KSAMIL and SARANDE - 1 Week on the Albanian Riviera 

The things you love to hear! Really appreciate it and Albania was amazing :)

Food is better than Italy and Greece is a big call👨🏻‍🍳 where is your favourite place in Albania, so we can check there out when we visit again?

@@gazwrighttravel Favourite? It's authentic from north to south, west to east! The food is many times better than in Italy or Greece!

@@gazwrighttravel but I can understand if you as an Englishman don't have the same taste as I do as a southerner! Yes, English people are only used to fish and chips 😉

@@REDandBLACK1912 haha can’t beat a fish and chips or pudding, chips and gravy 😂 what is the best Albania dish? When we come again I think it will be to the north to visit Tirana and do some hiking in the mountains

@@gazwrighttravel I am sure that you understand my humor. After all, it has to be a little fun. Of course, all cuisines in the world are good

They are honestly so nice! Deffo a place to go in the next few years before it gets to busy

There are not many places that I instantly want to go back to, but this is 100% one of those. I think it's abit of an untouched gem at the moment, but I am sure this is set to change in the coming years.

Unreal place and we will 100% be back

I am glad that you liked it. I have just searched Jala and it looks amazing! I will add it to the list :)

I’ve booked 3 nights ksamil 3 saranda and 3 hímara would u recommend changing ?

@@crystalslade8056 I would personally stay in Sarande and do a day trip to Ksamil. So much more going on in the evening in Sarande! Ksamil is beautiful, but so busy. The whole trip was amazing, but honestly Ksamil was the worst day as it’s so busy!

@@gazwrighttravel did u go to Dhermi or himara

@@crystalslade8056 unfortunately not. So much to explore and we were only there for 9 nights. We’ll have to do another trip in a few years 🤝

We made some great friends there :)

@@gazwrighttravel glad to hear that, I'm an albanian from Kosovo but now I live in Tirana, Did you hear for Kosovo?

@@fatossi75 Hey, I went to Kosovo earlier this year. Check it out here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--QAe7Lyfr-8.html

Big time trip - let work know you're going to need some time off and just absolutely have your way with it

Welcome dude and hope you tell your mates we’re not all drug dealers 😂

@@aureliogj7966 some of the best hospitality I have ever received - beautiful country and amazing people

@@gazwrighttravel thank you 😊

This is Albania 🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱

Tirana next on the list :)

It’s such an amazing place. If you have any questions just drop me a message below

Thanks - where else in Albania would you recommend we visit, when we come again?

@@gazwrighttravel for hiking it is the north Albania Theth , Valbone. If you want good food there are Gjirokaster, Permet, Kolonje, Korce, and of course Tirana. If you want sports i will recomnend rafting in Osumi River and sleep one night in Berat, nightlife is Tirana

​@@gazwrighttravelTheth, Lake Koman, River Shala, Shkoder, Kruje, Berat, Gjirokaster

It's a naughty place - deffo worth a visit. I'm not sure it rivals the Maldives. However, the value for money is insane and the people and great!

Haha which minute in the video?

@@gazwrighttravel hey you know that Albanian are pretty. at the beginning of video when she was sitting near you .by the way I live in Manchester for 17 years immigration deported me.

It's an amazing place!

I am glad you liked it and stay tuned as there is lots more in the pipeline. Also, I see you are from North Macedonia, so you might like this from earlier in the year... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--QAe7Lyfr-8.html

100% agree with that. Where was your favourite place in Albania?

Hey! I am glad you found it useful and if you have any other questions just drop me a message on here 😃

I am glad you liked it :)

Tirana is on my list for my next visit! Class country and the complete opposite to what is portrayed in the media... especially in the UK. All the people were super friendly!

