Saranda is a fantastic place to base yourself for a holiday in the south of Albania. Whether you are looking for the ultimate beach getaway, planning an Albania road trip, or seeking the best place for a long-term stay in Albania, Saranda ticks all of those boxes and more.
Being the largest town on the Albanian Riviera, Saranda is hands-down the best base to experience the beauty and culture that southern Albania has to offer. There are so many amazing day trips from Saranda that it can be difficult to know where to start.
During my 3 month stay in Saranda, I made sure to visit every part of the Albanian Riviera, some places even more than once. I created this detailed guide to the best day trips from Saranda to help you make the most of your time in southern Albania.
Saranda is surrounded by stunning beaches, historic towns and ruins, mesmerizing landscapes, and amazing restaurants, all within easy reach from the city. There will be a Saranda day trip to suit everyone on this list.
I have personally done every day trip listed below and I can guarantee that they are all a fantastic way to see the highlights near Saranda. Keep reading to find all the essential info to plan your day trip such as how to get there, the best tours to book, where to rent a car in Saranda and more!
Ksamil is one of the best day trips from Saranda!
Table of Contents
12 Exciting Day Trips from Saranda, Albania + How to Get There
Ksamil
A holiday in Albania is certainly not complete without at least one beach day in Ksamil. The small village of Ksamil is only a 20 minute drive south of Saranda and is known for its spectacular beaches that are comparable to the Maldives.
Kick back in your sun lounger and enjoy a relaxed day of eating fresh seafood, sipping cocktails and taking a dip in the most beautiful turquoise water you’ve ever seen. This is all possible for a fraction of the cost of other popular European beach destinations.
Ksamil Beach on a perfect October day
Sound too good to be true? Well there is a catch. If you take a day trip to Ksamil from Saranda during peak season from June – August, you will be met with crowds on any beach in Ksamil.
There was once a time when Ksamil was a hidden gem of Europe, this is unfortunately no longer the case. Some blogs will still try to sell you the idea that Ksamil is an uncrowded paradise at any time of the year but that’s just not true.
The good news is that you can still experience the charm of Ksamil’s crowd-free beaches however you’ll need to plan your trip outside of peak season. When I visited Albania in May or September/October I had the absolute best experiences. With sunny 28°C days and pristine beaches almost all to myself, I truly cannot recommend it enough.
The incredible view from Guvat Restaurant in September
Tips & Info for Day Tripping From Saranda to Ksamil
- Sunbeds in Ksamil range from 1000 to 2500 lek for a pair of beds and a parasol for the day. Prices are on the higher end at peak season.
- My favourite spots to spend a beach day in Ksamil were Tre Ishujt or Poda Beach Bar on Ksamil’s main beach and Blue Diamond Beach Bar on Lori Beach.
- To explore the Ksamil Islands you can rent kayaks or paddle boats for around 1000 lek per hour. Swimming to the islands is also possible as they’re quite close to the shore. You can also catch a ride over with a local on their private boat for a fee.
- My favourite restaurants in Ksamil for great food and beautiful views were Guvat and Restorant Korali. Guvat has a huge menu full of big salads, pastas, seafood and traditional Albanian dishes all for reasonable prices and a priceless view to look at while you dine.
- As pretty much all of the beaches in Ksamil are occupied by bars/restaurants, this isn’t the kind of place where you can lay a towel down for free. During off season this might be possible but during the summer you will most likely be asked to leave if you didn’t pay for a sunbed.
Sparkling turquoise water and the cutest thatched umbrellas
How to get to Ksamil from Saranda
Car – If you’ve rented a car then it’s an easy 20 minute drive following one road all the way from the center of Saranda to Ksamil. Most of the beach bars/restaurants in Ksamil offer free parking for customers.
Driving a car is the most convenient way to get there however you will have to be mindful of your alcohol consumption throughout the day. The other option would be to take a taxi there and back which costs around 1500 – 2500 lek (15 – 25 euros) one way.
Bus – You can catch the public bus to Ksamil from this bus stop in the center of Saranda. The bus offers frequent departures throughout the day and it costs 150 lek per person (cash only).
The bus makes several stops on the way to Ksamil so it will take a fair bit longer than driving or taking a taxi. The bus displays “Butrint” on the front window as this is the final destination however it will stop in a few different locations in Ksamil on the way.
A bird’s eye view of Ksamil Beach and islands
Butrint National Park
The ancient ruins of Butrint are must-see for anyone visiting southern Albania and they make a fantastic day trip from Saranda. Located close to the Greek border only 5 minutes south of Ksamil, it’s an easy day trip that can be done by car or bus.
Butrint National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history that goes back to the 8th century BC. As you walk through the park you will see well-preserved ruins from many different civilizations including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and even Ottoman.
Once you’ve finished exploring the park, you will eventually end up at the Butrint Museum which provides a deeper insight into the history of the ruins. There is a big collection of ancient artefacts and displays showcasing the park’s history in chronological order.
I was so impressed by this amazing archaeological park and the natural beauty that surrounds it. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the 1000 lek entry fee, I can assure you it certainly is!
The ancient Roman Theatre in Butrint National Park
Butrint National Park can be seen in around 2 – 3 hours which won’t take up an entire day. Here’s a suggested day trip itinerary:
Wake up and have a slow morning, heading over to Marini for a big, delicious brunch (my favourite brunch restaurant in Saranda). Make your way over to Butrint National Park and spend a few hours exploring the ruins and visiting the museum.
Once you’ve finished, stop in at one of the amazing beaches near Saranda for a dip in the ocean on your way back to town. My top picks for a refreshing swim would be Pulëbardha Beach or Mirror Beach, both stunning beaches.
