Saranda is renowned for its deep blue Mediterranean seas. Near Saranda are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Butrint, an ancient city. In recent years, the number of visitors visiting Saranda has steadily increased, with many arriving by cruise ship. Visitors are drawn to Saranda by its natural surroundings and ancient treasures.
Saranda is a city in Albania and the administrative center of Saranda Municipality. Geographically, the city is situated inside the Mediterranean Sea on an open sea gulf of the Ionian Sea. Saranda, which stretches along the Ionian Sea coast of Albania, has a Mediterranean climate with more than 300 sunny days each year.
Saranda is renowned for its deep blue Mediterranean seas. Near Saranda are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Butrint, an ancient city. In recent years, the number of visitors visiting Saranda has steadily increased, with many arriving by cruise ship. Visitors are drawn to Saranda by its natural surroundings and ancient treasures. Saranda is home to a majority of ethnic Albanians, as well as a small Greek population, and is thus regarded one of the two centers of the Greek minority in Albania.
In commemoration of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, the name Saranda is derived from the name of the Byzantine monastery Agioi Saranda, which means “Forty Saints.” Under Ottoman administration, the city acquired the Turkish names Aya Sarandai and eventually Sarandoz. Due to Venetian influence in the area, it often appeared on Western maps with the Italian name Santi Quaranta. Due to the first Italian colonization of the area, this practice persisted even after the foundation of the Principality of Albania. Benito Mussolini altered the name of Porto Edda during the Italian occupation of Albania during World War II, in honor of his oldest daughter. After the reestablishment of Albanian independence, the city adopted its Albanian name, Saranda.
Geography
Saranda, part of the Albanian Riviera, is located in southern Albania on the arch-shaped harbor of Saranda between the Gormarti and Berdeneshi Hills and the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast. Saranda Municipality is comprised of the nearby administrative units of Ksamil and Saranda and is included within Vlore County as part of the Southern Region of Albania. It has a total area of 58.96 km2
Demography
Until the Balkan Wars (1912–1913), Saranda comprised simply of a harbor and had no permanent population throughout the late Ottoman Empire. In 1912, immediately after the Albanian Declaration of Independence, the population of the village was barely 110. At the 1927 census, the population was 810, although it was not yet a town. In the 1930s, the population grew rapidly, and during this time, the first public buildings and major highways were completed. In 1957, the city had 8,700 residents and was designated as the district’s center. Saranda’s populace was completely Christian. Under the resettlement efforts of the People’s Republic of Albania (1945–1991), a Muslim community was established in the city. Population as of the 2011 census: 20,227; total area: 70.13 km2. At the 2011 census, the population of the former municipality was 17,233; however, according to the civil offices, the population is 41,173. (2013 estimate)
According to a study conducted by the Albanian Helsinki Committee in 1990, the population of Saranda was 17,000, of whom 7,500 belonged to the Greek minority. Prior to the fall of the Soviet dictatorship in 1991, members of the city’s Greek minority were denied minority rights since Saranda did not belong to “minority zones.” During his 1992 research in the region, Greek scholar Leonidas Kallivretakis observed that Saranda’s mixed ethno-linguistic makeup (total population in 1992: 17,555) was comprised of 8,055 Muslim Albanians, 6,500 Greeks, and 3,000 Orthodox Albanians. Statistics from the same survey revealed that, including the surrounding villages, the population of the Sarande commune consisted of 43% Albanian Muslims, 14% Albanian Christians, 41% Greek Christians, and 2% Aromanian Christians. In the early 1990s, the majority of the local Orthodox Albanian people voted for parties affiliated with the Greek minority in the Saranda region.
Saranda is one of the two hubs of the Greek minority in Albania; the other being Gjirokastr. According to the leaders of the Greek minority, 42% of the town’s residents are members of the Greek community. Since the 1990s, Saranda’s population has almost doubled. According to government estimates, the city’s population in 2013 was 41,173. According to a 2001 study done by the Albanian Committee of Helsinki, the Albanian population was around 26,500, while the Greek population was approximately 3,400, along with a tiny amount of Vlachs and Roma. According to the Albanian Committee of Helsinki, the city lost more than fifty percent of its ethnic Greeks between 1991 and 2001 due to massive exodus to Greece. According to 2014 official figures, the Greek community in the old municipality had a population of 7,920, not counting those who reside in the larger current municipality (including additionally 4,207 in Ksamil). As of 2014, seven Greek schools/classes with a total of 359 pupils operated in the municipality of Saranda. Other minority groups include the Aromanians, the Roma, and the Ashkali.
