Cheap Car Hire in Albania

Obtain a cheap car hire in Albania by making your booking online on our website and enjoy a country with an amazing history which unique in the world. Without leaving a deposit or a credit card as a garantee. You can also visit our website https://rearent.al/.

In Albania you can find a variety of unique landscapes. Beaches, mountains, charming villages or cosmopolitan cities….all within your reach with a car hire because Portugal has a network of completely renewed roads.

Just like neighboring Greece, Albania has a rich and diverse cuisine. If you are a trveller who likes to try all what the local gastronomy has to offer, then don’t miss the opportunity to try the ‘byrek’ a specially tasty food of the ‘Dibra’ a peculiar cream or soup or any of the variety of seafood available. Albanian bread and wine makes this very enjoyable for the palate. Just hire a cheap car hire in Albania and you and fully enjoy all the delicacies on offer.

Take advantage of our offers, hire a cheap car hire in Albania and make the most of this wonderful country with an amazing climate and with some of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Best destinations in Albania

What to see in Tirana

Although Tirana was far from being the main reason why I really wanted to visit Albania, the truth is that the city surprised me a lot  My visit to Tirana was a mix of feelings: a brief introduction to the so many peculiar features of this country and, at the same time, seeing a city that is moving towards development and modernisation after so many years of Communism.

Tirana is a relatively small city, but still with some very interesting spots to visit! Continue reading to get surprised by the list of places you can visit in Tirana.

Tirana What to Visit Blloku
Blloku

What is the best time of year to visit Tirana?

Tirana is quite cool in winter (December to March), with temperatures reaching almost 0ºC. On the other hand, summers are generally quite hot. At this time of year, thermometers average around 22ºC – 25ºC, but the air is quite stuffy.Ezoic

Tirana What to Visit Pazari i Ri
Pazari i Ri

Not being a city with extreme temperatures, in fact, it is always a good idea to visit Tirana. Mass tourism has not (yet!!!) arrived in Tirana and Albania, so even if you choose to visit in summer you will not find endless queues everywhere or over-inflated prices.

Tirana What to Visit Skanderbeg Square
Skanderbeg Square

However, if I had to suggest a few months to visit this capital city, I would perhaps choose May, June and September to ensure milder temperatures.Ezoic

Tirana What to Visit BunkArt
Bunk’Art 2

How many days do you need to visit Tirana?

The city of Tirana is relatively small and so 1 day is enough to get a good idea of the Albanian capital  However, the city is getting more and more interesting from a cultural and social point of view so you can add another day or two if you really want to fully enjoy Tirana’s vibe.

I walked around the whole city and it was pretty doable  Distances are relatively short as the main points of interest are very close to each other.

What to do in Saranda

1. Take a Stroll Down the Saranda Embankment

Strolling down the Saranda embankment is one of the best things to do in Saranda, Albania.

One of the first things you should do when visiting Saranda is to walk along the Saranda Embankment. The embankment links the neighbourhoods in Saranda, so a leisurely stroll is an excellent way to get your bearings upon arrival. 

Here is where you’ll see lots of local businesses offering boat trips, which is one of the most fun things to do in Saranda. It’s a great place to get some activities planned.

At the port end, you’ll see that there are swimming lanes where you can get your exercise in for the day, followed by a coffee in one of the cosy cafes. Despite being the place where boats set off, the water is incredibly clear and great for a dip.

The embankment runs parallel to Saranda Beach and has some of the best restaurants, cafes, and restaurants alongside it. I recommend trying New Space for a coffee with a view, or No Name Bar for a cheeky cocktail.

2. Visit the Mystical Blue Eye (One of My Favourite Things to Do in Saranda)

Overhead view of the Blue Eye in Saranda

The Blue Eye is a must see in Saranda. It was one of the highlights of my trip and it shouldn’t be missed. The Blue Eye is around 20 km from Saranda so many people take a tour from Saranda to visit. 

The Blue Eye, or Syri i Kalter in Albanian, is a natural spring and phenomenon. The deep, dark middle and clear blue water surrounding the centre resembles a pupil and iris. It’s at least 50m deep, but the high-pressure water has made it impossible to explore further.

On this tour, you’ll be picked up from Saranda and a private guide will take you to and around the Blue Eye National Park. Here, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and swim in the pools before heading back to Saranda – beware, the water is a cool 10°C all year round.

The Blue Eye should be at the top of your list of things to see in Saranda. It’s a truly unique experience. 

3. Eat Some Incredible Seafood

saranda tourist attractions

Saranda’s close proximity to the sea, rivers, and lakes makes it the perfect place for foodies who love seafood. 

Mussels and trout can be found on most restaurant menus; you should be sure to try these. Both are often from Lake Butrint, which surrounds the Butrint National Park also featured on this list, and fresh and tasty dishes to try.

Saranda’s location on the Mediterranean Sea means that there’s always a vast selection of seafood on offer and many restaurants do it really well. My favourite spots include Haxhi (you have to have their seafood spaghetti) and Fish Filipi for a fresh and local experience.

