Saranda- Key information
Situated on the Albanian Riviera, Saranda is a popular destination during the summer. Its appeal lies in the variety of restaurants, beautiful coastline, and position as a starting point to explore nearby attractions. It’s suitable for young professionals, families, and retirees.
Saranda is close to significant sites like the ancient city of Butrint and the natural beauty of the Blue Eye Spring, providing both historical and natural explorations. The city also offers easy access to Corfu, adding an international dimension to its local charm. With a mix of quiet beaches and lively spots, it caters to different tastes. The community is welcoming, making it attractive for digital nomads, families seeking a safe environment, and retirees looking for a peaceful setting. Saranda combines a relaxed lifestyle with the advantage of being a gateway to exploring the broader region. Read more in our complete expat guide to Saranda!
- Population
17233
- Average Air Quality
- Annual Sunshine Hours
3558
- Annual Average Rainfall
1350
- Sale Property Prices, Residential, Avg. / m2
1550
- Rental Property Prices, Residential, month per m2
7
- Healthcare Availability
In town
- Distance From Airport
Within 2 hours drive
Saranda Photo Gallery
More Information of Saranda
By Air
Of course you can arrive by Tirana International Airport if you are planning to make a road trip to Saranda. From Tirana to Saranda takes about three and a half hours. Another way of travelling to Saranda is by taking a flight to Corfu International Airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias.” More information here.
By Bus, and Van
You can reach Saranda from Tirana by bus or shuttle, from the south Terminal in Tirana.
By Ferry
Ferries run several times a day between Saranda and Corfu. The trip takes around 30 minutes. Learn more here.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Saranda is not very developed. So to make the most of the town, you might need a car or taxi. However, you can reach Ksamil by bus for only EUR 0.80 one way.
On Foot
The city center is small enough to explore on foot. Quick tip: be aware of the cars as they do not always stop for pedestrians.
By Car
Driving in Saranda can be an adventure, with parking challenges and varied road conditions especially in the summer.
Sea Food
Seafood Salad, Grilled Octopus, Seafood Risotto, Fried Shrimps. You can also book the mussel tour for a mussel tasting and a boat trip over the lake.
Fish and Vegetables
When visiting restaurants in Saranda, you may find a variety of sea fish baked with a mix of vegetables.
Raki
It is made of fruits such as plums and walnuts, however grapes are the most common, especially in the south.
These are some of our favourite haunts in Saranda. Note that some of the bars and restaurants are only open in the summer.
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- Taverna Laberia
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- Fish Filipi
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- Limani
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- Like Creperie
Toptani Shopping Center
Situated in the bustling city center, Toptani offers an extensive selection of stores, ranging from fashion to electronics. It’s a convenient one-stop destination for all your shopping needs, complete with dining options and services.
Though becoming more popular by the minute, Saranda is a rather inexpensive place to live. You should watch our for artificially inflated property prices when buying or renting, as the city is rife with less reputable real estate agents.
When you join the expats in Saranda, these are the types of expenses you can expect to encounter…
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €280
- 1-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: €200
- 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: €370
- One-way ticket on local public transport: €0,40
- Meal for 1 at an inexpensive restaurant: €7
- 3-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: €35
- Large draught domestic beer in a bar or restaurant: €2.5
- Regular cappuccino in a cafe or restaurant: €1.3
- Loaf of white bread from a supermarket: €0,70
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Meet the Magic Towns experts for Saranda
Enrit Samarxhiu
Property adviser for Saranda
Expert property adviser with 10+ years in rentals & sales.
Sindi Topi
Relocation adviser
Local media personality & Albania expert, known for her sharp insights.
Vartkes Piranjani
Immigration and legal adviser
Trusted immigration lawyer with a UK education in law and finance.
Would you like to know more about the Magic Towns Albania services for expats and retirees? Read here.
How Do Expats Feel About Living inSaranda?
✅ Pros
Diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife.
Proximity to historical sites and natural attractions.
