Sarande: Blue Eye Kayak and walking tour & Lekursi Castle

Sarande: Blue Eye Kayak and Walking Tour & Lekursi Castle

This 4.5-hour guided tour from Sarande offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical sights. You’ll start with a comfortable transfer to Lekursi Castle on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea, then venture down to one of Albania’s most cherished natural wonders—the Blue Eye Spring—by kayak. The experience combines panoramic views, exhilarating water adventures, and leisurely walks to soak in local history and scenery.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to paddle in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Eye Lake, which offers both a peaceful escape and a fun physical activity. Plus, the view from Lekursi Castle is genuinely breathtaking, giving you a wider perspective of the coast and its surrounding landscapes. The included time for swimming and exploring makes this more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s an immersive experience.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves some walking on uneven surfaces and clambering around the Blue Eye area, which might not suit travelers with mobility issues. Also, bring cash, as the bars and restaurants at Blue Eye don’t accept cards. Still, this tour is well-suited for those eager for nature, adventure, and a taste of local history—all wrapped into one memorable half-day outing.

If you enjoy authentic outdoor activities combined with insightful guides, this tour is a fantastic pick. It’s especially ideal for those who want to combine adventure with cultural highlights and don’t mind some physical activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Natural wonder: Kayaking on Blue Eye Lake offers a serene and scenic water adventure.
• Historical views: Visit Lekursi Castle to enjoy panoramic vistas and learn about Albania’s history.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides like Ledjon make the experience informative and friendly.
• Flexible itinerary: Plenty of free time to swim, take photos, and explore.
• Value for money: Includes transportation, kayak equipment, entry fees, and guided commentary.
• Practical tips: Bring cash, sturdy shoes, and sun protection for a smooth experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Sarande Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

We begin our journey at OpenTour Albania’s office in Sarande, where the group gathers for a short briefing. From there, a comfortable, air-conditioned van whisks us away on a roughly 10-minute drive to Lekursi Castle. This initial transfer is quick but provides a good preview of the scenic views to come. The guide, often Ledjon or Anna, makes introductions and sets expectations, which instantly puts you at ease.

Lekursi Castle: Panoramic Views and History

Our first stop is the Lekursi Castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking Sarande and the Ionian Sea. For about 30 minutes, we wander freely around the ruins, taking in the sweeping vistas. The castle dates back to Ottoman times and served as a strategic point, so it’s more than just a pretty view—it’s a site brimming with stories of the past.

Guests love the photo opportunities at this spot, often remarking how the panoramic landscape is stunning enough to warrant multiple shots. The guide shares snippets of Albania’s history, offering context about the castle’s role in regional history. It’s a great way to start the day with a taste of local heritage.

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Blue Eye Spring: The Natural Marvel

Next, we hop back into the van for a 30-minute drive to the Blue Eye Spring area. The landscape here is utterly captivating: a natural spring with waters that shimmer in shades of turquoise and sapphire, surrounded by lush greenery. The short 7-minute walk from the van to the kayak dock makes this a manageable stroll, even with a bit of uneven terrain.

What makes the Blue Eye Spring truly special is its crystal-clear water, which invites you to relax and enjoy. We love how the guide explains the phenomenon—though the specific scientific details might be less important than just soaking in the mesmerizing scenery. Many travelers comment on how peaceful and beautiful the water is, perfect for a quick swim or just admiring the view.

Kayaking Adventure

Once at the kayak dock, you’ll receive all necessary gear—life jackets, paddles, safety instructions—and then it’s time to get on the water. The kayaking segment lasts about 1.5 hours and is the highlight for many. Glide across the tranquil, transparent waters of Blue Eye Lake, surrounded by untouched nature and rugged landscape.

Reviews frequently mention how the kayaking is both fun and relaxing, with some noting that the more adventurous paddlers might enjoy trying the slightly harder, more challenging parts of the lake. The calm water and stunning scenery make for memorable photos, and many find this the most peaceful part of the trip.

