Visit Saranda with a Camper Van: 5 Real Stops We Loved Along the Way
Let’s be real — if you’re planning to explore the south of Albania, the best way to do it is to visit Saranda with a camper van. We’ve done the whole bus thing before (hot, crowded, not ideal), and honestly, nothing beats having your own little home on wheels. It’s freedom with a view.
Saranda is the perfect base for vanlife. It’s got beaches, ruins, insanely good seafood, and it’s close to a ton of cool spots — all within easy driving distance. We spent a few days wandering around in our van, and these are five places we still talk about.
1. Chilling at Ksamil – Our Version of Paradise
We rolled into Ksamil not really knowing what to expect — and wow. Think white sand, warm shallow water, and these tiny little islands you can swim or paddle to. It feels like a budget version of the Maldives but somehow even more chill.
There’s no overnight camping right by the water, but we parked near the village and walked down. Totally worth it. We grabbed grilled fish at a beach shack, watched the sunset, and just took it slow.
Want more laid-back beach towns? Check out Himara with camper van — it’s got a similar vibe but fewer people.
2. Butrint Ruins – Felt Like We Time Traveled
We didn’t plan on loving Butrint, but we totally did. This ancient city is wrapped in forest and sits right by a lagoon — super peaceful. We wandered around crumbling amphitheaters, peeked through stone archways, and even spotted a turtle near one of the springs.
Parking was easy with the van, and we packed some sandwiches to eat by the water. It’s not touristy at all, which made it feel extra special.
3. Blue Eye – Freezing, Gorgeous, and Totally Unexpected
Okay, the Blue Eye (or Syri i Kaltër) is wild. You park up, take a short walk through a forest path, and then boom — there’s this neon-blue natural spring just bubbling up out of nowhere.
We dared each other to jump in — and yeah, it’s freezing. But fun. Not really a spot to camp overnight, but it’s a must-see when you’re heading inland or making a loop back from Saranda.
Planning a full loop? Pair this with our Riviera Albania with camper van route for an epic road trip.
4. Lekursi Castle – Sunset Goals
After a beach day, we drove up to Lekursi Castle — super easy even with a camper van. The view? Unbelievable. You can see all of Saranda, the Ionian Sea, and even the Greek island of Corfu just across the water.
There’s a little restaurant where we grabbed cold drinks and just… sat. No rush, no crowds. Parking was tight but manageable if you get there before sunset.
5. Sleeping at Borsh Beach – Vanlife Bliss
Borsh ended up being our favorite overnight spot. The beach is massive, like really massive, and there’s space to park right next to the water. We set up the van, made dinner on the portable stove, and fell asleep to waves.
In the morning, we grabbed coffee from a nearby shack and walked the beach barefoot. No one around. Pure peace.
From here, you can head north toward Llogara Pass with camper van if you want those mountain-and-sea views.
Why We’d Do It Again (and You Should Too)
To visit Saranda with a camper van is to unlock a version of Albania that’s way more personal. No fixed schedules, no overpriced hotels, no stress. Just you, the road, and a coastline full of surprises.
If you’re thinking about it — do it. And if you need a van, we’ve got you covered at GoVan.al. Each van’s got everything you need, from beds to kitchen gear, so you can focus on the adventure.
