Cities and destinations · 📍 Sarandë
Sarandë and Ksamil by rental car: Butrint, the Blue Eye and the beaches
Butrint, the Blue Eye and the Ksamil islands: how to visit them by car and how to find parking in summer.
Sarandë is the southernmost town of the Riviera, facing Corfu, and the ideal base for some of Albania's most beautiful places: UNESCO-listed Butrint, the Blue Eye spring and the turquoise beaches of Ksamil. Getting around Sarandë by car lets you see them all without depending on bus timetables.
Getting around Sarandë and Ksamil by car
The centre of Sarandë has narrow streets running down to the sea and the promenade. In July and August traffic is heavy in the evening and parking near the Ksamil beaches is limited. Plan visits to Butrint and the beaches early in the morning.
What to see
Butrint National Park
UNESCO heritage
An ancient city with a theatre, baptistery, basilica and walls from different eras, between forest and marsh. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ksamil and its islands
Beach
Small beaches with clear water and islands just offshore. In summer many beaches are equipped; go early for parking.
The Blue Eye
Nature
A karst spring with deep blue water in the woods. It is a short walk from the car park; the water is very cold.
Lëkurësi Castle
Viewpoint
A fortress above the town with views over Sarandë, Corfu and the Butrint lakes, especially at sunset.
Monastery of the 40 Saints
Place of worship
The ruins of the monastery on the hill that gave the town its name.
Day trips from Sarandë
- Gjirokastër: about an hour, with a stop at the Blue Eye. See the Gjirokastër guide.
- The Riviera: Borsh, Porto Palermo and Himarë to the north. Read the Riviera by car.
- Corfu: by ferry as a foot passenger; rental cars are usually not allowed on the ferry.
Practical tips for Sarandë and Ksamil
- Butrint is best visited early in the morning, before the heat and the tour buses.
- In Ksamil many beaches have paid sunbeds; some sections are public: ask before sitting down.
- The road from Sarandë to Gjirokastër climbs with bends: allow time for the Blue Eye stop.
Where to stay with a car
Sarandë has more accommodation and life all year, while Ksamil is quieter and closer to Butrint. Either way, choose a place with parking: in August the narrow streets fill with cars.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Butrint from Sarandë?
About 20 km, roughly 30 minutes by car via Ksamil.
Is there parking in Ksamil in summer?
There are paid car parks, but they fill quickly. Arrive before 9 or choose beaches further from the centre.
How long from Sarandë to the Blue Eye?
About 40 minutes. You can combine it with Gjirokastër on the same day.
Can I take the rental car to Corfu?
Usually not. Leave the car in Sarandë and take the ferry as a passenger.
