Sarande, perched on Albania’s stunning Ionian coast, offers more than just gorgeous views and crystal-clear waters. It’s also a surprisingly good place for wine tours and boat excursions that combine scenic beauty, local flavors, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re keen on sipping Albanian wines while watching the sunset or exploring hidden beaches and shipwrecks by boat, Sarande has options to suit your style. I especially like the Sunset boat tour with local wine for its relaxed vibe and spectacular views, and the Speedboat to Ksamil, Shipwreck, Monastery, Arameras for combining history, scenery, and adventure.
For those who prefer a more laid-back, scenic experience, the Exclusive Relaxing Sunset Tour with Wine & Fruits offers an intimate way to enjoy Sarande’s natural beauty as the sun sets over the water. And if you’re drawn to exploring the region’s cultural sites along with sampling local wines, the Mesopotam Monastery, Winery & Lekursi Castle Tour provides a well-rounded day out. To help you decide, here’s a detailed look at each of these top wine and boat experiences.
1. Sarandë: Cruise with Drinks, Snorkel at Shipwreck Swim Stops
This 4 to 5.5-hour boat tour is perfect if you’re after a mix of adventure, relaxation, and discovering the coast of Sarande. You’ll explore secluded beaches, natural rock formations, and can stop to swim and snorkel at some of the most beautiful spots along the northern coast. The highlight for many is uncovering the WWII shipwreck, which adds a touch of history to your day.
What makes this tour special is its access to areas only reachable by boat—meaning you’ll see parts of the coast inaccessible from land, with plenty of scenic photo opportunities. The itinerary includes stops at Kepi i Qefalit, Kakoma Beach, and a secret hidden spot, each offering stunning views and perfect swimming conditions. The tour also features a beach break of 2.5 hours, giving you time to relax, swim, and soak up the natural beauty. While it doesn’t specify wine or food, the tranquil setting and varied stops make it ideal for travelers seeking an active day on the water.
Bottom line: This tour suits those who want a full day of scenic cruising, snorkeling, and exploring coastal gems. It’s a fantastic value at just $43 per person, with high ratings (4.7/5 from 87 reviews).
2. Sarandë: Sunset boat tour with local wine
For around 2 hours, this sunset cruise offers a chance to unwind and enjoy Sarande’s most beautiful light. The tour departs from Kristal Boat Tours and takes you along the coast, stopping at Shpella e Milotit for a quick swim, then heading to Saranda’s shoreline for an 80-minute stop to watch the sunset and take photos.
The real star here is the golden sunset over the Ionian Sea, complemented by local wine served on the boat. Reviewers love how peaceful and intimate this experience feels, with one describing it as a “perfect trip for wine lovers, sunset chasers, and those who appreciate good company.” It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone craving a relaxing evening with stunning views.
Bottom line: If you want to combine a beautiful sunset with a taste of local wine in a small-group setting, this tour delivers. It’s highly rated (5/5 from 21 reviews) and offers a memorable, romantic experience.
3. Sarandë: Exclusive Relaxing Sunset Tour with Wine & Fruits
This upscale 2.5-hour boat trip is perfect if you’re seeking a more private and luxurious way to enjoy Sarande’s coast. Limited to groups of up to 8 guests, it’s a curated experience that emphasizes comfort and calm. You’ll sail along the coastline, stopping at scenic spots for swims, and enjoy refreshing drinks and fresh fruits as the sun dips into the sea.
The tour takes place during the golden hours, offering incredible seascape views and plenty of photo opportunities. Guests rave about the intimate atmosphere and the chance to relax in a quieter setting, away from the crowds. It’s an excellent choice for couples or small groups who want a high-end experience with personalized attention.
Bottom line: For an elegant, leisurely way to enjoy Sarande’s sunset and coastline, this tour stands out, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a more refined experience.
4. Sarandë: Speedboat to Ksamil, Shipwreck, Monastery, Arameras
This 5-hour boat tour offers a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and history. Starting from Sarande, you’ll explore some of Albania’s most iconic spots, including a WWII shipwreck perfect for snorkeling, the natural beauty of Pigeons Cave, and the lively seaside town of Ksamil. You’ll also visit the secluded Arameras, famous for its pristine beaches.