Eat your way around the lovely tavernas and sample the freshest seafood in Saranda. See also: Must Try Albanian Foods

4. Visit Beautiful Ksamil

Ksamil beach seen from the water

Ksamil is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Saranda. It’s just a 20-minute drive further south along the coast where you’ll pass a lot of stunning beaches on the way. Ksamil’s coastline attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world for good reason.

The beaches are home to the clearest, most beautiful turquoise water. Split into bays, the beaches are both pebbly and sandy, and the colours change from bay to bay. Every single one is so clear and serene.

Ksamil can’t be missed as it’s one of the best places to see in Saranda. This tour, led by a local guide, will take you to islands and beaches in Ksami as well as the Butrint Archaeological Park – great Saranda attractions featured on this list.

You’ll gain a glimpse of the best of southern Albania, whilst exploring some hidden gems you might not find alone. You can read more about the highly rated experience here.

☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Best Airbnbs in Tirana, Albania

5. Go to Mirror Beach

Mirror Beach is one of the best places to visit in Saranda.

Pasqyra Beach, or as it’s more commonly known, Mirror Beach, is one of the best places to visit in Saranda. It’s called Mirror Beach because the sun reflects into the clear blue water like a mirror, which according to locals, gives it a magical effect.

I have to agree. The water was a bright blue colour and it reminded me of the water in Mexico. It has to be seen to be believed. The beach is accessed by a one-track road which leads to a car park. I’d recommend that you get a taxi here, or hire a scooter.

There’s a restaurant on the beach where you can grab some refreshments and lunch to make a full day of it. There are also sun loungers for you to relax on, have a snooze, or get stuck into your latest read.

6. Visit Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park is one of the best places to go in Saranda.

Butrint is one of the best things to see in Saranda for history buffs. This ancient city is the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country.

It’s got a real mix of influences, having been occupied by the Greeks, Romans, and Venetians throughout its long history. You’ll see a Roman Theatre, Temple, and Forum which are really well preserved.

Its beautiful surroundings make it one of the most picturesque of the Saranda attractions, based on Lake Butrint and the wetlands which complete the National Park.

Entrance costs 1000 LEK ($9) per person, or you can take this tour. This includes your transfer to and from Saranda, entrance fees, and also includes a guide which is really useful if you’re interested in learning more information as you explore the site.

7. Take the Ferry to Corfu

Street in Corfu Old Town

One of the best things to do in Saranda is to visit the Greek Island of Corfu. You can see Corfu just across the water when at Saranda beach or walking along the embankment. 

In the high season, ferries go from the port to Corfu town regularly. The fast ferry runs three times a day and takes around 30 minutes. The slower ferry runs later into the evening until 7 pm, and takes a little over an hour. You can buy tickets from both boats at the offices next to the ferry terminal.

The ferry will land just up the coast from the Corfu Old Town. There are shuttle buses into the heart of Old Town, or you can walk down. Head into the Old Town and explore the cobbled streets with boutique shops, local restaurants, and cool bars. 

Take a trip around the Old Fortress with incredible views over the Town. The Church of St Spyridon is worth a look for the impressive decoration inside, and the iconic Liston Street is a great location for a drink. 

You can take in the whole of Old Town in a day; grab an early ferry from Saranda and head home on the 7 pm ferry back to Albania. This was one of my favourite trips. Don’t miss it. 

8. Enjoy the Sunset at Lekuresi Castle

things to see in saranda

A trip to Saranda is not complete without seeing Lekuresi Castle at sunset. It’s here that you’ll get the best view of Saranda and the bay. It’s one of the most romantic and pretty places to visit in Saranda.

Situated on the top of Lekuresi Hill, it has an iconic view of Saranda and Corfu, and also the valley and mountain range on the other side of the hill. The castle was originally built in 1537 by the Ottomans to control the Saranda harbour and Saranda-Butrint road during an attack on Corfu. 

Today it’s abandoned, and houses a restaurant and bar, the terrace of which overlooks the bay. It’s a must see in Saranda.

In terms of getting there, you can walk, but it’s around 3-4 kilometres from the centre, and all uphill which can be a challenge in the summer heat.

Alternatively, you could take this tour which not only takes you to see Lekuresi Castle, but a few of the best highlights in Saranda, including the Blue Eye, Ksamil, and Gjirokaster.

9. Take a Boat Trip

A catamaran in the sea near Saranda

One of my favourite activities in Saranda is to take a boat trip. There are many local businesses offering tours. Some head south and explore the beaches on the way to Ksamil, and some head north toward Himara. 

The entire coastline is beautiful and I love exploring the coves, bays, and beaches — many of these beaches can only be reached by boat.

To the north, you can visit the beautiful beaches of Krorez and Kakome beaches. To the south, you’ll see Monastery Beach and Pulebardha, both equally stunning. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in Saranda.

You have the choice of taking a group trip on one of the larger catamarans or a pirate ship boat, both of which can be seen easily along the promenade. Usually, drinks are included, and the vibe is a lot more lively. One even had a foam party on board! 

Alternatively, you can book a private boat with a skipper to take you to the beaches. I did this and it cost €150 for a 6-hour trip. If you’re with a few friends, this is a really fun, relaxing, and cost-effective way of exploring the coast. 

These are 2 of the most favourite places for more we willbe posting again.