Sarandë & Butrint

Dera e jugut — the southern gateway.

Sarandë is 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. Just south, Butrint National Park (UNESCO) is one of Albania's most important archaeological sites — Greek, Roman and Venetian layers in a lagoon landscape.

Çfarë të shohësh

What to do

The seafront promenade and evening xhiro.
Butrint National Park — go early to avoid heat and crowds.
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.

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.