Saranda Travel Guides (Updated September 2026)

We learnt a lot about Albania’s history on our one short cruise ship stop at the Port of Saranade. Ermal met us near the port area, and we travelled by car to the monastery of the forty saints. It was on top of a hill overlooking Saranade and provided spectacular views of the city and as far as the island of Corfu, Greece. Alongside the monastery was a series of bunkers and tunnels that had been built as defensive positions and areas of refuge if the country was attacked. We learnt the communist leaders of the day had isolated Albania and believing the country would be attacked by its neighbours. Then we walked downhill to a local mosque and were told of the re-emergence of religion after the fall of the communist government. State Atheism laws were passed in the 1960’s to ban religion including all icons. We thoroughly recommend this tour.

So grateful to our tour guide for changing our timing because of the weather forecast! 🌦️ The captain was full of fun and kept us entertained the whole time! 😂⛵️ We had so much fun, and the music was such a vibe! 🎶✨

Great way to see various beaches! The captain made it fun with great music. The beach where we got dropped off for a few hours was excellent (loved that sunbeds are included in the price of the boat tour). Water was perfection and food and drink were tasty. The other swim spots were beautiful too. Great value. Highly recommend.

Great tour, it worth it! We want to give special kudos to Christian, he made our boat trip more interesting with nice music and great driving

We loved our boat tour. The beach club they took us to had some of the best food we have had, the music on the boat was so fun, our driver had a great vibe, and it was very very much worth the money. Would definetly recommend!

Lovely experience, great boat ride, delicious restaurant stop for lunch, very careful and helpful crew!

We had a great experience: we visited Lekuresi castle, blue eye and Gjirokastër. Our guide, Erald, gave us interesting information about history and current situation in Albania. We had enough of free time. Be careful at Blue eye though: they charged us 400 LEK for 1 scoop of ice.

I can’t say enough positive things about Gert and this experience. First I would like to mention how great his communication was. I messaged him right when I booked and had a few questions and he always took the time to answer me quickly. Second, he was incredibly kind and hospitable and I felt like I was with a life long friend. Third, he is extremely knowledgeable and makes the history so interesting. He answered all my questions, we chatted the entire way, listened to music and had a great time. Highly highly recommend taking a day and doing this tour!!! I wouldn’t have had such a memorable experience with anyone else. Thank you so much Gerti!

Great tour! We saw bits of the monastery and the bunkers that we would not have seen had we visited by ourselves. And the views over Saranda and the surrounding mountains were beautiful. It was interesting to hear about the communist period from the guide's personal family perspective.

This excursion offered great swimming and a delicious lunch. The boat was not at the meeting point provided by the Cool Destinations app but eventually we got in touch with the vendor, who came and collected us and took us to the boat further down the promenade. The boat crew were kind and responsible.

Great experience. Meeting place was sent in advance, staff very friendly, good equipment, nice trip down the river with two excellent guides. Always felt safe and well cared for

It was a wonderful experience! Our captain, Kristi, was fantastic! He was very cheerful and polite. Took lots of photos of our group and made sure to include Brazilian music in the boat’s playlist. We definitely recommend this tour.

We did this activity during our visit to Saranda and frankly it is an unforgettable activity. The drivers are really great, very friendly and smiling, as well as the guide, really top-notch. I recommend it 100% and go for it with your eyes closed, you will not be disappointed, believe me, quite the contrary, you would be disappointed if you did not do it during your visit. Really a big thank you to the whole team who was wonderful!!!

We booked the day trip via Cool Destinations and we had seen contradictory reviews and instead..everything perfect!!..very early departure in the morning from Saranda, perfect and on-time ferry trip, upon arrival Katerina welcomed us on the bus. She described the city of Corfu to us and then three free hours..at the end of which we left for the town of Paleiokastritsa. Fascinating environment for those who, like us, wanted to get an idea of Corfu. Another three free hours and then an efficient and punctual return like the ferry. Great job Katerina and thank you for the beautiful day in fascinating Corfu!!..until next time!!

We are very happy to recommend this trip. :) It is worth the money.

Great tour, views of the mountains, amazing water and beautiful and peaceful town. It is great to enter the cold refreshing waters of the Blue Eye, but note, current is very strong and swim is forbidden for a reason. Stay safe and maybe only enter for a short walk where water is very shallow in the permitted area. Blue colour water could be way more deeper and more “sparkling” than you think. I look forward to see these landscapes again !!!