L'essentiel de Saranda

Sarandë Essentials

Sarandë, the gateway to southern Albania, is defined by its strategic Ionian coastline and layers of history. This collection highlights the 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle, the 5th-century synagogue ruins, and the Byzantine-era Forty Saints Monastery. Beyond archaeological sites, the list includes the SS Probitas shipwreck from 1943 and Cold War-era bunkers, offering a cross-section of the city's evolution from the ancient port of Onhezmus to a modern Mediterranean destination.

Lëkurësi Castle

A 16th-century fortress built by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Its hilltop location provides views over the city, the bay, and the nearby island of Corfu.

Forty Saints Monastery

The Monastery of the Forty Saint Martyrs is a ruined Eastern Orthodox monastery overlooking the coastal city of Sarandë in southern Albania.

Ruins of basilica and synagogue

Remains of a 5th-century synagogue complex that was later repurposed as a Christian basilica. The site contains preserved mosaic floors and architectural fragments.

Archeological Museum

Houses artifacts discovered in the Sarandë region, including Roman-era statues, mosaics, and everyday items from the ancient settlement of Onhezmus.

Mango beach

A pebble beach located on the southern coast of the city, known for its clear waters.

Onhezmus Castle

Late Roman defensive walls dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries AD, built to protect the ancient port city of Onhezmus.

Bunker

A concrete defensive structure remaining from the massive bunkerization project undertaken during Albania’s communist period under Enver Hoxha.

SS Probitas Shipwreck

An Italian cargo ship sunk by German aircraft in September 1943. The wreck lies in the bay at a depth of approximately 18 meters.

Shen Harallamb

An Eastern Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Haralambos, serving as a central place of worship for the city's Christian community.

Museum of Tradition

An ethnographic museum displaying traditional Albanian costumes, crafts, and historical artifacts detailing the region's cultural heritage.