Sarande: Blue Eye with Traditional Food and Wine Tasting

Discover Albania’s Hidden Gem: Blue Eye with Traditional Food and Wine Tasting

This 5-hour private tour offers a well-balanced blend of natural wonder and cultural flavor. Starting from Saranda or Ksamil, you’ll journey through picturesque Albanian countryside to see the famous Blue Eye spring, renowned for its vibrant, sapphire waters. Alongside the sightseeing, you’ll visit a local countryside winery, where organic wines, homemade sides, and traditional raki await.

What we particularly like about this experience is the combination of stunning scenery and authentic local tastes—all delivered in a comfortable, safe setting with friendly guides. The drive itself offers scenic views that make the journey enjoyable, and the personal touch from guides makes the day feel relaxed and personalized.

A potential consideration is that, based on some reviews, the included wine and food experience can vary: some travelers found the self-serve style a bit underwhelming, with less detailed explanation or interaction than expected. It’s worth noting this is a private, flexible experience suited for those who appreciate both natural landscapes and tasting local produce.

This tour suits travelers who want more than just sightseeing — those eager to connect with local culture, enjoy beautiful landscapes, and indulge in traditional foods and wines. It’s ideal for curious travelers, small groups, or couples seeking a personalized adventure that balances nature with gastronomy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic Drive: Enjoy a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle taking you through Albania’s lush countryside.
• Iconic Sight: Visit the Blue Eye spring, famous for its mesmerizing, blue waters and natural beauty.
• Authentic Tasting: Sample a selection of local wines, homemade sides, and traditional raki in a countryside winery.
• Personal Guides: Guides are friendly, well-spoken, and eager to share insights about Albania’s culture and landscape.
• Flexible Itinerary: You can choose how to explore Blue Eye, with options like walking, train, or even motor scooter—adding a fun, personalized element.
• Balanced Experience: Combines sightseeing, culture, and gastronomy, making it appealing for diverse interests.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: Convenient Hotel Pickup

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Saranda or Ksamil, with a courteous driver who is usually well-spoken and eager to share some local tidbits. The vehicle is climate-controlled, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather, and the drive to the Blue Eye takes roughly 40 minutes. This scenic route offers glimpses of Albania’s countryside—rolling hills, olive groves, and traditional villages—that set the tone for the day.

The Blue Eye: Nature’s Masterpiece

Once you arrive at the Blue Eye, you’ll understand why it’s one of Albania’s most visited natural sites. The spring’s vivid blue waters are captivating, and the surrounding lush greenery provides excellent photo opportunities. You can choose to explore on foot or take a small train in some cases, as some reviews mention, which makes the visit more accessible and fun, especially if you’re traveling with children or prefer a leisurely pace.

While some visitors like Lauren appreciated the beauty of the Blue Eye itself, she noted that the self-guided nature of her experience—no detailed explanation or guided tour of the spring—left her wishing for more context. Nevertheless, the natural spectacle alone makes this stop worth including.

Tip: Bring your camera and some water shoes if you want to get closer to the water, but be mindful of local rules and safety.

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Countryside Winery and Tasting

After the Blue Eye visit, the tour continues to a local countryside winery, where organic wines and homemade sides are served. The experience underscores Albania’s commitment to sustainable, small-scale wine production. You’ll be offered a selection of local wines—white, red, and rose—along with traditional raki, a strong Albanian spirit.

One reviewer mentioned that staff left the wines and raki on the table without much explanation, so it’s more about helping yourself and soaking in the atmosphere. This self-serve approach might feel informal, but it offers a relaxed vibe. Another guest appreciated the generous pours and the chance to sample wines made at the vineyard, which adds a personal touch to the tasting.

Food and Snacks

Accompanying the drinks are traditional homemade sides, crafted from regional recipes. These are typically fresh and flavorful, adding to the authentic experience. While some reviews indicated that no detailed tour of the vineyard was provided, the tasting itself is a highlight for lovers of local cuisine.

