when planing a vacation most people look for
those charming and budget friendly hotspot in Europe but they usually end up picking the
same old tourist hotspots. but what if I told you there’s a place pack with rich history,
vibrant culture, and jaw dropping natural beauty. that’s most people totally overlook! WELCOME TO
ALBANIA. EUROPE MOST UNDERRATED GEM! tuck between the Adriatic and Ionian seas in the heart of the
Balkans. Albania has everything rock mountains, dreamy beaches, ancient ruins, and some
of the friendiest locals you have ever meet. it’s the kind of place that still feels
real untouched, raw, and full of surplices and there’s the best part it’s affordable, like
really affordable from foods and transport to accommodation your money stretches far here.
Now, I’m gonna break down my itinerary, budget, and where we stayed — just to give you an
idea of how doable this trip really is. We flew out from London Stansted
Airport straight to Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza — it’s the main airport
in Albania. Super easy flight, no hassle. From there, we didn’t stay in the
capital this time — we decided to head straight down to Sarandë, a beautiful
coastal town in the south. And trust me, this place is gorgeous — beach views, fresh
seafood, cozy hotels, and a super chill atmosphere that feels like summer never ends
Now, some travelers actually choose a different route to get to Sarandë — by
flying into Corfu Island in Greece. The airport there is called Corfu International
Airport or Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport. From Corfu, it’s just a 45-minute speed
boat ride across the Ionian Sea to Sarandë. It’s a pretty popular option because
Corfu has more direct flights from different parts of Europe — especially in summer. BUT, keep in mind — to fly into
Greece or even pass through Corfu, you’ll need a valid Schengen visa unless
you’re from a Schengen country or visa-exempt. So if you’re not already covered for that, it’s
something to seriously consider before booking. okay, Now, quick heads-up about money.
The main currency is Albanian Lek, but in most touristy areas they also
accept Euros. That said — and this is important — most shops and local places don’t
take card. So make sure you’ve got some cash on you. Either exchange before you come or
grab some Lek from an ATM when you land. Trust me, it’ll save you some stress.
one of the question that I get ask lot is do I need a visa to travel to Albania? and
the good news is most people no. if you are a schengen country or you have a valid visa or
residence permit from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, or EU member states, you can
enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days. In my case, I have a UK residence visa
— so I didn’t need anything extra. Just showed my passport at the border,
and that was it — quick and easy! So before you book, double-check
your country’s eligibility, but for most of you watching this,
you’re good to go — no paperwork stress! ow, keep in mind — the roads in Albania can
be narrow and super twisty. There were times we had to pull over completely
just to let another car pass. So here’s my honest advice: only rent a
car and drive to Sarandë — whether you take the fast route or the scenic one — if
you’re a confident and experienced driver. If you’re not totally comfortable with mountain
roads or tight bends, it’s probably better to go with the safer, easier option: bus or minibus.
Both take around 4 hours to get from Tirana to Sarandë. Buses are usually cheaper, but not always
on time. Minibuses — which are more like shared vans — stop a lot to pick people up along the
way, so be prepared to wait and take your time. So yeah, if you’re patient and want to save
money, public transport works. But if you want flexibility and don’t mind the roads, renting
a car gives you way more freedom to explore. From Tirana, we pre-booked a rental
car to drive down to Sarandë — a beautiful coastal town in the south of Albania.
Oh — and yes, this is the car we booked! 🚗 We went with VIP CARS, and honestly, it was
super affordable and the booking process was smooth. More on the price later, but it was
definitely worth it for the freedom to explore. Now, fun fact: there are two main routes
you can take from Tirana to Sarandë. One is the faster option — a straight
coastal highway that takes about 3 hours. But then… there’s the scenic route — the famous
Llogara Pass — which takes about 6 hours, but trust me, the views are next level.
Now, Sarandë itself is absolutely stunning. Compared to Tirana, accommodation here
is much more affordable — and you’ll find beautiful seaside hotels
literally steps from the beach. The vibe? Super laid-back.
