Final Up to date
The difficult factor about going someplace that’s only in the near past turn into fashionable is that whereas everybody desires to see what the hype is all about, few truly know the best way to get essentially 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 value doing? Methods to keep protected, on a funds, and sure that you simply’re getting essentially the most out of the expertise?
Fortunately for you, I’ve already vacationed in Saranda greater than a dozen occasions by this level, and I’m right here to share all the things I’ve realized throughout my time within the metropolis, answering all of those questions and extra within the course of.
So, when you’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 Greatest Issues To Do And See In Saranda
Whereas there’s rather a lot to be stated concerning the worth of flexibility and spontaneity on the subject of an ideal journey expertise, when going someplace as undiscovered (and unpredictable) as Albania, having not less than a faint concept of an itinerary will all the time work in your favor.
In Saranda, nevertheless, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of inns, bars, and eating places that appear to have taken over the 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 truly value going.
The place To Keep?
There are some actually implausible inns in Saranda (locations like Resort Bahamas and Santa Quaranta supply excellent value for the $100-something price ticket), however most locals coming to the 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 by acquaintances, so when you’re in search of that kind of value or expertise, you’ll need to attain out to a neighborhood or one other traveler who’s been to Saranda; Fb teams are nice for that sort of factor.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to all the time 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 Evening?
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?
Effectively, when you’re in search of the traditional membership expertise, Jericho and Vamos are your greatest bets – throughout summer season there’s a celebration happening each single night time, and except you’re there throughout a very busy time, you gained’t want a reservation, both.
However, these in search of only a laid-back night time with 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 greatest 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 folks go by and soak up that summer season sea breeze – it’s all the time been one of many highlights of my Saranda journeys.
The Greatest Seaside In Saranda
The primary seashores you’ll see when you set foot in Saranda are those situated simply beside the promenade.
Now, these are referred to as “public seashores,” 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 stated, bringing your individual umbrella and towels/chair is completely acceptable (which is greater than what may be stated for many personal seashores in Saranda), and clearly free.
Nonetheless, when you’re coming all the way in which to Albania, spending your days on such a sub-par and poorly organized seaside is, for my part, 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 quite a lot of bang on your buck because the 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’ll be able to lounge round at no cost, however these are fairly small and rocky, so make sure that to weigh out the professionals and cons beforehand.
However 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 make sure that to funds for some day journeys throughout your Albanian summer season getaway.
Exploring The Area Past The Major 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 whole 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 beloved Pasqyra Seaside because the 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 picket sunbeds and straw umbrellas, the bottom was pebbly however not uncomfortable, there have been folks 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 ideal value to pay for what appears 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 seaside with the bluest waters in the world, abandoning 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 in opposition to going to Dhërmi – it actually is beautiful, however over-tourism has sadly turned it right into a mismanaged, overpriced mess.
For individuals who need to take pleasure in one thing past the every day sunbathing periods, Syri i Kaltër and Butrint Nationwide Archaeological Park are to not be missed.
How To Keep Protected And Keep away from Getting Overcharged
What most vacationers take into account earlier than going to Albania is whether or not it’s actually protected.
I’m pleased to report that Saranda is likely one of the most secure locations I’ve vacationed in my life.
Even once 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 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), but it surely goes to point out 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 further bucks from guests, so my high tricks to all the time 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 all the time use the native foreign money if attainable.
- Stick to greater cash trade locations situated within the metropolis heart, when you can take a look at on-line critiques, all the higher.
- When renting a sunbed, all the time ask different folks or an worker about how a lot they price BEFORE you truly sit down, that means, you may make an knowledgeable choice 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 disenchanted!
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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, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
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