Economy
Since the collapse of communism in Albania, Saranda has become an important tourist destination due to its proximity to the shore and Mediterranean temperature. According to The Guardian, Saranda and the remainder of the Albanian Riviera are “poised to become the next hidden jewel of the congested Mediterranean.” Tourism is the primary economic resource, with services, fishing, and building all contributing. According to the 2008 population census, the unemployment rate was 8.32 percent. It has been proposed that family tourism and summer seasonal jobs offset the true unemployment rate. Recent unchecked development activity in the city may have a negative impact on its future tourist prospects. Since 2012, the Port of Saranda has been expanding its terminal to accommodate cruise ships.
How To Travel To Saranda
By boat
To Corfu, a neighboring Greek island (New Port). The ferryboats depart daily at 10:30, 13:00, and 16:30. (fewer out of season – check with the ticket office at the port). The 10:30 hydrofoil ride takes around 25-45 minutes. The 16:30 ferry is for cars. Albania is one hour behind Corfu. The one-way fare is €19, while the return fare is €38.
By bus
Buses to and from Tirana are accessible by bus lines, taxi vans, and taxis. There are two itineraries: Tirana-Durres-Fieri-Vlora-Dhermi-Saranda or Tirana-Durresi-Fieri-Mallakastra-Tepelena-Gjirokastra-Saranda. If you are traveling through the Riviera (the first), you should pay more attention to your surroundings since the path is limited.
RivieraBus.com also offers a Tirana-Saranda bus service. Their route links all major resorts in Albania, including Durres, Vlore, Dhermi, Jale, Himara, Borsh, and Saranda.
There are routes between Vlore and the Riviera or “Bregu” (a line of picturesque, gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and villages; Bregu is the summer hostel of the Prime Minister and President). – Saranda is on the route from Gjirokaster to Tepelene, Fier, and Tirana. By bus or cab, the trip from Ioannina to Kakavi takes around 40 minutes. After reaching Kakavi, the following route is followed: Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Jergucat-Qafe and Muzines-Saranda.
By car
To reach Saranda from Kosovo and North Macedonia, use the following route: Struga-Qafe Thana-Librazhd-Elbasani-Rrogoshina-Fier, etc. It is linked by land to Greece: I at the border between Qafe Bota and Igoumenitsa; (ii) at the border between Kakavi and Ioannina. Both Ioannina and Igoumenitsa provide access to the Kakavi border for visitors traveling from Greece. From Ioannina to Kakavi takes roughly 40 min. After reaching Kakavi, the following route is followed: Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Jergucat-Qafe and Muzines-Saranda. The route is Igoumenitsa-Qafe Bote-Saranda, however the road is narrower at Qafe-Bota.
By air
The concept of constructing an airport near the town of Viron is intriguing since it is just 5 kilometers from Saranda. Currently, the urban service provided is a facility.
Tourism In Saranda
Tourism is the primary economic engine of Saranda. It is a major tourist resort on the Ionian Sea and one of the most popular in Albania.
Saranda, situated near the Greek island of Corfu, has a Mediterranean climate and mild seas. On average, Saranda enjoys around 300 sunny days each year. Due to its position and pleasant climate, Saranda is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Albanian Riviera, where newlyweds often spend their vacations. Along the seafront and the main promenade are a number of hotels and restaurants that provide lodging and food services.
The area is rich in many features, including plants and mountains, rivers and lakes, springs and unspoiled beaches, citrus plantations, olive groves and vineyards, meadows and woodlands, fish and shellfish farms, and attractive hunting grounds. In summary, an ideal location for tourist growth. There are several attractions in and around the city of Saranda, including the mesmerizing ancient archaeological site of Butrint and the hypnotic Blue Eye Spring. The beautiful beaches and islets of Ksamil, located between Saranda and Butrint, are ideal for a refreshing swim after a day of sightseeing.
Sights & Landmarks In Saranda
A pebbly beach lapped by brilliant blue waves and surrounded by scented scrub and olive trees is a typical view in Saranda. You may choose between family-friendly tourism destinations and quiet beaches in nature reserves. And if you require more than relaxing beach days, you may visit charming coastal towns, natural wonders, and, best of all, the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Butrint.
Saranda, often known as Sarandë, is a famous southern Albanian beach city. It is one of the most popular tourist sites on the Albanian Riviera, with over 300 sunny days each year. It is hardly surprising that a once-quiet fishing town has become a booming resort and a popular summer vacation destination.
