Rent a Car in Saranda

Saranda is the southern hub of the Albanian Riviera, opposite Corfu, and the gateway to Ksamil, Butrint and the Blue Eye spring. A rental car here is essentially mandatory — buses skip the coves, taxis are pricey, and the best beaches require a car you can park anywhere.

We deliver rental cars to Saranda port (for travellers arriving by ferry from Corfu), to hotels along the promenade, and on request anywhere between Ksamil and Borsh.

Why rent in Saranda specifically?

• Ksamil and the islands are 15 km away — short drive, no public transport that runs on your schedule.
• Butrint National Park is 25 km — UNESCO archaeological site, 30-minute drive.
• The Blue Eye spring is 30 km inland — picnic spot, no buses.
• Hidden coves like Pulëbardha, Kakome, Krorëz — only accessible by car.
• Day trips to Gjirokastër (1 h) or even Berat (3 h) are doable from Saranda.

Arriving from Corfu by ferry?

The Corfu–Saranda ferry takes 30–90 minutes depending on the operator (Joy Lines, Ionian Seaways, Finikas Lines). We meet you at Saranda port with a sign — kerbside transfer takes 5 minutes. Many travellers do a full Albania road trip starting from Corfu.

Top drives from Saranda

• Saranda → Ksamil (15 km, 20 min) — three small islands, swim out by kayak.
• Saranda → Butrint (25 km, 30 min) — Greek-Roman archaeological park.
• Saranda → Blue Eye spring (30 km, 40 min) — inland karst spring.
• Saranda → Gjirokastër (60 km, 1 h) — UNESCO "Stone City".
• Saranda → Dhërmi via Llogara Pass (90 km, 2 h) — full Riviera drive.

Planning more than a day? See our full Riviera road-trip itinerary.

Practical tips

• Parking in Saranda: free at hotels, blue-line zones along the promenade (paid), free informal lots near the port.
• Fuel: stations on the road into town and on the way to Ksamil — never an issue.
• Best season: May, June, September. July–August is hot and busy.
• Car type: compact is fine for everywhere on this guide. SUV optional.