Budget to Luxury: Where to Stay in Saranda for Every Traveller
Bell | 06 August 24
Saranda is the newest hot spot in Europe, boasting crystal clear waters, delicious food and stunning day trips, all at an affordable price. If you plan to visit soon, here are the top accommodation options in Saranda.
Saranda makes for the perfect destination for any budget to relax on the beach and enjoy the most delicious and affordable food, while also being the perfect home base to venture out to some of Albania’s most popular tourist attractions.
It is close to the famous Ksamil, sometimes referred to as the Maldives of Europe, as well as the Blue Eye where you will find the clearest turquoise water in a natural monument of impressive beauty.
Saranda has tons of amazing accommodation options and is still growing as tourism is picking up, so here are some amazing options for hotels, hostels or B&Bs during your stay:
Where to stay in Saranda, Albania
As for the best area to stay in Saranda, the city center is pretty walkable and there are public beaches, tons of restaurants and shops right by the harbour that you can enjoy, hence staying close by is always a great option. In addition, most tours depart from near the harbour.
Public buses also run to nearby towns, most notably Ksamil, which is famous for its beach bars and pristine water. I will hence include accommodation options there too, for anyone looking for a smaller town and pure beach vibes. This is also a good option if you rent a car.
Best Hotels in Saranda, Albania
If you are after luxurious rooms, a delicious breakfast and a beach just down the road, this is the place for you. One of the top-reviewed places in all of Saranda.
If you want your own space with cooking facilities, these apartments are perfect for your stay in Saranda. Best of all, the units are very fairly priced!
This hotel is not only got beautiful views over the harbour but is located right next to the ferry terminal. Perfect for any early or late arrivals from Corfu.
Backpacker Hostels in Saranda - Budget Accommodation
I loved this hostel! It was clean, the owner was super kind and friendly and I met the loveliest people here. Beds had curtains which is always a huge plus.
It is located on top of the hill so a 15-minute steep walk, but you can take the local bus too.
I was too late to book this hostel on my trip but had several backpackers recommend it to me while I was in Albania. The location is unbeatable – right outside the ferry terminal.
A very new hostel, located just 5 minutes from the beach. It has beautiful dorms (with privacy curtains!!), lovely owners and breakfast included.
Accommodation near Saranda
This hotel is located literally right outside Ksamil Beach and offers beautiful rooms, a bar and even a hot tub and pool with a view.
Set a bit away from the beach bars, this offers a quieter, luxury stay. It is still just 500m from the sea and they have their own pool too.
Slightly outside of Saranda, this place is best for anyone with a car. They offer free parking, breakfast and beautiful rooms at a more than fair price.
How to get to Saranda
There are two airports you can fly into to get to Saranda: Corfu Airport and Tirana Airport. An airport in the city is planned but construction has not yet started. Don’t worry though, both routes are pretty easy and scenic.
Corfu Airport
I have written a full guide on the journey from Corfu to Saranda and vice versa which you can find here.
Essentially, you get to Saranda from Corfu by ferry. There are two main companies that do the journey, Ionian Seaways and Finikas Lines. One essential thing to keep in mind with all of your bookings is that Corfu is one hour ahead of Saranda!
The ferry journey costs about 25€ and there is a local bus (Line 15) that takes you from the ferry terminal to the airport for around 1,80€.
Tirana Airport
Tirana Airport is Albania’s own airport near the capital Tirana. This is the best option if you are hiring a car or hitting other cities prior to Saranda. Albania has some gorgeous scenery both along the coast and through its mainland so the drive is well worth it.
The drive is around 4 hours but I would really recommend stopping along the way in e.g. Vlore or Gjirokaster. You can hire a car starting at around 30€ per day.
There is also a bus that takes you from Tirana Airport to Saranda for 28€.
Is it best to stay in Ksamil or Sarande?
Both are great but very different options.
Saranda is bigger with more things to do, including options for day trips, shopping and restaurants. Ksamil on the other hand is known for its stunning beaches and thriving beach bars. Ksamil is much smaller than Saranda but known for a more luxurious feel, whereas Saranda is more action-packed and has more backpackers.
I’d say if you want a relaxing beach holiday with a touch of luxury and aren’t planning to leave the area a lot, Ksamil is a great option. If you are planning some day trips, I would always go for Saranda. You can still go to Ksamil whenever you’d like as it is only a 30-minute journey, but you will get more variety at a cheaper price in Saranda.
How many days to spend in Saranda?
I would recommend an absolute minimum of 3 days in Saranda. If you can, spend a week. There are so many things to explore, day trips to go on and amazing tours to take part in.
On top of that, you probably want a day or two to also just relax on the beach or head to Ksamil for some luxury.
Ideally, you need 5-7 days in Saranda.
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