Sarande: Blue Eye Spring and Lekursi Castle Sunset Tour

This 4-hour tour from Sarande offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and panoramic vistas. Starting with a scenic drive to the iconic Blue Eye spring, you’ll enjoy a short train ride (May to October) or a walk (November to April) to this stunning natural water feature. Then, you’ll head to Lekursi Castle to watch the sun set over the Ionian Sea, with sweeping views of nearby islands, rivers, and lush hills. The tour is priced around a reasonable fee, with transportation, a guide, and entry fees included, making it an appealing option for those wanting a compact, well-organized experience.

What really shines are the informative guides who share stories about Albania’s history and landscape, along with the breathtaking scenery that you’ll have plenty of time to photograph. We especially appreciated the comfortable transportation—which keeps you relaxed and focused on the sights—and the timing, allowing us to enjoy both the Blue Eye’s tranquility and the sunset’s magic. That said, a potential consideration is that train service does not operate from November through April, so you’ll walk about 17 minutes instead, which might be less comfortable in cold or rainy weather.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced experience of nature and history, with plenty of photo opportunities and expert insights. It’s especially ideal if you prefer a group setting with a knowledgeable guide and value good logistics—since everything is arranged for you. If you’re looking for a leisurely, scenic afternoon without worrying about transport or time management, this tour fits the bill.

Key Points

• Natural Beauty: Experience the striking turquoise waters of the Blue Eye spring and lush surroundings.
• Expert Guide: Learn about Albania’s history and landscape from a friendly, knowledgeable guide.
• Comfortable Transport: Relax in a climate-controlled van with round-trip service from Sarande’s city center.
• Flexible Timing: The tour runs approximately 4 hours, with options for train or walking depending on the season.
• Photographer’s Dream: Plenty of opportunities for stunning photos of the spring, castle, and sunset.
• Value: Includes entry fees, transportation, and guide—offering good value for a memorable half-day experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting from a centrally located meeting point in Sarande, your journey begins with a scenic drive through the Albanian countryside. The highlight is reaching the Blue Eye spring, one of Albania’s most mesmerizing natural sites. The spring’s water is not only captivating in color—intensely blue and crystal-clear—but also invites you to put your feet in its chilly waters and admire the lush greenery that surrounds it.

Depending on the season, you’ll take a short train ride (May-October) or a 17-minute walk (November-April) to the spring. The train ride itself is a charming, quick trip that adds an element of novelty; otherwise, the walk offers a peaceful chance to enjoy the countryside. Once at the Blue Eye, you’ll have around 80 minutes to explore at your own pace.

Many reviewers mention how quiet and peaceful the Blue Eye spring can be, especially during off-peak times. One guest described it as “so beautiful with no rush to take it all in,” which captures the sense of serene discovery here. You can dip your feet in the refreshingly cold water, take photos, or simply sit back and soak in the scene.

Next, the tour continues to Lekursi Castle, perched on a hilltop with imposing round towers. The drive up provides wonderful vistas of Corfu Town, Ksamil, the Bistrica River, Lake Butrint, and the Ionian Sea. As the sun begins to set, you’ll have about 35 minutes to witness the spectacular sunset, which many agree is the perfect way to cap your day.

From the castle, you will enjoy sweeping views of the coastline and islands, making it an excellent spot for capturing memorable photos. Several reviews praise the “breathtaking” and “phenomenal” sunset vistas, with one traveler noting that the sunset was “a beauty in itself.” This is a genuine highlight, especially if you’re a fan of peaceful, scenic moments.

Finally, the return journey is comfortable and straightforward, leaving you back in Sarande with plenty of time to reflect on your day. Many reviews mention how guides make the experience special by sharing local stories and ensuring everyone has time to take photos and enjoy each stop.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point: You meet your guide in front of the OpenTour Albania office in Sarande, making logistics straightforward. The guide, who speaks English and Albanian, is crucial in turning this into an informative experience.

Drive to Blue Eye: The journey takes about 30 minutes in a modern, air-conditioned van. The rural scenery is lush and inviting, giving you a taste of Albanian countryside. The short train ride is a charming addition, but if it’s out of service (from November to April), the walk is equally rewarding, albeit a bit more strenuous.

Blue Eye Spring: Once there, you’ll have about 80 minutes to enjoy the spring. The spring’s waters are famous for their vivid blue color, and the lush greenery adds to the spectacle. Be aware that swimming is discouraged—not just for safety but also to preserve this natural wonder—so you might prefer to just dip your feet or relax on the edge. Many visitors love taking photos from various angles or buying a coffee or cold drink to sip while soaking in the beauty.

