With its public beach, convenient port, and built-up downtown, Saranda is hailed as the gateway to the Albanian Riviera. Almost everyone who comes to Saranda is seeking a beach getaway—there aren't many things to do in Saranda that don’t involve the sea and sand. Many come to this small city for its nightlife or easy access to the many beaches and islands of Ksamil in the south. A hilltop fort and ancient Roman archaeological site provide temporary distractions from soaking up the sun.
Since Saranda is a beach resort, the most popular time to visit is during summer (June–August). This time of year can get quite busy, though, so if you want nice weather with fewer people, stick to the shoulder months of April, May, and late September. If you’re just seeking the sun and don’t mind it being too cold to swim at the beach, you can even visit in winter when it’s quiet.
Saranda is made up of the city center—around the Port of Saranda and lively Saranda Beach—but also the string of beach resorts that run south along the coast. While you can walk around the city center, you’ll want to use the local buses to get between the center and areas such as Mango Beach. Local buses also run down to Ksamil and Butrint, although they get full in summer, so take a taxi instead.
Most of the beaches in Saranda—particularly around Kodrra and Ksamil—are private beaches, where you’ll need to rent an umbrella for the day. Normally, renting an umbrella comes with two sun loungers, leaving solo beachgoers paying for two people. Saranda Beach in the downtown area is the only free public beach in town where you can come and go as you please.