Saranda is a seaside town where visitors may discover a variety of stunning beaches. Beaches at certain resorts will have more sand, while those at others may have somewhat pebblier sand. Those close to the town center are very popular and draw many of visitors. Beaches farther north or south will be less crowded and maybe more picturesque and peaceful.
There are several restaurants, cafés, and pubs in Saranda. Fast food restaurants provide a surprising array of inexpensive and great options: €1 will often buy you a decent souvlaki (mostly pork) or a really tasty crepe. Look for yogurt-flavored ice cream near the tourist information center on the boardwalk.
Mare Nostrum Cuisine is a lovely restaurant on the seafront in the heart of Saranda. It is regarded as one of the greatest restaurants in Saranda. It is reputed to be a bit more costly than other restaurants, despite its excellent cuisine and service.
Fish is plentiful in Saranda, and most eateries provide it. Establishments next to the ocean and fishing ports provide the freshest seafood, however superb seafood may be found elsewhere.
Saranda has a vibrant nightlife, particularly during the summer. In Albania, Saranda is widely renowned for its nightly strolls along the main road beside the sea. Many residents will be taking part in this, particularly on the boulevard. With so many restaurants and laid-back pubs with outside seating, this is a terrific spot to start the evening. While watching the crowds pass by, you can take in stunning views of the sea.
In Saranda, there are a lot of pubs that serve as cafes or restaurants during the day and transform into vibrant bars or nightclubs at night. These establishments often remain open until early in the morning. Some locations, particularly beach bars that double as outdoor clubs, are only open during the summer. Typically, music ranges from mainstream western music to Albanian, Greek, electronic, and house music.
Saranda
Saranda
Saranda is a city in Albania and the administrative center of Saranda Municipality. Geographically, the city is situated inside the Mediterranean Sea on an open sea gulf of the Ionian Sea. Saranda, which stretches along the Ionian Sea coast of Albania, has a Mediterranean climate with more than 300 sunny days each year.
Saranda is renowned for its deep blue Mediterranean seas. Near Saranda are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Butrint, an ancient city. In recent years, the number of visitors visiting Saranda has steadily increased, with many arriving by cruise ship. Visitors are drawn to Saranda by its natural surroundings and ancient treasures. Saranda is home to a majority of ethnic Albanians, as well as a small Greek population, and is thus regarded one of the two centers of the Greek minority in Albania.
In commemoration of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, the name Saranda is derived from the name of the Byzantine monastery Agioi Saranda, which means “Forty Saints.” Under Ottoman administration, the city acquired the Turkish names Aya Sarandai and eventually Sarandoz. Due to Venetian influence in the area, it often appeared on Western maps with the Italian name Santi Quaranta. Due to the first Italian colonization of the area, this practice persisted even after the foundation of the Principality of Albania. Benito Mussolini altered the name of Porto Edda during the Italian occupation of Albania during World War II, in honor of his oldest daughter. After the reestablishment of Albanian independence, the city adopted its Albanian name, Saranda.
Geography
Saranda, part of the Albanian Riviera, is located in southern Albania on the arch-shaped harbor of Saranda between the Gormarti and Berdeneshi Hills and the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast. Saranda Municipality is comprised of the nearby administrative units of Ksamil and Saranda and is included within Vlore County as part of the Southern Region of Albania. It has a total area of 58.96 km2
Demography
Until the Balkan Wars (1912–1913), Saranda comprised simply of a harbor and had no permanent population throughout the late Ottoman Empire. In 1912, immediately after the Albanian Declaration of Independence, the population of the village was barely 110. At the 1927 census, the population was 810, although it was not yet a town. In the 1930s, the population grew rapidly, and during this time, the first public buildings and major highways were completed. In 1957, the city had 8,700 residents and was designated as the district’s center. Saranda’s populace was completely Christian. Under the resettlement efforts of the People’s Republic of Albania (1945–1991), a Muslim community was established in the city. Population as of the 2011 census: 20,227; total area: 70.13 km2. At the 2011 census, the population of the former municipality was 17,233; however, according to the civil offices, the population is 41,173. (2013 estimate)
According to a study conducted by the Albanian Helsinki Committee in 1990, the population of Saranda was 17,000, of whom 7,500 belonged to the Greek minority. Prior to the fall of the Soviet dictatorship in 1991, members of the city’s Greek minority were denied minority rights since Saranda did not belong to “minority zones.” During his 1992 research in the region, Greek scholar Leonidas Kallivretakis observed that Saranda’s mixed ethno-linguistic makeup (total population in 1992: 17,555) was comprised of 8,055 Muslim Albanians, 6,500 Greeks, and 3,000 Orthodox Albanians. Statistics from the same survey revealed that, including the surrounding villages, the population of the Sarande commune consisted of 43% Albanian Muslims, 14% Albanian Christians, 41% Greek Christians, and 2% Aromanian Christians. In the early 1990s, the majority of the local Orthodox Albanian people voted for parties affiliated with the Greek minority in the Saranda region.
