In summer time it's too hot there are not enough trees in the city because of its structure basically built on hills. But overall Saranda it's an amazing city, touristy, it can be expensive and very crowded in summer but I find it pleasant and attracting, every year there's something new in the city, I always keep going back
Going via Korfu isn’t necessarily easier or faster. Because the ferries don’t operate during late evenings. Many flights lands after the last ferry has left. So you have two options; hotel overnight or find somewhere to wait until the first ferry leaves in the morning.
Nice video guys!! The distance to the airport in Tirana is definitely a con. As Americans traveling like we do we have to stay out of the Schengen area for 90 days before re-entering. We flew out of Corfu as you mentioned but had to wait until our 90 was up. We met friends in Saranda that had to suddenly fly back to the US and couldn't enter Greece. They jumped on the next bus to Tirana to fly out the next day. Again, as you mentioned, that's a long travel day!! Your Pros and Cons were spot on!!! Cheers!!
l'm a torist in Albania from Azerbaijan🇦🇿☺️ l spent 1 week here and l want to share my experiences about my ongoing vacation✨ Albania is a beautiful country with crystal clear waters and towering mountains as video says. Here’s my experience and a breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting this wonderful place. Pros 1. Stunning Nature: The landscapes are breathtaking, with pristine beaches and majestic mountains. 2. Affordable Prices: The cost of traveling in Albania is low, making it budget-friendly.✨ 3. Delicious Food: The local cuisine is satisfying, especially for someone from Azerbaijan, which is a country of various food culture, Albania offers flavors reminiscent of home.😋 4. Friendly People: The locals are generally welcoming and hospitable.😍 5. Quiet and Relaxing: It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the serene environment. Cons 1. Stray Dogs: We came across aggressive stray dogs, which was a frightening experience. There were 11 of them(in Dhermi), and they came out of the dark suddenly, like a horror movie. They started to jump and show their scary teeth. l haven't seen tags on their ears, so l freaked out... It’s advisable to be cautious, especially at night. l stopped a random car and jumped in to save my life🤦🏻♀️ 2. Transportation: Public transport can be unreliable, and some tourist spots are not accessible by bus such as "Blue eye".(taxi id over 50-60€ from Sarande) Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the country efficiently. 3. Taxi Scams: Be wary of taxi drivers who may overcharge and drop you off at incorrect locations. Always negotiate fares beforehand and consider using a reliable map or GPS. Cause l had this experience, and my driver claimed that he doesn't know my address, and his map is not working well. But he forced me to pay 15€ for 600 m. l could have walked to my hitel, but after facing the attack of stray dogs, l didn't want to take a risk at night, but he dropped me 7 minutes by walk from my accomadation anyway... Recommendations • Stay Alert: Be cautious of stray dogs and avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas. • Verify Taxi Fares: Always confirm the price before starting your trip and use reputable taxi services to avoid scams. Overall, Albania is a wonderful country to visit. Despite some challenges, the beauty and charm of the place make it worth the trip. l plan to return and continue exploring this amazing country. Because every rose has its thorns😇🫶🏻🇦🇱
I was there for two months. I met some wonderful people and didn't feel lonely. Great food. But, my anxiety levels were higher than normal because it was *so* noisy (my Airbnb was on a main road); the wild dogs ran in packs down the street beginning at 12:30 in the morning and didn't stop until 3 a.m. I couldn't sleep and I felt like I was in a remake of 'Cujo.' Not being able to flush my used toilet paper down the toilet grossed me out; it is not clean nor hygienic. 😖 The beach while I was there (March and April) was not clean and I had to move more than once to get away from a pile of dog poo. With those negatives, the Albanian people were the friendliest and most welcoming I had met in my travels of over a year now. The sun is great. I found eating out at restaurants was less expensive than buying groceries; groceries in Sarande were on par with prices in the U.S. Edit: I found a great pharmacist and only went to that pharmacy while I was there. Also: people drive like maniacs; I knew I wouldn't be shot and killed like in the U.S., but I am glad I made it for two months without being hit by a car.
Hi. Really enjoying your videos. I will be travelling to Albania this December (2022). By the sounds of it maybe not the best time to come, but it’s my only option. I am just wondering if there will still be some local restaurants open in the deep off season. I’d like to try as much traditional food as I can. Also, it sounds like getting around by bus is tricky in the off season. Do you have any more tips for someone coming in dead of off season?
Hey Kevin!! In December, the best place in Albania would be Tirana for sure. Everything is open as normal and a lot of people spend Christmas there too! Tons of bars, cafes etc. Another great option would be Korcë! This city is very nice in winter. Saranda and the coast is very, very quiet at this time with 90% of things closed. The best way to get around will be local buses or taxi apps Both are very affordable.
