Saranda is a city in Albania, located in the Mediterranean, namely on the coast of the Ionian Sea. Opposite this resort town is the island of Kerkyra (Corfu), which was mentioned in the "Iliad". Saranda in Albania is rightfully considered the "southern gate" due to its large port.
Tourists are attracted to this resort not only by the developed infrastructure, clean sand and pebble beaches, but also by the presence of many attractions, natural and architectural monuments. Here there is everything necessary for a full-fledged rest of people of any age and ethnic groups.
The exact date of the establishment of this Albanian resort has not been established, but references to it are known from the sixth century AD. Then the settlement was wiped off the face of the Earth by barbarians - Southern Goths. In the twelfth century, the population left their homes, Onchesm, as the settlement was then called, was completely abandoned for almost a century. Saranda got a new life thanks to the foundation of the Byzantine monastery.
Today, it attracts travelers from European and other countries with the presence of a large number of unique architectural monuments. One of the most popular places to visit is the legacy of dictator Enver Hoxha's regime. This is one of the most fortified bunkers, located on the top of a small mountain - on the territory of the destroyed fortress of Lecourse. Another reason to visit this bunker is the magnificent views from the ruins. From there, you can see the city, the island of Corfu, the coast as if in the palm of your hand.
It is also recommended to visit the Butrint archaeological park. Ancient port streets have been preserved there, you can admire the ancient theater, Venetian buildings of the fifteenth century, the baptistery, and many other archaeological treasures. And it is completely unforgivable, while on vacation in Saranda, to refuse a ferry trip to the island of Corfu, known throughout the world for its ancient heritage and monuments of later times. This is the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimifunto, the Achilleon Palace, the Old Fortress and much more.
This resort area is famous among tourists for its wide variety of beaches. You can relax on paid areas of the coastal zone with developed infrastructure, professional service staff or prefer to relax on one of the many wild beaches with untouched natural beauty, clean coast, clear warm sea water. The most popular beaches among vacationers are:
Butrinti National Park is considered one of the most picturesque places near the resort of Saranda. This is a natural formation with many unique landscapes. There you can admire wetlands, natural lakes with fresh or salt water, steppe areas, flatlands, islands. The flora and fauna of this park are unique, there are more than 1,200 species of animals and plants listed as protected by law. Among them are endemic species that occur exclusively on the territory of the national park.
If you prefer to relax alone with nature, in a minimally urbanized resort, the tour operator "Alf" is ready to offer options for trips to Saranda at a minimal cost. There is a wide selection of tours to Albania with different types of accommodation, tourist program, cost.
