Saranda

Saranda is a city in the Republic of Albania and the seat of Sarandë Municipality. Stretching along the Albanian Ionian Sea Coast, it has a Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days a year. Nestled down near the Greek border, Saranda is the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, a constantly developing city full of highrise apartments with panoramic balcony views of the sea. The bustling promenade that curves around the bay is home to leisurely seafood dining followed by Rakia shots and fireworks show from the waterfront nightclubs after dark.

The main beach might be surrounded by city life, but the waters are just as clear and breathtakingly blue as everywhere else along the coast. A tiny marina sits on one side of the bay where the small ferry boats pull in from Corfu, Greece, 30 minutes offshore. You have many choices for Saranda beaches. Restaurants and bars line most of them and provide umbrellas, chairs, hammocks, or beach beds to rent. Thirty minutes south, Ksamil's tiny islands and white sand beaches are conveniently close to the 2,500-year-old UNESCO ruins of the ancient city of Butrint.

Location: Vlorë County, Albania
TripAdvisor Review: 4.5/5 (608 reviews)