Port of Sarande cruise port guide

Port of Sarande — Sarande, Albania.

Sarandë is the main resort town of the Albanian Riviera, facing the Greek island of Corfu across a narrow strait. Once little-known, it is now a fast-growing beach destination, and it is the gateway to Butrint, one of the Mediterranean's most evocative archaeological sites, and to the vivid Blue Eye spring. It's an affordable, fascinating glimpse of a country still opening up to visitors.

Getting ashore

Where do cruise ships dock in Sarande?

Cruise ships usually anchor off Sarandë and bring passengers ashore by tender, landing close to the main seafront promenade in the centre of town. Princess notes the landing spot can change, so check your ship's port information. Shops, cafés and the promenade are an easy walk from there. Taxis wait at a stand next to the port; most have no meters, so agree the price first, as even short rides can be pricey. For Ksamil and Butrint, local buses leave roughly hourly from just outside the ferry terminal on Rruga Jonianet. Fares are low and paid in cash to the driver, and services are cut back outside summer.

Getting around

The town centre and promenade are walkable. Taxis and local buses reach Ksamil and Butrint (about 25–30 minutes south); the Blue Eye is about 40 minutes inland. Agree taxi fares in advance.

Don't miss

• Butrint — a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a lagoon-side national park, with Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins including a theatre, baptistery mosaics and city walls.
• The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) — a deep, crystal-clear spring of intense blue welling up in the forest.
• Ksamil — beaches and small islands with turquoise water, just north of Butrint.
• Lëkurësi Castle — a hilltop fortress above town with panoramic views over Sarandë and Corfu.
• Seafront promenade — a lively waterfront lined with cafés and restaurants.

Planning your day

Visit Butrint early before the heat, then swim at Ksamil. Alternatively, pair the Blue Eye with Lëkurësi Castle. End with a seafood lunch on the Sarandë promenade.

Food & drink

Albanian food is fresh, Mediterranean and very good value, with strong Greek, Italian and Ottoman influences.

Where to eat

• Promenade restaurants — Waterfront restaurants serve seafood at prices well below neighbouring Greece and Italy.

Must try

• Grilled fish and mussels — Mussels farmed in the Butrint lagoon and fresh fish are local specialties.
• Byrek — Flaky filo pies filled with cheese, spinach or meat — a cheap, filling snack.
• Fërgesë — A baked dish of peppers, tomatoes and cottage cheese.

Know before you go

• 🗣️Language — Albanian; English is increasingly spoken by younger people in tourism, and Italian and Greek are common.
• 📋Documents — US, UK, EU, Canadian and Australian citizens generally don't need a visa for short visits. Albania is not in the EU or Schengen; carry your passport or the ID your cruise line requires.
• 🛍️Shopping & hours — The currency is the Albanian lek, but euros are widely accepted in tourist areas. Carry cash, as cards are not accepted everywhere.
• 🌤️Weather — Hot, sunny summers and mild winters.
• 📶Connectivity — Good coverage in town; EU roaming does not apply in Albania, so check your plan.
• ♿Accessibility — The promenade is flat, but Butrint has uneven ground and the castle is on a steep hill.
• ⏱️Getting back — Allow for summer traffic on the coastal road from Ksamil and Butrint.

Sources: whc.unesco.org/en/list/570; albania.al; wikivoyage.org/wiki/Sarandë