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Saranda: General Info |
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 Saranda,
the gatway to the southern Albania is a small town located between high
mountain and the Ionian Sea. The name Saranda derives from an early
christian monastery dedicated to Santi Quaranta ( Forty Saints).
Located on the shores of Ionian sea, in front of greek island of Corfu,
Saranda is characterized by a Meditarranean climate and warm sea
waters. Due to its location and warm weather Saranda is one of the most
attractive tourist town in Albanian Riviera, where honeymooners
traditionally spend their holidays.
Located in front of the sea and along the main promenade there are some
hotels and restaurants which offer you catering facilities and
accomodation. Daily ferryboat link Saranda with the nearby Greek island
of Corfu.
After arriving in Saranda, a scenic narrow overlooking the sea and
marshes leads you to the ancient city of Butrint, through a lndscape of
olive trees and plantations. Butrint, which was declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, was first inhabited by the Illyrians and took its name
from the wounded of Buthrotos which the prince Aeneas of Troy sacrified
for his safe entry into the temple of Dodona in Epirus.
Among the most interesting archaeological ruins are: the old
amphitheatre, the temple of Aesculapius, the baptistery with
colourful mosaics and the ancient city walls. An old fortress housing a
small museum watches over the entire site, which is one of the last
unspoilt natural and ancient historical areas remaining in
Mediterranean.
Another attractiv, historical site is the castle of Lekursi on the top
of a dominant hill over Saranda, only 2 km far from the town. The
castle of Lekursi was built up during XVI – XV centuries, by Sultan
Suleymani in his compaign to conquer Corfu.
From the walls of the castle the tourist can catch by eye an area of 60 km.
While you are in Saranda, the magical place of “Blue Eye” spring is
also worth visitng (18 km northeast of Saranda). At this beautiful
spot, shaded by centuries old oak trees, a twelve headed dragon,
according to the legend , jeausly guarded and held back the spring
waters from the villagers. Consequently, pagan rituals were carried out
by sacrificing young voluptuous maidens to the gods of the same waters.
Your stay in Saranda will be an even more enriching experience if you
also visit the nearby traditional villages of Lukova, Piqerasi and
Borshi where unique panoramic sea views, beautiful mountain and olive
grove landscapes are combined with the charm of village environment and
the most dramatic and magnificent scenery along the whole length of
Ionian sea.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 04 June 2005 )
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