Hidden Stories of Saranda Communism
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Travel for the Communism Tour is provided in a modern, air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey. We offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off at no extra charge if your accommodation is outside the main meeting point in Saranda, and with small groups limited to 8 people, you'll receive personalized attention from our professional guide specialized in Albania's communist-era history.
• Discover another side of Saranda – beyond the beaches.
This short and intense tour combines stunning views from a panoramic hill, hidden communist-era bunkers, spiritual monuments and strong history. We start with a journey to the observation point over the city, Ionia and Corfu. Then we descend to a secret anti-aircraft base with tunnels and artillery positions. We visit the Monastery of the 40 Saints, the historical symbol that gave Saranda its name, and end with a stop at a local mosque to understand the resurgence of faith after communism.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Saranda
Departure from Saranda and Scenic Drive to Nearby Hill (9:00 – 9:15, 15 minutes): We depart from Saranda in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, heading to a nearby hill with panoramic views. Along the short drive, our professional guide introduces Albania's communist era under Enver Hoxha, setting the context for the day's exploration of this unique and isolating period in history.
Gjashte
Visit to Underground Tunnels and Bunkers on the Hill (9:15 – 10:15, 60 minutes): We explore authentic Cold War-era tunnels and bunkers built during the regime's paranoia of invasion. Led by our expert guide, you'll hear real, chilling stories of life under communism – including surveillance, forced labor, and the massive bunkerization project that dotted Albania with over 173,000 structures.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
40 saints minastery ticket for entrace
Pickup points
Hotel Saranda Butrinti, Affiliated by Melia
Rruga Naim Frasheri, Lagjia 1 Saranda Albania
Options
Hidden Stories of Saranda Communism
Pickup included
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
I enjoyed very much
Navigate16007425864,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed this tour because I am passionate about war history and military equipment. The guide had excellent knowledge of the World War II period. Experiencing those feelings was amazing. The best part was going deep into the underground tunnel. It was scary because there was no lighting, but it was worth it.
Soviet history tour in Sarande
638gradyc,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00So this tour was just a little unusual and not what we've experienced in the past with other similar type tours. It was a local daughter/father who hosted the tour. We were picked up at your lodging on time and then we picked up the father near the hill side stop to start the tour. We paid a small admission and then walked to the old Soviet bunkers. We probably spent about 45+ minutes there learning about their history and the Soviet era in Albania. What was odd/different was that the daughter basically read various history articles from her phone to us with her father adding some comments along the way. They did answer our questions and overall it was a good historical review but the presentation was just very different. Next we walked through the monastery of the 40 saints for about 30 minutes and learned its history(again via the daughter reading articles from her phone). We ended the 2 hour tour by walking down the road to a recently built mosque and then we were driven back to our lodging. Again, the daughter/father were very nice and shared a lot of history/information but it was just odd having history articles read to you from someone's phone.
Informative tour with Father and daughter team
yeyryd,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed spending time with the guides. They are a father and daughter duo who were very kind and informative. A tour with locals who share their perspectives and want other to learn more about the history of communism and the impact it has directly from first hand experience. They answered all my questions and the father had a great sense of humor which helped lighten up a bit of some very difficult history. The daughter is impressive in her maturity and respect she shows to everyone around her. She was leading the tour and did an amazing job translating many things when necessary aswell as providing details about the history of communism in Albania. The father provided more perspectives and real life stories on the impact this history has had for him.
Amaizing
Dream15164766195,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Cold War tunnels were very mysterious, but it is unfortunate that they are not well maintained. The guide had very good knowledge of the history of that period and explained the events with a great sense of humor. The agency staff are members of a family who strive to be friendly and very professional.
Great excperience!
420memal,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed this tour. We were in Saranda and chose Hidden Stories because we are very interested in the past history of Albania. The guide was friendly and had a lot of knowledge about the places we visited. I recommend it
Off The Beaten Track Tour
eileensQ82LC,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing tour with a lovely local father–daughter duo who took us through a communist-era military bunker perched above Saranda. The spot itself is incredible — with sweeping views over the city and a panoramic look across to Corfu — but what really made it special was their deep knowledge and personal insight. They brought Albania’s communist history to life, answering all our questions about what it was like to live in a completely cut-off state. It was equal parts fascinating, eerie, and eye-opening — a wonderfully weird, off-the-beaten-track experience that we’ll never forget! Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to understand Albania beyond the beautiful beaches.
Good experience
285landis,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good experience. Beautiful view. Best staf and friendly. Good and fast service it was nice day in Saranda. I recommend it to others.
A different view of Sarandë
Jenny P,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful private tour led by a father/daughter duo which rewards patience and interest in Albanian history. We explored the ruins of the C6th monastery and Cold War bunkers and finished with a peaceful visit to the mosque. Ermal confirmed pick up time/place by WhatsApp the day before and the tour lasted a little under 2 hours. Recommend good shoes as the sites are very crumbly.
Brilliant experience.
Ermal B,Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amaizing experience.The Islam history was something new to me .It was was very courageous to enter underground spaces
Great Experience!
enea B,Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time visiting the Monastery and the old military ruins from the communism. The view from the Monastery is also breathtaking
From €34.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Saranda Destination