Sarandë + Tirana trip in May (no car) - tip
Posted by shikari2001@reddit | AskBalkans | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Hi everyone!
We are 2 couples planning a relaxed trip to Albania in the first week of May. We’ll stay about 6 days in Sarandë and 3 days in Tirana.
Our plan is very chill - mostly beaches, good seafood, local food, and enjoying the vibe. We are not really interested in crowded tourist-heavy spots.
Also, we will NOT be renting a car, so we’ll depend on buses or taxis.
Would love some suggestions:
- Which quieter or nicer beaches near Sarandë should we visit?
- Any beach shacks or simple local restaurants you personally recommend?
- Is it easy to move around Sarandë area without a car in early May?
- And any must-try food spots in Tirana?
Thanks a lot in advance! Really excited to visit Albania
BuckeyeJones@reddit
If you’re in Saranda do a day trip to Butrint—really impressive classical ruins.
orosconleche@reddit
Saranda is packed and most of the city is boat ramps, there are some beaches but they're all crowded and expensive.
There are some extremely beautiful beaches nearby but you have to travel to get there: Dhermi, Gjipe. Himarë, Porto Palermo, Buneci, etc
However, as of last year, the public transportation is limited with just a few options per day, making a day trip rather limited. It may be worth exploring to rent one or two nights in a smaller village like Himarë.
https://travel.gjirafa.com you can check for bus schedules
Also, from Saranda you can day tours by boat where they take you to multiple spots to swim, and that was the highlight of my time because you reach secluded beaches not accessible by car.
beerfridays@reddit
No need for a car from Saranda to Tirana. The bus is very reliable. LOL @ beach shacks. You are in for a shock.
shikari2001@reddit (OP)
Could you please clarify, for what I got to know is there are like private beach have to pay for sunbeds and all
beerfridays@reddit
Saranda is all beach clubs. Nothing shack about them.
Fantastic-Yak-6373@reddit
In May I guess it will still be calm, but Sarandë is indeed a crowded tourist-heavy spot...!
shikari2001@reddit (OP)
Okay
Substratas@reddit
In Tirana, Era Vila is a really good restaurant.