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For the summer of 2024, Albania is still at the top of the list of destinations for Italian tourists who want to go on vacation to the beach and to a destination not far from Italy, according to the Italian magazine manintown.com.
If you have considered traveling to Albania this year, we recommend visiting Saranda, one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the country.
Saranda is located on the Albanian Riviera, in a strategic area where you can visit all the other wonders of the coast and its surroundings.
The coastal city is one of the most famous tourist destinations, thanks to its stunning beaches.
Five experiences not to be missed during your vacation in Saranda:
Climb to Lëkurësi Castle
One of the first exciting stops to include in your Saranda travel itinerary is Lëkurësi Castle.
It is a castle situated on top of a hill, from which you can enjoy truly mesmerizing views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Lëkurësi Castle dates back to 1573, and its purpose was to control the area below.
Today, only some parts of the castle remain, which house a restaurant and often serve as the venue for events and ceremonies.
Visit Saranda’s most beautiful beaches
Saranda is one of Albania’s gems, mainly due to its clean and crystal-clear waters that surround it.
In the vicinity of the city center is the city beach, surrounded by its promenade.
The most beautiful beaches in this area are located along the stretch that connects Saranda to Ksamil.
Here you can visit the Monastery Beach, Pulbardha Beach, and Ksamil Beach.
Visit the Monastery of the Forty Saints
This monastery, about 10 minutes by car from the center of Saranda, is dedicated to the 40 Christian soldiers who refused to renounce their faith in 320.
It is located on a hill and has long been a pilgrimage site.
What remains today of this building are only the ruins left standing after the bombings during World War II.
Visit the archaeological site of Butrint
If you are in Saranda, you can also explore the archaeological site of Butrint, about 15 kilometers from the city.
The area is located within the Butrint National Park and is also part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1992.
Butrint is an ancient city inhabited since prehistoric times, which later became a Greek colony, a Roman city, a Byzantine city, and then a Venetian occupation area.
Today, you can still find here the remains of ancient gates, a temple and a theater, several public baths, a Venetian tower, and a castle.
Take a day trip to Corfu
Saranda is an excellent starting point for visiting the other wonders that surround it, even in just a few hours.
You can dedicate a day to Corfu, considering its proximity to the city.
