P.S. There are so many unexpected things to do in Southern Albania. Saranda is one of those get in and get out destinations. I can see an Albanian from hundreds of meters away by how is walking and looking around. Is Albania safe for travel? Is Albania a safe place for me to visit? I can confidently report that Ive experienced no dramatic safety concerns whilst living in Albania! Once the evening rolls around, Sarande is a lively spot with great restaurants and some amazing nightlife right by the sea. But thats why Im always glad to stumble upon posts like yours. Report inappropriate content 1-10 of 28 replies Sorted by 1 2 3 Jimmy J United Kingdom Level Contributor 130 posts 13 reviews 23 helpful votes 1. Table of Contents 1. At the age of 16, he was so familiar with the various elements and function of an automatic firearm, that he could make accurately detailed drawings of it from multiple views, and would draft "exploded views" from memory. Here are our tips to avoid getting sick. You never really know what to expect but in a good way! Ohana Beach Bar has a great atmosphere, serves delicious cocktails and has a beautiful view over the clear blue water. Re: Is Albania a safe place to visit? Starting to really consider it, Great because Im from Albania I was just looking for nice comments ;]. Youll have to go through customs on the Albanian side, although it might have been the easiest border crossing ever. You can get here by catching a bus north and asking to get off at Blue Eye (Syri I Kalter in Albanian). Butrint is a place Id love to explore as Im a big fan of anywhere with a lot of history, but Ksamil Beach looks just beautiful. Albania is very safe for tourists i can assure you that .it has very cheap prices for hotels and good restaurants .the south is amazing especially Dhermiu and Jala i would compare it with french riviera but awayy more cheaper.the north of Albania its a little bit dangerous for tourists alone they should go in grups and thats fine.the north is paradise .you will Love also Tropoja ,Theth in Shkodra (its a must if you are visiting north of albania) and valbona valley.the capital city Tirana is the best city for night life in EU! Theres one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. Aw I am so glad you liked the article, I love your country! Hi! And why believe the Internet? YES! It's encircled by Southern Italy, the west coast of Greece, and the Greek Ionian Islands. They will offer you food and drinks on arrival, and any help you need they will always be willing. Its geographical position greatly favors agriculture and animal husbandry. The surrounding beaches and mountains means there are tonnes of day trip options. International travelers are quickly discovering just how incredible of a travel destination Albania is. If youre already traveling in Albania, you wont have a problem getting to and from here. They are family oriented and very hard working. The low costs also make it ideal for budget travellers. Kukes is one of the most safest towns in Albania. There is LekuresiCastle to discover. Motorbikes and Scooters in Thailand: What Are the Rules. This is the top question I get asked again and again now that I live in Albania. Is it safe to go to Albania? Why not take a look at these Incredible Day Trips from Saranda? My parents are looking to buy a house in Saranda! I can say with assurance that many of the comments above defy reason, and are in direct conflict with my own experience when traveling in areas I had been forewarned were dangerous to visit unless in a group, spoke the language, or something else. Like really? There is a lively vibe with some fantastic clubs and bars. Degredimi i gjuhes shqipe ka ardhur si pasoje e vakumit qe u krijua me ikjet e "trunit" jashte territorit dhe per fat te keq gjuha e sotme shqipe po humbet. The city is surrounded by the beautiful Gjer Mountainswhich provide a spectacular backdrop to the Stone city. If youre traveling from Greece, your best bet is to catch a ferry from Corfu. Po shoh qe fjala Shqiptar eshte shkruar :- Shqipetar It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive the 55km from Saranda to Gjirokaster. I am thinking of taking a trip there. I have been out by myself at all times of the day and night and never been met with anything but kindness from Albanians. I'm Albanian And I agree. Bus Tours. Saranda is absolutely buzzing in the summer! Is Saranda Albania safe - Elite's Realty Group We do our best for guests and i hope many more people see Albania for what it is,beautiful and safe. The chances of being mugged in Sarand are slim to none. I suppose that any person's negative experiences can be in conflict with the norm, and when the memory of such experience is reported, the effect of this truth may be both disturbing and informative going forward. Take the Ferry to Corfu 8. If you fear the ATM may have been tampered with, wait to find another secure ATM that is attached to a bank, and use it during open hours to get help from staff if you require assistance. In November 2019 a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck northwest of the capital, Tirana. Of course, if you are worried, you can always double check Albania news just before you book. It's estimated that across Albania there are around ~100,000 tonnes of stockpiled munitions in various depots. This includes Corfu which can be seen from Saranda embankment and accessed easily by ferry. Just make sure you save space for some delicious ice cream for dessert. Visit Butrint National Park 7. