Local's guide

The honest guide to things to do in Sarandë.

Written by a captain born in Sarandë. Here's what's actually worth your time — and what to skip — for a 3-4 day visit to Albania's most-loved coastal city.

Book on WhatsApp · €30 Sarandë boat tours

The one activity you must do: a boat tour

Sarandë's harbour launches boat tours to the Albanian Riviera — 90% of the region's best coves and caves are only reachable by boat. Our full-day cruise (€30) is the highest-rated in the city and covers 8 signature stops.

The rest of the shortlist

Butrint (UNESCO Roman ruins, 30 min south) is a must-do half-day. Ksamil beaches are lovely but crowded — better seen from a boat. The Blue Eye is a photo stop, not a day. Lëkurësi Castle at sunset for the view of Sarandë bay.

Where to eat and stay

Old-town Sarandë (Rruga Skënderbeu area) has the best seafood. Skip the promenade tourist restaurants. For sleep, boutique guesthouses in the old town beat the big cliff hotels.

What's included

✓Full-day boat tour (must-do)
✓Butrint UNESCO ruins (half-day)
✓Lëkurësi Castle at sunset
✓Old town for seafood
✓Ksamil (see it from boat)
✓Blue Eye (30 min stop)
✓Ionian sunsets on the promenade
✓3-4 nights recommended

Frequently asked

What's the #1 thing to do in Sarandë?

A full-day boat tour of the Albanian Riviera. It hits caves, snorkel spots, and beaches you can't reach any other way — and it's why most people come to Sarandë in the first place.

How many days do I need in Sarandë?

3-4 nights: one boat-tour day, one Butrint day, one relaxed beach day, one buffer for weather or a second boat charter.

Is Sarandë worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you love water. It's the launch point for the best coast in Albania and one of the last uncrowded Mediterranean cities.

Related tours, stops and booking answers

Every DES Boat Tour from Sarandë shares the same all-inclusive €30 price and the same friendly captain — the differences are the angle and the stops. Pick a related tour, dive into a stop guide or read the top booking questions.

Related tours

Other Sarandë boat tours

Sarandë boat tours →

Related stops

Neighbouring stops on the route

See the full 8-stop itinerary →

Answers before you book

Everything about boat tours in Sarandë & the Albanian Riviera

Sarandë boat tours

The highest-rated Sarandë boat tour on the Albanian coast

Looking for the best boat tour in Sarandë or searching Google for Saranda boat tours? DES Boat Tours departs daily from Sarandë harbour and covers the wildest stretch of the Ionian coast, sea caves, hidden coves, and our own private beach at Krorëz. Small groups, expert local captain, everything included for €30.

Guests consistently rate us the #1 boat trip in Sarandë because we skip the crowded ferry routes and take you to spots most operators don't know about, including Secret Beach, only reachable by boat.

Sarandë boat tours →Book a Sarandë boat tour →

Albania boat tours

Why the Albanian Riviera beats Croatia, Greece & Ksamil ferries

The Albanian Riviera is the last unspoiled coastline in the Mediterranean. Water clarity rivals the Maldives, prices are a fraction of Croatia or Greece, and the coves stay quiet even in high season. DES Boat Tours is proudly local, an Albania boat tour run by Sarandë captains who grew up on these waters.

Compared to a packed Ksamil ferry, you get a small-group experience, real free time at Kakome Bay and Gjiri i Ushtarit, and a captain who actually pauses for photos.

About DES Boat Tours →See Riviera photos & videos →

Private boat itinerary

Private boat tours & custom itineraries from Sarandë

Prefer a private boat tour in Sarandë? We run private charters for families, couples and small groups, same 8 stops or a fully custom itinerary. Sunset cruises, wedding proposals, half-day snorkeling loops, or a Ksamil detour on request.

Every private itinerary still includes free drinks on board, life jackets, snorkeling gear, and access to Krorëz private beach with reserved sunbeds and umbrellas.

Request a private charter →Private tour FAQ →

Best 5-star guides

Local captains rated 5★ by travellers from 20+ countries

DES Boat Tours is run by 5-star rated local guides based in Sarandë. Every captain grew up on the Ionian, speaks English fluently, and knows every cove, cave and reef between Sarandë and the Greek border by name. That's why we consistently rank as the top-rated boat tour guide in Albania.

Read guest reviews on the home page, browse the full Riviera itinerary, or send a message on WhatsApp, we usually reply within minutes.

Meet the captain →Reserve your spot →