August in Sarande means hot sun, warm sea, and lively days. You can mix beach time, local food, short trips, and evening walks easily.
Download the Albania360 app
Our Albania360 app makes it easy for everyone to discover hidden gems, explore 360 views of places before visiting, plan their meals & coffee dates, find perfect accommodations & book directly on the app, and much more!
Swim on the Beaches
Sarande sits by pebbled beaches just off the promenade. For soft sand and shallow water, head south to Ksamil. Beaches like Pulebardha, Pasqyrat, and Edon‑Bina offer clear water and space to relax. You can rent an umbrella and a sunbed for a modest fee or just spread a towel near the sea.
Hotels in Saranda
Below you’ll find a list of hotels in Saranda, hand-picked and curated by the Albania360 team. This means that someone from our team has physically visited these places in person, and we stand behind our recommendations. Keep in mind that the hotels are in no particular order, and they have been randomly listed in this order.
- Sunset Shoreline Saranda (Probably the best sunset views in Saranda)
- Hoteleks (Family friendly hotel, close to the beach)
Take a boat tour around the coast
Book a boat trip to visit coastal bays and islands. Many tours leave near Hotel Kaonia. You can swim in hidden coves or stop for lunch on a deserted beach. A full‑day trip often includes snacks and time for photos. You’ll see places unreachable by land.
Visit Butrint
Drive or take a bus about 25 minutes south to Butrint National Park. This UNESCO site includes Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins—amphitheater, basilica, and ancient walls. The setting is marshes and oaks. Come early and spend two or three hours walking the site.
See the Blue Eye
Twenty‑odd kilometers from town, the Blue Eye spring offers a cool break. The water flows from a deep karst spring that remains around 10 °C year‑round. The color is bright blue. Visitors often walk the forest paths and sit near the edge. Swimming is officially restricted, but many still do so.
Climb to Lekuresi Castle
Ride or walk to the hill above Sarande to reach Lekuresi Castle. It overlooks the town, bay, Ksamil, and Corfu on clear days. Come before sunset for the best light. There’s a restaurant onsite if you want a drink or even a full meal while you take in the view.
Explore the Monastery of Forty Saints
Walk up to the ruins of the old Monastery of the Forty Saints. It overlooks the sea and gives a sense of why the town got its name. The site is small and quiet. If you ask at city hall, you might enter the crypt that still survives.
Stroll the Promenade
In the evening, walk along the seaside promenade. Locals stroll there after dinner. Cafes and gelato shops line the way. Sit by the water, watch boats in the harbor, and sip a soda or Turkish coffee.
Eat fresh seafood and local dishes
Sarande is known for seafood. Walk near the small port and pick a tavern. Try grilled octopus, sardines, shrimp saganaki. You can also eat tave kosi, stuffed peppers, or fresh salads. Ask for oven‑baked white cheese if you see it offered.
Take a day trip to Gjirokaster
Hop on a minibus or drive one hour inland to Gjirokaster. Explore its cobbled old town, stone houses, and castle with views over the valley. You can visit a Cold War tunnel and eat traditional food before returning to the coast by evening.
Talk to Local People
Ask around in cafes or shops about quiet beaches or less-known spots. Some small bays remain peaceful even in August. Locals may direct you to free river swims, homemade raki tastings, or mountain hikes nearby.
Sarande in August gives you warm sea, ancient ruins, and relaxed summer nights. Your days can mix sun, history, food, and local rhythm—all at your pace.
Download the Albania360 app
Our Albania360 app makes it easy for everyone to discover hidden gems, explore 360 views of places before visiting, plan their meals & coffee dates, find perfect accommodations & book directly on the app, and much more!