Glad you liked it! Barcelona Vlog going live tonight so stay tuned for that :)

That’s great to hear! Have an amazing time and if you have any questions give me a shout on here

100% a top 3 destination for me 👨🏻‍🍳

@gazwright7545 your funny I like the way you commented. Yes you should come back. People are good in Albania we love the British. I live in London by the way I go every year in Albania with my wife and kid's

@@albania8982 I'm glad to hear it - I try my best :) Tirana next on the list when I go back

@gazwright7545 Tirana is very nice to. Try shala river up north

@@albania8982 Amazing will do

Really glad that you liked it and if you have any specific questions about going just give me a shout here... I love having a plan and knowing a place, but its always great to visit new countries and experience different cultures. The value in Albania is great but I know its also really good in Turkey. Anywhere seems good value compared to the criminal prices in London and across the UK. Need a mortgage for a pint nowerdays :)

Haha I would like to say I’ve expanded my vocabulary in recent videos… but I still use all the same words 😂 appreciate you taking the time to watch it

Glad you enjoyed it - give me a shout with any questions and we can make sure you have an unreal trip there :)

Glad you liked it. If you have any questions just give me a shout and welcome to the team

Glad to hear you liked it! Andorra Vlog is now live on the channel and Barcelona part 1 and part 2 in the coming weeks so stay tuned :)

@@gazwrighttravel more "banging" "beers are flowing" "naughty views" LOL cannot wait thanks mate

@@jusuftheeagle6772 haha I didn’t realise how much I say the same things over the course of 9 nights and it seems worse condensed into a 30 mins video haha. Note to self - read more

Right in the centre of Saranda. There were 3 boats next to eachother. The Pirate one you cant miss and the Victoria was next to it. Any other questions just let me know.

Hey - I know it is. I went there earlier this year. Check out my video here and subscribe to stay tuned on my future exploits - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--QAe7Lyfr-8.html

Love to hear that :) We went in June and if you have any other questions just let me know

Hey - the vineyard is 'Kantina E Veres Isak' and comes up on trip advisor and google. Taxi wise we just agreed a price when we got in and we had the same driver all week who was great. If you wanted to do multiple things in a week he would offer a discount. He also gave us some great recommendations of places to eat and drink :)

I’ve heard really good things about the north and looking into doing some hiking there. What are the best things to do in Valbona?

@@gazwrighttravel Hey,the best things are when you go in Valbona you can cross from Valbona to Theth the view is amazing from high mountains fresh air food is better then south Albania ,You can met a lot off people there hiking best place in Albania 🇦🇱

@@mercedes-benzmercedes-benz9553 that’s what I like to hear. I’ll lock that in for visit no.2

Glad you liked it :)

You know the drill!

@@gazwrighttravel cool video. Gonna go to Albania this year. Building a route now. There is no point to stay in Ksamil, right? Probably will go several times there by car from Saranda…Im looking for a party vibe, but wanna see some nice beaches too of course…

@@AAAAAA-ub1mv there is a lot more going on in Saranda. Ksmail is pretty much a day time vibe from what I saw. Really nice sunset up at the castle and give me a shout if you have any other questions...

You’ll get very drunk 😂 working hard to try and mix up my vocabulary, but it’s difficult. If you have any questions on Albania just give me a shout 🤝

Thanks a lot! The video already sold us and we’ve booked tickets to go next month 😊

@@ShizaKhan-tr6jx Love to hear that - give me a shout with any questions :)

I would 100% stay in Sarande and do a day trip to Ksamil. Eat at Madfish, Manxarane and Haxhi. There are lots of options, but I would say there are the best 3. The beach in Sarande is a public one and I would say 10 mins walk from where we stayed. There are some hotels with pools closer to the ferry port. We didn’t go there, but if you fancy a pool I would deffo check those out. If we stay were we did request floor 4 (our floor) or the 5th for the best views. If you want me to put you in touch with a great taxi driver to get around places and the Kamal etc drop me a DM on insta and I’ll share his number. Garethwright2

Everyone seems Ksmail online and wants to stay there. I think it’s super overrated but gotta do at least a day trip to check it out. You’ll see the vibe when you are there, but there isn’t loads going on at night compared to Sarande. The beach is beautiful just very busy so get there before 10.00am. Glad you liked the Sergio Ramos line. Any questions just bang them on here… 🤝

100% agree with that as it's a beautiful place. Where specifically are you looking at visiting?

