This was a very different destination for us. There is very little of note in Saranda, with the exception of Butrint. It's more a vacation destination than a tourist place, if that makes sense. What there is is beautiful shoreline beaches (rock not sand), the lovely Ionian Sea, a nice waterfront promenade, and plenty of bars and restaurants. It's a place to swim, to lounge in the sun, to eat at a nice waterfront restaurant, have a cocktail. And do it all over again until you feel relaxed to the point of lethargy. You don't need to speak Albanian. If you try and speak a few words, the locals will love it.
Our budget was $4,000 USD and we spent $3492 We had one night in a hotel in Tirana before we took the bus to Saranda. Rent was still our highest expense, but the apartment was comfortable, well equipped and decently located https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/48716005). Vacation places seem to lend themselves to splurging so we ate out a LOT.
Accommodation: 1738.00
Restaurants: 967
Groceries: 351
Sightseeing: 165
Transportation: 130 (bus from Tirana)
Everything else (medical, shopping, exchange fees): 140
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