Transportation
Renting a Car in Albania: Complete Guide
Renting a car is the easiest way to see Albania. It is also where first-time visitors most often get caught out. Here is what to know before you book.
Updated 1 September 20266 min read
Albanian Riviera
Sarandë Travel Guide
The busy hub of the southern coast. Ferries from Corfu, a long seafront promenade and the best base for Ksamil, Butrint and the Blue Eye.
- Ferry arrivals from Corfu
- Base for Ksamil & Butrint
- Nightlife
- Travellers without a car
Updated 1 September 2026
- Time needed
- 2 to 4 days
- From Tirana
- 4.5 to 5.5 h by car or bus
- From Corfu
- 30 to 70 min by ferry
- Best months
- June, September
Sarandë is the town everyone passes through and many end up staying in. It is not the prettiest place on the coast, but it is practical: buses to everywhere, ferries to Corfu, hundreds of apartments and restaurants, and the best beaches in Albania within a 20-minute drive.
If you want a quiet beach village, stay in Ksamil or Himarë. If you want options, no car and a bit of a buzz in the evening, Sarandë is the right call.
The lay of the land
The town wraps around a bay. The promenade runs the length of it, with the port and ferry terminal at the south end. Most accommodation is on the hillside above the promenade, which means stairs and views in equal measure.
Day trips from Sarandë
Ksamil and Butrint (UNESCO ruins) are on the same bus line south. The Blue Eye spring is 30 minutes inland. Gjirokastër is just over an hour. Corfu is a day trip by ferry if you bring your passport.
Getting there & around
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Costs, safety & planning
Travel Planning
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Travel Planning
How Much Does Albania Cost? Real Prices and Daily Budgets
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Travel Tips
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Sarandë guides & comparisons
Sarandë: common questions
Is Sarandë or Ksamil better?
Sarandë for choice, nightlife, transport and lower prices; Ksamil for the water. Many people stay in Sarandë and take the 20-minute bus to Ksamil. We compare both in detail in our Sarandë vs Ksamil guide.
How do I get from Tirana to Sarandë?
Buses leave from Tirana's South and North Terminal several times a day, take around 5 hours and cost roughly €10 to €15. Driving takes 4.5 to 5 hours via Gjirokastër or longer via the coast road. There is no train.
Are Sarandë's beaches good?
The town beaches are fine for a swim but nothing special. The good water is 15 to 20 minutes away at Ksamil, Pulëbardha or Mirror Beach.
Keep exploring
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