From Tirana, Durrës & Golem: Saranda, Blue Eye & Ksamil Tour

Exploring Albania’s Southern Coast: Saranda, Ksamil, and the Blue Eye Spring

This full-day tour, priced at $67 per person, takes you from Tirana or Durrës straight to some of Albania’s most captivating sights. For about 10-12 hours, you’ll enjoy visits to Saranda’s lively promenade, relax on the pristine beaches of Ksamil, and marvel at the surreal Blue Eye spring. Led by knowledgeable guides like Beni, Ervin, or Orgest, it’s a well-organized way to see the highlights of Albania’s southern coast without the hassle of planning.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the quality of the guides—who are not only friendly but also packed with local insights—and the variety of scenery. You’ll get coastal views, mountain scenery at the Water Cooled Hill, and a magical natural spring. That said, keep in mind this is a long day, with some considerable driving, so it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a full itinerary and are comfortable with a bit of a pace.

A possible consideration? The tour’s schedule is packed, which means limited time at each stop—perfect if you want a quick overview but perhaps less ideal if you prefer to linger longer or explore at a slower pace. Also, optional extras like sunbeds, boat trips, or train rides cost extra, so budget accordingly.

This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive taste of southern Albania in one day. It’s especially suited for first-timers, adventure-seekers, or anyone who appreciates a balance of leisure, scenic beauty, and cultural highlights.

Key Points

• Convenient and comprehensive: Covers the coast’s top spots in one day.
• Expert guides: Guides like Beni and Orgest are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Beautiful natural sights: From the Blue Eye to Ksamil beaches, scenery impresses.
• Long but rewarding: Expect a full schedule with several stops and a scenic drive.
• Value for money: Entry tickets, transportation, and guiding included; optional extras cost extra.
• Suitable for active travelers: The day involves some walking, swimming, and a long drive.

What You Can Expect on the Tour

This trip begins bright and early, with hotel pickup in Tirana or Durrës. The vehicle—air-conditioned and comfortable—takes you along scenic roads that hug the coast and weave through lush countryside. Expect a mixture of coastal vistas and mountain views, which are reason enough to enjoy the drive, even if some parts are lengthy.

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Scenic Drive and Water Cooled Hill

The journey offers glimpses of Albania’s rural life and its dramatic landscapes. One of the first stops is the Water Cooled Hill —a natural spring area famous for its cool waters and great views. Here you can stretch your legs, snap photos, and enjoy the mountain air—an ideal way to break up the drive before heading to Ksamil.

Free Time at Ksamil Beach

Once you arrive at Ksamil, you’ll find a stretch of powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. This is the flagship destination of the tour, and with a few hours at your disposal, you can relax on the beach, swim, or explore the tiny nearby islands accessible by boat. Many reviews highlight Ksamil as a standout, with one traveler describing it as “a dream” and the beaches as stunning.

Lunch by the Sea

Depending on the day’s schedule, there’s a chance you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant near Ksamil. Most reviews note that this allows for a taste of authentic Albanian cuisine or international dishes, making it a worthwhile pause. Keep in mind, lunch isn’t included in the base price, so you’ll want to budget for this.

Visit to Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter)

The highlight for many is the Blue Eye, a natural spring famous for its vibrant blue waters and mysterious depth. You might find the train ride optional—costing around 3 euros each way—but most agree that the water’s mesmerizing beauty makes it worth the extra effort. Visitors are often awestruck by the otherworldly color and the peaceful surroundings of dense forest. Guide insights about the spring’s geology and ecology add depth to the visit.

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Return Journey and Reflection

After soaking in the sights, the group begins heading back toward Tirana or Durrës. The return trip offers a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy the scenic drive once more. The tour concludes with drop-offs at your original pickup point, leaving you with memories of a day packed with stunning scenery, relaxing beaches, and friendly guides.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic Scenery and Vibrant Atmosphere: From the lively promenade in Saranda to the serene Blue Eye spring, the variety of environments ensures you’ll experience both the energetic and peaceful sides of Albania. The crystal-clear waters of Ksamil beaches are a particular highlight, often described as “dreamy” and “tropical.”

