Saranda Ferries

The port of Saranda plays a key role in the ferry network of Albania, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry companies, Saranda serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Saranda, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Corfu - Saranda connecting Saranda with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways, Albania Luxury Ferries run regular services from Saranda, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Saranda offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Saranda is well-connected to major Albanian cities, with regular bus services from Tirana taking approximately 5-6 hours along scenic coastal routes. From Greece, border crossings at Kakavia lead directly to Saranda in about 1.5 hours. The nearest international airport is in Corfu, Greece, from where frequent ferries make the 30-minute crossing to Saranda's port throughout the day. If driving, the recently improved SH8 coastal highway offers breathtaking views, though parking near the ferry terminal can be limited during peak summer months – consider using the designated parking areas near the port and walking the short distance to the terminal.

Nestled along Albania's stunning southern coastline, Saranda sparkles as the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera. This vibrant port city blends Mediterranean charm with crystalline turquoise waters, creating a perfect gateway to explore both coastal treasures and inland wonders. As a key ferry hub connecting Albania to Corfu and beyond, Saranda offers travelers a distinctive blend of historical richness and beachside relaxation that has transformed it from hidden secret to essential Mediterranean destination.

Saranda enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days annually, making it a year-round destination with distinct seasonal advantages. The prime visiting window spans May through October, with July and August bringing the warmest temperatures (averaging 30°C) alongside the liveliest atmosphere and most frequent ferry connections. June and September offer the perfect balance – warm seas, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds. The Saranda Summer Festival in August features concerts and cultural events along the promenade, while spring visitors can witness the countryside burst into wildflower blooms. Winter brings milder temperatures (10-15°C) than most of Europe, with reduced ferry schedules but peaceful exploration opportunities.

Saranda serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Ionian region by sea. The Greek island of Corfu lies just 35 minutes away by ferry, offering Venetian architecture and lush landscapes that contrast beautifully with Albania's coastline. The small Albanian port of Himara can be reached via coastal ferry in about 1.5 hours, rewarding visitors with pristine beaches and traditional villages perched on hillsides. Adventure seekers can join excursion boats to Ksamil and its nearby islands, often called 'the Albanian Maldives' for their white sands and crystal waters, just a 45-minute journey. The bay-hopping routes between Saranda and Porto Palermo reveal hidden coves and dramatic cliffs that showcase the untamed beauty of this emerging Mediterranean destination.

Saranda offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, beginning with the stunning city beaches and the 7km-long promenade that forms the heart of local life. Just 20 minutes from the ferry terminal lies Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring remarkably preserved Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins spanning 2,500 years of history. Food enthusiasts shouldn't miss sampling fresh seafood at the harborside tavernas, where local specialties like tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) and seafood risotto showcase Albanian cuisine's Greek and Italian influences. The vibrant Bazaar area behind the promenade reveals local life through its markets, cafés serving strong Turkish-style coffee, and shops selling regional products like olive oil and mountain honey.

Saranda derives its name from the Byzantine monastery of the Forty Saints (Agioi Saranta), though locals sometimes call it by its Italian name, Santiquaranta. The city sits opposite the narrowest point of the Corfu Strait, creating a natural harbor that has served as a strategic maritime location since ancient Greek times. Beneath the azure waters surrounding Saranda lie numerous shipwrecks dating from Roman times through WWII, making it an emerging destination for underwater archaeology enthusiasts. Perhaps most surprising to visitors is that during Albania's communist isolation until the 1990s, Saranda was a restricted military zone – the transformation from closed territory to international tourism hotspot has occurred in just three decades.