Travel Guide
This Beach Paradise Called The ‘Maldives Of Europe’ Is The Perfect Summer Getaway
May
With temperatures rising in Southern Europe and seasonal flight routes to numerous tried-and-true sunny spots re-launching, you’re probably in the midst of choosing where you’ll be spending your summer vacation next.
If you’re keeping it classic, of course there’s always Amalfi and its string of cliff-side villages hugged by azure seas, the French Riviera and its cinematic, vintage charm, and don’t forget Croatia, coming in hot with the scenic coastal drives and island getaways.
But perhaps you’re craving something a little different this time, out of the ordinary, where both historical charm and modern tourist amenities can coexist, and who knows, maybe there’s even fine, white-sand beaches that are Caribbean-like?
You know, none of the usual pebble stones.
Discover Sarandë, The Gem Of The Albanian Riviera
An up-and-coming resort town occupying a horseshoe-shaped bay, Sarandë (alternatively spelled Saranda) is wedged between the verdant hills of Albania, one of Europe’s most underrated countries, at that, and the teal-colored Ionian Sea.
There is a lot to be discovered in Albania as a whole, but before we go off on our usual tangents, you should know that, if it’s your first time exploring Southeastern Europe’s fastest-growing destinations, Sarandë is probably the ideal place to start.
Albania’s best-developed tourist destination, it is home to a modern, palm-lined promenade, a string of beachfront hotels that cost only a small fraction of the usual Mediterranean prices, and a number of ancient monuments sure to satisfy your cravings for that Old World allure.
Beachfront Hotels From Only $28 Per Night
Right in downtown Sarandë, only a few steps away from the main beach, you can book an entire apartment in the month of June, the hottest month to be in Albania, from only $52 a night (or an even cheaper $28 if traveling as a couple).
When it comes to the traditional hotel experience, Hotel Havana is a 4-star listing offering triple rooms at roughly the same price ($57 per night), so considering how affordable everything is, you may be wondering whether some splurging’s in order.
Well, for a 5-star, luxurious resort, the adults-only San Angelo Resort & Spa straddles its own stretch of private, unruffled sand-and-gravel beach, and it boasts world-class amenities, including a beautiful outdoor pool, renowned restaurants, and a wellness center ($211-a-night).
All in all, Sarandë makes for a perfectly affordable European summer vacay:
The average cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is about $11, transportation costs average $8-a-day, including local buses and taxis, and if you’re careful with your budget, you can get by just fine with $350 for the week.
Welcome To The Caribbean Of Europe
If you’re wondering where the Maldives comparisons arise from, you should check out Ksamil, a fishing village slowly being converted into a leisure destination, and a part of the municipality of Sarandë—from the downtown zone, it’s a short 25-minute drive away.
Unlike most beaches on the Ionian coastline, Ksamil is filled with soft, white sands, and combined with the crystal-clear waters, luxury villas, and the picturesque wooden jetties stretching out towards lush-green islands in the distance, it’s no wonder it gives ‘tropical’.
It’s worth noting that Ksamil is probably Sarandë’s most visited district. In summer, it can get jam-packed as Albanian families flock here for a spot in the sun.
If you don’t mind shelling out the dough by Albanian standards, and by that we mean, a reasonable $206 per night (or $103 per adult), the Arameras Beach Resort administers a private strip of beach, and it’s still within short-walking distance of the main shopping street and all the restaurants.
Undeniable Ancient Charm
Gorgeous coastline aside, Sarandë is popular for acting as a gateway to one of the most historically-charged regions of the Mediterranean basin.
Roughly half an hour drive south of town, Butrint National Park is a major archaeological zone comprising a ruined Greco-Roman city, with a partially flooded ancient theater, countless temples, and a hilltop fortress overlooking scenic wetlands.
Just above Sarandë, Lekursi is a medieval castle commanding a breathtaking panorama of the town below, and it’s particularly famous for being a sunset spot:
There’s a restaurant inside, so you can treat yourself to a traditional Albanian meal and locally-sourced wine as you watch the sun set over the Ionian.
Corfu Is A Short Half-Hour Boat Ride Away!
Additionally, in case you’re wondering what those islands off the coast are, they, in fact, belong to Greece!
The trendy holiday island of Corfu is a brief 30-minute ferry from the Sarandë port, and it’s a popular day trip for Albanian Riviera-based vacationers.
In Corfu, explore the pastel-colored, Venetian-style streets of Kerkyra (or Corfu Town), relax by the picture-perfect beach at Palaiokastritsa, or go on a winery tour to sample Corfiot delicacies and wine for only $40.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