@@TwoMadExplorers Thank you for your response! I will be spending the first and last part of my trip in Tirana. I was hoping to work my way down the coast. I’m pretty laid back, so I don’t need a lot of places to be open, but as long as I can buy groceries and maybe go to one nice restaurant down there that will make me happy. Grocery stores should be open, correct? If I do go south, would you recommend renting a car to get around, or maybe hiring a local guide/driver?
@@kevinscromeda Yes grocery stores will be open! Local markets etc too It might be best to rent a car 🚗 if you plan on having total freedom, because public transport is slow even during peak season in Albania haha. Having a private driver might be a bit pricey but also an option too 👍 if you are good at negotiating prices this can work for you as well.
@@TwoMadExplorers Thanks for the advise! I am certainly expecting an adventure. If you guys ever find yourself on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada, send me a message and I’ll give you the grand tour!
Hey Luke and Naomi, I really enjoy your channel and your very "approachable" format. I am seeking your advice on a similar venture to yours. . Where to start? Firstly, I am a noviciate "slow traveler". I am American by birth but have spent the last 6 1/2 years in Ireland (on the Dingle Peninsula in West Kerry) and got my citizenship. I am a solo-traveling senior (76) though in good shape and young at heart. I spent the first month of this peregrination in Montenegro, getting my feet under me for this new adventure/lifestyle. I am headed to Albania in a couple of days and plan on staying there for at least a month and possibly two. With that rather lengthy intro... I want to start a TH-cam channel to document my adventure but I am looking for someone who can advise me on how to go about doing that while avoiding as many 'newbie' mistakes as possible. Although I assume you have moved on to other realms, can you suggest anyone in Albania (Digital Nomad or local) who I could employ to teach me the basics? I would be most grateful for any advice you might be able to share. I hope our paths might cross along the trail. I would gladly stand the first round
Hey John! We are here for you if you want to have a chat over whatsapp or zoom for example. We would love to help a fellow minded explorer! Your story and comment has truly inspired us to keep going. Get back to us! - Luke & Naomi
Hey lovely people, Me and my gf are planning to visit Albania this end of July, we are confused between Budva, Dhermi and Saranda. Which one is not so expensive, less croded, has good options of restaurant and local market? Please suggest.
@@deecee6355 Thanx for Suggestion, I know already that Budva is in Montenegro. I didn't wrote Budva in Albania 😉. Read the comment again. I only wrote that we are confused between Budva, Dhermi and Saranda.
I always tell others to be very careful in Sarande. Don't end up meeting the wrong people there like I did. There's a lot of bad people waiting to try and hustle foreigners for money. It's a small town. Take care and be careful who you meet and let know ur details. For me I'll never go back to Sarande because of the bad people I wasn't careful enough to avoid.
I've been 3-4 times in Saranda, nothing bad has happened so far. I would say to be careful with all strangers when you travel as a general rule of thumb and never share sensitive info. Do you care to share what happened to you?
@@plos2765 Honestly, Evengelo Ivan is not an Albanian name. He could be an immigrant or from the greek minority community in south Albania. It is unfair for you to insult an entire city and say it's full of bad people just because you were unlucky and got conned by one person there. Plenty of people get pickpocketed in Paris/London/Barcelona yet it would be unfair to say people shouldn't go there because these incidents might happen. I am not blaming you, as you seem to have been the victim in this matter, but we all should be careful about giving our personal information to strangers no matter where we are.
Did we forget any Pro's or Con's? Let us know!
Isolated, bit like an island.
Thanks for the tips on Sarandë! Your video dropped at the perfect time to watch with morning coffee here in Oregon!
We are proud for you!
Thanks for visited my country!
Wish all the best,love u!
Thank you Lido!
I look forward to the atmosphere of Saranda!
Thanks for the information guys!
Thanks Artur :)
this looks so good 🙂❤🤙
N&L, loved these tips and they will really help us make good decisions for which locations to check out at which time.
Thanks Renee!!!
They’re actually planning to build a small airport in Saranda probably 5-10 years form now. It will be operating during summer only.
Wow amazing!
Great Information 🙂😎👍
Great tips, thanks.
I'm going this summer too and will be vlogging 🙋🏼♀️
You’ll love it!
Excellent content
In summer time it's too hot there are not enough trees in the city because of its structure basically built on hills. But overall Saranda it's an amazing city, touristy, it can be expensive and very crowded in summer but I find it pleasant and attracting, every year there's something new in the city, I always keep going back
You are from ALbania?
@@JayandSarah yes I am
@@ervint8474 nice! We love ALbania and are leaving to live in Saranda real soon from March until May 2024! WE are going to document our journey !
@@JayandSarah probably the best time of the year. Enjoy it!!!
