Best of Saranda: Blue Eye, Butrint, Ksamil & Lekuresi Castle

Best of Saranda: Blue Eye, Butrint, Ksamil & Lekuresi Castle — An In-Depth Look

Traveling to Albania and looking for a way to see its most iconic sites without the hassle of planning every detail? This full-day tour from Saranda is designed to take you on a curated journey through some of the region’s most spectacular highlights. For around 6 hours, you’ll explore UNESCO-listed Butrint, marvel at the Blue Eye Spring, relax on the Ksamil Islands, and soak in panoramic views from Lekuresi Castle.

What we love about this experience are two key aspects: First, the expert guides—who, based on reviews, are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share interesting facts. Second, the combination of natural beauty and historical sites packed into a relatively short trip, offering great value for the price.

One possible consideration is the tight schedule, especially if you’re a slow traveler or want more time at each stop. However, if you’re after a broad overview and efficient transportation, this tour is a solid choice. It’s best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, easy logistics, and authentic experiences without renting a car or navigating unfamiliar roads.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Well-rounded itinerary covering both natural wonders and historic sites
• Expert guides enhance understanding and enjoyment
• Comfortable private transportation with WiFi and bottled water
• Flexible free time at Ksamil for swimming or relaxing
• Entry fees are included for Blue Eye, but not for Butrint
• Suitable for travelers who prefer guided tours, but may not be accessible for those with mobility issues

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

An Introduction to the Day

Starting from Saranda’s town center or port, this 6-hour tour (check availability for specific times) offers a convenient way to see some of the most photogenic and historically significant sites in southern Albania. With round-trip transportation included, you won’t need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or coordinating multiple tickets—just enjoy the ride and the stories from your guide.

Visiting Lekuresi Castle

Our journey begins with a photo stop at Lekuresi Castle, perched on a hill overlooking Saranda. From here, the sweeping views include the town, the numerous islands of Ksamil, and even the distant coast of Greece. The castle itself isn’t overly extensive, but the vantage point provides some of the best panoramic vistas in the area. As one reviewer pointed out, it’s a “beautiful view,” though don’t expect much else beyond the scenery. This stop is ideal for snapping photos and soaking in the landscape.

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Exploring the Blue Eye Spring

Next, we head to the Blue Eye Spring, a natural marvel famed for its crystal-clear waters that appear to glow in shades of blue. The spring randomly bubbles up from over 50 meters below, creating a tranquil pool surrounded by towering oak and sycamore trees. Visitors often comment on the peacefulness and natural beauty of this spot.

Guided walks around the site are available, and you can take a dip if you wish. Some reviews mention that the Blue Eye was “a little disappointing,” but most find it enchanting. The entry fee (around 8 EUR) is included, which adds to the convenience. Keep in mind that this is a popular tourist stop, so it can get busy, but the surrounding nature remains impressive.

Discovering Butrint National Park

The highlight for many is the UNESCO-listed Butrint site, where a guided tour takes you through ancient ruins spanning Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Walking among the City Walls and Gates, the Baptistery, the Basilica, and the Acropolis, you’ll gain a solid sense of the area’s layered history.

Visitors consistently praise their guides, with comments like “incredibly well-informed” and “friendly”, which makes exploring the ruins more engaging. The entry fee (~8 EUR) is separate and payable on-site. Expect about 100 minutes here, which provides enough time to appreciate the site’s grandeur without feeling rushed.

Relaxing in Ksamil

The final stop is Ksamil, a small coastal village famed for its turquoise waters and beaches. Here, you’ll have about an hour of free time, perfect for a swim or just unwinding with some local snacks or drinks. Several reviews mention that the beach at Ksamil is a highlight, although some found it “not the best of places” compared to other sites. Still, the opportunity to put your feet in the water and relax before heading back makes this a worthwhile part of the tour.

Return to Saranda

The tour wraps up with a smooth ride back to the starting point, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos. The whole experience balances guided sightseeing with free time, giving you a taste of Albania’s natural beauty and history without feeling overwhelmed.

How the Tour Adds Value

Transportation and Comfort

Travel is in private, air-conditioned vehicles equipped with WiFi and bottled water, making the journey comfortable and connected. This is particularly appreciated, as reviews highlight the importance of reliable logistics and friendly drivers who know the area well.

Guides—The Heart of the Experience

Reviews repeatedly mention the knowledgeable, friendly guides—such as Fede, Kejsi, and others—who make the tour engaging by sharing stories and answering questions. Their ability to personalize the experience adds a lot of value, especially for travelers who want more than just a quick photo stop.

Entry Fees and Convenience

Entry to the Blue Eye Spring is included, simplifying your trip. However, expect to pay separately for Butrint (~8 EUR). This transparency helps you budget accordingly. Some reviews note that the cost of entry fees is reasonable considering the quality of sites visited.

Flexibility and Personalization

A common theme among reviewers is the balance of guided activities and free time, allowing some flexibility to explore or relax as you prefer. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, but for most able-bodied travelers, it offers a manageable pace.

Overall Value

Given the price point, the combination of transport, guides, entry fees, and access to multiple attractions makes this tour a good value. It’s especially beneficial for those who want an overview without the hassle of local transportation planning or navigating language barriers.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Bring comfortable shoes and a hat, especially for walking and sunny weather.
• Consider bringing snacks, especially if you’re hungry after sightseeing, as some reviews suggest.
• Be prepared for some walking, particularly at Butrint, which involves exploring ruins on foot.
• If you’re keen to swim longer, ask your guide if you can extend your free time at Ksamil.
• Check the weather forecast before your trip; parts of the tour are outdoors and can be affected by rain.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a well-organized, informative day trip that covers both natural and cultural highlights of the Saranda region. It suits those who appreciate expert guides and value convenience, especially if they prefer not to drive or organize logistics themselves.

If your goal is a balanced mixture of history, stunning scenery, and beach time in a short window, this trip checks all those boxes. However, if you’re after a more leisurely pace or want to spend extended hours at each site, you might find it a bit rushed. It’s also suitable for first-time visitors eager to get a comprehensive introduction to southern Albania’s gems.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, private, air-conditioned transportation with WiFi and bottled water is part of the package, making the day smooth and comfortable.

How long do we spend at each site?
Expect about 40 minutes at Lekuresi Castle, 2 hours at Blue Eye, 100 minutes at Butrint, and around 1 hour at Ksamil for swimming and relaxing.

Are entry fees included?
Entry to Blue Eye is included, which simplifies things. The fee for Butrint (~8 EUR) is not included and should be paid on-site.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not part of the tour, so plan to bring snacks or try local cafes at Ksamil.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Generally yes, but keep in mind the walking and outdoor nature of some sites. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I customize the tour or stay longer at specific sites?
The schedule is fixed, but some reviews mention guides being flexible, especially if you ask for additional time at Ksamil for swimming.

This Best of Saranda tour offers a practical, engaging way to see Albania’s highlights without the stress of planning. With knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and a balanced itinerary, it’s a solid choice for travelers eager to get the most out of a short visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: