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Saranda

Situated in the southern part of Albania, on the Ionian Sea coast, Saranda is an enchanting city known for its beautiful beaches and idyllic weather. The Mediterranean climate, combined with the city's turquoise waters and sandy beaches, makes Saranda a fabulous summer destination. The city's unrivaled beauty is enriched by its remarkable historical sites, including the ancient city of Butrint, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the enchanting Blue Eye Spring. At night, Saranda comes alive with vibrant nightlife offering an array of restaurants and bars to enjoy traditional Albanian music and dance as well as local cuisine. With its inviting blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and lively culture, Saranda transforms every visit into an unforgettable experience.

4 /5

Based on our research

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Safety:Safe

Saranda is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. Albanians are known for their hospitality and it's rare to encounter serious crime. However, like everywhere, it's important to remain cautious, especially at night. Street lighting can be poor in some areas and petty theft can occur. Always stay aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings secure. Travel with registered taxis and avoid isolated areas after dark, especially beaches.

Transport:Easy

For a solo female traveler, Saranda is generally easy to navigate. The city is compact and walkable, so getting around by foot is typically feasible and enjoyable. There are also various public transportation options such as buses. However, some areas can be hilly and challenging to traverse. Overall, Saranda is an easy city to explore with abundant resources available.

Things to do:Interesting

Saranda is a vibrant city offering a variety of activities. It is known for its beautiful beaches such as Pasqyra and Mirror beach where you can unwind and participate in water sports. The city is also home to several historical attractions, like the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint. Food explorers can enjoy local Albanian cuisine in many local eateries. Moreover, the mesmerizing panoramic views from the Lekursi Castle are a must-see for nature and photography enthusiasts. A drawback could be that public transport is not well-organized, but overall, your adventure in Saranda promises to be memorable.

Food:Above average

Saranda, being a coastal town of Albania, is well known for its seafood dishes. The food is fresh and local with a Mediterranean influence. Some dishes include grilled fish, stuffed peppers and tomatoes, and traditional Albanian pilaf. Apart from seafood, there's also a good variety of meats, cheeses, and homemade bread typically served. Additionally, vegetarians and vegans can find good options available. The only drawback is the limited variety in international cuisine. While the town has amazing traditional cuisine, for someone who enjoys experimenting with different types of international foods, there's limited scope.

Budget:Affordable

Saranda is relatively budget-friendly. Accommodation, food, and transportation are considerably cheap especially when compared to other European destinations. There are plenty of affordable activities as well, including free attractions like the Lekursi Castle and the beautiful public beaches. However, some services like private tours and high-end dining can be more expensive.

Solo travel experience

I went to Saranda and I really liked it there. It was my favorite place. I stayed in a hostel which was very social, so I made many friends. I took part in a boat trip for about 30 euros per person and we all had a great time. I also rented a car for a day and went to Himare. It was beautiful. I recommend having cash, because debit cards are only accepted in big grocery stores, and it's better not to use euros as you will lose some money.

Posted: September 17, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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