Would You Drive 200KM for Saranda, Albania? We Did – Here’s Why!

Have you ever bet everything on a single moment? On one bold decision that could either become your greatest memory… or your biggest regret? That was us—three hours of treacherous mountain roads, three hours of doubts whispering, “Turn back.” But something about Saranda—that postcard-perfect promise of turquoise waters and sun-drenched shores—called to us. So we took the gamble.

And this is what happened when we traded comfort for adventure.

From Tirana to Saranda: The Road Less Traveled

In our last adventure, we explored the vibrant streets of Tirana—full of energy, history, and surprises. But today? We were hitting the road for a 3-hour journey south to the stunning coastal town of Saranda.

We’d heard stories about its beauty, but to be honest… we had no idea what to expect. So we took the risk, packed our bags for a night of adventure, and set off—ready to discover what Saranda had in store.

The Journey: Mountain Roads & Hidden Gems

To get from Tirana to Saranda, you have two main options:

Public Bus – Departs daily from Tirana’s regional bus terminal, taking about 5-6 hours.
Self-Drive – A 3-hour scenic (but winding) route through Albania’s dramatic landscapes.

We chose the latter—for freedom, flexibility, and the thrill of the unknown.

One hour into the drive, we were already captivated. A crystal-clear river wound through the valleys, so mesmerizing that we had to pull over. Some views are just too beautiful to rush past.

Then came one of Albania’s greatest engineering marvels—the Llogara Tunnel. Built in 2020, this tunnel changed everything. Before it existed, drivers faced a harrowing mountain road with 42 sharp turns, adding over an hour to the trip. Now? A smooth, cool passage through the mountain, delivering us to the Ionian Sea coast in minutes.

And then—Saranda appeared.

First Glimpse of Saranda: Was It Worth the Drive?

Yes. A thousand times, yes.

As we rounded the final bend, the sparkling Mediterranean came into view. Saranda unfolded before us—a lively seaside town where turquoise waters met a bustling promenade. Palm trees swayed, boats bobbed in the harbor, and that famous Albanian warmth hit us the moment we stepped out of the car.

But the adventure wasn’t over yet.

Chasing Sunsets at Lekursi Castle

With daylight fading, we raced toward Lekursi Castle—a hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of Saranda and the Ionian Sea. Legend says this castle once belonged to Ali Pasha, the infamous Ottoman ruler. Today, it’s home to a stunning restaurant where you can dine with a view.

Except… we forgot to make a reservation.

What seemed like a mistake turned into serendipity. Just downhill, we stumbled upon a hidden gem—a cozy local spot where the food was just as delicious, and the atmosphere even more authentic.

Sometimes, the best moments happen when plans go astray.

A Morning by the Sea: Saranda’s Magic

The next day, we woke to the sound of waves and the warmth of the Albanian sun.

We strolled along the palm-lined promenade, breathing in the salty air, watching fishermen prepare their boats. The energy was slow, serene, and full of life.

And then—we couldn’t resist the sea.

Hopping on a boat, we glided across crystal-clear waters, the coastline shrinking behind us. The Ionian Sea was cool, dazzling, alive—and for a moment, we weren’t just visitors. We were part of Saranda’s endless summer.

Final Verdict: Was the Risk Worth the Reward?

Absolutely.

Saranda wasn’t just a destination—it was a test of courage, a lesson in trust, and a reminder that the best views come after the hardest climbs.

If this journey taught us anything, it’s that sometimes, you have to bet on the moment—because the greatest memories are born from the boldest choices.

Watch Our Saranda Adventure Unfold!

Want to see the full journey? Check out our vlog below for the unfiltered experience of driving to Saranda, exploring its hidden gems, and falling in love with Albania’s coastline.

Watch the Saranda Vlog Here