Sarandë

Dera e jugut — the southern gateway.

The Riviera's southern hub: a lively town on a horseshoe bay facing Corfu, with ferries to the island and day trips along the coast. In ancient times it was Onchesmus; the modern name comes from the Monastery of the Forty Saints above town.

📍 Google Maps ↗

🚌 Getting here: From Tirana airport · Ferry to Corfu

Çfarë të shohësh

What to do

The seafront promenade and evening xhiro.
Day trip to Butrint, 14 km south (it has its own page).
Lëkurësi Castle for sunset over the bay.
Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave) on the road toward Ksamil.
Day trips to Ksamil, the Blue Eye and Gjirokastër.

Këshilla

Good to know

Ferries connect Sarandë with Corfu.
August is extremely busy. Book early.
Ksamil and Mirror Beach have their own guide pages on this site.

Video

Reels

Lëkurësi Castle above Sarandë

Where to eat

Dining

Types of places, typical dishes and, where verified, named spots with their own website and directions. Always check recent reviews and opening hours.

Fancy dinners

Seafront restaurants facing Corfu and hotel dining after a day at Butrint.

Typical dishes: Grilled fish or seafood, lamb, steaks, salads and wine. On the coast look for fresh catch of the day; inland, thoughtful takes on tavë kosi and traditional plates.

Mare Nostrum — Polished seafront dining with Mediterranean/Albanian seafood and a strong wine list; book ahead in summer. Website ↗Directions ↗

Street food

Promenade snacks, byrek and ice cream; coffee for the evening xhiro.

Typical dishes: Byrek and pite by the piece, qebapa in bread with onion and kajmak, qofte, suxhuk, bakllava and strong coffee or macchiato.

Comfort food

Everyday fish restaurants and Albanian home-style plates in town.

Typical dishes: Tavë kosi, fërgesë, flija or pite, sarma, beans (pasul), yogurt and simple grilled meats. In the mountains: dairy, flija and slow-cooked dishes.