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world. Yes, I have hitchhiked as a solo female traveller around the Albanian Riviera and felt safe! Private tour Butrint Antic City / Blue Eye / Lekursi Castle. I can't speak for albanians outside the albanian border, but as a born child of main land albania, there is nothing terrible about my people. Is Albania dangerous for tourists? While it was relatively underwhelming compared to the other castles I visited in Albania, the view is quite stunning from up here. It isnt! If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going bybuying me a beer! But is Saranda worth visiting? I am so happy that finally someone said the truth for Albania! In fact, I cant wait to go back. I'm a US citizen and he's an Albanian citizen as a waiter at an Italian restaurant. Ask them for details of past employees and contact them yourself. Dont let rumours of bad things about Albania put you off: Albania is safe, and visitors are most welcome. Respect. Cell phone- keep in mind that Albania is not in the EU so data might be more expensive as roaming charges will apply. Guns are widely used in Albania, and it is estimated there are approximately 210,000 illegally held firearms in the country, and there is little security or attention to storage in the average domestic home. There are also loads of great cafes along the embankment. Here are some basics: pershendetje (hello), faleminderit (thank you), mir (everything is fine), naten e mir (good night), mirupafshim (goodbye). Its the genuine hospitality given to travelers by the Albanian people. Then I met another Albanian guy. Whether in built up areas or out of the way spots, youll feel safe living here. Since you will be crossing international borders, you will have to go through customs beforehand. Nightclubs are the sort of place where a bump becomes a shove and then a gang fight or shoot out, with little notice and it's important to be vigilant at all times. Is Albania a safe place to visit? - Tirana Forum - Tripadvisor Head a little further south and youll find quieter and better beaches. I know he is just scamming me. I am Albanian and live abroad and i miss my country so very much . Albania is just one example, one of many. Albania is an up-and-coming travel destination, having only opened to travelers relatively recently. No! The people are so honest, and Kukes is mentioned for the real men who keep their word, there is no chance to not show respect to new visitors. The short answer, no. A Guide to Visiting Antelope Island State Park in One Day | Utah, The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife in Prague | 2022, The Complete Travel Guide to Chacahua, Oaxaca | Mexico, The Best Party Destinations In Mexico | The Partying Traveler, The Ultimate 10-Day Jordan Travel Itinerary | 2023, One Month Morocco Travel Itinerary for Backpackers | 2023, The Backpackers Travel Guide to Lisbon | Portugal, The Backpackers Travel Guide to Chefchaouen, Morocco | 2023, The Ultimate Barcelona Bucket List: 45 Things To Do in the Catalonian Capital, The Backpacker's Complete Guide to Shkoder, Albania, Bufo Alvarius: My Experience With The Psychedelic Mexican Frog. However, unless such impressions are conveyed with specific references to a context, identify who, what, when where & why, any report can be an inaccurate or misleading characterization of what other travelers may expect in a place they visit. Let me tell all of you something. Saranda travel - Lonely Planet | Albania, Europe Beautiful! They will treat you as part of their family. Meanwhile be happy and travel the world safely because it doesn't matter where you are in the world you will always find arseholes xx, Definitely believe that which you said. That, my friend, is the charm of Albania. The outdoor atmosphere right by the sea provides an amazing vibe for dancing the night away. PRO TIP: My go-to camera for all my travels is the Sony A7iii I highly recommend it! Unfortunately, corruption is everywhere. Albania is a place for adventurers. Crime in Albania is also not an issue for visitors, as the Albania crime rate is very low. However, the old synagogue in Saranda wasnt even discovered until the early 2000s! In Albania they only spend their money, they dont do anything there. Lekuresi Castle Source: sarandaweb Lekuresi Castle Saranda is hemmed into the coast by tall hills, and atop one of these is a rambling old structure that goes back to Albania's early Ottoman times. Sarande is a party destination. Yes there are parts of the world that have major crime problems, but there are only a handful of these that are actually dangerous. It's also worth avoiding bars and nightclubs which are associated with any type of prostitution or exotic dancing, as these are the spots where a lot of Albania's gun violence occurs. Things to Do in Saranda Popular things to do Day Trips Cultural Tours Beaches