Are you curious about what’s the best beach in Saranda for your upcoming Albania trip?
With so many new visitors to this country this year, many people are asking themselves how to plan their summer beach vacation. Saranda, an ancient port city close to the Greek border and just a 20-minute ferry away from Corfu, has become a particularly popular spot for foreigners planning their Albania beach holidays.
So, what are the beaches Saranda has to offer? We’ve put together this short Albania beach guide to help you pick where to base yourself and spend your day by the water on your upcoming trip to the Balkans.
But did you know there’s more to Albania than just beaches and great food? Albania is an ancient country with a rich culture; you won’t want to miss its first ever evening show, Albanian Night, which takes place every night in Tirana at 19:00, before you head out to its beautiful southern beaches.
Once you’re done soaking up culture in the capital, head to Saranda to soak up some sun. From the secluded, remote beaches that require boats or kayaking to reach to hotel beachclubs, we’ve got you covered. These are the 7 best Saranda beaches you should pick from when planning your Albania trip this summer:
1. Plahzi i Pulëbardhës – Seagull Beach
Natural + Amenities | Affordable | Secluded
Get ready – Seagull Beach is a jaw-droppingly beautiful expanse of pebbles meeting the Ionian Sea that you won’t want to miss. The road to this long stretch of beach is a bit rough and the parking is 5 euros if you park close by; otherwise, you can find free parking a bit further away. Renting an umbrella and sunbed is likewise 5 euros a person, and the water here is super clear and clean. This beach extends into another beach called Plazhi i Pasqyrave, Mirror Beach, which is likewise gorgeous and offers similarly priced amenities. At the first beach there’s a restaurant offering slightly higher prices than you’d find in Saranda proper, but the seafood is fresh and excellent, and the scenery even better. We love this beach for getting away from the crowds in Saranda.
2. Gjiri i Midhjeve – Mussels Bay
Close to Saranda | More Upscale | Private Access
Just a ten minute drive away from the center of Saranda, this beach is a good mix of modern comforts and the signature crystal-clear waters of Albania’s Ioanian coast. A sunbed and umbrella here cost a bit more than in Pulëbardha, but the food is affordable and quite delicious. The water is extra cold here, perfect for super hot summer days, and this particular spot has lots of fish, so bring your snorkeling gear!
3. Flamingo Beach
City Beach | Quiet | Pricier
This beach is good if you want a more exclusive vibe, but be ready for higher prices. The water here is clear and comfortable for swimming, but the umbrellas and sunbeds can get pricy, especially in peak season. This is the perfect beach if you want to stay in Saranda and not have to get into your car or walk too far from your hotel in the center.
4. Saranda Beach
Free Public Beach | No Shade | Shallow Waters
If you’re planning your trip to Albania on a budget, the Saranda Beach is a free, public beach open to all. It’s common for young kids to play around here and for families with their own umbrellas to stake out their spots along its waters during the summer. The waters are clear and clean and more shallow than other parts of the south, and you can jump off the platform into the water easily for a bit of an adrenaline rush! We recommend coming prepared with your own umbrella and any snacks you may want during the day here.
5. Krorëza Beach
Remote | Rocky Shores | Superb Water Quality
Want to feel like you’ve stepped out of civilization and onto a remote island? Krorëza Bay offers that opportunity; a twenty minute boat ride away from Saranda. We recommend taking a boat as early as possible to beat the crowds, because this place gets crowded, although its large size makes it feel comfortable and not at all overwhelming even in the peak season. The water here is gorgeous and refreshing. We recommend taking water shoes with you if you’re unaccustomed to walking on rocks. The restaurant here serves up delicious food, so no need to worry about food if you prefer to pack light.
6. Plazhi i Ksamilit – Ksamil Beach
Touristy | Unique Views | Pricey
We won’t fail to mention Albania’s most viral beach, Ksamil, which has seen a huge explosion in popularity the past few years. This beach certainly deserves the fame – you can easily swim or paddleboard to a chain of picturesque island beaches nearby, and the water here is clear and tranquil. We recommend visiting this beach off-peak, as during the tourist season it can get a bit overwhelming. Prices here have gone up over the past couple of years, too, so plan accordingly!
7. Tongo Beach
Secluded Island | Close to Greece | Wild Nature
One of Albania’s only islands, Tongo Island is completely secluded and has absolutely no infrastructure. The water here, close to the Greek border (which you can see from across the border) is electric hues of greens and blues. Your only company will be sea urchins, cicadas and other visitors on boats. If you’re doing a boat tour of the Albanian Riviera, ask your captain to take you to Tongo Island. It’s worth the stop!
If you’re a beach lover, you’re going to fall head over heels on your trip to Albania. And if you want to know more about Albania’s beaches, we’ve written plenty of other posts about the best beaches in Albania, how to pick between the Durrës and Saranda regions and the best beaches in Durrës.
Happy beach holidays!
