By risaqq 
The south coast of the Balkan peninsula presents a wealth of opportunity for discerning travelers seeking to experience the unique Mediterranean mix of culture and coast without the distraction of commercialized bustle. While historically the west Balkans have been visited by many attracted to the frenetic capital of Tirana or the stone-fortress-pitted streets of Gjirokastër, an equally deserving region has quietly gained popularity over the years; a crescent shaped bay formed by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and the hills of southern Albania. This coastal town of Sarandë boasts a burgeoning scene of palm-treed boulevards and ancient fortresses, and a lively restaurant culture for those inquisitive visitor wishing to discover an alternative to the well-trodden Mediterranean. The appeal of modern-day Sarandë is rooted in its ability to combine its ancient coastal roots with a modern and growing future. Perhaps the single best example of this synthesis is the 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle, a stone fortress that takes on a commanding view of the entire horseshoe bay plus the nearby Greek island of Corfu perched on a hillside. Being able to take in the view from the fortress ramparts provides the traveler an insight into the unique combination of the bay’s tranquility that the castle command. As the sun sets over the Ionian, local family-run hospitality venues dot the hillsides offering their locally produced wine, while the warm Mediterranean breezes waft over the stones of the castle built by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. On the coast, a walk down the promenade of the Hasan Tahsini Boulevard provides the traveler with a chance to take in the local social life. This broad palm-fringed boulevard is indeed a true 21st-century experience, especially when the calmed waters of the bay are accented by lights, but with an eye-opening view of the bay. Just a walk from the boulevard near the city center are the excavated 5th-century ruins of an ancient synagogue complex, providing the visitor with a chance to understand the region’s multi-layered cultural heritage, long preceding the modern era. As Sarandë takes in the view over the surrounding countryside it provides the traveler with the chance to explore world class archaeological treasures. This coastal town is the ideal launchpad for visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint National Park, a region where ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins lie hidden in the oak forests and lagoons. A visit to the ancient theater, early Christian baptistery and Venetian castle walls within Butrint offer the traveler a chance to take a peaceful walk in the woods, uncovering thousands of years of Mediterranean history.