Saranda: The Pearl of the Albanian Riviera

• HelloPërshëndetje
  [per-shen-de-tye]
• GoodbyeMirupafshim
  [mee-roo-paf-sheem]
• YesPo
  [po]
• NoJo
  [yo]
• Please/You're welcomeJu lutem
  [yoo loo-tem]
• Thank youFaleminderit
  [fa-le-min-de-reet]
• Excuse me/SorryMë falni
  [muh fal-nee]
• How are you?Si jeni?
  [see ye-nee]
• Fine. And you?Mirë. Dhe ju?
  [mee-re. dhe yoo]
• Do you speak English?Flisni anglisht?
  [flee-snee ang-leesht]
• I don't understandNuk kuptoj
  [nook koop-toy]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseDo të doja të shikoja menunë, ju lutem
  [do te do-ya te she-ko-ya me-noon, yoo loo-tem]
• I don't eat meatNuk ha mish
  [nook ha meesh]
• Cheers!Gëzuar!
  [ge-zoo-ar]
• I would like to pay, pleaseDo të doja të paguaja, ju lutem
  [do te do-ya te pa-gwa-ya, yoo loo-tem]

• Help!Ndihmë!
  [ndee-muh]
• Go away!Shko larg!
  [shko lar-g]
• Call the Police!Thirrni policinë!
  [theer-nee po-lee-see-ne]
• Call a doctor!Thirrni një mjek!
  [theer-nee nyeh m-yek]
• I'm lostJam humbur
  [yam hoom-boor]
• I'm illJam i sëmurë
  [yam ee suh-moo-re]

• I'd like to buy...Do të doja të blaja...
  [do te do-ya te bla-ya]
• I'm just lookingPo shikoj vetëm
  [po she-ko-y vet-em]
• How much is it?Sa kushton?
  [sa kooshton]
• That's too expensiveKjo është shumë e shtrenjtë
  [kyo eshte shoo-me e shtrenj-te]
• Can you lower the price?A mund të ulni çmimin?
  [ah moon-de te ool-nee ch-mee-min]

• What time is it?Sa është ora?
  [sa eshte o-ra]
• It's one o'clockËshtë një e ora
  [eshte nyeh e o-ra]
• Half past (10)Njëzet e gjysmë
  [nyeh-zet e g-yees-muh]
• MorningMëngjes
  [muhn-gyes]
• AfternoonPasdite
  [pahs-dee-te]
• EveningMbrëmje
  [m-bruhm-ye]
• YesterdayDje
  [djeh]
• TodaySot
  [sot]
• TomorrowNesër
  [neh-suh]
• 1Një
  [nyeh]
• 2Dy
  [duh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Katër
  [ka-ter]
• 5Pesë
  [peh-se]
• 6Gjashtë
  [gyahsht]
• 7Shtatë
  [shta-teh]
• 8Tetë
  [teh-teh]
• 9Nëntë
  [nun-teh]
• 10Dhjetë
  [thee-teh]

• Where's a/the...?Ku është një/...?
  [koo eshte nyeh/...?]
• What's the address?Cila është adresa?
  [chee-la eshte a-dre-sa]
• Can you show me (on the map)?A mund të më tregoni (në hartë)?
  [ah moon-de te muh tro-go-nee (nu har-te)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kur është autobusi i ardhshëm?
  [koor eshte ow-to-boo-see ee ar-dhshem]
• A ticket (to ....)Një biletë (në ....)
  [nyeh bee-le-teh (nu ....)]

Saranda, originally known as Onchesmus, was an important port city in ancient times. Located on the Ionian Sea, it served as a significant harbor for the ancient Greeks and Romans. The city is mentioned in the works of classical authors such as Ptolemy and Cicero, highlighting its importance in antiquity.

During the Roman period, Saranda was known as Onchesmus and became a vital part of the Roman Empire’s trade network. Later, under the Byzantine Empire, the city was fortified and continued to thrive as a strategic maritime hub. The remnants of early Christian basilicas from this era can still be found in the city, bearing witness to its historical significance.

Saranda fell under Ottoman rule in the late 15th century and remained part of the Ottoman Empire for several centuries. This period brought about significant cultural and architectural changes, including the construction of mosques and other Ottoman-style buildings. The city’s name was changed to Ay Saranda, reflecting its new cultural milieu.

During World War II, Saranda was occupied by Italian and later German forces. The city's strategic location made it a focal point during the conflict, and it suffered considerable damage. Following the war, Saranda became part of the socialist state of Albania and underwent several reconstruction and development projects.

With the fall of communism in Albania in the early 1990s, Saranda experienced rapid development and modernization. The city's beautiful coastline and rich history have made it a popular tourist destination. Investments in infrastructure and tourism have revitalized Saranda, making it a vibrant and dynamic city.

Saranda is home to numerous archeological sites, including the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's multicultural heritage is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals, which draw influences from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Albanian cultures.

Saranda is located in southern Albania, on the Ionian Sea. The nearest international airport is Corfu International Airport in Greece. From Corfu, you can take a ferry to Saranda, with the journey lasting around 30-70 minutes depending on the service. Alternatively, you can fly into Tirana International Airport, which is around 280 kilometers away, and then take a bus or taxi to Saranda. Buses from Tirana to Saranda run frequently and the trip takes about 4-5 hours.

Saranda is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance. Taxis are plentiful and relatively affordable for getting around the city. There are also public buses that connect Saranda to nearby towns and beaches. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas and the Albanian Riviera at your own pace. Additionally, bike rentals are available for those who prefer cycling.

The official currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Saranda. Currency exchange services are also available, but ensure you use authorized exchange offices or banks.

Saranda is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places such as markets and bus stations. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Saranda. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widespread, and many pharmacists speak English, making it easier to get over-the-counter medications. For serious medical issues, the regional hospital in Saranda provides emergency services.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the beach and warm weather. Avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and cover your head if required when entering churches or mosques. Public Transport: Do be polite and respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. Albanians are generally warm and welcoming. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Saranda like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Albanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the nearby archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a stunning natural spring with crystal-clear blue water.