Sarandë

Sarandë

Albania

Dive into crystal-clear turquoise waters to explore sunken ancient ruins and vibrant underwater caves along the Ionian coast.

Currency Albanian Lek (ALL)
Language Albanian
Time Zone EET (UTC+2)
Best Time to Visit Jun–Sep
Typical Duration 14-15 nights
Price Range $1,012–$23,799 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Albania's Riviera and the stunning Ionian coast, offering pristine beaches and access to the charming old town with its Venetian fortress.

Cruises that visit Sarandë

Build Your Day in Sarandë

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
The Blue Eye There are some activities to do, but nothing crazy. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 15k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Butrint National Archaeological Park Kids had lots of fun for 3 hours of active walking by themselves! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 14k
Haxhi Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 8k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Lëkurësi Castle Come just before sunset, grab a drink, and let nature do the rest. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 7k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Taverna Joan Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery Family-friendly · ★ 4.8 · 3k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Jericho Cocktail Bar They will Make sure you have a good time, we’ll worth a visit. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Balcony Restaurant The food was delicious, service was friendly, and the vibe was just right. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Sophra Restaurant Nesti provided a great service and made our dinner a perfect experience. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Taverna Del Mare Beautiful place, good food and we received great service from Miky. Seafood · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Hand of Ksamil The attraction for photos is the hand. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 1k
ALBANIA MINIVANS TOURS For the price, this full-day adventure offered incredible value. Tour agency · ★ 5 · 1k
Saranda Marina We were there at a quiet time of year but still interesting Marina · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Restaurant Isufi Great atmosphere, delicious food and great service, would highly recommend! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 1 PM
Tipsy drinks and more Amazing vibes, expertly crafted cocktails, and friendly staff! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Traditional Restaurant Argjiro Great atmosphere and excellent service — highly recommended! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Saranda Embankment You can book boat trips here, trampolining, water sports, and more. Historical landmark · ★ 4.4 · 1k
RoofTop Saranda It has a fun, tropical aesthetic with comfortable seats with cushions. Lounge bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Boulevard 40 The atmosphere is great, the drinks were amazing and very unique. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Rock & Blues Saranda So much fun. Bar · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Hojza Lounge Terrace Great ambiance, great service, and most importantly, delicious drinks! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Jungle Rooftop Lounge An mazing crew, respectful and the drinks is amazing same as the prices. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
SIROCCO RESTAURANT The food is amazing the service great and the cocktails fantastic 10/10 Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 1 PM
El Nino Boat Tours Nice experience and with a small group that is absolutely a plus. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Sunset Grill Traditional ... food was absolutely amazing, and the atmosphere was full of good ... Grill · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Crystal Island The vibe was perfect, the view was stunning, and the drinks were top-notch. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Alnes Restaurant Perfect meal—excellent food, great service, and friendly staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Medusa Lounge Terrace Beautiful setting, great drinks, and a vibe that’s both relaxed and stylish. Lounge bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Panoramic Viewpoint of Sarandë And it's free. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Saranda Terraces Shisha Lounge & Bar Smooth flavors, great atmosphere, and excellent service. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Great Basilica Very Instagramable! Historical landmark · ★ 4.8 · 0k
View bar terrace Great bar with an amazing view, the cocktails were on point! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Planet Market 3 Lost This little store had everything we needed and at a good price. Supermarket · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Hasan Tahsini Monument Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k
The Buzz Bar Saranda Amazing Atmosphere, Great Drinks, Wonderful Staff! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
COLLECTIVE ROOM THE BAR the best drinks in town, great atmosphere and beautiful decor. Cocktail bar · ★ 5 · 0k
AD Collection Sarande Beautiful clothes and wonderful, friendly service. Boutique · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Sneakers Fashion Store You can find different worldwide brands in affordable prices. Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Central Shop Sarandë good shop, has everything! Building materials store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Sport Collection Sarande Super helpful kind owner and good selection! Clothing store · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Duro Shoes The man was very nice and helpful and the shoes were a great price Clothing store · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Fashion Code Sr The best clothing store in Saranda. Shoe store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Saranda Bay Crowded but great place Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Via Roma I really like their clothes and the quality is so good! Clothing store · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Souvenir Store Saranda Helpfull and kind staff Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closes soon · 1:30 AM
tregu industrial Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Sarandë

About Sarandë

Sarandë has emerged as a vibrant Mediterranean port of call, attracting eight major cruise lines including Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean International. With over 120 upcoming cruises calling here, this charming Albanian coastal town offers an increasingly popular stop on 14-night Mediterranean itineraries that connect iconic destinations like Dubrovnik, Corfu, Kotor, and the Greek islands. The port experiences peak activity during the summer and early fall months, making it an ideal addition to your cruise planning from June through October.

