A small turquoise cove with a boat and white shoreline below green hills near Saranda, southern Albania

Manastiri Beach (Monastery Beach)

Just south of Saranda centre, on the coastal road toward Ksamil

Small pebble and mixed cove

Just south of Saranda centre, on the coastal road toward Ksamil

Quieter and more local than the seafront; small, so it fills by midday in peak summer — arrive in the morning

About Manastiri Beach (Monastery Beach)

Manastiri — "Monastery Beach", named for the old monastery near it — is where Saranda regulars go when the town beaches get too busy. It's a small cove a short way south of the centre, trading the convenience of the central seafront for clearer water and a calmer scene. Not a secret and not deserted, but a noticeable step down in crowds and up in setting from the concrete-backed town beaches.

Water Conditions

Clearer than the central town beaches, with a pebbly entry

How to Get There

A few minutes by car or taxi from Saranda centre, or a 20–30 minute walk from the southern end of the promenade. The frequent Saranda–Ksamil buses pass nearby — ask the driver for the Monastery Beach stop. Parking is limited in peak season.

Facilities

Some seasonal sunbeds and a beach bar on a modest scale; limited compared with Saranda's central beaches, and thin outside July–August.

Location

Get Directions

Best For

A quick, calmer swim within reach of central Saranda

Cost: Free public beach; seasonal sunbed rental
Special Feature: Named for the old monastery on the headland nearby