Historical Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Transfers & Ground Transport Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Sporting Events Water Sports Food, Wine & Nightlife Ways to tour Saranda While the rest of the city is quiet and boring, the long strip of beach is home to tons of restaurants, bars, and clubs. The few Albanians I know personally are intelligent, educated people and almost all of them seem to belong to functional, socially productive families. Unfortunately, for many people, the only understanding of an Albanian is the Croatian actor who plays the mobster and bad guy in the movie Taken. Saranda is definitely worth visiting! Really, no matter what angle you look at it from, Ksamil is just one of the safest places to visit in Albania, or anywhere! Saranda is a coastal town so there are tons of amazing beaches to explore. So yeah, this is pretty much my opinion on Albania. I useSafetyWingto keep me covered throughout my travels. Albanians are the best . It turned out to be absolutely amazing, with history ranging over thousands of years, and spanning various empires. Like any major city, you should exercise caution, especially if travelling by yourself. I have travelled as a solo female through Albania and can confirm its totally safe to do so. Numbers never lie. I didnt go here because I heard it was nothing too special, but if youve got time to kill, it might be worth the visit. 16 years ago Save Hi, I am Canadian and am Jewish. Today, it is a welcoming and thriving tourist destination. Must read before planning my next holiday plan. Pickpocketing is practically non-existent and so is other petty crime against tourists. Get access to thousands of airport lounges with ONE discounted pass. Opening hours: 24 hours (daily) Price: Free. Of course, that might just be my own personal bias after living here for so long! You can also visit Ali Pashas castle a few kilometers away. Outside of the main ruins of Butrint, there are a few other nearby archaeological sites that you can visit. Most locals are friendly, welcoming and willing to help. Is Albania safe for tourists? The main attraction within Saranda is its long strip of beach, bars, and a restaurants. Ive been in Germany, France, Italy ecc and everywhere i met the worse people in theworld but this means nothing to me. Violent crime rarely affects visitors, unlike the questionable driving habits of many locals. Visit the Mystical Blue Eye (One of my Favourite Things to Do in Saranda) 3. I didn't figure out it was actually him until his relationship status on Facebook went from In a Relationship to Single, and the coward will not answer his phone. While Sarande has the better nightlife, Ksamil had a much better vibe during the day. HOW TO GET TO SARANDA, ALBANIA? Poverty everywhere, dirty and dodgy people. I still expect the Albanian to prove me that I'm wrong but I don't think that this will happen in this life. However, there is still plenty to offer those looking for a bit of luxury. It's also quite easy to get to Saranda from any point on the Albanian Riviera (Durres, Vlora, Dhermi, or Himara). Top 10 Things to See and Do in Sarand, Albania - Leave Your Mark On the kids usually learned the trade and joined or took over the business later. 4 reviews Is Albania a safe place to visit? The embankment, or promenade, is full of restaurants, coffee shops and bars. So here is the just of it with Albanians The view from the castle was stunning. ???????????????????? Youre right to say there isnt much online about Albania, I wonder why? How Easy Is It To Get Cocaine in Colombia? from. There's very awesome tourist landmarks like the Sphinx stairs in Durres (which are SO good, especially if you visit them in the afternoon). Is Albania Safe? Travelers have reported being overcharged a lot for foreign beers, especially when costs for food and drink in Albania are generally low (except for some parts of the riviera and the capital). From must-see sights and attractions to plan your perfect visit, this guide has everything you need to know about this beautiful coastal town. For some people, beach makes everything better, but Ive never been one to revolve my travels around the beach and relaxing. your site is very helpful. Albania is a beautiful and historical country but like the city Elbasan. . So, Ive highlighted a few of the most popular destinations below that I get most asked about in terms of safety. I have lived in Saranda for several years and never once felt unsafe anywhere in the city. Once you arrive in Butrint National Park, there will be people offering boat rides to Ali Pashas castle, but we were hungry so we carried onwards to Ksamil. That having been said, I have been out to many of the bars in Tirana by myself at night and never felt unsafe. Click to check out the best accommodation in Albania here. Grab your Priority pass today. However, compared to other European beach resorts it is really great value and your holiday money will go far! 10 Best Things to Do in Saranda (Albania) - The Crazy Tourist There is a low bustle during the day, but the place really comes to life at night. It's true some Albanians are bad, but look at the U.S., there are more bad people here then there are in Albania, trust