Final Up to date
The tough factor about going someplace that’s only in the near past turn into widespread is that whereas everybody desires to see what the hype is all about, few really know the way 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 turn into one among Europe’s trendiest beachy hotspots this summer season but stays unknown to most individuals.
The place to go? What to see? What’s price doing? keep protected, on a finances, and sure that you simply’re getting probably the most out of the expertise?
Fortunately for you, I’ve already vacationed in Saranda greater than a dozen instances by this level, and I’m right here to share the whole lot 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 number of the most beautiful locations on the Albanian Riviera this summer season, that is the one journey information you want.
The Finest Issues To Do And See In Saranda
Whereas there’s loads to be stated in regards to the worth of flexibility and spontaneity with regards to an awesome journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having a minimum of a faint concept of an itinerary will at all times work in your favor.
In Saranda, nevertheless, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of lodges, 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 work out the place it’s really price going.
The place To Keep?
There are some really incredible lodges in Saranda (locations like Resort Bahamas and Santa Quaranta provide 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 lovely flats within the metropolis heart for simply $40 an evening, however these are normally unlisted on reserving websites and solely discovered via acquaintances, so if you happen to’re on the lookout for that sort of worth or expertise, you’ll need to attain out to an area or one other traveler who’s been to Saranda; Fb teams are nice for that type of factor.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to at all times ebook Airbnbs, which, usually 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 not often price greater than $50 an evening.
The place To Eat?
One factor about meals in Saranda is that whereas it’s not something groundbreaking, it’s reliably tasty.
Under, I’ll record a number 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
The place To Go At Night time?
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?
Properly, if you happen to’re on the lookout for the traditional membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your finest 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.
Alternatively, these on the lookout for only a laid-back evening with a superb drink of their hand can head over to one among my favourite locations within the metropolis – Noname Cocktail Bar.
It’s a small, dimly lit place that makes a number of the finest cocktails within the metropolis for below $10.
The music is nice however not so loud which you can’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 soak up that summer season sea breeze – it’s at all times been one of many highlights of my Saranda journeys.
The Finest Seaside In Saranda
The primary seashores you’ll see when you set foot in Saranda are those positioned simply beside the promenade.
Now, these are known as “public seashores,” however you’ll nonetheless get charged if you happen to use the sunbeds right here, although the worth can 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 stated, bringing your personal umbrella and towels/chair is completely acceptable (which is greater than what might be stated for many personal seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re coming all the way in which to Albania, spending your days on such a sub-par and poorly organized seashore is, in my view, a waste of time, particularly when there are such a lot of higher choices.
Sunbeds listed below are a bit pricier, ranging between $15-$20 a day, however you’ll get a number of bang on your buck because the 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 be sure to weigh out the professionals and cons beforehand.
However whereas that is my favourite seashore inside Saranda, it nonetheless doesn’t maintain a candle to the locations you’ll discover outdoors town, so be sure to finances for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer season getaway.
Exploring The Area Past The Fundamental Metropolis
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 complete vacation within the metropolis would truthfully 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 cherished Pasqyra Seaside because the 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, but it surely 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 actual fact, this hidden Albanian gem was named the seashore with the bluest waters in the world, forsaking far better-known locations.
Different seashores you gained’t need to miss out on throughout your travels in Saranda embrace Ksamil, Livadi, and Jala, however I’d advise towards going to Dhërmi – it really is beautiful, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.
For many who need to get pleasure from one thing past the every day sunbathing periods, Syri i Kaltër and Butrint Nationwide Archaeological Park are to not be missed.
How To Keep Secure And Keep away from Getting Overcharged
What most vacationers take into account earlier than going to Albania is whether or not it’s really protected.
I’m glad to report that Saranda is likely one of the most secure locations I’ve vacationed in my life.
Even after I walked house 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 via on my manner again.
Now, I’m not saying what I did was a good suggestion since regular security precautions are at all times crucial (particularly if you happen to’re touring alone), but it surely goes to indicate simply how protected and non-threatening the environment is right here.
One danger you do run, although, is that of getting overcharged.
Locals are infamous for making an attempt to squeeze a couple of further bucks from guests, so my high tricks to at all times get truthful costs embrace:
- Whereas 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 trade charge most companies quote foreigners), so at all times use the native foreign money if doable.
- Stick to larger cash trade locations positioned within the metropolis heart, if you happen to can try on-line evaluations, all the higher.
- When renting a sunbed, at all times ask different individuals or an worker about how a lot they price BEFORE you really sit down, that manner, you may make an knowledgeable resolution and keep away from any potential confrontations down the road.
- Solely go to eating places the place the menus have clearly marked-out costs.
- Solely use respected taxi companies 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 upset!
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This text initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below 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, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.
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