Walk or Train Back: The 17-minute walk from the train station back to the spring is scenic, but in colder months, it might be less comfortable. The reviews suggest it’s a gentle walk, suitable for most travelers, but consider weather conditions.

Next Stop – Lekursi Castle: A scenic 30-minute drive takes you up to the hilltop ruins. As you arrive, you’ll notice the imposing round towers and panoramic views. At sunset, the landscape transforms, with the sky painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple. Many reviewers find this moment “breathtaking,” and the castle offers an excellent vantage point for photos.

Sunset Viewing: As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll see views stretching across the Ionian Sea, with islands like Corfu in the distance. This peaceful, scenic moment is the tour’s real highlight for many. You’ll have about 35 minutes to take photos, admire the colors, and relax.

Return to Sarande: The van drops you back at the starting point, completing a well-rounded, engaging 4-hour experience. Many guests comment positively on the smooth organization and the friendly, informative guides, who enrich the trip with local insights.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeability and friendliness of the guides, particularly highlighting Ledjon as a humble and informative host. As one reviewer notes, “The guide Ledjon is a very nice and humble person, provided us with an informative yet interesting tour.” This personal touch makes the experience more meaningful, especially when learning about Albania’s landscape and history.

The scenery is often described as “stunning,” with many pointing out how the Blue Eye’s waters are “absolutely beautiful,” or how the sunset over Lekursi Castle is “breathtaking.” These are not just pretty places but memorable moments that make the tour stand out.

Participants appreciate the value for money—covering transportation, entry fees, and a guide—making it an accessible way to see two of the region’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning. The tour is also flexible enough for those who like to take their time, as reviews mention “not rushed,” and “plenty of time at each stop.”

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour lasts about four hours, ideal for those wanting a half-day excursion. While the round-trip transportation from Sarande’s city center is included, note that hotel pickups and drops are not. You should plan to meet at the designated meeting point or arrange your own transport.

Weather considerations are important: train service at Blue Eye is unavailable from November to April, so you’ll walk instead. This walk is about 17 minutes and can be enjoyable, but in rainy or cold weather, it might be less comfortable.

What to bring includes comfortable shoes, a sun hat, water, and a reusable water bottle. As safety is emphasized, weapons, smoking, drinks in the vehicle, and barefoot walking are prohibited.

Pricing is reasonable given what’s included—transport, guide, entry fees—and the quality of the scenery and storytelling. It’s a fine value for travelers wanting a well-organized, scenic outing that’s easy to fit into a day.

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The Sum Up

This Sarande tour offers a satisfying combination of spectacular natural scenery and panoramic vistas with the added bonus of expert local guides. If you’re seeking a peaceful, photogenic experience that covers both the famous Blue Eye spring and the unforgettable sunset at Lekursi Castle, this tour delivers on all fronts.

It’s best suited for travelers who value comfort, good organization, and a knowledgeable guide to enhance the experience. The timing is flexible enough to accommodate different seasons, and the focus on scenery and storytelling makes it ideal for those interested in photography or simply soaking in Albania’s incredible landscapes.

While it may lack the thrill of adventure, it compensates with authentic moments and stunning views—perfect ingredients for a memorable afternoon in Sarande. And with such glowing reviews, it’s clear that many guests leave with both beautiful photos and warm memories of Albanian hospitality.

FAQ

Is the Blue Eye spring suitable for swimming?
Swimmers are discouraged from swimming here to protect the spring’s natural purity and because of its depth and cold temperature. Visitors often dip their feet or just enjoy the view.

What happens if train service is unavailable?
From November to April, the train isn’t running, so you’ll walk about 17 minutes to reach the Blue Eye spring. The walk is scenic but may be less comfortable in bad weather.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, round-trip transportation in a comfortable, climate-controlled van is included from the Sarande city center. You’ll be picked up and dropped off at the same point.

Are there any age restrictions?
Unaccompanied minors are not permitted for safety reasons. The tour is suitable for most able-bodied adults and older children.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, water, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Be prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure.

Can I customize the tour?
The tour is pre-organized with set stops and timing. However, guides are generally friendly and knowledgeable, and you can ask questions or take extra photos along the way.

Is there a bathroom at the sites?
Facilities are usually available at the Blue Eye parking area and at Lekursi Castle, but it’s good to plan accordingly, especially in rural areas.

This tour blends the peaceful awe of Albania’s natural beauty with the joy of scenic views and expert storytelling. Whether you’re a lover of photography, nature, or history, it offers a well-rounded, authentic experience worth considering when visiting Sarande.

You can check availability for your dates here: