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Top things to do in Tirana

Bovilla Lake Tour

Bovilla Lake Tour

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ALL 1,155.24

Aerial view of Berat, Albania with castle walls and tiled roofs.

Berat Day Trips

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ALL 673.89

Just a short drive from Saranda, the Blue Eye is an easy and rewarding one-day escape. With minimal travel time, smooth transfers, and options ranging from kayaking to sunset viewpoints, Blue Eye Saranda day trips blend nature, light adventure, and iconic sights, without the hassle of planning or long journeys.

Overview

  • Distance from Saranda: ~22 km (14 mi)
  • Typical travel time: 35–45 minutes each way
  • On-site visit duration: 1–2 hours at Blue Eye (longer with kayaking or combined stops)
  • Cost range: Mid-range, varies by inclusions (kayak, sunset, multi-stop tours)
  • Best season/time of year: April–June and September–October for mild weather; early mornings or late afternoons for fewer crowds
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Central Saranda (hotel pickup or designated meeting point, tour-dependent)
  • Key attractions/sites covered: Blue Eye Spring, Lekursi Castle (sunset viewpoint), kayaking areas near Blue Eye, Gjirokaster Old Town (on select tours)
  • Recommended tour: Blue Eye Kayak Tour (from Saranda)

What to expect on a day trip from Saranda to Blue Eye

Saranda town and Ionian Sea viewed from Lekursi Castle, Albania.
Visitors observing the Blue Eye spring in Albania with vibrant turquoise water.
Guests standing on a wooden platform at Blue Eye springs, Albania, with lush greenery and clear water.
Woman tourist overlooking the Blue Eye spring surrounded by lush greenery in Albania.
Stone courtyard and archway at Lekursi Castle in Saranda, Albania.
1/5

Smooth transfers

Enjoy an easy pickup from Saranda with a short, scenic drive through southern Albania.

Balanced pace

Well-timed stops ensure you explore without rushing or feeling locked into a rigid schedule.

Local guidance

Friendly guides share context about nature, history, and viewpoints as you move through the day.

Time to unwind

Walk forest paths, relax near the spring, or simply take in the calm surroundings.

Optional experiences

Upgrade your Blue Eye Saranda trip with kayaking, sunset views at Lekursi Castle, or cultural add-ons.

Things to know before booking your day trip from Saranda to Blue Eye

  • Duration & timing: Tours last 4–8 hours. Kayak-only trips are shorter, while Blue Eye sunset tours and Gjirokaster combos return in the evening.
  • Pickup coverage: Most Blue Eye Saranda tours include pickup from Saranda and Ksamil; confirm hotel location if staying outside the town center.
  • Kayaking requirements: Kayak tours do not require prior experience but involve moderate paddling; they’re not recommended for non-swimmers or limited-mobility travelers.
  • Access to the spring: Swimming is not allowed at the Blue Eye itself; tours focus on viewpoints, walking paths, and nearby water areas where permitted.
  • Crowd strategy: Morning tours reach Blue Eye earlier and are quieter, while afternoon tours trade crowds for golden-hour light and sunset views at Lekursi Castle .
  • What’s included: Guided transport, entry coordination, and kayaking equipment (on applicable tours) are included; meals and personal expenses are typically not.
  • Footwear & clothing: Expect uneven forest paths; closed walking shoes are recommended. Bring water shoes and a change of clothes for kayak experiences.
  • Multi-stop itineraries: Combo tours cover Blue Eye, Lekursi Castle, and Gjirokaster in one day, ideal if you want nature and culture without booking multiple trips.
  • Weather considerations: Kayak tours are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or adjusted during strong winds or heavy rain.
  • Return flexibility: Sunset tours return later than standard day trips, making them better suited for travelers without evening plans in Saranda. 

​Plan your visit to Blue Eye>

Which Saranda to Blue Eye day trip is right for you?

Tour typeDurationInclusionsTransfersGroup sizeFood Best forAdd-ons/Upgrades
Blue Eye Kayak Tour

4–5hrs

Guided kayaking experience, Blue Eye viewpoints, safety briefing, equipment

Shared transfers from Saranda

Small group

Not included

Active travelers who want a short, adventure-led Blue Eye Saranda experience

Longer kayaking time (seasonal), photo stops

Kayak + Lekursi Castle

6–7hrs

Blue Eye kayaking, guided visit, Lekursi Castle viewpoint

Shared minivan

Small group

Not included

Travelers who want nature + light adventure + views in one day

Extended stops, extra free time at viewpoints

Blue Eye + Lekursi Sunset

5–6hrs

Guided Blue Eye visit, forest walk, Lekursi Castle sunset stop

Shared minivan

Small group

Not included

Relaxed travelers focused on scenery and photography

Sunset timing, longer castle stop

Blue Eye, Gjirokaster, Lekursi

7–8hrs

Blue Eye visit, Gjirokaster Old Town exploration, Lekursi Castle

Shared minivan

Small group

Not included

First-time visitors wanting maximum coverage in one day

Cultural extensions, flexible pacing

See more on a guided Saranda to Blue Eye day trip

Smooth pickups, smart timing, and expert guidance. Kayak at Blue Eye, catch sunset at Lekursi Castle, or add Gjirokaster, without missing the highlights.

Aerial view of The Blue Eye of Theth, Albania, surrounded by lush greenery and turquoise water.

Main stops on your Blue Eye Saranda day trip

Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër)

A natural freshwater spring known for its unreal blue-green hues and icy clarity. Walk shaded forest paths, stop at viewing platforms, and take photos of one of Albania’s most striking natural sights, without swimming at the source itself.

