Saranda Region: The Jewel of Southern Albania

• HelloPërshëndetje
  [PUHR-shuhn-DEHT-yeh]
• GoodbyeMirupafshim
  [MEE-roo-pahf-SHEEM]
• YesPo
  [POH]
• NoJo
  [YOH]
• Please/You're welcomeJu lutem
  [YOO LOO-tehm]
• Thank youFaleminderit
  [FAH-leh-min-deh-REET]
• Excuse me/SorryMë falni
  [muh FAHL-nee]
• How are you?Si jeni?
  [see YEH-nee]
• Fine. And you?Mirë. Dhe ju?
  [MEER duh YOO]
• Do you speak English?Flisni anglisht?
  [flees-NEE ahng-LEESHT]
• I don't understandNuk kuptoj
  [nook koo-POY]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseDua të shoh menunë, ju lutem
  [DOO-ah tuh SHOH meh-NOO-nuh, yoo LOO-tehm]
• I don't eat meatNuk ha mish
  [nook hah meesh]
• Cheers!Gëzuar!
  [guh-ZOO-ahr]
• I would like to pay, pleaseDua të paguaj, ju lutem
  [DOO-ah tuh pah-GWAHY, yoo LOO-tehm]

• Help!Ndihmë!
  [NDEE-muh]
• Go away!Shko larg!
  [shkoh lahrgh]
• Call the Police!Thirrni policinë!
  [theer-NEE po-lee-SEEN]
• Call a doctor!Thirrni një doktor!
  [theer-NEE njuh DOHK-tohr]
• I'm lostJam humbur
  [yahm hoom-BOOR]
• I'm illJam i sëmurë
  [yahm ee suh-MOO-ruh]

• I'd like to buy...Dua të blej...
  [DOO-ah tuh BLEH]
• I'm just lookingPo shikoj vetëm
  [POH shee-KOY veh-TEM]
• How much is it?Sa kushton?
  [sah kooshtohn]
• That's too expensiveKy është shumë i shtrenjtë
  [kuh ESHT shoo-muh ee shtrehn-JTUH]
• Can you lower the price?A mund të ulni çmimin?
  [ah moond tuh OOL-nee chmee-MEEN]

• What time is it?Sa është ora?
  [sah ESHT oh-RAH]
• It's one o'clockËshtë një ora
  [ESHT nuh oh-RAH]
• Half past (10)Njëmbëdhjetë e gjysmë
  [nyuhm-BUHDH-yeh-tuh eh JUHS-muh]
• MorningMëngjes
  [muhn-JAYS]
• AfternoonPasdite
  [pahs-DEE-teh]
• EveningMbrëmje
  [mbruhm-JEH]
• YesterdayDje
  [djeh]
• TodaySot
  [soht]
• TomorrowNesër
  [neh-suhr]
• 1Një
  [nyuh]
• 2Dy
  [duh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Katër
  [kah-tuhr]
• 5Pesë
  [peh-seh]
• 6Gjashtë
  [gyahsht]
• 7Shtatë
  [shtah-tuh]
• 8Tetë
  [teht]
• 9Njëzanë
  [nyuh-zahn]
• 10Dhjetë
  [th-yeh-tuh]

• Where's a/the...?Ku është një/...?
  [koo ESHT nuh]
• What's the address?Cili është adresa?
  [CEE-lee ESHT ah-DREH-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?A mund të më tregoni (në hartë)?
  [ah moond tuh muh treh-GOH-nee]
• When's the next (bus)?Kur është autobusi i ardhshëm?
  [koor ESHT ah-OO-toh-BOO-see ee ahrd-SHUM]
• A ticket (to ....)Një biletë (në ....)
  [nyuh bee-leh-tuh]

Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Saranda Region. Located on a hill overlooking the Vivari Channel, Butrint was an important city throughout antiquity. Founded by Greek colonists, it later became a Roman city and then a Byzantine and Venetian fortress. The site's ruins include a well-preserved theater, a baptistery with intricate mosaic floors, and the impressive remains of Roman villas and city walls.

During the Ottoman period, Saranda and its surrounding region experienced significant changes. The Ottomans ruled the area for several centuries, from the late 15th century until the early 20th century. This era left a lasting impact on the region’s architecture, culture, and religion. One notable structure from this period is the Lëkurësi Castle, built in the 16th century by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The castle, positioned on a strategic hilltop, offers panoramic views of Saranda and the Ionian Sea.

World War II brought turmoil to Saranda, as it did to many parts of Europe. Initially occupied by Italian forces in 1939, Saranda was later taken over by German troops in 1943 after Italy's armistice with the Allies. The region witnessed several battles and skirmishes between Axis forces and the Albanian partisans. The war left its mark on the area, with numerous bunkers and fortifications that can still be seen today serving as a stark reminder of this tumultuous period.

Following World War II, Albania fell under communist rule, led by Enver Hoxha. The Saranda Region, like much of the country, was heavily influenced by the policies of the communist regime. This period saw the construction of numerous bunkers and fortifications as part of Hoxha's extensive defense strategy. The regime also promoted the development of agriculture and industry in the region. The fall of communism in the early 1990s brought significant changes, leading to increased tourism and the transformation of Saranda into a popular travel destination.

Today, Saranda has blossomed into one of Albania’s premier tourist destinations. Known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant nightlife, Saranda attracts visitors from all over the world. The town’s modern development is complemented by its rich historical heritage, creating a unique blend of old and new. The waterfront promenade, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, is a bustling center of activity, especially during the summer months.

Saranda Region is located in the southern part of Albania, near the Greek border. The nearest international airport is Tirana International Airport (TIA), approximately 280 kilometers away. From Tirana, you can take a bus or a rental car to Saranda. The journey typically takes around 4 to 5 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Corfu, Greece, which operates regularly and takes about 30 to 70 minutes.

Saranda is a relatively small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available and are reasonably priced. Public buses and minibuses (furgons) connect Saranda with nearby villages and towns. Renting a car or a scooter is also a convenient option for exploring the region at your own pace.

The official currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Saranda, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Tirana before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Saranda is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Saranda does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to 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. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. 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 town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër), a natural wonder offering stunning turquoise waters.