Going via Korfu isn’t necessarily easier or faster. Because the ferries don’t operate during late evenings. Many flights lands after the last ferry has left. So you have two options; hotel overnight or find somewhere to wait until the first ferry leaves in the morning.
VIVA Albanien Beauty
Nice video guys!! The distance to the airport in Tirana is definitely a con. As Americans traveling like we do we have to stay out of the Schengen area for 90 days before re-entering. We flew out of Corfu as you mentioned but had to wait until our 90 was up. We met friends in Saranda that had to suddenly fly back to the US and couldn't enter Greece. They jumped on the next bus to Tirana to fly out the next day. Again, as you mentioned, that's a long travel day!! Your Pros and Cons were spot on!!!
Cheers!!
Thanks so much guys!
We love the work you do over on your channel as well,
Happy travels!
you can take a plane to Corfu in Greece and take the boat over 30 minutes
Vlore is building an international airport that will be completed in 2025.
Thanks for the tips on Sarandë.I prefer off season travel as well! Looks like a nice town. Any taquerias there yet?
I found flour tortillas at the store by my apartment. And The Place a little nice restaurant by the port makes delicious tacos. I love Saranda!!!!
There is always a gap in the market! haha
💞🤩
l'm a torist in Albania from Azerbaijan🇦🇿☺️ l spent 1 week here and l want to share my experiences about my ongoing vacation✨
Albania is a beautiful country with crystal clear waters and towering mountains as video says. Here’s my experience and a breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting this wonderful place.
Pros
1. Stunning Nature: The landscapes are breathtaking, with pristine beaches and majestic mountains.
2. Affordable Prices: The cost of traveling in Albania is low, making it budget-friendly.✨
3. Delicious Food: The local cuisine is satisfying, especially for someone from Azerbaijan, which is a country of various food culture, Albania offers flavors reminiscent of home.😋
4. Friendly People: The locals are generally welcoming and hospitable.😍
5. Quiet and Relaxing: It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the serene environment.
Cons
1. Stray Dogs: We came across aggressive stray dogs, which was a frightening experience. There were 11 of them(in Dhermi), and they came out of the dark suddenly, like a horror movie. They started to jump and show their scary teeth. l haven't seen tags on their ears, so l freaked out... It’s advisable to be cautious, especially at night. l stopped a random car and jumped in to save my life🤦🏻♀️
2. Transportation: Public transport can be unreliable, and some tourist spots are not accessible by bus such as "Blue eye".(taxi id over 50-60€ from Sarande)
Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the country efficiently.
3. Taxi Scams: Be wary of taxi drivers who may overcharge and drop you off at incorrect locations. Always negotiate fares beforehand and consider using a reliable map or GPS. Cause l had this experience, and my driver claimed that he doesn't know my address, and his map is not working well. But he forced me to pay 15€ for 600 m. l could have walked to my hitel, but after facing the attack of stray dogs, l didn't want to take a risk at night, but he dropped me 7 minutes by walk from my accomadation anyway...
Recommendations
• Stay Alert: Be cautious of stray dogs and avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas.
• Verify Taxi Fares: Always confirm the price before starting your trip and use reputable taxi services to avoid scams.
Overall, Albania is a wonderful country to visit. Despite some challenges, the beauty and charm of the place make it worth the trip.
l plan to return and continue exploring this amazing country. Because every rose has its thorns😇🫶🏻🇦🇱
I was there for two months. I met some wonderful people and didn't feel lonely. Great food. But, my anxiety levels were higher than normal because it was *so* noisy (my Airbnb was on a main road); the wild dogs ran in packs down the street beginning at 12:30 in the morning and didn't stop until 3 a.m. I couldn't sleep and I felt like I was in a remake of 'Cujo.' Not being able to flush my used toilet paper down the toilet grossed me out; it is not clean nor hygienic. 😖 The beach while I was there (March and April) was not clean and I had to move more than once to get away from a pile of dog poo. With those negatives, the Albanian people were the friendliest and most welcoming I had met in my travels of over a year now. The sun is great. I found eating out at restaurants was less expensive than buying groceries; groceries in Sarande were on par with prices in the U.S. Edit: I found a great pharmacist and only went to that pharmacy while I was there. Also: people drive like maniacs; I knew I wouldn't be shot and killed like in the U.S., but I am glad I made it for two months without being hit by a car.
Come to Pogradec please
I read podgorica.. 😄
You are the best 🙏🇦🇱🇦🇱🇪🇺
Thanks Paulin!!
Hi. Really enjoying your videos. I will be travelling to Albania this December (2022). By the sounds of it maybe not the best time to come, but it’s my only option. I am just wondering if there will still be some local restaurants open in the deep off season. I’d like to try as much traditional food as I can. Also, it sounds like getting around by bus is tricky in the off season. Do you have any more tips for someone coming in dead of off season?
