PDA

View Full Version : Sarande, Albania - Safe? Comments?

SabreSailor
June 16th, 2009, 08:51 AM
HAL is stopping at Sarande, Albania on at least one of its transatlantic crossings next spring. When we've asked some friends about the area, they have said "stay out of Albania". But I can't imagine that HAL would take a ship into a port which isn't reasonably safe.

Has anyone been to Sarande? Is it safe to explore on one's own, vs. using a HAL tour? Is there a lot to see? Other comments?

Thanks!
mkdr2
June 16th, 2009, 09:06 AM
We were in Saranda last year on a tour from Corfu through HAL. We had a wonderful time. Went to Butrint. The people were very friendly and love Americans. It is a third world country due to all the years under communist rule. Saranda is just a beach resort with nothing to see. I do not think I would try to do it on your own.
sfocruiser
June 16th, 2009, 12:18 PM
We were there 2yrs ago on the Prinsendam and had a great time. Don't expect a developed port. Many passengers griped that there was no shopping. We met some great locals, the owner of the local cafe insisted that we meet his family. Very nice folks. We took a excursion the nspend the rest of the afternoon walking the waterfront. Very poor, but we did not feel unsafe at all. Hope this helps.
Sir PMP
June 16th, 2009, 01:07 PM
HAL is stopping at Sarande, Albania on at least one of its transatlantic crossings next spring. When we've asked some friends about the area, they have said "stay out of Albania". But I can't imagine that HAL would take a ship into a port which isn't reasonably safe.

Has anyone been to Sarande? Is it safe to explore on one's own, vs. using a HAL tour? Is there a lot to see? Other comments?

Thanks!

It's a quiet town just across from Corfu, nice to walk around and safe...
seaproponent
June 16th, 2009, 11:43 PM
We're booked on the April 14, 2010 T/A Med cruise on the Westerdam -- which stops in Albania. If you decide to book, please join us on the "Roll Call" board for this voyage.
travelinjones
June 17th, 2009, 08:37 AM
We visited Sarande on Holland America's maiden call in 2007. It was undeveloped but an incredibly interesting place. You will want to take a tour with the ship.
See the details at Day 29
http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/?p=24