Albania is in the Balkan Peninsula and Saranda is situated across the water from Corfu, Greece. Albania is bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia and Greece. Albania was communist ruled in the 20th century until 1991 when they became the Republic of Albania. 1991 is important to remember here because in Saranda there wasn’t much in the way of economic growth until then. As you will see in some upcoming photos a section of Saranda is known as the 1991 side.
Not the 1991 area
There is a beautiful promenade in Saranda which looks out to the marina and where our ship was anchored.
As you can see on the hills, there are newer buildings and homes….1991 side.
In Saranda there are many dogs who roam freely, it is like they belong to the city. They meet on the beach and soak up the sun.
The Bunkers
There are military bunkers all over Albania. There are approximately 750,000. They were built during the Stalinist and the anti-revisionist government of Enver Hoxha. We came upon a couple during our visit there. The first one was in the heart of the city. Children were playing on it. When the kids came up to us they knew two words. “Hello, money” with their palms outstretched.
Lekuresi Castle
The Lekuresi Castle was built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman to defend against the Venetians. He had bunkers there too. He built the castle on the top of a very large hill so he could watch the invaders and have a good seat to view the war.
Kantina Veres Isak – an olive oil farm and winery.
We took a side trip to this very quaint olive oil farm and winery. We got to view the process and taste the finished products of both. We even got to sample Raki. (no thanks, but Jon loved it) They treated us to a very nice spread of the products that they make there. We even got to play with the winery Ginger cat. They had some huge turkeys and rabbits too. Give them a few more years and I think they will be thriving. Everyone who worked there were very nice and accommodating.