Think crystal-clear water, cozy little cafés along the coast, and a
nightlife that comes alive after sunset. In my case, I paid just £185 for 5 nights,
including breakfast — and let me tell you, the breakfast was really good. I’ll drop the hotel
details in the comments if you’re interested! When it comes to food, Sarandë doesn’t
disappoint. You can enjoy fresh seafood, local Albanian dishes, and cool bars
that stay buzzing late into the night. And the beaches? Whether you’re looking to just
chill out or do something adventurous — like snorkeling, kayaking, or hopping on a
boat tour — there’s something for everyone one of the most popular things to do in Sarandë
is just grabbing a sun bed and chilling by the beach all day. Most places charge around £10
to £15 depending on location and season. Some hotels also offer pool access, but
that’s usually charged separately. At night, Sarandë really comes alive. The
nightlife here is wild but chill — you’ve got beach bars, rooftop lounges, and full-on
clubs right by the sea. A few popular ones are Orange Club, Jericho Cocktail Beach, and
Lost Beach Club — all with amazing vibes. And if you’re into themed parties —
you can’t miss the Viking Boat Party. We did it, and honestly, it was one of the
craziest and most fun nights of my life. The party kicks off at 9 p.m. and goes all the
way until 5 in the morning — dancing on the sea, loud music, lights, meeting new
people — it was wild in the best way. The ticket was just £35 per person, and
that included 1 drink and 6 shots. Not bad, right? 😄 And the best part? It
also came with free entrance to 3 different clubs in Sarandë — a
whole night planned out for you! 👉 I’ll drop the Viking Boat Party
link I booked in the description below so you can check it out if you’re interested
If you’re into beach hopping, Sarandë is a dream. The water is crystal clear — like, next-level
clear — and there are tons of amazing beaches to choose from. Some of the most popular
ones are Mirror Beach, Santa Quaranta Beach, Mango Beach, — all perfect for swimming,
relaxing, or just soaking in the sun. Oh, and the food? So good. You’ll find
loads of fresh seafood, grilled meats, traditional Albanian dishes, and
everything is super affordable. You can also take a short trip to
Ksamil, which is only about 15–20 minutes from Sarandë. It’s famous for its
gorgeous beaches like Bora Bora Beach, Ksamil Beach 7, and Lori Beach —
honestly, the views there are unreal. Now, if you’re more into adventure —
you’ve gotta do a boat tour or speed boat trip to the Blue Cave. There are
loads of tour companies offering these, like Viva Boat Tours, Ionian Spirit, and Fish
& Trips Saranda. You can go with a group tour, a guided trip, or — if you’re feeling
confident — rent the whole boat and cruise around with your crew. So much fun!
we took a trip to one of Albania’s most famous natural wonders — The Blue Eye,
or as locals call it, Syri i Kaltër. We actually rented bikes and rode through the
countryside to get there — and let me tell you, it was such a peaceful and beautiful experience.
You’ll pass forests, open fields, and little mountain roads — it feels like something out of a
movie. The ride itself was one of the highlights! So what is the Blue Eye? It’s this stunning
natural spring where crystal-clear water bubbles up from over 50 meters deep — no one even
knows the exact depth. The water is this intense, deep blue in the middle, surrounded by
lush green nature. It literally looks like an eye — and it’s unreal. Cold,
refreshing, and completely magical. When you’re there, make sure to stop
at the Blue Eye Restaurant — they serve authentic Albanian food, right next
to the water. We had grilled meats, fresh salad, and homemade bread — all
while enjoying that incredible view. It’s the kind of place where you just
want to pause, take a deep breath, and soak it all in. Seriously, if
you’re visiting Sarandë or Ksamil, don’t skip the Blue Eye —
it’s 100% worth the trip. And just like that, our unforgettable
trip to Sarandë came to an end. From the crystal-clear beaches to the wild
boat parties, scenic mountain drives, delicious food, and that magical Blue Eye — this
place truly surprised us in the best way possible. If you’re looking for a destination
that’s beautiful, affordable, and still feels a bit off the beaten path —
Sarandë, Albania needs to be on your list. If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the channel
for more travel adventures coming soon
6 Comments
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යන්න හොද මාස මොනවද?
Hotel details plz
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