Sarande
Sarande is a STATE in Albania, Europe.
Sarandë, the southernmost province of Albania, is a sun-drenched Mediterranean paradise where ancient history meets breathtaking coastal beauty. Nestled along the turquoise Ionian Sea, this region offers travelers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, archaeological wonders, and vibrant local culture. The city of Sarandë serves as the lively gateway to the Albanian Riviera, with its palm-lined waterfront promenade buzzing with cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Just a short drive away lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, an extraordinary archaeological park featuring Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins set within a lush national park. The nearby Blue Eye Spring mesmerizes visitors with its stunning natural pool of crystal-clear azure water. Sarandë's proximity to the Greek island of Corfu makes it a unique cross-cultural destination, while nearby villages like Ksamil boast some of Europe's most beautiful beaches with white sand and small islands you can swim to. The region's microclimate ensures over 300 sunny days annually, perfect for exploring ancient monasteries, hiking in the surrounding hills, or simply relaxing on secluded beaches where the mountains meet the sea.
Best time to visit Sarande
May to October offers ideal beach weather with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. July and August are peak tourist months with crowded beaches and higher prices. May-June and September-October provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds. The shoulder seasons are perfect for hiking and exploring archaeological sites without intense heat. Winter months (November-April) are mild but many tourist facilities close, though it's a quiet time to experience local life.
October
NowTypical for October
- Weather
- Mild 16-22°C, some rain
Travel notes
- Crowds
- Low
- Prices
- Low
Good for sightseeing, swimming ends
Know before you go
Getting there
Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias)
International
30 km away
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza
International
270 km away
Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport
International
180 km away
Skopje International Airport
International
300 km away
Getting around
Stay connected
WiFi speed
25 Mbps
Mobile data
Excellent
WiFi
Widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants
Local SIM
Local SIM available at airport or shops from $5
Calling code
+355
Stay safe
Overall
8/10Low crime, but watch for petty theft and traffic.
Night safety
7/10Low crime, but watch for petty theft and traffic.
Transport
9/10Scam risk
6/10Entry and health
Health information
Culture
Local customs
Costs and practicals
Currency
Cost level
Meals
Hotels
Local transport
Cost notes
Timezone
More facts
Population
35,000
Area
58.96 km²
Government
Municipality within Vlorë County
ISO code
AL-12
Type
Province
Frequently Asked Questions
Also known as: سارانده, Santi Quaranta, Saranda, Саранда, സറാൻഡ, Sarando, Sarandë, Άγιοι Σαράντα, Onchesmus, サランダ, Porto Edda, سارنده, Cavaia, Cavaja, Kavaia, Kavaj, Kavaja, Kavaje, Kavajë, Kavajė, Kavalye, Kavaya, Kavaïa, Kawaja, ka wa ya, kabayeo, kabhaja, kafaja, kavaja, kavaya, kavuaya, kawaja, kawayh, Кавайе, Кавая, Каваја, كافاجا, کاواجا, کاوایه, کاوایہ, कवाजा, কাভাজা, ਕਾਵਾਜਾ, ካቫያ, カヴァヤ, 卡瓦亚, 카바여



