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    The emerald of the Albanian Riviera across the Ionian

    Saranda, the most cosmopolitan city in southern Albania, is a place where Mediterranean temperament overflows alongside the endless blue of the Ionian Sea. Built amphitheatrically around an open bay and just a stone’s throw from Corfu, the city combines the aura of a classic summer resort with the region’s rich and multi-layered history. Featuring a vibrant seaside promenade bustling with life, palm trees swaying in the sea breeze, and crystal-clear beaches, Saranda serves as the ultimate base for exploring the Albanian Riviera. Stroll along the water’s edge at sunset, savor fresh seafood, and discover hidden natural and ancient treasures located just a few kilometers away.

    Highlights

    Ksamil

    Often called the "Maldives of Europe," and it is not far from the truth. Located just 15 kilometers south of the city, Ksamil offers white sand and breathtaking turquoise waters. The three small islets in the bay are accessible even by swimming or paddleboat, creating an exotic, highly photogenic setting.

    Butrint National Park and Archaeological Site

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is an absolute must-visit. It is an ancient city built within a lush natural environment beside a lagoon. Here, you will walk among Greek theaters, Roman baths, and Venetian castles, feeling millennia of history unfold right before your eyes.

    The Blue Eye

    A natural wonder hidden within a dense forest of oak and plane trees, about a 30-minute drive from the city. It is a natural spring with water gushing up from unfathomable depths (divers have reached down to 50 meters without hitting the bottom). The crystal-clear, icy waters feature a dazzling blue and green color that resembles a human eye.

    Lëkurësi Castle

    Built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, this castle stands atop the hill directly above Saranda. It is the ultimate spot to enjoy the sunset, offering panoramic views of the entire city, the Butrint lagoon, and Corfu.

    Seaside Promenade

    The heart of Saranda's nightlife. The paved promenade along the sea bustles with people every evening, following the local tradition of the evening stroll ("xhiro"). It is lined with cafes, restaurants, street vendors, and small amusement parks, offering the ultimate summer leisure experience.

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    IDEAL DESTINATION

    The Crossroads of Cultures and the Boundless Blue

    Saranda is a city in constant motion, having transformed rapidly in recent years while still preserving its Balkan soul. It is a place where the modern pulse of coastal entertainment sits alongside the serene tranquility of ancient ruins and untouched inland nature.

    Whether you are unwinding with a glass of wine while gazing at the twinkling lights of Corfu on the horizon, or losing yourself in the refreshing chill of springs and lagoons, this corner of Albania captures you with its spontaneity. Warm hospitality, Mediterranean flavors, and breathtaking shifts in landscape make Saranda a destination full of vibrancy and delightful surprises.

    Culinary Journey through Saranda

    The local cuisine is an exceptional blend of Mediterranean, Italian, and Balkan influences. The spotlight is on fresh seafood, with mussels (farmed in Lake Butrint) taking center stage. Try grilled fish, seafood linguine, as well as traditional Albanian flavors like Byrek (traditional savory pie) and Tavë Kosi (lamb baked with yogurt). Pair your meal with plenty of ice-cold local beer (such as Korça or Tirana) and top it off with a shot of strong, traditional raki.

    The Best Time to Visit Saranda

    June and September are undoubtedly the absolute best choices. The weather is ideal for swimming and the sea is warm, yet you avoid the unbearable traffic and peak-season crowds. During July and August, the region—especially Ksamil—is packed with tourists, temperatures rise significantly, and the nightlife reaches its absolute peak.

    How to Get Around Saranda

    Airport Transportation Options

    Saranda does not (currently) have its own airport. The most popular and convenient way to arrive by air is to fly into Corfu (CFU) and take a hydrofoil (ferry) from the island’s port, which reaches the port of Saranda in just 30 to 40 minutes!

    Alternatively, you can fly into Tirana (TIA) and travel south by car or bus—a scenic drive taking roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Naturally, if traveling from Greece by road, access via the Mavromati border crossing (Sagiada) is exceptionally quick and straightforward.

    Public Transportation

    The city center and the seaside promenade are easily walkable. To reach Ksamil and Butrint, there is a regular and very inexpensive local bus departing from the center of Saranda every 30 to 60 minutes. Taxis are available everywhere, but be sure to agree on the price in advance. For ultimate freedom to explore secluded beaches and villages along the Riviera, renting a car is the ideal option.

    Questions / Answers

    Q&A

    No, Greek citizens (as well as all EU citizens) can travel to Albania simply using their valid national ID card with Latin characters.

    The official currency is the Lek (ALL). However, in Saranda, the Euro (€) is widely accepted in almost all restaurants, hotels, and shops (though paying in Lek often offers a slightly better exchange rate).

    It is completely safe. It is an extremely popular tourist destination, very friendly to visitors, and ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers.

    Of course! Ferries run daily and very frequently during the summer, making a day trip between Saranda and Corfu a fantastic idea.

    The Albanian Riviera is full of gems! If you move north, it is worth visiting Pasqyra beach (Mirror Beach), Borsh, Himara and the impressive Gjipe canyon.

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    They said about us...

