cruise tourism – Albanian  Telegraphic  Agency. https://en.ata.gov.al News Agency Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:46:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Cruise tourism extends into autumn as Seabourn Quest brings 446 tourists to Saranda https://en.ata.gov.al/2026/10/07/cruise-tourism-extends-into-autumn-as-seabourn-quest-brings-446-tourists-to-saranda/ https://en.ata.gov.al/2026/10/07/cruise-tourism-extends-into-autumn-as-seabourn-quest-brings-446-tourists-to-saranda/#respond Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:46:32 +0000 https://en.ata.gov.al/?p=308735 TIRANA, Oct. 7 /ATA/ – The coastal city of Saranda in Albanian Riviera continued to welcome foreign tourists in early October with the arrival of the Seabourn Quest cruise ship, carrying 446 passengers from around the world.

The Port of Saranda said the vessel was the 27th cruise ship to call at the port this season. It arrived from Brindisi, Italy, and was due to depart Wednesday afternoon for Zakynthos, Greece.

Passengers from countries including Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Peru, Zimbabwe, Serbia and South Africa visited Saranda and were scheduled to tour the nearby Butrint National Park and Blue Eye spring.

The arrival brought the total number of tourist vessels calling at Saranda this season to 62, including 27 cruise ships.

The southernmost coastal city of Saranda has become one of Albania’s leading cruise tourism destinations in recent years, supported by its location, proximity to Corfu and its natural and cultural attractions.

The arrival of Seabourn Quest in early October highlights continued cruise tourism beyond the peak summer months, extending the season into autumn.

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]]> https://en.ata.gov.al/2026/10/07/cruise-tourism-extends-into-autumn-as-seabourn-quest-brings-446-tourists-to-saranda/feed/ 0 Saranda emerges as key cruise destination, welcoming 26 ships and over 11,000 foreign tourists https://en.ata.gov.al/2025/10/04/saranda-emerges-as-key-cruise-destination-welcoming-26-ships-and-over-11000-foreign-tourists/ https://en.ata.gov.al/2025/10/04/saranda-emerges-as-key-cruise-destination-welcoming-26-ships-and-over-11000-foreign-tourists/#respond Sat, 04 Oct 2025 16:06:25 +0000 https://en.ata.gov.al/?p=275865 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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