As a port of call, Sarandë welcomes cruise passengers with easy access to the town's Venetian castle ruins and pristine Ionian Sea beaches, allowing you to experience authentic Mediterranean culture without the crowds of more heavily trafficked ports. Whether you're seeking a leisurely afternoon exploring the waterfront promenade or venturing to nearby natural wonders, this intimate port delivers genuine Albanian hospitality and the kind of unhurried Mediterranean experience that discerning cruise travelers increasingly seek.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Ancient Ruins of Butrint

Explore one of the Adriatic's most significant archaeological sites, just 18km south of Sarandë. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features remarkably preserved Greek, Roman, and Venetian ruins set within a lush national park. Wander through ancient theaters, fortifications, and temples while enjoying stunning lagoon views—a profound journey through millennia of Mediterranean history.

2

Fresh Seafood at the Waterfront

Savor exceptional Albanian cuisine at harborside tavernas serving the day's catch grilled to perfection. Taste local specialties like fresh octopus, sea bream, and traditional fish soup while sipping crisp Kosovar wine. The casual waterfront atmosphere and authentic preparation methods offer an genuine taste of Ionian coastal dining culture.

3

Turquoise Waters and Hidden Beaches

Discover pristine pebble beaches with crystalline turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Nearby coves like Ksamil offer dramatic limestone cliffs and secluded swimming spots accessible by local boat or short walk. The Mediterranean clarity here rivals any Caribbean destination, with peaceful waters ideal for a refreshing midday escape.

4

Colorful Old Town Bazaar

Wander through Sarandë's charming old town with its narrow streets, pastel-colored buildings, and lively market stalls. Browse local crafts, traditional textiles, and handmade souvenirs while experiencing authentic Albanian hospitality. The compact, walkable bazaar captures the town's bohemian character and offers unique finds unavailable elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

5

Sunset Views from Lëkurësi Castle

Hike to this 16th-century Venetian fortress perched 300 meters above Sarandë for panoramic Ionian Sea vistas. The modest climb rewards you with breathtaking sunset views over the Albanian Riviera and across to Corfu. This intimate hilltop experience captures the raw beauty of the region while offering a peaceful escape from the cruise port bustle.

Cruise Lines at Sarandë

Cruises Departing From Sarandë

Cruises Visiting Sarandë

Ship Schedule at Sarandë

Sarandë Location

Other Cruise Ports in Albania

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Sarandë, Albania?

Eight cruise lines operate from Sarandë, including Seabourn, Emerald Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, Silversea, Virgin Voyages, PONANT EXPLORATIONS, and Royal Caribbean International. With 121 upcoming cruises scheduled, you'll have numerous options to explore the Mediterranean from this Albanian port of call.

When is the best time to cruise from Sarandë?

The peak cruise season in Sarandë runs from June through October, with August, October, July, September, and June being the busiest months. During these months, you'll experience warm Mediterranean weather and the most vibrant local atmosphere, though prices tend to be higher and ports more crowded.

How much do cruises from Sarandë cost?

Cruise prices from Sarandë range from $1,012.50 to $23,799 per person, depending on the cruise line, ship size, itinerary length, and cabin category. Budget-friendly options are available through some operators, while luxury cruise lines offer premium experiences at the higher end of the price spectrum.

What are the top destinations from Sarandë cruises?

Popular destinations on cruises departing from Sarandë include Dubrovnik, Piraeus (Athens), Corfu, Kotor, and Mykonos. These Mediterranean ports offer rich history, stunning coastal scenery, and cultural attractions that make them favorite stops for cruise itineraries in the region.

How do I get from Sarandë port to the city center?

Sarandë's port is conveniently located within walking distance of the city center, typically just 10-15 minutes on foot. Taxis are readily available at the port for those preferring not to walk, and local transportation options can take you to nearby attractions, beaches, and villages in the surrounding area.

What can I see and do during a day in Sarandë?

In a day at Sarandë, you can explore the charming waterfront promenade, visit the nearby ruins of Butrint (a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 20 minutes away), relax on local beaches, or enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. The town also offers shopping, local markets, and scenic views across the Ionian Sea toward Corfu.

Is Sarandë a tender port or dock port?

Sarandë is primarily a port of call where ships dock directly at the port facilities, allowing for convenient embarkation and disembarkation. The port infrastructure accommodates ocean cruise ships, and passengers can easily access the city and organized shore excursions from the dock.