Saranda is one of the two hubs of the Greek minority in Albania; the other being Gjirokastr. According to the leaders of the Greek minority, 42% of the town’s residents are members of the Greek community. Since the 1990s, Saranda’s population has almost doubled. According to government estimates, the city’s population in 2013 was 41,173. According to a 2001 study done by the Albanian Committee of Helsinki, the Albanian population was around 26,500, while the Greek population was approximately 3,400, along with a tiny amount of Vlachs and Roma. According to the Albanian Committee of Helsinki, the city lost more than fifty percent of its ethnic Greeks between 1991 and 2001 due to massive exodus to Greece. According to 2014 official figures, the Greek community in the old municipality had a population of 7,920, not counting those who reside in the larger current municipality (including additionally 4,207 in Ksamil). As of 2014, seven Greek schools/classes with a total of 359 pupils operated in the municipality of Saranda. Other minority groups include the Aromanians, the Roma, and the Ashkali.
Economy
Since the collapse of communism in Albania, Saranda has become an important tourist destination due to its proximity to the shore and Mediterranean temperature. According to The Guardian, Saranda and the remainder of the Albanian Riviera are “poised to become the next hidden jewel of the congested Mediterranean.” Tourism is the primary economic resource, with services, fishing, and building all contributing. According to the 2008 population census, the unemployment rate was 8.32 percent. It has been proposed that family tourism and summer seasonal jobs offset the true unemployment rate. Recent unchecked development activity in the city may have a negative impact on its future tourist prospects. Since 2012, the Port of Saranda has been expanding its terminal to accommodate cruise ships.
How To Travel To Saranda
By boat
To Corfu, a neighboring Greek island (New Port). The ferryboats depart daily at 10:30, 13:00, and 16:30. (fewer out of season – check with the ticket office at the port). The 10:30 hydrofoil ride takes around 25-45 minutes. The 16:30 ferry is for cars. Albania is one hour behind Corfu. The one-way fare is €19, while the return fare is €38.
By bus
Buses to and from Tirana are accessible by bus lines, taxi vans, and taxis. There are two itineraries: Tirana-Durres-Fieri-Vlora-Dhermi-Saranda or Tirana-Durresi-Fieri-Mallakastra-Tepelena-Gjirokastra-Saranda. If you are traveling through the Riviera (the first), you should pay more attention to your surroundings since the path is limited.
RivieraBus.com also offers a Tirana-Saranda bus service. Their route links all major resorts in Albania, including Durres, Vlore, Dhermi, Jale, Himara, Borsh, and Saranda.
There are routes between Vlore and the Riviera or “Bregu” (a line of picturesque, gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and villages; Bregu is the summer hostel of the Prime Minister and President). – Saranda is on the route from Gjirokaster to Tepelene, Fier, and Tirana. By bus or cab, the trip from Ioannina to Kakavi takes around 40 minutes. After reaching Kakavi, the following route is followed: Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Jergucat-Qafe and Muzines-Saranda.
By car
To reach Saranda from Kosovo and North Macedonia, use the following route: Struga-Qafe Thana-Librazhd-Elbasani-Rrogoshina-Fier, etc. It is linked by land to Greece: I at the border between Qafe Bota and Igoumenitsa; (ii) at the border between Kakavi and Ioannina. Both Ioannina and Igoumenitsa provide access to the Kakavi border for visitors traveling from Greece. From Ioannina to Kakavi takes roughly 40 min. After reaching Kakavi, the following route is followed: Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Jergucat-Qafe and Muzines-Saranda. The route is Igoumenitsa-Qafe Bote-Saranda, however the road is narrower at Qafe-Bota.
By air
The concept of constructing an airport near the town of Viron is intriguing since it is just 5 kilometers from Saranda. Currently, the urban service provided is a facility.
Tourism In Saranda
Tourism is the primary economic engine of Saranda. It is a major tourist resort on the Ionian Sea and one of the most popular in Albania.
