Category: Places to Visit in Saranda

One of the highlights of the Albanian Riviera is Mirror Beach Albania. In Albanian, Mirror beach is called “Plazhi Pasqyra”. This means the beach of mirrors. During the day, the sunlight reflects on the sea. Therefore, the sunlight makes the sea look like a sparkling mirror. The reflection of the sea really has a magical effect. Which is one of the reasons why many locals, say that the mirror beach is the highlight of the Albanian coast?

The bay of Mirror Beach is surrounded by overwhelming rock formations. The rocky background makes the bay feel like a secret spot. If you walk towards the end of the shore, you will see some smaller, more intimate beaches. You can even wade through the water of the sea, to reach a hidden spot, which can only be accessed through the water. At first sight, you will not believe your eyes, when you see the bright blue water of Mirror Beach.

In the south of the Mesopotam village in the outskirts of Saranda, very close to the ancient city of Finiq (Phoenice), you can visit one of the world’s pearls of Byzantine architecture.

One of the oldest and largest churches of the Byzantine era, St. Nicholas Monastery (Manastiri i Shën Kollit), also known as the Monastery of Mesopotam, is a must-visit for just about anyone, especially those who love very well-preserved ruins and byzantine art. Having withstood the test of time, the traces of the monastery’s centuries-long history along with its gorgeous mosaics are ready to be explored by the curious traveler.

History and Architecture

The church was built in the 11^th century, specifically during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos which lasted from 1042 to 1055. The Orthodox Monastery consists of a typical Byzantine architecture, surrounded by the ruins of a former temple’s circular wall, built before the church. The exterior is constructed in bricks while the interior rooms are divided by gorgeous arches. In the monastery’s interior walls and columns, you will find spectacular floral designs as well as some beautiful mosaics depicting mostly animals and mythical creatures. Four circular roofs, built one over the other, hold the grand entrance of the church’s portico while the garden sits beautifully under the shade of century-old cypresses and olive trees. Its architecture easily places the monastery in the category of rare architectural objects and it is precisely its double apse that makes it a truly singular structure in its genre.

The monastery was built in the 6th century AD as an important Byzantine pilgrimage site. It was named after the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, which is also why it included 40 rooms, one for each of the martyrs. The legend tells that a group of Roman soldiers was asked to renounce their Christian religion in exchange for shelter. They kept loyal to their faith and refused upon which they were killed as martyrs near the city of Sebaste in Armenia.

The monastery has played an important role in the history of Saranda by giving the city its initial name, Agi Saranda, which means “Forty Saints” in Greek. Later the name was shortened by removing “Agi” and only keeping Saranda (forty).

If you stay at Blue Eye Hotel which is located in Ksamil or if you visit Saranda, you should definitely make a stop at the Lëkursi Castle. This fortress dates back to the 16^th century and is constructed in the shape of a square with two round towers sitting diagonally to one another.

All that remains of the castle are its ancient walls, but a small restaurant located inside has converted a part of the ruins into a restaurant terrace. From this cafe take in views of the sea and the town below as you sample the traditional cuisine. You may have to approach the bar to order during the busy peak season.

Its strategic position on a hill of about 300 meters in height as well as its panoramic views of Saranda, the Butrint Lagoon, and even the island of Corfu, make this destination a tourist favorite. Not to mention that, inside the fortress, you will find one of the best-known bars and restaurants in Saranda which also offers the most beautiful view of the sunset.

Syri i Kalter (The Blue Eye) is one of those rare, almost unreal places. You know, places you won’t believe exist on Earth. You’ll find Syri i Kalter in south Albania, located between the gorgeous Albanian Riviera and the epic UNESCO town of Gjirokastër. Both are worth a visit while you’re there.

The Blue Eye is a water spring with extremely light blue water bubbles in a more than 50-meter deep pool. You’ll be mesmerized by how clear the water is, to the point that you’ll be able to see straight to the bottom. Also, make sure you follow the sign that leads to Syri i kaltër, so you don’t miss out on the actual Blue Eye. Divers have attempted to descend into the Blue Eye to calculate its actual depth but it’s still unclear how far the mysterious hole really goes. The initial water source of the 25 km Bistricë River, the Blue Eye is just the starting point of a water path that goes all the way to the Ionian Sea. Of course, the area around the Blue Eye is also quite important since it’s a natural monument where oak and sycamore trees stand out with their beauty.

Ali Pasha castle is near the main site of UNESCO Butrint.  The castle sits surrounded by water and can only be accessed by boat from a local fisherman.  Ali pashas castle is regularly missed by tourists who all pile to visit the nearby site of UNESCO Butrint.  If you don’t look for it, it’s easily missed!

The castle dates to the 17th century and belonged to Ali Pasha. There is virtually no information on this site other than the odd archaeological document of findings.  The castle is in pretty good condition for being built so long ago.  The structure is preserved so you can see how the castle worked.  Ali Pasha also has other castles and fortifications around Albania like Porto Palermo Castle and of course the main sites of Butrint too.

Butrint is an ancient city which was inhabited since prehistoric times. This site was an important site with ancient artifacts found dating back to the iron and middle ages. You can see some artifacts in the museum which is located within the castle.

Within Butrint you will see very well-preserved ancient buildings such as a theatre which seats over 2500 people.  It is still used from time to time for events. There’s also the Temple of Asclepius as well as an Acropolis, columns, a beautiful floor mosaic (includes medallions of 69 churches), a 6th-century basilica, Lions gate, and a Castle with an incredible view of Lake Butrint and the surroundings.

You will see when wandering around Butrint that some of the buildings are still deep underground.  There’s still a lot to be discovered within the Butrint national park! Some locals believe that Butrint was the sunken city of Atlantis.