Thinking of spending your summer holidays in Albania? The best base for a perfect seaside getaway is Saranda. On Albania’s coast, this town is a popular summer destination for local and international visitors. Picture yourself relaxing at the beach, eating seafood and soaking up golden sunsets against the backdrop of handsome hills and the untamed Ionian coastline. Located in the south of Albania, a few kilometers from Greece, Saranda has interesting attractions to visit and some of the best beaches in the country. Those in town can be crowded during summer months, but near Saranda you’ll find two of the most wonderful beaches in the Balkans, Plazhi i Pasqyrave, a small pebble bay with the bluest water in the world and Plazhi i Pulëbardha, a smaller yet just as beautiful Saranda beach. Also, Ksamil and its white-sand beaches are easily reachable from Saranda. This place, known as the Maldives of Albania thanks to its crystalline waters and idyllic landscape, is one of the most famous destinations in the country.


Beyond the beaches, though, there are so many great things to see and do in Saranda and surroundings. Located in the city centre, are ancient ruins of a synagogue dating back to the 5th century, as well as more recent ones from an early Christian Basilica. The complex mosaic floors are very interesting. Discovered in the 1980s, then excavated and restored in the early 2000s, the Saranda synagogue belonged to a prosperous and prominent Jewish community. Overlooking the city of Saranda is Lëkurësi Castle. Built in 1537, this impressive building remains largely intact. You can reach it by car or, if you’re up for a bit of a hike, walking from Saranda centre -it takes around 45 minutes. Nowadays, Lëkurësi Castle has been turned into a restaurant, but it’s worth the trip because the view of Saranda’s beaches is amazing, especially at sunset.


Around the city there’s still plenty to explore, from archaeological sites to ancient castles. Only a 20 km from Saranda, the archaeological park of Butrint is a UNESCO site and one of the most unique places to visit in the region. This gem is home to the ancient city of Butrint, with ruins from Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Venetian eras, wetlands, salt lakes, marshes and a forest. The fortified acropolis of Butrint hosts a museum with artifacts found in the archaeological site and surroundings. Another not to be missed place is Ali Pasha Castle, a hidden complex that most tourists completely miss it when visiting the nearby site of Butrint. The castle dates back to the 17th century and is surrounded by water. To get to the castle you will have to ask local fishermen to take you over there.


20 km from Saranda, Syri i Kalter, or Blue Eye is a natural spring that bubbles up from deep in the earth -experts aren’t sure how deep it is, but it’s thought to be at least 50 m deep. Blue Eye is mesmerizing: go to the small platform above it for watching the constant stream of clean and cold waters that pour out from the spring. Another special place is the monastery of 40 saints built between the 4-6th century. It was dedicated to the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste who refused to give up their Christian faith during the early stages of the Roman empire, so they were locked in the building to die. Saranda actually got its name from this monastery as Saranda means 40 in Greek. Looking for more? The Greek Island of Corfu is only a 20-minute ferry ride away from Saranda port. Yes, from Saranda you can easily reach Greece during your summer trip too! Corfu is one of the best day trips from Saranda in the summer months as you can grab an early ferry, spend the day exploring the Greek island and then come back in town in the evening.


Where to stay: Villa Margarit
This family-run hotel in the heart of Saranda opened its doors in 1992 and today is among the best hotels in Albania. Villa Margarit is adorned with design elements and a cool Mediterranean-meet-Bohemian aesthetic (think of calm tones and palettes, wood and bamboo furniture, design items and colored curtains) and an idyllic garden with a relaxing pool. From the panoramic terrace, at the top of the structure, you can admire the blue waters of Ionian Sea: in this versatile space you can soak up the sun or drink something enjoying the calmness and views, of course. The rooms are spacious with light-filled interiors, handmade items and fresh flowers from the garden. Walls are a calming blush-pink color, offset by minimalistic elements, paintings and large windows.


INFORMATION
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Instagram: @hotelvillamargarit
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Location: Rruga Jonianet, Saranda