    Mahaboobulla Khan
    2026-09-17
    Dear Ms. Priya, Ms. Zoi and team
    Greetings !
    I would like to place on record our sincere appreciation for Ms. Zoi Stefanidou of MAZI Travel & Events, Athens, whom we were introduced to by Ms. Priya Rupani of Marc Asia Representations, Mumbai, India.
    What began as our first transaction on 18 June turned into nearly 90 days of continuous coordination. Throughout this period, Ms. Zoi handled every change, amendments, emails, calls and WhatsApp messages with patience and professionalism. Irrespective of the business volume involved, she gave our requirements her full attention and responded whenever we needed assistance.
    Her support during the Greece visa process deserves special mention. After our clients' visas were refused on their first application, Ms. Zoi personally assisted with follow-ups with the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi, including calls and emails. MAZI Travel also issued an official supporting letter with their credentials without asking us for any advance or deposit, placing their trust in us despite this being our first transaction.
    That support made a real difference. All three visas were subsequently granted. It saved our clients from losing approximately INR 4,34,000 { Euro 47,780} on non-refundable, non-changeable air tickets and, more importantly, allowed them to fulfil their long-awaited dream of visiting Santorini.
    The support did not stop once the visas were issued. Ms. Zoi remained in touch with us almost daily during the clients' stay to ensure that transfers and sightseeing arrangements operated smoothly. Her availability gave us the confidence to support our clients from India and deliver the level of service they expected.
    Once the visas were granted, we naturally went back to Ms. Zoi and entrusted MAZI Travel with the complete ground arrangements for our clients in Santorini. She offered us excellent rates without compromising on the quality of services or inclusions. All airport transfers, sightseeing and activities were arranged through a reliable local ground operator, giving us confidence that our clients were in good hands.
    One incident particularly reflects her commitment. Because of poor phone connectivity, our clients missed calls from the local service provider and were unable to join their scheduled full-day wine tasting tour. Ms. Zoi immediately worked on an alternative and confirmed the tour for the following day without any additional charge. She also arranged an excellent local ground operator for the transfers and sightseeing.
    I am taking the time to write this because the professionalism and personal attention shown by Ms. Priya Rupani, Ms. Zoi Stefanidou and Mr. Sri M genuinely deserve recognition. They did not treat this as merely another booking. They stood with us through the visa uncertainty, numerous amendments and the clients' actual travel until the services were completed.
    Our experience has given us the confidence not only to continue working with MAZI Travel & Events Group and Marc Asia Representations, but also to recommend them within our travel industry network.
    We will gladly promote Greece as a destination and vouch for MAZI Travel & Events Group and Marc Asia Representations among our travel industry colleagues and partners.
    Thank you, Ms. Priya, Ms. Zoi and Mr. Sri M, for the trust, patience and professional support extended to us throughout this journey. We look forward to sending many more travellers and groups to Greece together.
    Thanking you,
    Sincerely
    Mahaboobulla Khan - CEO.
    2025-11-11
    Voyage Fit Cyclades
    Oui nous avons très satisfaits de votre accompagnement et support . Le voyage et les hôtels étaient super! Vous pouvez publier notre avis sur votre site !
    FIT Atenas
    2026-06-22
    FIT Atenas
    El cliente ya he llegado a Portugal y nos hay llamado a dar feedback de su visita/traslado.
    Hay ido todo muy bien, tanto el motorista como la guia fueren muy amables y el servicio fue muy bueno.
    Gracias por todo y hasta una próxima.
    École française
    2025-12-11
    École française
    Je n'ai pas encore eu l'occasion de vous remercier pour ce voyage. Le voyage et les hôtels étaient super !Nous n'avons pas été mouillés et nous avons eu tout ce que nous souhaitions. Nous avons organisé des jeux de type olympique au stade.Tout était parfait.La visite du Parlement était fantastique. Les élèves sont ravis et vous remercient.
    Verhoeve group
    2026-06-09
    Athens 4 days Group Tour from Germany

    Thank you very much for the group to Athens! They had a great time. They were very enthusiastic about the trip & guide Jason. he swimming/beach stop after Corinth was a big plus. They enjoyed the nature as addition to the city and culture. Always good to add that when visiting Corinth.

    The location of the hotel was very good, so a bus transfer in the evening was not always necessary. They could have easily come back via the metro to the hotel. That would have saved us real money.

    Thanks again and looking forward to all the coming groups!

    Group De Lange
    2026-04-30
    Τοur to Greece
    Group De Lange returned from Greece and they were very happy with the tour. Iris was a great guide, programme went very smooth, first driver was very nice. Group is very satisfied about the tour.
     Savita
    2025-07-21
    Αthens, Santorini and Corfu
    My Kids and I loved the trip except for our lost baggage from the Aegean airlines upon arrival at Athens at the start of the trip.Loved all the sightseeing. Tour guides and Pick up services were awesome!! Tour guides were very knowledgeable in their area and history of the city and my kids and I loved that. They answered all our questions. Pick up services were always on time.I just wish I had a little more time in Corfu to do the boat tour as I had planned. Wasn’t able to accomplish that. Loved the wine tasting, Oia and Fira in Santorini. Thank You so much for helping me plan this trip. Great memories made on this trip!!Savita
    2025-05-09
    Group from India
    Thank you so much for your flexibility and support throughout the past weeks – the group ended successfully and we truly appreciate your efforts.
    During the trip, we also received very positive feedback from the tour leader regarding the hotels, restaurants, and the quality of your transportation service. We’re very happy with the overall arrangement and sincerely hope to continue working with you on upcoming groups.
    ESPA 2021-2026