What makes this tour exceptional is its blend of adventure and culture—you’ll snorkel at a real shipwreck site, see the Vibrant Ksamil beaches, and get a sense of local life. The itinerary includes multiple stops for swimming, snorkeling, and photo opportunities, plus some time at Arameras VIP Beach.
The reviews highlight the tour’s value for the range of scenery and activities, with a few noting that the shipwreck snorkeling is a definite highlight. It’s ideal for active travelers looking to explore both nature and history in one trip.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive day out that combines coastline exploration, snorkeling, and cultural sights, this tour offers great variety at an accessible price of $53 per person.
5. Sarande: Blue Eye & Lekuresi Tour w/ Wine Tasting
This 4-hour guided tour combines natural wonders with cultural sights. You’ll visit the striking Blue Eye, a natural spring with intense blue waters, and then head to Lekuresi Castle for panoramic views of Sarande and the sea. The tour also includes a visit to a local winery, Kantina e Verës ISAK, where you’ll learn about traditional Albanian wine production and sample several varieties.
The highlight is the opportunity to see the landscape from the castle, then descend into the Blue Eye to marvel at the vivid, deep blue spring. The winery visit is informative and offers a chance to taste some authentic local wines, making this tour perfect for those interested in both nature and culture.
One reviewer appreciated the comprehensive experience, noting the guided visits and tastings as a real plus. It’s an ideal choice if you value a mixture of sightseeing, history, and wine tasting.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for travelers who want a bit of everything—views, history, and local wine—in a manageable four-hour window.
6. Saranda: Wine and raki tasting, local products
If you’re after a tasty, laid-back experience, this 3-hour tasting tour is a good pick. It focuses on sampling local wines and raki, along with fresh products from a nearby greenhouse. You’ll learn about the process of olive oil production at a local factory, too.
While it’s simpler than some of the more extensive tours, it offers a genuine taste of Albanian culinary traditions and local artisanal products. It’s well-suited for those interested in food and drink without a lot of fuss or time commitment. The reviews indicate a friendly and authentic experience, perfect for wine lovers wanting a casual introduction to regional flavors.
Bottom line: For a relaxed, no-fuss tasting that emphasizes local wines and raki, this tour is a good value at $65 per person.
7. Mesopotam Monastery, Winery & Lekursi Castle Tour
This 6-hour tour combines history, culture, and wine all in one day. Starting from Tea Tours, you’ll visit the Mesopotam Monastery, explore Lekuresi Castle for panoramic views, and indulge in wine and rakia tastings at Kantina Isak. It’s a well-rounded experience for those who want a deeper understanding of Albanian history along with their wine.
Guests praise the guidance and the quality of the tastings, and the inclusion of a traditional lunch adds to the value. It’s a great option for travelers interested in seeing historical sites while enjoying local wines and cultural insights.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a comprehensive day with cultural and culinary highlights, especially if you also enjoy seeing castles and monasteries.
How to Choose Your Perfect Wine Tour in Sarande
When selecting a wine or boat experience, consider your priorities: Are you after relaxing sunset views? The Sunset boat tour with local wine is perfect. Want a full day of cultural sights and snorkeling? The Boat to Ksamil and shipwreck offers variety. Looking for something intimate and luxurious? The Exclusive sunset tour might suit you best.
Budget-conscious travelers can opt for the Shipwreck cruise, which provides a full day of scenic exploration at a reasonable price. For those interested in history and wine, the Monastery and castle tour combines cultural insights with tastings.
Timing-wise, consider the tour duration and your schedule—shorter trips like the sunset cruise are ideal for evenings, while full-day tours suit travelers with more time. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak months, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Sarande offers a diverse range of wine and boat tours that cater to almost every taste—whether you’re after a romantic sunset, a lively full-day adventure, or a relaxed tasting experience. For a quick, scenic escape, the sunset cruise is unbeatable. If you want an active exploration with snorkeling and history, the trip to Ksamil and the shipwreck will delight you. And for those who love a more personalized experience, the luxury sunset tour with fruits and wine provides a quiet and intimate option.
No matter your choice, these tours highlight the best of Sarande’s natural beauty, history, and local flavors. To avoid missing out, it’s wise to book ahead, especially in summer. With so many great options, you’ll find just the right way to enjoy Albania’s coastline and wine scene.