  • Recommended duration: 45–60 minutes
Blue Eye day trips

Blue Eye kayaking area

Experience the Blue Eye region from the water on guided kayak routes near the spring. Calm conditions and clear water make this accessible even for first-time kayakers, with safety briefings and equipment provided.

  • Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours

Lekursi Castle viewpoint

Perched above Saranda, this hilltop fortress offers sweeping views of the Ionian coast, Corfu, and the surrounding mountains. Many tours like Blue Eye Spring & Lekursi Castle Sunset Tour time this stop for golden hour, making it a highlight for photography lovers.

  • Recommended duration: 45–60 minutes

Gjirokaster Old Town

A UNESCO-listed stone city known for its Ottoman-era houses, cobbled streets, and castle views. This stop adds cultural depth to your Blue Eye Saranda day trip, balancing nature with history.

  • Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours

Forest walks & scenic stops

Short guided walks through shaded woodland and countryside viewpoints break up the journey, offering quieter moments and photo stops away from the main spring area.

  • Recommended duration: 20–30 minutes

Your Saranda to Blue Eye itinerary

  • Morning: Depart Saranda with a short, scenic drive inland toward the Blue Eye. Begin with a guided walk to the spring’s viewpoints, taking in the forest surroundings and learning about the area’s natural features. On adventure-led tours, the morning may also include a kayaking session near the Blue Eye.
  • Afternoon: Continue with curated stops based on your chosen tour, this could mean extra time kayaking, a relaxed lunch break, or heading toward Gjirokaster to explore its stone streets and historic old town with a guide.
  • Evening: Wrap up the day at Lekursi Castle, where many tours time the visit for sunset views over Saranda and the Ionian Sea. Afterward, enjoy a comfortable return transfer to Saranda or Ksamil, with a flexible pace and all logistics handled for you.

Best time to visit Blue Eye Saranda

Blue Eye water spring surrounded by lush greenery in Albania.
  • Weather: Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures and clear conditions, ideal for walking trails and kayaking. Summer brings brighter skies and warmer days but can feel hot at midday, while winter is cooler and quieter, with occasional rain.
  • Events: There are no major events at the Blue Eye itself, but summer cultural festivals and evening events in Saranda pair well with sunset-focused Blue Eye Saranda tours, especially those including Lekursi Castle viewpoints.
  • Crowds: July and August are peak months, with the busiest periods between late morning and early afternoon. Morning departures and late-afternoon or sunset tours are best for avoiding crowds, while spring and autumn offer a calmer, more relaxed visit overall.

How to get from Saranda to Blue Eye

Passengers seated inside an AC minibus during Ksamil Islands day trip from Tirana.

The easiest and most popular way to visit Blue Eye Saranda is with pre-arranged round-trip transfers. Guided tours include hotel or central pickups in Saranda (and often Ksamil), a short scenic drive, and coordinated return timing. You’ll skip route planning and parking hassles, benefit from local insights on timing and safety.

Recommended tours:

  • Blue Eye Kayak Tour (from Saranda)
  • Blue Eye Spring & Lekursi Castle Sunset Tour
  • Blue Eye, Gjirokaster & Lekursi Castle Day Trip
Tourists boarding an AC car for Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and Predjama Castle tour from Ljubljana.
  • Best for: Independent travelers comfortable driving rural roads
  • Travel time: ~35–45 minutes each way
  • Approx cost: €35–60/day + fuel
  • Pros: Flexible schedule; easy to combine with nearby stops
  • Cons: Narrow roads near the site, limited parking at peak times, no guidance on best visiting hours
taxi with green taxi meter sign on roof.
  • Best for: Small groups wanting door-to-door transport without driving
  • Travel time: ~35–45 minutes each way
  • Approx cost: €50–70 round trip (wait time may add extra)
  • Pros: Simple and direct; no navigation needed
  • Cons: Costs add up; drivers typically don’t wait long on-site unless pre-arranged
Interior of Bus with blue seats and white headrests.
  • Best for: Budget travelers with time flexibility
  • Travel time: 1.5–2+ hours total (including transfers)
  • Approx cost: Low (€5–10 total)
  • Pros: Cheapest option
  • Cons: Infrequent schedules, multiple changes, limited access near Blue Eye, often requires walking or a taxi for the final stretch

Helpful tips for a Saranda to Blue Eye day trip

  • Start early: Late morning is busiest at the spring; early departures or sunset tours offer calmer paths and better light.
  • Wear sturdy shoes: Expect forest trails and uneven ground near Blue Eye, comfortable walking shoes make a big difference.
  • Dress for water time: Kayak tours involve splashes; bring quick-dry clothes and a change if you plan to paddle.
  • Pre-book your tour: Guided Blue Eye Saranda day trips secure transfers, timing, and equipment, no last-minute transport stress.
  • Pack essentials: Carry water, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera; cash is useful for small cafés or viewpoints.
  • Know the swimming rules: Swimming isn’t allowed at the Blue Eye source; tours focus on viewpoints and nearby permitted areas.
  • Time it for photos: Midday light shows off the spring’s color; Lekursi Castle is best at golden hour.
  • Plan meals smartly: Tours don’t usually include food, eat before departure or plan a stop in Gjirokaster or Saranda later.
  • Leave buffer time: Sunset and multi-stop tours return later; keep evenings flexible, especially in summer.

Frequently asked questions about day trips from Saranda to Blue Eye

Most Blue Eye Saranda day trips last 4–8 hours in total. Travel time is about 35–45 minutes each way, with on-site time varying based on whether you choose kayaking, sunset stops, or a multi-city itinerary.