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Insights & Info Hub
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Insights & Info Hub
About Saranda
Saranda (Sarandë in Albanian) is a coastal town and popular holiday destination on the Albanian Riviera, known for its unspoiled character and clear blue waters.
It is located in the most southern part of Albania, between the hills and the Ionian Sea.
Why You Should Visit Saranda
With around 30,000 inhabitants Saranda is the largest city in the south of Albania. With the influx of tourists in summer the number of people easily gets to over 100,000. Saranda is only a 30 minute ferry away from the popular Greek island Corfu and provides a strategic location from where to discover the Albanian Riviera. You can find gorgeous beaches, ancient heritage sites, like the UNESCO archeological site of Butrint, castles and picturesque villages against mountainous landscapes.
The city itself is very lively with lots to do. Beaches with crystal clear waters surround the town, you’ll see many people taking a stroll on the boulevard that stretches alongside the bay and there are plenty of restaurants with great Mediterranean and international food. Many of them have great views over the bay. Some of the bars and restaurants turn into clubs at night, providing the city with a great nightlife.
Language
In Albania the official language is Albanian (Shqip), which is also an official language in Kosovo and Macedonia. Some people also speak Greek, but only 5% of the population speaks English. As a result of the blooming tourism in Saranda, you will definitely find more people that will understand some English, but you can make your trip a little bit easier and fun by learning a few basic words and phrases in Albanian. You’ll be surprised how much this will be appreciated!
Climate
Economy
Since the fall of communism tourism has started to grow and has seen a real boom in recent years and has become the most important economic driver in the entire Albanian Riviera. The services and construction industries have also significantly profited from this growth. Traditionally fishing and agriculture have been and still are important sources of income. Apart from its fish and seafood, the region is also famous for its olive groves, vineyards, tangerine plantations and wood harvesting.
Currency
