Saranda is one of the most popular places to visit in the Albania for good reason. With great weather, stunning beaches, rich history, and plenty of amazing sites to see, it certainly deserves a place on your Albania itinerary.
Saranda is smaller than the neighbouring city of Vlora yet has a lot more to offer than Ksamil making it the perfect place to base yourself to explore the south of Albania.
Choosing the best hotel in Saranda is crucial to ensuring you make the most of your Albania holiday. Each area of Saranda has a different vibe, and depending on what you’re looking for, you can be sure to base yourself in the most convenient location.
Book a hotel on Saranda’s beachfront promenade for easy access to the beach
Do you want to wake up with the beach at your doorstep? Do you want to be within walking distance from the main supermarkets, restaurants and bars? Or do you prefer a luxury resort with an infinity pool and all the amenities? These are all things to take into consideration.
In this guide to finding the best hotels in Saranda I share my best tips and recommendations based on my long-term stay in 2023. I spent 3 months living in Saranda and during that time I explored all the different areas of town and discovered what makes each one special.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or extended stay in the south of Albania, my guide to choosing the best Saranda hotels will set you in the right direction when it comes to booking a place that suits your needs.
Table of Contents
The Best Hotels in Saranda for Every Budget
Where to Stay in Saranda – Which Part of Town is Best?
Map of the three main areas to stay in Saranda
Qender – This part of Saranda is considered the town center. With many shops, bars, restaurants and the Port of Saranda within walking distance, this is the place to stay if you’re seeking convenience. There is also a bus station offering bus routes all over Albania and some parts of Greece.
The beachfront promenade runs from the Port of Saranda to the other side of town. Some of the best hotels in Saranda are located along the promenade boasting spectacular views across the Ioanian Sea to the Greek island of Corfu.
The Qender area consists of a slope that ascends from the promenade to the top of a steep hill with each street higher than the one below. This makes for some amazing ocean views no matter what street you choose to stay on.
When choosing your ideal hotel in Saranda, this is something to consider if you want to avoid walking up and down a big hill everyday. My Saranda apartment was located at the very back of town on 5th street which required a steep 15 minute walk from the center of town.
I personally liked the location as it helped me to stay active and reach my step goal each day but I know that doesn’t appeal to everyone. Bear in mind that most of the hotels in the center of Saranda don’t have a pool or private beach access. Don’t worry, there are plenty of those in the next two locations.
Postcard-worthy views on the beachfront promenade
Kodrra – The Kodrra neighbourhood is nestled in to the west of Saranda’s town center. You’ll find the Port of Saranda here as well as many oceanfront hotels, some with private beaches. There are a number of apartment buildings, which are ideal if you’re planning a long-term stay in Saranda.
This part of town has a more laidback and quiet vibe to it with many locals residing among the hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists. There are some nice beaches here located at the front of several hotels however they are also open to the public at the cost of renting a beach chair for the day.
Era Beach in the Kodrra neighbourhood
Rruga Butrinti – The road that leads to Ksamil and Butrint follows the coast south from town. This area is home to many luxury hotels in Saranda as well as apartment complexes, restaurants and more. If you’re planning to stay in a luxury resort with a pool, you’ll find a wide selection to pick from here.
If you’re travelling to Saranda outside of the peak season I would advise to avoid this part of town. When the summer ends in September, the entire strip becomes a ghost town with most of the restaurants and grocery stores closing their doors. Many of the hotels in this area are simply too far from the town center to get there by foot.
With some of the best beaches in Saranda close by, this is a fabulous area to stay in for those seeking a laidback holiday of sun, sea and sand. Wake up with the beach at your doorstep and end the day with a dreamy sunset directly from your hotel room.
Mango Beach, Saranda
The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Hotels in Saranda
The Best Budget Hotels in Saranda
Location: Qender
Price: $
This basic but clean accommodation is located in the heart of Saranda’s town center only steps from the main bus station and an easy 10 minute walk to the port. With comfy beds, a fridge and a private bathroom, it’s the perfect guesthouse for the budget conscious or solo traveller who is trying to keep the costs down without sacrificing comfort.
Things to keep in mind: no aircon (fan only), no available parking on site, easy walking distance to restaurant, shops, beach.
→Find prices and availability for City Center Guest House←
Location: Qender
Price: $
These spacious airconditioned units are equipped with comfy beds, a small kitchen and a balcony featuring beautiful ocean views. Located several streets back from the beachfront promenade, you’ll need to either take a short taxi ride or be prepared to walk uphill to reach the apartment.
Things to keep in mind: very basic kitchen including a fridge (not suitable for cooking), a very steep 15 minute walk is required from the center of town (take a taxi if traveling with luggage), this apartment is in a central location and offers great value for money.
