Sarandë Albania

    We were in the only ship in Albania, and it's no wonder why. When we pulled into the harbor it was a landscape of beige, boring, impoverished apartment buildings. It was communist until the 1970's and they are trying to build up and grab the tourist industry. 

    I opted for the ship's shore excursion to Ksamil beach, pictured as an idyllic, Mediterranean, crystal blue water beach destination. But first we had to drive through the narrow street past depressed looking stores til we got to the outskirts of town. I was really hoping I would see some cute, inviting places to discover, but mostly saw small shops with fruits and vegetable for local people. 

     The guide was doing her best to build up the city, but it was hard to see past the sadness of everyone. After a 30 minute ride we reached our destination and walked down a gravelly road to the restaurant where beach umbrellas and chairs were included. However, it was a little disorganized and I felt like we were the test run. We weren't allowed on the front row loungers but could pick the rows behind it. Also included was a welcome drink of your choice at the restaurant. When I asked for a cold beer, she asked, "Do you want a small or large?" I said , "Well, if it doesn't matter, then I'll have a large". Then after some discussion back and forth with the bar they said it's only for a small. I said "That's fine". Again, I felt like we were the dry run and they hadn't done this before. 

It was mostly the the locals with the family's there, so was very noisy with kids etc. It is a beautiful, crystal blue water beach with white sand, so I could see why all the local people would come here. There are many hotels and restaurants along the beach that you can rent umbrellas for the day plus swimming. 

It was a half day excursion, we didn't see any cute shopping along the way, so we went back to the ship. I felt like this was the best excursion of the pick, and from what hear from other passengers and their experiences, I think I was right. Other people went to Corfu, but weren't happy waiting in the passports lines going back and forth. They said that the wait was at least an hour both ways. I've been to Corfu before and this being so close, I wish the ship would of gone there instead. That is a beautiful little island I wouldn't of mind revisiting. 

#Ksamil_Beach #Sarande #Albania #vacationlife #Travelingtheworld #Luvtotravel