). Recommended Day Trips: From Sarandë you can easily take a bus to the most famous locations. Bring cash to pay for your ticket from the conductor that goes around after the bus ride starts (euro or lek is both accepted)! Also, if you don’t get a ticket in advance, show up at least 15-30 min earlier. If the seats are gone you will have to wait for the next bus. Here is our recommendation of places to visit: Gjirokastra: Travel back in time within the historic walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Stay at least a day here! The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): A natural spring, known for its vibrant blue water and mysterious depths. Perfect for a little hike! Half a day should be enough. Butrint: The “City of a Thousand Windows,” famous for its historic architecture and charming hillside setting. There is a lot to explore around and on the way back to Butrint. Eats & Treats: What to Eat in Sarandë Albanian cuisine contains a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. That means a hearty use of meats – a lot of meat – vegetables, and dairy. I found it easy to follow a vegetarian diet, but vegan was a challenge. There are a lot of restaurants around (check my map to get a better overview), but our favorites where: Restorant Te Bequa: Traditional food, delicious, affordable and a lot of vegetarian options. The staff is also very friendly. Just make sure to bring cash. During stay in Sarandë one Smoothie Bar stood out especially: Juice Bar. Its beachfront location offers a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for enjoying smoothies and light crepes. The owner was just the friendliest and the juices delicious! Lastly, if you are just looking for a good pizza, try proper pizza. The sesame seeds around the crust were an unexpected and welcome addition to a pizza and the overall taste just delicious. Also approved by an Italian 😉 And for snacks on the go or for your daily trips, you should definitely try the local bakeries for authentic Albanian baking like ‘kifle,’ small crescent-shaped bread rolls. Sarandë’s Social Scene: Culture and Nightlife Evenings in Sarandë are all about the lively promenade by the sea, where you can mingle with locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is electric, with bars and restaurants competing over who has the best song running, inviting everyone to relax and enjoy the laid-back Mediterranean vibe. If you’re up for some local interaction, don’t be surprised to find yourself pulled into a dance or offered a shot of Rakia. For a bit of evening excitement, beach clubs along the shoreline are the places to be. These spots blend the chill of the beach vibes with the thrill of the dance floor. You can also book a cruise on a boat to take the dancing on the water. Grab a drink, enjoy the ocean breeze, and dance the night away under the stars. Wrap Up: Final Thoughts on Sarandë I had an amazing time