When you’re ready for dinner head up to Natyra Restaurant for a traditional meal with a spectacular valley and mountain view. After dinner you will be perfectly situated to be at Lëkurësi Castle just in time to watch the sunset over Saranda. This view at sunset will blow you away, it is truly unreal.
View from Lëkurësi Castle at sunset
Tips & Info for Day Tripping From Saranda to Butrint
- Entry to Butrint costs 1000 lek per person and the opening hours are from 9am – 7pm daily.
- If you take your time exploring every corner of the park, stopping to read each sign and visiting the museum, it shouldn’t take longer than 3 hours to see everything.
- If you are visiting during the peak of summer, it’s a good idea to go in the morning to avoid walking around in the heat of the day.
- For beautiful lighting and minimal crowds, visiting the park just before sunset results in an even more magical experience (especially if you’re into photography).
- Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes, the park is pretty big and you’ll be doing plenty of walking.
- Once you arrive, pick up a map to guide you around the park and provide some background info on each site.
- There is a small café in the park selling food and drinks however you can also pack your own lunch and drinks in a backpack.
Exploring Butrint National Park
How to get to Butrint from Saranda
Car – Driving a car to Butrint is the best option, especially if you want the flexibility to stop at a beach for a swim on the way back. Free parking is available for visitors to the National Park. The drive from Saranda only takes 25 minutes.
Bus – Getting to Butrint by bus means catching the exact same bus that goes to Ksamil and staying on for an extra 5 minutes. The bus leaves regularly throughout the day from this bus stop in the center of Saranda. It costs 150 lek per person for one way, cash only.
Guided Tour – This top-rated tour departs from Saranda and visits Butrint National Park, the Blue Eye and Lëkurësi Castle all in one day. A great choice for those with limited time so you can tick off several of Saranda’s top attractions in a single day. View tour prices and availability here.
A beautiful scene captured at Butrint during sunset
Lukova Beach
The Albanian Riviera is dotted with pristine beaches and secluded turquoise bays extending from Saranda in the south to Vlora in the north. One of the best hidden gems I found during my time in Albania was Lukova Beach.
This immaculate stretch of white sand with crystal clear water and tall towering cliffs is a perfect example of the natural beauty you’ll find along the riviera. What makes this beach so special? It’s a little out of the way and getting there requires following a winding mountain road (watch out for goats!).
Those who make the effort are rewarded by a much quieter and laidback Albanian beach experience. Let’s face it, Ksamil is beautiful but the blaring music from the beach bars and clubs is not for everyone.
If you’re seeking to escape the noise and crowds in a truly special place, then look no further. Lukova Beach was hands down my favourite off-the-beaten path day trips from Saranda. When I visited in September, there was only a handful of other people there.
Lukova Beach, a gem that is not to be missed
Tips for Visiting Lukova Beach on a Day Trip from Saranda
- The beach is quite big and there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants that offer sun beds for daily rental, prices vary throughout the season but you can expect around 1000 – 2000 lek per day. However the beach is big enough that you don’t have to pay for one. You can simply find your own space to lay a towel down if you don’t plan to stay for the whole day.
- During September most of the little bars and restaurants close for the season but it is still a beautiful place to enjoy a swim.
- There is a restaurant right on the beach called Hi Lukovë which has excellent ratings and a spectacular view over the ocean. I was very excited to try this place however it was already closed by the time I got there.
- There is free parking however spaces may be limited at peak season.
- If you want to explore more beaches in the area, check out Buneci Beach and Borsh Beach (the largest beach in Albania) which are both an easy drive from Lukova.
I had the whole beach to myself at sunset
How to get to Lukova Beach from Saranda
Car – As there is no direct bus route from Saranda to Lukova, getting there is best done by rental car. Rental cars are pretty cheap in Albania so it’s well worth it to get one even if it’s just for a day or two.
The drive from Saranda takes around 40 minutes by following the winding mountain highway north of the city. Once you reach the small village of Lukova, you will make a sharp turn to the left when you see a big sign for Lukova Beach.
Continue along the winding paved road that leads all the way down to beach, see Google maps directions here. This is where I saw several groups of goats walking casually on the road.
Bus – To get there by bus you will have to take the bus that goes from Saranda to Himare and ask to be let off in Lukova. From the village, you will have to continue by foot for around 35 minutes to get to the beach. The bus leaves from this bus stop in Saranda.
The bus costs 800 lek one way and the departure times change seasonally. Be sure to confirm return bus times when buying your ticket to avoid getting stuck in Lukova for the night.
Soaking up the sun at Lukova Beach
The Blue Eye
A visit to the natural spring called Syri i Kaltër or “The Blue Eye” is one of the most well-known and popular day trips from Saranda. Nobody comes to Saranda and skips out on the Blue Eye, it’s just that simple. There is some mystery and magic surrounding the spring and it has long been associated with myths and legends in Albanian folklore.
Located in the lush countryside, this natural phenomenon is a freshwater spring that reaches a depth of more than 50 meters. The vibrant turquoise water entices visitors to jump in for a swim to cool down on a hot day. You can swim there but keep in mind it’s extremely cold!
Gorgeous scenery around the Blue Eye
There are several restaurants in very beautiful spots near the Blue Eye. I really enjoyed walking around the area to admire the natural beauty, taking some photos and then having lunch at one of the cute little restaurants near the river.
On your way back to Saranda from the Blue Eye, I would suggest stopping at Mesopotam Monastery along the way. It’s a surprisingly well-preserved 11th century church in a really pretty setting. Although the doors weren’t open when I stopped in there, it’s still a cool place to have a quick look at.
If you make it back to Saranda in time for sunset, I highly recommend ending your day with a nice glass of wine at Kristiano’s Wine Bar. With unbeatable views and no crowds of people, this was easily my favourite spot for a sunset drink in Saranda.