Saranda, situated near the Greek island of Corfu, has a Mediterranean climate and mild seas. On average, Saranda enjoys around 300 sunny days each year. Due to its position and pleasant climate, Saranda is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Albanian Riviera, where newlyweds often spend their vacations. Along the seafront and the main promenade are a number of hotels and restaurants that provide lodging and food services.
The area is rich in many features, including plants and mountains, rivers and lakes, springs and unspoiled beaches, citrus plantations, olive groves and vineyards, meadows and woodlands, fish and shellfish farms, and attractive hunting grounds. In summary, an ideal location for tourist growth. There are several attractions in and around the city of Saranda, including the mesmerizing ancient archaeological site of Butrint and the hypnotic Blue Eye Spring. The beautiful beaches and islets of Ksamil, located between Saranda and Butrint, are ideal for a refreshing swim after a day of sightseeing.
Sights & Landmarks In Saranda
A pebbly beach lapped by brilliant blue waves and surrounded by scented scrub and olive trees is a typical view in Saranda. You may choose between family-friendly tourism destinations and quiet beaches in nature reserves. And if you require more than relaxing beach days, you may visit charming coastal towns, natural wonders, and, best of all, the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Butrint.
Teqeja Sarande
Sarandë, Vlora, AlbaniaStatue of Hillary Clinton
Rruga Naim Frasheri, 9701, Sarandë, AlbaniaSynagogue – Basilica, Archeological Remains
Sarandë, Vlora, AlbaniaThings To Do In Saranda
Saranda, often known as Sarandë, is a famous southern Albanian beach city. It is one of the most popular tourist sites on the Albanian Riviera, with over 300 sunny days each year. It is hardly surprising that a once-quiet fishing town has become a booming resort and a popular summer vacation destination.
Stellar Therapies
Rruga Lefter Talo, 9701, Sarandë, AlbaniaSTIV fitness gym
Rruga Skënderbeu 12, 9701, Sarandë, AlbaniaSilhouette Sports Center
Sarandë, Vlora, AlbaniaBeaches In Saranda
Saranda is a seaside town where visitors may discover a variety of stunning beaches. Beaches at certain resorts will have more sand, while those at others may have somewhat pebblier sand. Those close to the town center are very popular and draw many of visitors. Beaches farther north or south will be less crowded and maybe more picturesque and peaceful.
Shpella e Pellumbave Beach
Rruga Butrinti, 9701, Sarandë, AlbaniaSaranda Beach
Sarandë, Vlora, AlbaniaPulebardha Beach
Butrint National Park, Albania, Ksamil, AlbaniaRestaurants In Saranda
There are several restaurants, cafés, and pubs in Saranda. Fast food restaurants provide a surprising array of inexpensive and great options: €1 will often buy you a decent souvlaki (mostly pork) or a really tasty crepe. Look for yogurt-flavored ice cream near the tourist information center on the boardwalk.
Mare Nostrum Cuisine is a lovely restaurant on the seafront in the heart of Saranda. It is regarded as one of the greatest restaurants in Saranda. It is reputed to be a bit more costly than other restaurants, despite its excellent cuisine and service.
Fish is plentiful in Saranda, and most eateries provide it. Establishments next to the ocean and fishing ports provide the freshest seafood, however superb seafood may be found elsewhere.
Taverna Laberia
Rruga Mitat Hoxha 117, 9701, Sarandë, AlbaniaTaverna Oxhaku
Rruga Ismail Kemali 8, 9701, Sarandë, AlbaniaThe Mussel House Restaurant
Ksamil, Vlora, AlbaniaNightlife in Saranda
Saranda has a vibrant nightlife, particularly during the summer. In Albania, Saranda is widely renowned for its nightly strolls along the main road beside the sea. Many residents will be taking part in this, particularly on the boulevard. With so many restaurants and laid-back pubs with outside seating, this is a terrific spot to start the evening. While watching the crowds pass by, you can take in stunning views of the sea.
In Saranda, there are a lot of pubs that serve as cafes or restaurants during the day and transform into vibrant bars or nightclubs at night. These establishments often remain open until early in the morning. Some locations, particularly beach bars that double as outdoor clubs, are only open during the summer. Typically, music ranges from mainstream western music to Albanian, Greek, electronic, and house music.
VIEW bar terrace
Rruga Gjergj Araniti, 9701, Sarandë, AlbaniaTipsy Drinks And More
Rruga Jonianet 38, 9701, Sarandë, AlbaniaRock Cafe Saranda
Sarandë, Vlora, AlbaniaKeep Exploring
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