Welcoming community.
❌ Cons
Diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife.
Proximity to historical sites and natural attractions.
Welcoming community.
- Quality of Life
⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Healthcare
⭐⭐
- Education
⭐⭐
- Climate
⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost of Living
⭐⭐⭐
- Ease of Socialisation
⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Everyday Communication
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Results based on Saranda reviews count expat reviews as of
19/01/2024. Do you live here?
Neighbourhoods of Saranda
This neighbourhood guide is meant to give you a general idea of which areas offer what kind of property when house hunting in Saranda. Feel free to contact our property experts on this page for further information.
Rruga e Pare
It is a very tourist spot, with hotels and bars, which makes it not a favourable place for expats. Plus, there are very few apartments in this area.
Rruga e Dyte
Unlike “Rruga e Pare”, the “Rruga e Dyte” neighbourhood is a very favourable place to live as an expat. Everything is accessible. You can easily have a walk by the sea by having a chill afternoon, supermarkets, pharmacies etc.
Rruga e Trete
Another favourable place to live in Saranda, especially as a retiree. You have a lot of facilities such as supermarkets and pharmacies, you can reach anything by walk.
Rruga e Kodres
This neighbourhood is located near the port and the stadium. It is very close to bars and restaurants, and you can reach the sea on foot.
Rruga e Cukes
This neighbourhood is developing with many new buildings in Saranda, and it makes it a favourable place, especially for families with kids. You can also reach Ksamil in a few minutes. You can reach it easily by bus.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Living inSaranda
1. What is Saranda known for? Saranda is renowned for its beautiful coastline, diverse culinary scene, vibrant nightlife, and as a strategic base to explore nearby captivating destinations. It’s particularly lively during the summer months, attracting tourists with its charm and array of attractions.
2. What is the population of Saranda? The population of Saranda is approximately 17,233, offering a small-town feel with the amenities of a larger city.
3. What are the average property prices in Saranda? The average sale price for properties is €1550 per m², and the average rental price is €7 per m², making Saranda an attractive option for various budgets.
4. How is the air quality in Saranda? The air quality in Saranda is rated as good, contributing to a pleasant living environment for residents and visitors alike.
5. What kind of climate can I expect in Saranda? Saranda enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with very high sunshine hours (3558) and somewhat high precipitation (1350 cm/yr). It experiences mild winters and warm, dry summers, ideal for those who prefer a sunny climate.
6. What are the living pros and cons in Saranda? Pros include a diverse culinary scene, proximity to historical sites and natural attractions, and a welcoming community. Cons involve seasonal crowding, especially in summer, limited healthcare and educational facilities, and infrastructure challenges during peak tourist times.
7. How can I get to Saranda? While Saranda doesn’t have its own airport, it’s accessible via Corfu with a ferry connection or a two-hour drive from Tirana International Airport, offering flexibility for international visitors.
8. What is the cost of living like in Saranda? Saranda offers a cost of living that is attractive by international standards, with reasonable expenses for housing, dining, and transportation.
9. What are some popular neighbourhoods in Saranda? Popular neighbourhoods include the lively city centre, known for its restaurants and bars, and quieter areas that offer a more relaxed pace of life. Each neighbourhood provides its unique charm and advantages, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.
10. What should I know about healthcare and education in Saranda? While Saranda has basic healthcare facilities, more complex medical needs may require travel to larger cities. Educational options may be limited, especially for international schooling, which is an important consideration for families with children.
11. How easy is it to socialise and communicate in Saranda? Saranda is known for its ease of socialisation, with a friendly and welcoming expat community. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making everyday communication relatively straightforward for most expats.
12. Where can I find more information or assistance with moving to Saranda? For more detailed information and support, our team of local experts, including property advisers, relocation advisers, and legal experts, are here to help. Our Magic AI assistant is also available to answer any queries related to living in Saranda or other Albanian towns.
For further inquiries or personalized assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or consult our Magic AI chat assistant for immediate support.
