Your First Day in Saranda: Settling In
Welcome to Saranda. I know how it feels to arrive after a long journey — a little frazzled, looking for somewhere to drop the bags, with no idea where anything is. But this day doesn't have to be stressful; it can actually be the loveliest one. Here's how our guests usually handle it: slowly, one step at a time. There's nothing big you need to achieve. The whole point of day one is just to settle in, have your first swim, and calmly work out where the promenade, an ATM, and the bus stop for day trips are. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.
Unpack, then grab a few basics from the shop below
Once you've got the keys and unpacked, my first tip is to sort out drinking water and a few basics. There's a small shop/kiosk right under our building where you can pick up bottled water, bread, fruit and breakfast bits without going anywhere. A larger supermarket is a short walk away, but for the first evening what's right here is usually enough. Bring cash in lek — small shops and the furgons (minibuses) often don't take cards. Euros are accepted in plenty of places, but the rate tends to be worse than if you withdraw or exchange lek in Saranda itself.
Your first swim: the beach is right behind the house
This is my favourite part. The beach is literally behind the house — about a two-minute walk. No car, no planning, nowhere to drive. Just grab a towel and your flip-flops and head down the lane for your first dip. The water in Saranda is clean and clear, and that first swim after a day of travel is exactly why we keep coming back. Feel free to stay until early evening — day one really doesn't need a schedule.
First dinner, just steps from the door
You don't have to go far for dinner. There are restaurants right next door and across the street serving fresh fish, seafood and everyday dishes, and the people here are genuinely warm with guests. If you fancy a stroll, walk along the promenade that runs the length of the bay — it's lined with palm trees, cafés and restaurants, and it comes alive in the evening with locals out for their stroll (the xhiro). It's a lovely way to get a first feel for Saranda and pick a place that suits your mood.
Get oriented: promenade, ATM, the furgon stop
Before bed, it's worth clocking a few landmarks on your way to dinner. Find the promenade (the town's main seafront artery) and the nearest ATM — though be aware Albanian ATMs often charge a fee of around 700 lek per withdrawal, so it pays to take out a larger amount at once. And note where the furgons (minibuses) and buses leave for day trips to Ksamil and Butrint; they typically go from spots near the centre and run roughly hourly from morning until afternoon. Check current times locally, as schedules shift with the season.
Loosely plan tomorrow
With a cold drink on our balcony — you won't see the sea from it, but it's just right for sitting out in the evening — you can quietly think about the next day. Ksamil with its turquoise water is a short hop south, Butrint with its ancient ruins lies just beyond it, the Blue Eye spring is a trip inland, and Corfu is a quick ferry from the port a few minutes' walk away. There's no need to decide tonight. Day one is about arriving, exhaling, and letting the holiday start slowly.
FAQ
Do I need a car for my first day in Saranda?
No. The beach is a two-minute walk behind the house, the shop is right under the building, and restaurants are next door. For day trips to Ksamil and Butrint, furgons and buses do the job comfortably, so you really don't need a car.
Should I bring euros or lek?
Cash in lek is the practical choice — small shops and the furgons often don't take cards. Euros are accepted in many places, but the rate tends to be worse. I'd withdraw or exchange lek in Saranda, and because of fees, take out a larger amount from the ATM at once.
Where's the nearest place to get water and basics?
There's a small shop/kiosk right under our building for water, bread and small purchases. A larger supermarket is a short walk away. For the first evening, what's right by the house is usually enough.
How far are day trips like Ksamil and Butrint?
Both are close, heading south along the coast road — furgons and buses run roughly hourly from morning until afternoon, and the trip takes around half an hour. Check current times locally, as they vary by season.
