Sarandë

Sarandë, also written Saranda, is a seaside town and municipality in Vlorë County in southern Albania. It lies on the Ionian Sea, opposite the Greek island of Corfu, and is part of the Albanian Riviera. The town functions as the region’s main coastal center and a gateway for visitors exploring the southern coast and nearby islands.

The area has roots dating back to classical antiquity and is associated with historic Epirus. Nearby is the archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves Greek, Roman, and Byzantine remains and is a major attraction for visitors to the region. The town and its surroundings have long been tied to fishing and maritime trade, and in recent decades tourism has become a central part of the local economy.

Economy and tourism are driven by beaches, a scenic coastline, and a growing hospitality sector. The waterfront promenade, hotels, and restaurants attract domestic and international visitors, particularly in the summer. The nearby village of Ksamil, with its distinctive beaches and islets, is part of the same municipality and operates as a popular excursion from Sarandë.

Transport and geography: Sarandë is connected to the rest of Albania by road along the Ionian coast and serves as a transport hub for the southern Riviera. A seasonal passenger ferry links Sarandë with Corfu, Greece. The city experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, and it serves as a base for exploring coastal Albania and nearby natural and archaeological sites.