What to Pack for Saranda
Before guests arrive at our apartment, one of the questions we hear most is what to actually pack for Saranda. So here's our honest list, put together over the years we've been coming here. Nothing unnecessary, but nothing important left behind either. Saranda is a fairly easy-going destination and you can buy most things locally, but a few small items are worth bringing from home so your very first day by the sea goes smoothly.
For the beach: water shoes first
This is the one thing most people underestimate. The beaches in and around Saranda are mostly pebbly rather than sandy. Walking barefoot gets uncomfortable after a few steps, and getting in and out of the water can be slippery. We really recommend water shoes or sturdy sandals that keep the small stones out. Bring swimwear (maybe two sets so one is always dry), a quick-dry towel, and something to sit or lie on, as pebbles are harder than sand. The beach is just a couple of minutes from our house, so you'll likely head down two or three times a day.
Sun and sunscreen
The summer sun here is strong, and by the water it fools you. The breeze keeps you cool while you burn faster than you expect. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen, ideally a reef-safe one, plus some after-sun for the evenings. A hat or cap and sunglasses are a given. You can buy sunscreen at the little shop under the building or the supermarket nearby, but it costs more there, so bring your main supply from home.
Clothing: light, plus one warmer layer
During the day, light summer clothing is all you need: t-shirts, shorts, dresses, sandals. What surprises people is the evenings. The wind picks up by the sea and it can feel fresh after sunset, especially on a boat or strolling along the promenade. So pack one light hoodie or sweater, and maybe a scarf. For day trips to Butrint or the Blue Eye, comfortable shoes beat flip-flops, as there's a fair bit of walking.
Money: cash in lek
The local currency is the Albanian lek. Cards work in larger restaurants and shops, but in smaller places, for taxis, at the market, or in the little shop under our building, cash is still the norm. We'd suggest always keeping some lek on you. ATMs are easy to find in central Saranda, but expect fees, so it's worth withdrawing larger amounts at once.
Power: good news for European travellers
Here you can relax. Albania uses the same sockets as most of continental Europe, Type C and Type F, at 230V. So if you're coming from the Czech Republic or much of the EU, you won't need an adapter at all, and your chargers and devices will work normally. A small power strip is handy, though, as there are never quite enough sockets when you're charging phones, a power bank and a camera at the same time.
Documents, medicines and a dry bag for boat days
Don't forget your passport, and if you plan to rent a car or scooter, your driving licence too. Bring any personal medicines from home. There are pharmacies here, but you can't always find exactly the brand you're used to. And one thing we genuinely appreciate: a dry bag for boat trips, whether to the little islands off Ksamil, over to Butrint, or on the ferry to Corfu. It keeps your phone, documents and money dry even when there's a bit of spray off the water.
FAQ
Do I need a travel adapter for Albania?
If you're coming from continental Europe, no. Albania uses Type C and Type F sockets at 230V, the same as the Czech Republic and much of the EU, so your chargers and devices work without an adapter. A small power strip can be handy. Travellers from the UK, US or Australia will need an adapter.
Do I really need water shoes?
We strongly recommend them. Most beaches in and around Saranda are pebbly, so barefoot walking hurts and getting into the water can be slippery. Water shoes or sturdy sandals make swimming far more comfortable.
Can I get by with a card in Saranda?
In larger restaurants and shops, usually yes, but smaller places, taxis and the market mostly take cash. Always keep some lek on you. It's best to check the current exchange rate and ATM fees before you travel.
How cool are the evenings, should I bring warmer clothes?
Days are hot, but by the sea the wind picks up in the evening and it can feel fresh after sunset, especially on a boat. One light hoodie or sweater is enough to stay comfortable on the balcony or out for a walk.