We just used Euros everywhere. Most places paid by card. On one restaurant called Haxhi (you should deffo go there) was cash only. If you need any taxi’s I can put you in touch with a guy who sorted us out every day we were there. DM me on insta if you want his number and I’ll send it over - garethwright2

It was a great week - I am sure we will meet again

Which location are you talking about? 😂

@@gazwrighttravel Shqiperi is Albania in the Albanian language. I was there for over 2 weeks and it’s beautiful but this review of it is more fabricated than the vids of Ksamil on TikTok. Video was a joy to watch though, much respect 🤝

@@justhenner2964 haha gotcha gotcha. I did say Ksmail was the most overated place, but I really enjoyed the rest. I always try and give a balanced approach, but maybe I have been selling to many dreams here haha :) video coming out on the channel this week for Liechtenstein and it gets a really bad review

@@justhenner2964 appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment

There are signs advising against it - but people were jumping in there. We got in the water a little bit downstream in between the Blue Eye and the small restaurants. There were no signs there... any other questions just let me know

Hey - it's called MadFish. I would DM them on insta as they have a special sushi chef - who was only working evenings when we were there. Really nice place to go late afternoon for the sunset, cocktails and then into some sushi :)

That’s great to hear - Sarande is amazing! I paid for most things on my card, but cash wise they take Euros or LEK. I seemed cheaper if you paid in LEK so I would probs get that in cash. We didn’t get a car and just got a taxi everywhere. Sarande is walkable in 20 mins from one side to the other. You will need a car/ taxi if you go to the Blue Eye or Ksmail. Obviously you can’t drink if you drive, that’s why we got a taxi so you can enjoy yourself 😊 I can put you in touch with the taxi guy we used if you want?

Yes mate, that would be very helpful 👍

@@shredheed how can I send it to you, as I am conscious of sharing someone's number online?

June - 30 degrees every day

Hey Nige - you can use card everywhere. I would 100% do the boat trip to Koreza beach and do sunset at the castle. In really enjoyed Lost seaside, but if your hotel has a pool and beach front then probs not needed. I think Ksamil is cool to visit and beautiful, but was my least favourite day. Super busy. Give me a shout with anything else you want to know. Gaz

@@gazwrighttravel Thanks Gaz. Credit or debit card? Also did you book the lost seaside ahead of time or just turn up on the day. I think Ksamil looked too busy for me in your video, although you went in June didn't you so maybe a bit quieter next week?

@@nigeldavies6151 I only use debit card, so not to sure on the credit card front. 100% need to book Lost Seaside ahead of time. Would say 2 days as a minimum. Ksamil was super busy, but I deffo think it’s worth a visit. I didn’t not enjoy it - just didn’t enjoy it as much as all the other places 🤝

Did you book lost seaside when there? Just wondering if there's a WhatsApp number.

@@nigeldavies6151 I dropped them a DM on insta and they picked it up from there :) minimum 2 days in advance but I would do a lot more if possible

We did Sarande and loved it. Right on the beach. Great prices for beer/ wine. I would eat at: - Manxarane - Haxhi (cash only) - Madfish Activities: - Koreza beach boat trip €20, 10-5pm - Sunset at Sarande Castle Other options depending on what you like: - Lost Seaside Beach Club - Blue Eye if you fancy a small hike - ISAK winery for some wine tasting - Arameus Beach for a day I would probs say check out Ksamil beach, but that was our least favourite place. Just found it super busy and kid focussed… but we only did one day there so hard to judge. 3 nights might also be super quick there. I don’t know where you would be flying in from but the Southern Beaches are a little way form the nearest airports

Thank you so much for your prompt response. Pls how did you get from Tirana airport to saranda. Please

@@jeremiefred1221 we flew to Corfu and got the ferry across but if you need a taxi from Sarande I know a guy. Drop me a DM on insta and I can share his number - garethwright2

Yeah that's what we did. It's a 15 minute taxi from the airport to the ferry port and then a 30 minute ferry. You do have to wait around for the Ferry and then do passport control again going into Albania. So, if I would fly to Tiranna and get a taxi or drive down, which is around 3 hours.

@@gazwrighttravelthanks really appreciate the reply. Planning on doing the trip in a few weeks time.

@@kanu7332 let me know if you want to know anything else - happy to answer any questions

Hey - I’m not sure they have a site or anything. We just walked to the beach and all the boat tours go from the same spot. Aim for the pirate boat and you can’t go wrong. Any other questions just give me a shout

What beach now, the saranda beach or which one please?