me I've been to Albania a lot, and frankly it's not that bad. But theres a big difference between a group vacation and a solo outing, so people often ask me: is it safe to holiday in Albania on your own? Balkan travel inspiration and practical travel tips. In terms of conflict against others, Albania has not been in any since WW2. He said that his step-father (a known gangster in NYC), would harm me and my family if I reported his behavior to anyone. Im also blonde and fair skinned and get looks/comments all the time so it is something I am used to! my experience with them was always school and parties where they were always just good energy to be around. What was once a closed, Communist country has opened up to the outside world in dramatic fashion over the last several decades. Albania Saranda is a safe and welcoming destination that offers visitors a unique cultural experience. It set the tone for just how little Albanians cared about any rules, and I was all for it.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thepartyingtraveler_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_0',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepartyingtraveler_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy whenever youre out adventuring. Located in the South of the country, this area benefits from a Mediterranean climate and a myriad of spectacular beaches. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. We have our mistakes like everyone could but we have lot of others good thinks that i dont want to explain to people that doesnt matter. We didn't choose our location (resort) yet, but we are pretty sure we want to visit Corfu from Sarande. Here are the 15 best things to do in Saranda, Albania. US travel advisory has highlighted the southern town of Lazarat, it is estimated there are approximately 210,000 illegally held firearms in the country, In November 2019 a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck northwest of the capital, Tirana, become familiar with the best survival tips for when an earthquake strikes, Top 6 Scams to Look Out for When Traveling in Cambodia, Is The Philippines Safe? Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. I cant really say I know must about the country, but what I can tell you for sure is that I noticed how you emphasize the fact that there is not much petty crime against tourists . Be careful from gypsies, they are the only ones who might steal and beg for money. Adding to the lawlessness of the north, there are unexploded landmines from wars and conflicts in the region. Sarand - Wikitravel Really wanted to hear it from someone that already visited. Saranda is a safe city. Stay safe Sarand, also known as Saranda, is a small city of about 33,000 inhabitants situated on a bay between the mountains and the Ionian Sea. Additionally, many of the beaches even have sections of relatively shallow waters, which are safe from younger children to swim and play in. As the ferry from Corfu pulled into the port of Saranda, I started to wonder why I had been in such a rush to leave Greece and its lush landscapes, sparkling waters, and charming cities. Mainly ruins now, there is one basilica wall that is quite well intact and several beautiful arches that are almost complete. Survival of the Littest The Backpacker's Travel Guide To Saranda, Albania A popular entry point for travelers heading north into the Balkans from Greece is through Saranda, a port town along the Albanian Riviera. The Best Time to Visit Sarande, Albania for Weather, Safety, & Tourism | Champion Traveler The Best Time to Visit Sarande, Albania for Weather, Safety, & Tourism The best times to visit Sarande for ideal weather are April 9th to July 1st based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). It is also known as Saranda in English. And the answer is yes, Albania is a very safe place to travel solo. 194.04. Best time to go to Saranda Average weather of Saranda, Albania Explore the Unexpected. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Albania has been on my radar a lot lately. Only if you try and stop them from paying for your coffee! This is something traveller really look into consideration thanks for this. Believe it or not stupidity can be seen with the eyes and Albanians are fucking stupid peasants, every single one of them. I could link to a bus schedule or whatever, but the thing is, Albania operates on its own time. Sarand - Wikipedia 15 Best Things To Do In Saranda, Albania - Globe Migrant Save, Is Saranda worth visiting? My last day in Sarande showed me the best part of this country. A few days in the mountains is a great alternative if youre not a fan of the beach. I have been there multiple times and have not had any issues at all .. Theres not much information about it online. Let them know when you're planning to return, and give them an idea on where you are going. