Saranda in winter: this city is home to the coolest Christmas Market in Albania
There’s nothing quite like a festive market to bring out the Christmas spirit in people. While these events are very famous around northern Europe, the tradition has spread across the world over the centuries. Even in the Mediterranean region, it’s difficult to find destinations that don’t hold an impressive annual advent market. In fact, some have grown so popular, they’ve become tourist attractions in their own right. Like the brand-new Christmas Market in Saranda. It has just been selected by European Best Destinations as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2023-2024 (15th place).
<<Saranda is a modern, young, dynamic city. It’s the perfect destination for summer loves, of course, but worth to be discovered all year round thanks to its rich calendar of events, things to see, gastronomy and history>>, says Oltion Çaçi, mayor of the city. Saranda Christmas Market, organized by Bashkia Sarandë for the very first time this year, transforms the city’s promenade into a winter wonderland until Jan 2. With glittering decorations, ice rink, carousel, and lights, it offers a great festive atmosphere.
The heart of Albania’s most picturesque market is a big Christmas tree surrounded by 20 wooden chalets offering up tasty treats like Albanian sausages and traditional delicacies -think of baklava, kadaif, kurabie-, along with homemade Christmas punch and cocktails. The stage is the site of performances and concerts during whole festive season. Visitors here can enjoy local cuisine, artisan crafts, and regional products, alongside a rich program of concerts, DJ performances, and parades, making it an enchanting holiday destination.
Saranda is not short on impressive backdrops for its market, the long promenade along the water offers stunning views over the Ionian Sea. Whether you’re gift-hunting, day-drinking, going on a wander with the family and friends or simply looking to get in the festive spirit, Saranda Christmas Market is a care-free, enjoyable festive experience, and a trip here during winter is the perfect pre-Christmas getaway.
INFORMATION
Find out more about Saranda: Bashkia Sarandë.
Instagram: @bashkia_sarande
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bashika.sarande