@@jeremiefred1221 boat trip to Koreza beach is what you are looking for. 2 big boats on the water front at Sarande. Aim for the Pirate Ship and you’ll see them all 🤝

Maxarane, Haxhi and Madfish for food

Do a boat trip to Koreza beach as that’s the only way you can get there. Crystal clear water… it’s amazing

Thank you so so much for this I appreciate

Just give me a shout with any other questions@@ayodeletosin6232

Is Aramera beach club easy to get too from seranda … I saw you visited the beach as well … thank you so much for your reply I appreciate

Hey! I would stay in Sarande and then do trips from there. Arame’s Beach is amazing and the accommodation looked incredible, but I don’t think there is much in terms of nightlife. If you want a super chill out maybe stay there. I would 100% do a trip there and go to the beach for the day. We did Lost Seaside twice. I think I’d be cautious of staying there as they play really loud music. It’s great when you’re there but it you are hungover or want a chill day it might be a bit much. Sarande had lots more going on in the evening. We stayed at Hotel Lili 2. If you book it say I sent you and ask for floor 4 or 5. They have the best views. They are about a 10 mins walk to Sarande, so either stay there or stay on the port side of town. Eat at Manxarane, Haxhi and Madfish. Day trips: - Blue Eye was cool for a half day trip. - The vineyard was crazy value. £7 each for all those drinks. - Arameus beach is past Ksmail. We thought Ksmail was insanely busy but it is beautiful so I would probs check that out. - Koreza beach boat trip 100%. Crystal clear waters. Take some food as it’s only accessible by boat, so the food options aren’t the best. - Sunset at the castle is a must. The wine was €4 a glass and such a nice evening. Get up there an hour ish before. Any other questions just give me a shout. Gaz

Thank you so much! Does the first hotel in Ksamil aramera resort include breakfast? Also, hotel lilli is a much more affordable option which I really like. One more question I promise haha , can you can easily spend the day at lost beach? Do you have to make a reservation? Thank you so much for your advice!! Alexis

@@alexiserzene6344 we didn’t stay at Arameus Beach Club, just went got the day. Their rooms looked amazing and all overlooking the sea and Greece! Hotel Lili 2 is class. Super nice people. If you book say I sent you and ask for floor 4. That’s the one we had. Lost Seaside you 100% need to book. I just messaged them on insta and sorted it that way. The price changes depending on the month, so I would just confirm that. Fire away with any questions👨🏻‍🍳

@@gazwrighttravel did you have to make a reservation for arameras beach club too?

@@alexiserzene6344 No we just turned up on the day and paid at the little coffee bar

@@tedicicko4434 RU-vid doesn’t like sharing links to places off YT, but if you search Hotel Lili 2 Sarande it will come up. If you book let them know I sent you and request floor 4 🕶️

Yeah yeah you can either jump off your netting beds or they have steps to help you get in and out of the water

We got the ferry from Corfu to Sarande and stayed there for 10 days. We got a taxi to Ksmail and Arameus Beach club. 20/35 mins to both

Hey - you just go down and book it the day before you want to go. It was €20pp and really good. You stop 4 times to swim and then for 3 hours on Koreza beach, which is beautiful. I would advise taking food with you, but there are a couple of places to get food there. Any other questions just let me know :)

Thanks dude for your quick response. Which is the name of the place you stopped by in ksamil ?

@@mehdihabiles9831 Hey, we went to Plazhi Bora Bora but honestly all the places are super busy. I would get there for 9.00am if you go, but in all honesty I would go to Amadeus Beach Club if you are looking for a more relaxing/ exclusive beach :) Check 27.45 mins on my Vlog for that section. Loads of other good travel content in the pipeline, so drop me a subscribe to stay up to date and keep firing away with the questions. Gaz

June. Weather was about 30 degrees everyday and not as busy as July/ August. A few people have commented on my videos saying the beach club and drinks were slightly more expensive in the busy months👨🏻‍🍳

@@gazwrighttravel from what I've read June seems to be the perfect month to go and your experience supports that haha. I can only hope that October will be like June! Thank you for taking us along your journey!

@@wavywave8852 glad you enjoyed it and if you have any other questions just give me a shout on here 🤝

Yeah first time, but it won't be the last :)

As a British person would you like me to share experience from a Mongolia perspective or what?