Hey Kevin!!
In December, the best place in Albania would be Tirana for sure. Everything is open as normal and a lot of people spend Christmas there too! Tons of bars, cafes etc. Another great option would be Korcë! This city is very nice in winter. Saranda and the coast is very, very quiet at this time with 90% of things closed. The best way to get around will be local buses or taxi apps Both are very affordable.
@@TwoMadExplorers Thank you for your response! I will be spending the first and last part of my trip in Tirana. I was hoping to work my way down the coast. I’m pretty laid back, so I don’t need a lot of places to be open, but as long as I can buy groceries and maybe go to one nice restaurant down there that will make me happy. Grocery stores should be open, correct? If I do go south, would you recommend renting a car to get around, or maybe hiring a local guide/driver?
@@kevinscromeda Yes grocery stores will be open! Local markets etc too
It might be best to rent a car 🚗 if you plan on having total freedom, because public transport is slow even during peak season in Albania haha.
Having a private driver might be a bit pricey but also an option too 👍 if you are good at negotiating prices this can work for you as well.
@@TwoMadExplorers Thanks for the advise! I am certainly expecting an adventure. If you guys ever find yourself on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada, send me a message and I’ll give you the grand tour!
@@kevinscromeda oh wow that would be amazing!! We will keep that in mind for sure!! 🇨🇦
Hey Luke and Naomi, I really enjoy your channel and your very "approachable" format. I am seeking your advice on a similar venture to yours. . Where to start? Firstly, I am a noviciate "slow traveler". I am American by birth but have spent the last 6 1/2 years in Ireland (on the Dingle Peninsula in West Kerry) and got my citizenship. I am a solo-traveling senior (76) though in good shape and young at heart. I spent the first month of this peregrination in Montenegro, getting my feet under me for this new adventure/lifestyle. I am headed to Albania in a couple of days and plan on staying there for at least a month and possibly two. With that rather lengthy intro... I want to start a TH-cam channel to document my adventure but I am looking for someone who can advise me on how to go about doing that while avoiding as many 'newbie' mistakes as possible. Although I assume you have moved on to other realms, can you suggest anyone in Albania (Digital Nomad or local) who I could employ to teach me the basics? I would be most grateful for any advice you might be able to share. I hope our paths might cross along the trail. I would gladly stand the first round
Hey John!
We are here for you if you want to have a chat over whatsapp or zoom for example.
We would love to help a fellow minded explorer! Your story and comment has truly inspired us to keep going.
Get back to us!
- Luke & Naomi
Hey lovely people, Me and my gf are planning to visit Albania this end of July, we are confused between Budva, Dhermi and Saranda. Which one is not so expensive, less croded, has good options of restaurant and local market? Please suggest.
Budva is not in Albania its in Monte Negro
MN is Cheaper
the chapest in east is North Macedonia
@@deecee6355 Thanx for Suggestion, I know already that Budva is in Montenegro. I didn't wrote Budva in Albania 😉. Read the comment again. I only wrote that we are confused between Budva, Dhermi and Saranda.
I always tell others to be very careful in Sarande. Don't end up meeting the wrong people there like I did. There's a lot of bad people waiting to try and hustle foreigners for money. It's a small town. Take care and be careful who you meet and let know ur details. For me I'll never go back to Sarande because of the bad people I wasn't careful enough to avoid.
lil details plz? how did it happen?
I've been 3-4 times in Saranda, nothing bad has happened so far. I would say to be careful with all strangers when you travel as a general rule of thumb and never share sensitive info. Do you care to share what happened to you?
Never back. Worst people. Evangelo the 'friendly fisherman' know very well about himself.
Make sure to stay away from Evengelo Ivan if you are in Sarande. Don't let these people get ideas about your money.
@@plos2765 Honestly, Evengelo Ivan is not an Albanian name. He could be an immigrant or from the greek minority community in south Albania. It is unfair for you to insult an entire city and say it's full of bad people just because you were unlucky and got conned by one person there. Plenty of people get pickpocketed in Paris/London/Barcelona yet it would be unfair to say people shouldn't go there because these incidents might happen.
I am not blaming you, as you seem to have been the victim in this matter, but we all should be careful about giving our personal information to strangers no matter where we are.
Albania n usbakestan which country is good for better life
Sorry, we never visited Uzbekistan, so we can’t say. Albania is amazing tho ♥️
@@TwoMadExplorers pls make video clip of usbakestan n tajaskistan thanks for u reply
You aren't native english speakers are you?
Luke is from Ireland 🇮🇪 Naomi is German 🇩🇪
Sounds noisy as well.
Dude saranda i not clean all you have to do is walk 30-40 mins outside town and the beach is full of trash
I disagree. I found it super dirty. Not a place to swim. Beach is super disgusting
Somewhere in between.