Best Beaches in Sarandë, Albania: A First Look Before Our June Escape

Planning a beach getaway to Albania and wondering if Sarandë’s beaches are worth it? You’re in the right place. I’m Feuza from Fuse Travels, and this June, my husband and I are heading to Sarandë to soak up the Ionian sun, eat all the seafood, and scope out every single stretch of sand – or pebble – beach.

But until then, I’ve done a deep dive to share what you can expect if you’re dreaming of Sarandë (or Saranda, as it’s also known). I’ll be updating this guide after our trip, so save it to get the real scoop after our visit. Lets explore the best beaches in Sarandë, Albania.

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Why Sarandë for a Beach Vacation?

Sarandë is the unofficial queen of the Albanian Riviera – and for good reason. It’s also the biggest resort in the south of Albania. A beach break here offers affordability and close proximity to other parts of Europe, including Greece, as well as white sands, clear azure waters, and warm weather.

Sarandë is perched on a horseshoe-shaped bay lapped by the Ionian Sea, with views toward the Greek island of Corfu. There is a seafront promenade on the coastal side, while inland, the hills are dotted with olive groves and Lëkurësi Castle looms over the town. In Sarandë, you can discover an ancient synagogue, a Christian basilica, well-preserved floor mosaics, and enjoy a Mediterranean-style vibe. 

Book a beachside stay in Sarandë and you can also expect:

• Clear turquoise waters that look Photoshopped
  
• Beachfront cafes and affordable fresh seafood feasts
  
• Easy access to beautiful Ksamil, the Butrint ruins, and even Corfu, Greece

But here’s the tea: not all Sarandë beaches are created equal. Some are family-friendly or perfect for lazy lounging, while others are ideal for Instagrammable adventures. Others, meanwhile, are merely a short drive away, but totally worth the detour. 

Also check out Is Albania Safe and 10 Days in Albania for Couples.

Best Time to Visit Sarandë

June is the ideal time to visit Sarandë, which just so happens to be exactly when I’m going! Expect 26 to 30°C days (78 to 86°F), sea temperatures of around 22 to 24°C, and sunshine. You can avoid the chaotic chaos and intense heat of July and August.

Alternatively, visit after summer in September or early October, or before summer during late April or May. In late spring or early fall, you can enjoy pleasant, rather than scorching, weather, plus fewer crowds. 

How Long to Stay in Sarandë

Four to five days is ideal for spending time discovering the town, relaxing on its beaches, and taking one or two day trips to explore further. You may also be able to get a fantastic deal on a package holiday for a week, particularly if you’re traveling from or via elsewhere in Europe. 

Best Beaches in Sarandë (so far…)

Saranda City Beach (Plazhi Sarandë)

• Location: Along the main promenade in the resort center
• Type: Pebble and sand with small piers
• Amenities: Sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, lifeguards, public toilets
• Vibe: Lively, convenient, easy access to restaurants and shops
• Why go: Perfect for those who like being in the heart of the action. Great for families or a quick dip.

Saranda City Beach is the resort’s longest coastal stretch, and also the only free public beach in Sarandë. It’s centrally located and popular, and therefore busy, with a lively atmosphere and sun loungers to rent. There are great views over the bay from this pebble-and-sand beach, as well as good access to facilities like toilets, a lifeguard service, shops, and places to eat and drink. 

You can also find what remains of the original entrance gate to ancient Onhezmus at Saranda City Beach.

Pulëbardha Beach (Seagull Beach)

• Access: 7.5 miles (12 km) or 15 to 20 minute drive south of Sarandë
• Type: Pebble and rock, crystal-clear water
• Amenities: Sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, restaurant, beach bar
• Great for: Couples and day-trippers
• Santa Quaranta Beach (at Santa Quaranta Premium Resort)
• Location: Attached to Santa Quaranta Premium Resort, a 10-minute drive from central Sarandë
• Type: Rocky with sunbeds, plus a bar and pool right by the sea
• Vibe: Ideal for couples who like chic lounge-bar vibes
• Why go: Even if you’re not staying at the resort, you can often rent loungers here (subject to availability). It feels fancier than Sarandë’s town beach and offers a quieter vibe
• Santa Quaranta beach forms part of the five-star premium resort of the same name, just outside Sarandë. It offers a stylish alternative to the local public beaches, and loungers are often available for rent, particularly outside the high season. 

Kakome Bay (Harder to reach but totally worth it)

• Access: Best reached by boat across the water
• Type: Untouched, remote, raw, and private
• Vibe: Perfect for adventurers, photographers, and people who want to say “I was here before it was cool.”
• Why go: Pack water, snacks, and your best boho vibes

Kakome Bay offers the chance to get away from it all – if you’re feeling adventurous. Officially, this hidden beach isn’t on the tourist radar, because it’s private property. Yet pictures of the beach are regularly spotted on social media, once people have traveled there by boat. Due to abandoned construction projects, there isn’t even a complete road leading to the beach. 

As a result there are no amenities at Kakome Bay, so take your own water, snacks, and other supplies. Many local boat tours include a swimming stop offshore from Kakome Bay, which is around eight miles north of Sarandë.