@@gazwrighttravel no, but it wouldn't hurt to try a bit more of the local foods and local culture. Isn't that what travel is supposed to be about?

What local culture didn't we see in Sarande/ Ksmail? They are beach towns - we went to the Blue eye and the Vineyard was so remote that the taxi driver who is now a good fried and lived in Sarande all his life hadn't heard about... All the places we ate at were recommendations of two Albania brothers that we made friends with. Check the rest of the channel, I'm all about going to different places and trying new things. Let me know what we missed out on when you go and I will put it on the list for next time :) @@krystleng-a-mann3664

I’m the King and “if you come for him you best kill him” 😂

please can you recommended the driver to me please im going with my group of friends soon thank you.@@gazwrighttravel

Surely a direct flight to Corfu is an option?

Hotel Lili 2. If you book let them know I sent you and ask for the 4th floor. Or ideally book the 5th floor penthouse 😃

I would 100% advise going in the summer months. We went in June and it was 30 degrees every day :)

@@gazwrighttravel Bro how can I get access to get in touch with you

@@yayahbah3445 what would you like to know. If you drop any questions in the comments below I will respond to each of them individually :)

I just emailed them to book a time. You’ll need to get a taxi there which is around 15/20 mins from Sarande. If you need a taxi I know somewhere there that I can put you in touch with. Drop me a DM on insta if you do - GarethWright2

Ok will do now thank you

I just sent a message now on ig thank you

Not at all from our experience! Everyone was super friendly and helpful. We only visited the southern coast, so I can’t speak to much Tirana and the north. Where abouts are you heading?

I’m from the UK so I could use my phone like normal there. I would just search Albania eSIM and you’ll be able to get something. They also have WiFi everywhere

Thank you for the response, i am from Uk too. Which eSim provider did you use or recommend in Albania as Tourist… I will use you Video as my itinerary very informative…

@@Kikosiguenza0150 If you are from the UK you should be able to use your normal contract over there. But tbh there is wifi everywhere so I don't think an eSim is essential. If you book Hotel Lili 2 tell them I sent you and ask for floor 4 as thats the room we had :)

@@gazwrighttravel Thank you sir! we reserved the Hotel as you advice.. Cheers!

@@Kikosiguenza0150 Top man! Let them know I sent you when you go and they'll look after you :) if you need any taxi's there drop me a DM on insta and I'll put you in touch with a guy

Which part are you jealous of?

Hey - we stayed in Sarande and did day trips everywhere. It’s nicely between all the things in this video. If you wanted to split your time I would do 4 nights Sarande and 3 in Ksamil. What else do you want to know?

That's very helpful, thanx. Last question, which would be appropriate for the weekend.

@@talhasuleman3862 we didn’t stay in Ksamil, so I’m not to sure what the evenings are like there. We did a day trip and I thought it was super beautiful… but overcrowded and more family/ kid focussed. If you are going as a family then I think Ksamil would be perfect. Sarande was great as it’s 20 mins to Ksamil beach, 10 mins to the castle for sunset, 15 mins to the vineyard, 25 mins to the Blue eye and the boat trip to Koreza beach also goes from here. I would 100% advise doing a boat trip to that beach - crystal clear water and super secluded. Keep the questions coming if you have them 😄

Bro, if ever I got a straight answer from everywhere iv read, this was it. Exactly the clarity I needed

Wow, ok 1 more, 1 more. Any suggestions on how many days in vlore and tirana? We have 2 weeks in total

Thanks mate :)

That’s all you need! Welcome to the club 👨🏻‍🍳

Cooking them beers up

Haha it wasn’t my intention 😂

I’ve never been to Canada, but wasn’t aware it was communist. Albania is top 3 off all time for me

obviously not literally communist but getting there@@gazwrighttravel

Accommodation / hotel for 9 nights - €500 Spending money (food, drinks, boat trips etc) for 9 days - €650/€750 Cheaper than you think :)

@@gazwrighttravelis there a better vacation spot in the world that offers what Albania offers for a cheaper price?

@@invader7191 I haven't been to every country so it's hard to say. But from my experience it 100% has to be up there. Amazing beaches, the weather was 30+ degrees every day, the food was amazing and your talking €2.50 / €3.00. You can't argue at any of that :)