Car & Van Hire - Sarande

Have you heard of the Albanian Riviera? This Balkan gem is still largely unknown, though it's becoming more and more popular. If you're looking for fun in the sun, Sarande is a great destination. Beautiful white sand beaches and warm, turquoise water have helped put Sarande on the map. Once a quiet fishing village, today it is growing in popularity.

Start your trip to Sarande by exploring some of Albania's best beaches. Ksamil Beach is probably the most popular in the area, with plenty of sun loungers, bars and restaurants. Although it can get crowded in the height of summer, it's still worth visiting. You can swim out to some of the tiny off-shore islands, which helps turn a day at the beach into a true adventure! If you prefer something a little quieter, try Mirror Beach, which is ideal for snorkelling. Young Albanians flock to Dhermi Beach, as the surrounding village is known for its nightlife. Finally, you can choose Borsh Beach, the longest beach on the entire Ionian coast. It's so big that even on the busiest days, you'll always find enough space to spread out on the sand.

While you might come to Sarande for the beach, you'll also find other things to do around town. The town has a long, fascinating history, with plenty of monuments to admire. Start with the Synagogue Complex, with some buildings dating back to the fifth century. It features a remarkable mosaic floor featuring some of the most iconic Jewish symbols, like a menorah and a ram's horn. You can also visit the sixth-century Forty Saints Monastery. It's largely ruined now, but the site offers beautiful views across the bay. The spooky crypt is open to visitors, but you'll need to get permission from the town hall first.

Car hire in Sarande lets you enjoy the most iconic drive in Albania, the Llogara Pass. In the heart of the Llogara National Park, this road follows the route taken by Julius Caesar in 48 BC. Not only does it have historical interest, but it's also stunningly beautiful, with amazing views across the Albanian Riviera.

With car or van hire in Sarande, you can visit another national park, Butrint. This has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich collection of ruins, including the ancient city of Butrint. There are many different examples of ruins here, reflecting the various civilisations that have held this part of Albania over the centuries. It's also a great place for wildlife lovers: with luck, you might spot tortoises and wolves, and dolphins are commonly seen just offshore.

As Sarande is a tourist destination, it is at its busiest in the months of July and August. The rest of the year, there is very little traffic. The biggest problem you'll have in the summer months is finding a parking space. Most of the beaches in the area have their own car parks, but they are often spread out over bumpy, uneven ground, and the spaces are not marked in any way. You'll need to get there early to ensure that you find a place to park. Watch out, as other drivers may block you in as the day goes on.

In general, driving in Albania can be rather challenging. Do not expect to see traffic lights or stop signs! This means that junctions can become something of a free-for-all. Old vehicles are a common sight, and many do not have working lights or indicators. Take care when driving on Albanian roads, and pay attention to what the other drivers around you are doing.

You will need to carry cash when in Albania, as petrol stations do not usually accept card payments. This is even true in large cities. In general, you should be carrying cash anyway, as many of the country's restaurants, bars and shops don't take cards.

Most roads in Albania have just one lane of traffic, and in rural areas overtaking can be extremely difficult or sometimes impossible. If a driver behind you honks their horn, they are probably indicating that they want to overtake. Local etiquette suggests you should pull over to allow them as much space as possible. The good news is that many of these narrow, winding roads offer spectacular views of the countryside and sea.

Expect to find potholes and poorly maintained roads. This is particularly true when you are heading to the beach, and you need to turn onto an access road. Go slowly and carefully, and avoid driving outside towns or cities at night.

Sarande is very close to the Greek border. It also has car ferries that connect it to the Greek island of Corfu. Although Albania is not part of the Schengen free travel zone, there is an open border between the two countries. Nevertheless, if you wish to travel internationally as part of your holiday, please ensure that you speak first with your Enterprise Rent-A-Car agent.