Dining Out in Sarandë

Must-Try Seafood Dishes in Sarandë

What’s a beach resort without a plentiful supply of fresh, succulent seafood? Sarandë’s coastal restaurants serve up daily catches that are lip-smackingly good enough to warrant the coveted chef’s kiss. Here are some tasty treats that you’ll want to tuck into – accompanied by a glass of well-chilled white wine, of course…

• Tavë Kosi me Peshk – A seafood version of the classic Albanian lamb dish, made with baked fish, yogurt, and eggs.
• Grilled Calamari – Best eaten freshly prepared and perfectly charred.
• Shrimp Saganaki – A heavenly shrimp dish served with spicy tomato sauce and feta cheese.
• Fërgesë e Detit – A traditional seafood stew made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese.
• Whole Grilled Fish (Peshk në Zgarë) – Usually sea bream or bass.

Best Places to Eat in Sarandë

Haxhi

A second floor, family-run Sarandë restaurant offering stunning views over the Ionian Sea. Expect moreish Mediterranean fare, a colorful interior, and a warm welcome. You cannot reserve a table in advance, and can only pay in cash. 

Limani

Waterfront eatery overlooking the gulf and offering traditional Albanian hospitality. The menu ranges from local to international dishes, and this place is always popular. All-day dining is available, from breakfast through to your evening meal. 

Taverna Fish Filipi

If it’s all about fresh seafood and the catch of the day for you, then you cannot miss Taverna Fish Filipi. As it’s always busy, expect to wait for a table or for your food during peak times. The seafood platter is fabulous, as are the Greek-style salads and tzatziki.

Sarandë Beach Amenities and Costs

• Lounger Rentals: €5–€10 per person/day
  
• Umbrella + 2 chairs combo: Approx. €15/day
  
• Beach bars and cafes: Most popular beaches have one or more places to buy food and drinks
  
• Bathrooms: Available at beach clubs in Sarandë, but rare at public beaches
  

Santa Quaranta Resort

Santa Quaranta resort is where you’ll find one of Sarandë’s best beaches, as detailed above. It’s a five star property offering premium amenities, including that appealing beach, though prices are far more affordable than at similar properties in other places across the world. 

Though simply styled and a little dated, all rooms and suites are sea-facing, and have their own balconies, air conditioning, and flat screen satellite TVs. The resort offers free parking, an outdoor pool, and a bar and restaurant. Stay here if you appreciate ocean views and direct beach access. 

Hotel Harmony

The best mid-range, four star stay in Sarandë has to be Hotel Harmony. This recently built hotel is in an unbeatable location, close to the beach and all the facilities of the resort center. It offers a highly-rated restaurant, too. 

Hotel Harmony has helpful, friendly staff, plus a clean, bright range of accommodation, including budget and sea view rooms with balconies. Lay your head here if you like a central location and good room rates. 

Hotel Brilant

Hotel Briliant is also an affordable pick in a top-notch location. It also has a four-star rating, and offers a good choice of comfortable rooms and suites for solo travelers, couples, and families. Rooms feature a subtle coastal theme, with shades of white, duck egg blue, and neutrals. 

La Petite Beach is just a few minutes’ walk from Hotel Briliant, and though there is no bar or restaurant you can order room service, or find several local eateries within 100 to 200 yards. Book a room here if you’re renting a car, as the hotel has free parking. 

Bougainville Bay Hotel

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation types at Bougainville Bay Hotel, as the property has apartments and villas as well as hotel rooms. There’s also a private beach in addition to indoor and outdoor pools. 

This is a resort-style hotel with a couple of restaurants, a spa, and several pools. You can also arrange car and bike rentals through the hotel, and there is private parking for drivers. This is a great option if you don’t mind being away from the center of Sarandë, but would love to stay somewhere that feels more like a resort than a hotel.  

Budget Friendly Hotel Saranda

We opted to stay up the hill at a family owned boutique Vila Mikla and we are so pleasantly surprised by this wonderful family.

Sarandë vs Ksamil — Where’s Better for Beaches?

Let’s keep it real:

• Ksamil: White sand, blue lagoon vibes, very Instagrammable
  
• Sarandë: More space, better for longer stays, more budget options

Our plan? To stay in Sarandë and take a day trip to Ksamil. Yours probably should be too.

Events and Festivals in Sarandë in June

June kicks off summer in style in Albania. While Sarandë doesn’t have huge festivals like some European cities, you might catch the following during your stay. Local Fishing Celebrations – Check the harbor for notices or ask around regarding events like small boat parades and open-air seafood nights.

• Beachside Live Music – Bars and clubs often start offering their finest summer DJ or live acoustic sets during mid to late June
  
• Butrint International Theatre Festival (late June to early July) – Nearby, rather than in Sarandë itself, but totally worth the half-hour (11-mile) trip

To find out more about local events, check local listings or ask hotel staff, either by contacting them in advance of your stay or enquiring after you arrive.
Tips for Visiting Sarandë Beaches

• Get there early: Sun loungers with umbrellas tend to fill up by 10:30 am
  
• Bring water shoes: Pebbles, stones, and rocks are brutal on bare feet
  
• Driving?: Beach parking ranges from free (rarely) to €3–€5 per day
  
• Take cash: Some beach clubs, restaurants, and shops don’t accept cards
  

DIY beach day: Pack your own parasol and hit the public beaches for free fun

Final Thoughts (for now)

I’ll be updating this post after our June trip with firsthand tips, reviews of the beaches, and all the unexpected things we discover (like the best beach bar for a sunset beer or which poolside place had the fluffiest towels).

Stay tuned — or better yet, sign up for my newsletter to get the update as soon as it drops.  And if you’ve been to Sarandë, please do drop your favorite beach in the comments below — I want to get all the insider tips before we go!