Final Stop and Drop-Off

Following the winery, you’ll have some free time to relax or stroll nearby before the driver takes you back to your hotel in Saranda or Ksamil. The entire experience spans roughly five hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure that fits easily into a leisurely vacation schedule.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Natural beauty and cultural insights are the core of this experience. The Blue Eye spring is a stunning example of Albania’s unspoiled nature, and the wine tasting highlights local craftsmanship often overlooked by mainstream travelers. The guides, especially Ryan, are praised for their punctuality and friendly demeanor, making the day flow smoothly.

Authentic flavors and personalized service give this tour a genuine feel—expect a relaxed environment where you can savor local wines and snacks without feeling hurried or overwhelmed by crowds. The vehicle choice and small-group format mean you’ll avoid the chaos often associated with larger tours, and the private nature allows for some flexibility.

However, the experience’s informal style might not suit travelers expecting a structured, guided tour of the vineyard, as some reviews noted the lack of detailed explanation. It’s a more laid-back tasting, which many find charming rather than disappointing, but worth considering if you prefer in-depth educational tours.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation: The tour uses jeep or SUV vehicles, making the drive comfortable and adaptable to different terrains. The drive is scenic, with about 40 minutes from Saranda/Ksamil to Blue Eye, then shorter stops on the way back.

Price and Value: While the cost per person might seem high for just a few tasting glasses and a self-guided experience, the private nature, personalized guides, and inclusion of transport and entrance fees make it a fair value—especially if you value a relaxed, authentic outing.

What to Bring: Pack your camera, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a water bottle. The tour includes Wi-Fi, which helps you share your photos or stay connected during the journey.

Booking and Cancellation: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a personalized experience that combines natural beauty with authentic Albanian cuisine. It suits those who enjoy a relaxed pace and are curious about local wines and spirits. If you’re traveling with a small group or partner and desire a more intimate, less commercialized outing, this fits well. It’s especially good if you appreciate scenic drives, picturesque settings, and a chance to enjoy regionally produced wines.

However, if you prefer detailed guided tours or more structured educational experiences, you might find this tour a bit informal. Likewise, those wanting extensive winery tours or in-depth explanations might want to readjust expectations accordingly.

The Sum Up

This Saranda-based tour offers a rich mix of natural splendor and cultural flavor, making it perfect for curious travelers eager to experience Albania’s unique landscapes and local traditions. The scenic drive, combined with the iconic Blue Eye spring, provides awe-inspiring views, while the wine and food tasting add a genuine taste of local life. The private, flexible format and friendly guides make it especially appealing for small groups and couples seeking a relaxed, authentic adventure.

While some may wish for more detailed explanations during wine tastings, the relaxed self-serve approach allows you to savor the moment at your own pace. The mixture of stunning scenery, authentic tastes, and friendly service makes this tour a worthwhile addition to your Albanian itinerary—particularly if you enjoy a personal touch and a true connection to local culture.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and tasting.

What locations are visited?
You’ll visit the Blue Eye spring and a countryside winery, with pickup and drop-off in Saranda or Ksamil.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the drive is in a climate-controlled jeep or SUV, designed for a smooth ride through scenic rural roads.

Are the wine and food tastings included?
Yes, a selection of local wines, traditional raki, and homemade sides are included in the experience.

Can I choose how to explore Blue Eye?
You have options, such as walking or taking a train or motor scooter, depending on availability and your preference.

Is there an age restriction?
While not explicitly stated, wine and raki tasting are typically for adults; children might enjoy the scenery but won’t partake in tastings.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and possibly a water bottle for the day.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

In the end, this tour offers more than just sightseeing—it’s about connecting with Albania’s stunning landscapes and genuine local flavors in a relaxed, friendly setting. Whether you’re a nature lover, a wine enthusiast, or simply curious about Albanian culture, it’s a thoughtfully curated experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: