Sarandë

Gateway to Butrint · Albanian Riviera

UNESCO Butrint Ionian Coastline 6+ Historic Sites

Sarandë is a sun-drenched coastal city on Albania's Ionian Riviera, just a short ferry ride from Corfu. While increasingly known as a beach resort, it is the gateway to Butrint, one of the most important and beautiful archaeological sites in all of Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding region contains extraordinary layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian history set against some of Albania's most dramatic coastal scenery.

Quick Facts

  • Region: Southern Albania (Ionian coast)
  • UNESCO: Near UNESCO Butrint
  • Historic Sites: 6+
  • From Tirana: 4.5 hrs
  • Recommended: 1–2 days
Sarandë harbour at golden hour sunset Sarandë beachfront with sun umbrellas and Ionian Sea views Sarandë marina with fishing boats and waterfront buildings
Ancient City of Butrint

Ancient City of Butrint

Archaeological Site

Archaeological Site UNESCO

Albania's greatest ancient site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site continuously occupied since the 7th century BC. Within this extraordinary national park, set on a forested peninsula surrounded by a lagoon, you'll find a Greek theatre, Roman baths, a Byzantine baptistery with a magnificent intact mosaic floor, Venetian towers, and jungle-fringed ruins that feel genuinely undiscovered. An unmissable and deeply moving site.

ADDRESS
Butrint National Park, Sarandë
HOURS
8am–7pm (summer), 9am–5pm (winter)
ENTRANCE FEE
1000 ALL
PHONE
No phone listed
AMENITIES
UNESCO Guided tours Restrooms Souvenir shop No ATM
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Lëkurësi Castle

Lëkurësi Castle

Castle

Castle

A 16th-century Ottoman castle perched on a hill above Sarandë, offering one of Albania's most spectacular panoramic views: across the bay, the Ionian Sea, and over to the Greek island of Corfu. The ruined castle walls frame a perfect sunset viewpoint, and there is a restaurant at the summit. Free to enter and easily reached on foot or by taxi.

ADDRESS
Lëkurësi Hill, Sarandë
HOURS
Open 24hrs
ENTRANCE FEE
Free
PHONE
N/A
AMENITIES
Free Panoramic views Restaurant at summit No ATM
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Sarandë harbour at dusk with city lights reflecting on the Ionian Sea

Ancient Synagogue of Sarandë

Ancient Ruins

Ancient Ruins

The excavated remains of a remarkable 5th–6th century Jewish synagogue in central Sarandë, one of the few ancient synagogues discovered in the western Balkans. The site includes a mosaic floor featuring Jewish symbols including a menorah, an unusual and fascinating survival.

ADDRESS
Central Sarandë
HOURS
Open daytime
ENTRANCE FEE
Free
PHONE
N/A
AMENITIES
Free Outdoor No Restrooms
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Ali Pasha's Castle, Porto Palermo

Ali Pasha's Castle, Porto Palermo

Castle

Castle

A dramatic triangular 19th-century Ottoman castle built by the powerful Albanian ruler Ali Pasha of Ioannina on a rocky peninsula in one of Albania's most perfectly sheltered bays. Later used as a submarine base during the Communist era. The setting, water on three sides, mountains behind, is extraordinary.

ADDRESS
Porto Palermo Bay, 25km south of Sarandë
HOURS
9am–6pm
ENTRANCE FEE
200 ALL
PHONE
No phone listed
AMENITIES
Scenic bay Outdoor No Restrooms No ATM
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