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Prejudices run deep. As a blonde-haired fair-skinned traveller, I do often get looks of curiosity and amazement on why I picked Albania. Buses leave a few times a day from the Southern Bus Terminal near "Dogana". Understand The name Saranda derives from an early Christian monastery dedicated to Agioi Saranta (Forty Saints). In Rome someone on the bike tried to snatch my bag, but nobody puts Italy as a dangerous country. @Cepheus I went into it completely blind and with very low expectations. I am albanian myself and i cant expain why we have such a bad reputation! While crime isn't a major threat to your trip, natural dangers may cause delays or disruptions to your plans. Okay, on to the useful stuff. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. This ancient city is a popular holiday destination in Albania, thanks to its 300 sunny days per year Saranda Tourism: Tripadvisor has 41,717 reviews of Saranda Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Saranda resource. Although I find some of the characterizations of Albanian people (above), to be no better than hackneyed cliches, drawn from out-dated reports & stereotypical descriptions. Click to check out the best accommodation in Albania here. I have been to Albania it,s safer there than a lot of places in the USA. There were no armies fighting with each other or anything like that, just a chaotic and mismanaged situation caused by pyramid schemes that was all. Good to know that Albania is safe to go with. Your article spoke the truth , brought tears into my eyes seeing someone appreciating the way we are as people,honest and welcoming . I have found the locals in non-super touristy places to be amazing. Most stuff here is just wrong. In addition to being one of the safest countries in general, Albania is also one of the safest and least dangerous of the Balkans countries at night. There are not as much shqipetars as there used to be but I'm proud to say I'm one of them ???????????????????????? This country is a lot safer than any other European countries I have visited, and with so many unique things to do in Albania you have all the more reason to ignore the undeserved negative reputation. Don't do gangs trip on them Read my disclaimerfor more information. From ruins of the Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and other empires, Butrint was truly a mind blowing experience. So let's just leave it as that. One of the best places in Saranda for fresh seafood is Onhezmi Lounge Bar. The town and the surrounding area is full of ancient ruins of historical significance. Harassment of women in the streets is rare. Also me i hear them with love about their countries. Visitors need to be very careful when using ATMs. As the capital city, and often a visitors first introduction to Albania, many people worry about what to expect in Tirana and whether or not Tirana is dangerous. muggings and card theft happen anywhere, ive been mugged in las vegas nevada twice and spent a month alone in pakistan feeling safer than there. they are street smart and always looking out for their family and friends best interest. To which I always answer a resounding yes! I so hate the stereotypes and the way people seem to spread lies without even realizing how much they can hurt a country with those! The film Taken has done a considerable damage to Albanias reputation, despite the fact that it was played in Paris. The Albanian people take hospitality to another level, and for that, Ill gladly overlook any shortcomings Albania might have on the outside. But aren't you biased yourself? Poverty has been sharply decreasing since the 1997 catastrophe, and the countrys GDP has been steadily increasing as well. And much like the two aforementioned cities located within the region, the Albanian Riviera as a whole is very safe. Here are a few words to try out: Thank youFaleminderit (fah-lehm-meen-DEH-reet). but they still dont like the serbians and vice versa. Is this true? The crime rates are low, the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming and always willing to help. Is it safe to visit Albania as a solo female? This was due to the risk of car jacking, robbery or even worse being murdered. Great coverage! How Safe are the Different Parts of Albania? Located in the South of the country, this area benefits from a Mediterranean climate and a myriad of spectacular beaches. He was kind and sweet. We met lots of tourists and foreign travelers especially in Saranda, the city that borders Greece. Try Mango Beach near the centre of Saranda. 6. Since I live in Saranda, I get asked a lot is Saranda safe for visitors?. Cost of Living in Albania as a Tourist - Anita Hendrieka Is Albania a safe country? But, it is significantly less common in Tirana than other European capital cities. Check the bona fides of any agency as best you can. Its easy to see why with its incredible beaches, dramatic mountains and quaint villages. Ive always been the first to judge and be scared when it comes too people who speak a different language to me, however we met 1 week ago Ive been messaging kreshnik one of the men and we are learning each other our language he is so nice honest and bloody good looking !! Report inappropriate content Another ancient sight in Saranda is the Monastery of 40 Saints. Not a single hint of danger even in a few out of the way places. At the castle, they also have a restaurant there where you can have a glass of wine or a full meal.

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