TIRANA, Oct 4 /ATA/ – The southernmost coastal town city of Saranda in the Albanian Riviera is increasingly becoming a year-round stop for cruise ships, local port officials said Saturday.
Admir Malaj, director of the Port of Saranda, told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that from April, when the first cruise of the season arrived, through the end of September, 26 cruise ships carrying 11,497 tourists from around the world, along with 350 yachts, docked at the port.
“This year, the port is expected to host five more cruises by the end of November,” he added.
Even beyond the summer months, Saranda continues to attract international visitors. The most recent cruise, the Silver Whisper, arrived on the last day of September with 365 mainly American passengers.
Tourist itineraries typically include Saranda’s key attractions such as Butrint, Lëkurës Castle, its beaches, as well as excursions to nearby cities including Gjirokastër, Përmet and Tepelenë.
Saranda remains one of Albania’s most popular destinations for cruise and tourist ships, drawing visitors with its crystal-clear Ionian Sea waters and rich cultural heritage.
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