Sarandë Cruise Port
Sarandë, Albania · Mediterranean
Cruise ships anchor offshore in Sarandë — tenders ferry passengers to the port.
Plan my port daysMixed port: small and mid-size ships berth at the town quay by the ferry terminal, while larger ships anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the same harbour in about 10 minutes. Either way you step ashore at the north end of the seafront promenade, 5–10 minutes' walk from the centre. There is no shuttle and none is needed.
At a glance
Port summary
Sarandë itself is a modern resort, so most visitors head out. The big draw is Butrint National Park, 18 km south: a forested peninsula of Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins that easily fills two to three hours. The hourly local bus from outside the ferry terminal goes there via Ksamil, whose turquoise water and little islands make an easy beach stop on the way back. Inland, the Blue Eye spring is 35–40 minutes away by taxi, and on a long call you can continue to the UNESCO-listed stone town of Gjirokastër with its huge castle, about 1 hour 15 minutes each way. In town, the 5th-century synagogue and basilica ruins sit just behind the promenade, and a taxi up to Lëkurësi Castle gives the best views over the bay to Corfu. Albania uses the lek; euros are often accepted at a poor rate, and cash is still king for buses, taxis and small cafés.
Cruise dock
Sarandë town port quay (passenger/ferry terminal)
Small and mid-size cruise ships berth at the town port quay shared with the Corfu ferries (Rruga Mitat Hoxha); larger ships anchor in the bay and tender to the same harbour.
Latitude: 39.871291, Longitude: 20.003063
See dock on port map →Getting to Sarandë
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Withdraw or bring about 5,000–10,000 lek (€50–100) in cash for buses, taxis, entry tickets and cafés; use cards only in bigger places.
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Inside the Mediterranean collection
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Excursions compared
3 comparedAncient Butrint: UNESCO ruins of Greeks, Romans and Venetians
≈ 4.5 h · sold by 4 cruise lines
Cruise line
€135$150
Do it yourself
€28$31
Save ≈ €107Save ≈ $119 (79% off)
From the tender landing/quay, walk 5 minutes to the bus stop on Rruga Jonianet by the ferry terminal and take the hourly local bus to Butrint (about 45 minutes, 250 lek ≈ €2.50 cash to the conductor). Entry is 1,000 lek (≈ €10, cash, under-12s free); allow 2–2½ hours on the loop path, then ride the same bus back and stop at Ksamil for lunch if time allows.
See the DIY plan →
Blue Eye spring, Lëkurësi Castle and the Mesopotam monastery
≈ 6.5 h · sold by 2 cruise lines
Cruise line
€135$150
Do it yourself
€39$43
Save ≈ €96Save ≈ $106 (71% off)
Agree a taxi at the rank by the port gate for a return trip to the Blue Eye with an hour's wait (about €30–40 per car, cash) and ask the driver to stop at Lëkurësi Castle on the way back; the Mesopotam monastery is a short detour on the same road. Blue Eye entry is about 50 lek plus a small car fee; Lëkurësi is free (drinks at restaurant prices).
See the DIY plan →
Ready-made port days
5 plansSarandë on Foot: Ancient Ruins and the Climb to Lëkurësi Castle
Free and on foot: a 1,500-year-old synagogue in the centre, the ruined monastery that named the town, then a steep climb to the castle with the best view to Corfu.
Ancient Butrint by Local Bus, with a Swim Stop in Ksamil
Albania's greatest archaeological site for the price of a bus ticket: theatre, baptistery and Venetian castle, then turquoise water in Ksamil on the way back.
Blue Eye Spring, Mesopotam and a Terrace Lunch at Lëkurësi
A taxi loop inland to the startlingly blue spring, a Byzantine monastery on the way, and wine with a view on the castle hill above town.
Ksamil Beach Day: Turquoise Coves and Swimmable Islands
The Riviera's postcard beach, 25 minutes by local bus: sunbeds facing little wooded islands, clear water and a long seafood lunch.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Sarandë?
- Sarandë is a tender port: your ship anchors offshore and passengers transfer to shore by small boat.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Sarandë?
- Yes. Sarandë is walkable from the cruise port — many cruisers reach the city centre on foot.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Sarandë centre?
- Typical options include On foot, Local bus, Taxi, Car rental. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Sarandë?
- Plan for at least 3 hours ashore to see Sarandë independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Sarandë and are cards accepted?
- Sarandë uses the Albanian lek. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Free Wi-Fi is available at the Sarandë cruise terminal.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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