→Find prices and availability for Ideal ApartHotel Saranda←
Breathtaking views from the promenade
Location: Kodrra
Price: $
This beachfront hotel is located in a quiet spot within the Kodrra neighbourhood just steps from the beach. With affordable rooms that include aircon, a private bathroom and a balcony with sea views, you can’t go wrong!
There is a restaurant on-site that serves a delicious breakfast from the outdoor terrace facing the sea; a perfect way to start your day! This is a great hotel in Saranda as a base for taking day trips or simply spending the day lounging on the beach.
Things to keep in mind: breakfast is included, free private parking is available, it’s a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute taxi ride from the center of town, family rooms are available.
→Find prices and availability for Kalemi’s Beachside Hotel←
Kalemi’s Beachside Hotel
Location: Qender
Price: $
This lovely little 3-star hotel is situated in a very convenient spot in the center of Saranda. It’s only an 8 minute walk from the beach and just around the corner from the main bus stop in town.
The clean and cozy rooms are styled in traditional southern Albanian décor giving it a homey atmosphere. The rooms include aircon, a fridge, balconies with sea and city views, wifi and private ensuite bathrooms.
Things to keep in mind: a delicious breakfast is included in your stay, option to include dinner at an extra cost, free parking available, restaurant on-site.
Beachfront hotels in Saranda, Albania
Hotels in Saranda with Ocean Views
Location: Rruga Butrinti
Price: $$
Perched on a hilltop, this gorgeous 4-star hotel offers a breathtaking view over the Ionian Sea and the entire city of Saranda. With comfy beds and a quiet location away from the town center, this hotel is great if you’re seeking some relaxation away from the hustle and bustle.
Wake up to a delicious breakfast each morning and enjoy daily housekeeping service while you’re out sightseeing. Each room is very spacious and has aircon, a fridge, private bathrooms and a balcony with an epic view.
Things to keep in mind: no beach access, road to the hotel is steep and bumpy, free parking on-site (ideal for those traveling by rental car), great breakfast included, daily housekeeping, room service.
→Find prices and availability for Hilltop Heaven Hotel←
Location: Rruga Butrinti
Price: $$
This beautiful beachfront hotel in Saranda is conveniently located only 10 minutes by foot from the town center. It’s easy to reach all of Saranda’s top restaurants, bars and cafes. You’ll feel right at home in the large and tastefully decorated rooms that overlook the ocean.
This highly-reviewed hotel features a private beach area for guests and a seaside restaurant serving great food all day. Celebrating something special? Check out their VIP room which has a private jacuzzi on the balcony!
Things to keep in mind: good location, private beach, excellent breakfast included, stunning ocean views, large rooms, free parking available, room service, very popular on Booking.com.
→Find prices and availability for Demi Hotel←
Location: Kodrra
Price: $$
Tucked away in the Kodrra neighbourhood, this reasonably priced seaside hotel is an easy 5 minute walk from the Port of Saranda. Hotel Piccolino’s rooms cater to every style of traveller, ranging from a basic double room to deluxe suite and several choices in between.
The beautiful Era Beach is only steps from the hotel, a bonus for those planning a lot of beach time. If you’re looking for ocean views, clean modern rooms, friendly staff and a quiet beachfront location don’t miss this gem!
Things to keep in mind: breakfast included, free parking on-site, near the Port of Saranda, great location away from the busy promenade yet still within easy walking distance, rooms with balconies.
→Find prices and availability for Hotel Piccolino←
Ocean views from Hotel Piccolino
Best Hotels in Saranda’s Town Center
Location: Qender
Price: $
This popular hotel is in a prime spot on Saranda’s beachfront promenade surrounded by all of the best restaurants and shops. For a fair price you can base yourself right in the action and have a quiet room to retreat to at the end of the day.
The rooms at Sun N Blue Hotel are clean, comfortable and have everything you need for a great stay in Saranda. The best part of staying here is waking up to a spectacular ocean view from your own balcony. The main bus station in Saranda is only a few minutes away and the bus stop for Ksamil is also very close.
Things to keep in mind: breakfast is not included, free parking available, excellent location, great value for money, very popular (book ahead of time for summer months).
→Find prices and availability for Sun N Blue Hotel←
Sun N Blue Hotel, Saranda
Location: Qender
Price: $
This small and centrally located hotel is only steps from the promenade, the beach, the Port of Saranda and the bus station. The rooms are basic but clean, spacious and have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The balcony with ocean views are an added bonus to this budget friendly hotel. Hotel Piazza is the perfect base for those who plan to spend most of their time taking day trips from Saranda.
Things to keep in mind: no elevator, parking not provided (must find street parking), breakfast not included, very high ratings on Booking.com, ideal for those on a budget, good value for money.