Free Time and Exploration

After kayaking, the group often anchors at a designated spot to relax, swim, or explore on foot. Here, you can take a dip in the fresh water or snap photos of the vibrant waters. The guide typically shares insights about the natural spring, adding a layer of understanding to your visit.

Many reviews highlight this section as a highlight: “There was plenty of time to explore and see the beautiful area,” and “its breathtaking, don’t miss the slightly harder part of the kayaking, it’s huge amounts of fun.” It’s a relaxed moment to enjoy the surroundings or just bask in the sunshine.

Walking to the Blue Eye Spring

A scenic trail leads us on foot to further explore the Blue Eye’s deeper spring. This walk offers a different perspective, with lush scenery and opportunities to take photos. During this part, guides will share fascinating insights about this natural phenomenon, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Return Journey and Final Stop

After roughly an hour exploring and relaxing at Blue Eye, we walk back to the van, then travel to Muzinë for a short 17-minute walk. The last leg is a comfortable 30-minute drive back to Sarande, where the tour concludes at the original meeting point.

What’s Included and Practical Tips

The tour covers round-trip transportation, kayak and safety gear, entry fees for Blue Eye, and expert guidance. It does not include hotel pickup, so if you’re staying outside Sarande, plan to meet at the designated office.

Practical tips include bringing comfortable shoes for walking, a sun hat, camera, and water. Some reviewers advise bringing cash, as the bars at Blue Eye do not accept cards, and a waterproof bag for your personal items is handy. Remember, sturdy shoes are better than flip-flops for uneven terrain, and sunscreen is essential.

Price and Value

At a reasonable cost, this tour offers great value, especially considering it includes transportation, kayak equipment, entry fees, and insightful guides. We found that many reviewers felt it was worth every penny, citing the quality of the guides and the breathtaking scenery as highlights.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurers who enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and walking. It’s also ideal for those curious about Albania’s natural wonders and history, as guides share compelling insights along the way. If you’re comfortable with some walking and physical activity, you’ll find this to be a rewarding half-day.

However, it’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer a purely relaxed sightseeing day. Since the tour involves some uneven terrain and walking, sturdy shoes and good mobility are recommended.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of nature, adventure, and history in one neat package. The stunning Blue Eye Spring is a highlight that lives up to its reputation, and kayaking across its tranquil waters is a memorable highlight that appeals to many travelers. The panoramic views from Lekursi Castle add a cultural and historical dimension that enriches the entire experience.

Guides like Ledjon bring a friendly, knowledgeable touch that makes you feel well cared for, while the flexible free time allows you to relax, swim, and take photos at your own pace. For travelers wanting an authentic, active exploration that combines Albania’s natural beauty with a touch of local history, this tour hits the right notes.

If you’re after a value-packed, scenic, and engaging half-day trip from Sarande, this experience is hard to beat. It’s particularly suited for those who love the outdoors, good storytelling, and capturing amazing photographs of untouched landscapes.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation is included in the tour price, making it easy to relax and focus on the experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally family-friendly, the walking on uneven surfaces and kayak activity may be challenging for very young children. It’s best for kids who are comfortable with outdoor activities.

Do I need to bring my own kayak gear?
No, all kayak and safety equipment are provided as part of the tour.

Can I swim in Blue Eye Lake?
Yes, there is plenty of free time for swimming in the pristine waters, which many guests find very refreshing.

Is there a guide during the whole tour?
Yes, an English-speaking guide is with you throughout, sharing information and helping ensure a smooth experience.

How much free time do I get?
There’s ample free time to explore, swim, and take photos, especially after kayaking and at Blue Eye.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, along with swimwear, sun protection, and a waterproof bag for your valuables.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to uneven terrain and walking.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

Is cash necessary for the trip?
Yes, bring cash if you wish to purchase food, drinks, or souvenirs at Blue Eye, as cards are not accepted there.

This guided tour from Sarande offers a wonderful introduction to Albania’s most striking natural and historical sites. With a mix of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery, it’s well worth considering whether you’re in search of an active, memorable day in this beautiful corner of the world.

You can check availability for your dates here: