Sarande – A Jewel Of Albania

I`ve never been to Albania. The closest I ever managed  was when holidaying in Corfu, quite a few years ago, when it was seen as a bit of a dark, dangerous place to be avoided at all costs. Even venturing too close to the coast in a pedalo was to be avoided in case you were shot at!

My hairdresser is Albanian but I don`t suppose that counts!

Today Albania is an up and coming tourist destination and port of call for cruise ships. Sarande – or Saranda – is situated on the coast in the south of Albania, about 14km across the Ionian sea from Corfu. It is known as the capital of the Albanian Riviera. Once a little fishing village it is now a lively beach resort with bustling nightlife. The town`s name comes from the old monastery of the ” Forty Saints ” whose ruins are still visible on the hill above the town – Ayii Saranda. Interestingly, for a time during the 1940`s it was called Porto Edda after Mussolini’s daughter.

With a climate just like Corfu Sarande is a truly Mediterranean resort surrounded by some of the areas most lovely beaches. The beach in the town itself is pebbly, but venture a little away from the town and you will find crystal clear turquoise water and sand beaches to enjoy.

You will find everything you need for a relaxing day at the beach. Sunbeds , umbrellas , pedalos and a lovely promenade in Sarande itself, here yu can sit and enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants while you watch the world go by.

So who goes there – I mean cruise lines of course! Cunard Queen Victoria for one, along with P&O Oceana, MSC Poesia all visit this year and in 2018 Holland America will also call in, as will Voyages to Antiquity.

If you are looking for somewhere different then this could be the undiscovered jewel in the crown of the Mediterranean.