Expert Guides and Personal Touch: Multiple reviews praise the guides, like Beni and Orgest, for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience. They don’t just point out sights—they share stories, explain the history, and keep things lively, making the long day feel more like a shared adventure than a touristic checklist.

Great Value for Money: The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, entry tickets to sites, and a knowledgeable guide—all essential for a smooth experience. Extras like boat rides or sunbeds are available if you wish, but the core experience is well worth the price.

Photogenic Stops and Leisure Time: With several stops and free time at Ksamil, you can take photos, relax, or even take a quick boat trip. One reviewer notes that “the places were breathtaking” and “the Blue Eye spring left me speechless,” indicating that the stops are genuinely memorable.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Early Morning Departure

Starting early means you maximize your day, but it also means leaving behind the comfort of sleeping in. This is a common theme in reviews; travelers appreciate the well-organized pickups and clear communication. Guides use WhatsApp to notify guests, making coordination smooth.

Scenic Drive with Stop at Water Cooled Hill

The drive itself is part of the experience, with stunning views of Albania’s countryside. The stop at the Water Cooled Hill gives you a chance to breathe in mountain air and enjoy panoramic vistas. It’s a nice break before heading to the coast.

Ksamil’s Beaches and Islands

Most travelers spend several hours here, which is enough to swim, relax, and explore the islands. Some reviews mention optional boat trips or renting sunbeds, but many find the free time sufficient to soak up the beautiful surroundings. The beaches are praised for their soft sands and clear waters, often compared to tropical destinations.

Lunch and Local Cuisine

Though not included, the lunch stops are highly recommended. Many reviews mention the delicious local food and the relaxed seaside environment. This is a chance to try Albanian specialties or simply enjoy fresh seafood.

The Blue Eye

This is the must-see highlight. Expect to walk or take a short train ride to the spring, which is typically surrounded by lush greenery. Water color and clarity are the main draws, and many visitors are enchanted by its almost surreal beauty. The guides’ stories about geological and ecological aspects deepen the appreciation.

Return and Reflection

The journey back is a peaceful time to share impressions and enjoy the scenic roads. The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment after seeing so many highlights in one day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for first-time visitors wanting an intensive look at southern Albania’s top sights. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers comfortable with long days and road trips, and those who enjoy a mix of beach time, natural wonders, and cultural insights. If you’re someone who prefers to linger longer at each site or explore at a slower pace, consider that this tour is quite full.

Travelers who value guides with local knowledge and want to avoid the hassle of organizing transport or entry tickets will find this tour offers excellent value and convenience. Ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to see Albania’s best in one action-packed day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 10-12 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off in Tirana or Durrës, with specific meeting points or direct collection from your accommodation.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, camera, and some extra money for optional extras like boat rides or sunbeds.

Are lunch and drinks included?
Lunch is not included but is available at local restaurants near Ksamil; drinks and snacks are personal expenses.

Can I swim at Ksamil and Blue Eye?
Yes, most travelers swim at Ksamil and enjoy a dip in the Blue Eye spring, though swimming in the spring may involve some walking or climbing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind the long drive and walking involved. It’s best for active children comfortable with a full day.

How big are the groups?
Typically, groups are small to medium, making it easier to get personalized attention from guides.

Are the sites accessible for people with limited mobility?
Some stops, like Blue Eye and beaches, involve walking and possibly uneven terrain, so check with the operator if accessibility is a concern.

What are the optional extras?
Extras include train rides to Blue Eye, boat trips, and sunbed rentals, all at additional costs.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Yes, with the option to reserve and pay later, but booking in advance is recommended during peak season for availability.

To sum it up, this full-day tour from Tirana or Durrës offers a fantastic way to see the highlights of southern Albania without the stress of planning each detail yourself. The combination of stunning beaches, a natural wonder, and lively coastal towns makes it a versatile experience. Guided by friendly, knowledgeable hosts, you’ll get plenty of insights and enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. Perfect for those with a sense of adventure who want a comprehensive taste of Albania’s coast in just one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: