Hidden Stories of Saranda Communism

Overview

Available languages

English

Italian

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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

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

5.00

8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great excperience!
420memal,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I 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
5.00
We 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
5.00
Good 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
5.00
A 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
5.00
It 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
5.00
We had a great time visiting the Monastery and the old military ruins from the communism. The view from the Monastery is also breathtaking
Very nice and beautiful.
deljanv,,Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The “Hidden Stories of Saranda” experience was absolutely fascinating! It combined history, culture, and stunning views in the best way possible. Learning about Saranda’s communist past gave real depth to the city’s story, while the visits to the monastery and mosque added a unique spiritual and cultural touch. The panoramic viewpoints were breathtaking – definitely a highlight for anyone who loves photography or simply wants to admire the beauty of Saranda from above. Everything was well-paced, informative, and engaging, making the tour both educational and enjoyable.
Panoramic view. The history of communism was very original. The tunnels and shelters were fantastic. A good experience.
444ermalb,,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic view. Impressive story. We spent a day in good company. The history of religion in Albania is fantastic. Entering the war shelters was an unforgettable experience. A fantastic place to take beautiful photos.