Sarandë, the gateway to the southern Albania is a small town of about 33.000 inhabitants, situated on a beautiful horseshoe bay between the mountains and the Ionian Sea. The name Saranda derives from an early Christian monastery dedicated to Agioi Saranta (Forty Saints). In antiquity, Saranda was known as Onchesmus.
The tour will start with the drive to the Lekuresi Castle. The castle is located on a strategic hill point overlooking the town of Saranda, southeast of the town centre. It was built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The castle was initially built to protect the city of Saranda from invaders accessing the coastline by boat. From the castle you have great views of Corfu and Ksamil islands. Continue tour with a scenic drive to the Mesopotamian Monastery.
Although the interior of the monastery is still under reconstruction since work began a number of years ago, a brief stop will be made to allow you to view the exterior. Capture photos of this fine example of a Byzantine Fortified Monastery, built in the 12th century. The church was reconstructed in the 17th and 18th centuries and is named Saint Nicolas Church.
Continue with the drive to one of the famous – Foenike restaurant in this area. The delightful restaurant situated here, provides a wonderful setting to enjoy a local snack.
As you relax over your snack, you’ll be treated to a traditional Albanian folklore performance. On the way to Saranda you will visit the ancient Illyrian city of Onchesmos, mentioned as a port in the 1st century B.C. In the 4-th century A.D. the town was fortified with walls. Inside the walls have been excavated the remains of dwellings, water cisterns and an early Christian Basilica of the 5-th and 6-th centuries, containing a beautiful multicolored floor mosaic.
The ruins are also preserved of an early Christian Monastery dedicated to Santi Quaranta (Forty Saints), from which the modern name of the town (Saranda) is derived.
