I first discovered Saranda by accident in 2003, and it was such a beautiful place I couldnt believe I hadnt heard about it or Albania before. There was something genuine about the place and the people, that was so different from Greece and the Greek Islands, almost non-touristy.
I finally made my way back, and I was lucky enough to spend 6 weeks here in summer when I rented an apartment near the port. You can do a lot here (Butrinti, Ksamil, Gjirokaster, , Monastery, Saranda Castle) or nothing at all (sunbathing, swimming, promenade strolls).
Most people get to Saranda by car or bus, driving up from Greece, or from Macedonia, or down on the new and improving road from Tirana, Durres, northern Albania or Kosovo. You can also fly into Corfu, and get the ferry across from Corfu town port which takes about 35 minutes.
It has been my pleasure to open a real estate office here and sell the property, as it feels like sharing a gold mine. Such limited land means when Saranda is built, its built.
Anyhow, one last tip, try the Saranda mussels – mmmmmm…