From Saranda: Blue Eye-Lekursi Castle-Ksamil-Butrint UNESCO Site
Description
Explore the best of southern Albania on a carefully designed day tour from Saranda. Begin with a scenic stop in Ksamil, where you can enjoy stunning views and photos of the famous three islands. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Butrint Ancient City, where your licensed guide brings history to life through well-preserved ruins, ancient theaters, and fascinating stories. Next, visit the breathtaking Blue Eye Spring, known for its crystal-clear,vibrant blue waters. Take time to walk through nature, relax, and enjoy this unique natural wonder. The experience ends at Lekursi Castle, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Saranda and the Ionian coast. Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transportation, a professional guide, and convenient pickup from hotels or the port. Perfect for cruise passengers and travelers seeking a complete and stress-free experience of Saranda’s highlights On days with fewer bookings, you may be lucky to enjoy the tour in a fully private way at no additional cost
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Blue Eye, known locally as “Syri i Kaltër,” is one of Albania’s most enchanting natural sites. This incredible spring pushes out cold, crystal-clear water from a deep underwater cave, creating swirling shades of blue and emerald green. With an estimated depth beyond 50 meters, the source remains a geological mystery, adding to its charm. Visitors can enjoy wooden viewing platforms, forest trails, and the relaxing sound of flowing water. The area is protected as a nature monument, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers exploring Southern Albania.
Lekursi Castle, built in the 1500s during Ottoman rule, stands proudly above Saranda at over 600 meters. Its circular towers and historic stone walls reflect centuries of strategic importance, once guarding the coastline and local villages. Today, the castle is known not only for its history but for its incredible panoramic views stretching from Saranda Bay to the island of Corfu and the mountain ranges behind it. Visitors can explore the castle’s courtyard, enjoy traditional Albanian food at the on-site restaurant, and experience one of the most famous sunsets in Albania.
During the tour, we also include a short stop in Ksamil, where you can enjoy beautiful views and take photos of the famous three islands.
Butrint National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside Saranda. It is one of Albania’s most important archaeological treasures, offering a journey through thousands of years of history. Visitors can explore ancient theatres, basilicas, Roman baths, Byzantine gates, and a beautiful lakeside fortress, all surrounded by rich nature and wildlife.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer pickup from all hotels, apartments, and Airbnb accommodations in Saranda and Ksamil for your convenience. For cruise passengers, we will meet you directly outside the Saranda Port/Ferry Terminal. Our team will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name clearly printed, making it easy to find us upon arrival. Please ensure you have internet access on your phone on the day of the tour so we can easily communicate if needed.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(31)
Very knowledgeable and caring guides. We chose the Lekurski castle/blue eye/Butrint itinerary. It was a busy schedule but guides were very efficient and shared a lot of history of Albania.
Thankyou
Expert guide, small group tour. Quite a bit of driving but the time went by very quickly. More walking than they advertise.
Best trip ever for this year everything was clear and a very friendly guide
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Excellent english speaker guide and amazing places to see!
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We had a really nice tour ! Mariglen is the best 😘
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Tour is worth it. Even though it was rough during the Train ride going to the Blue Eye spring. Mariglen, our tour guide made it all possible…very positive, respectful, fair, and very sincere/accommodating!
Thankyouu
Well planned tour staring from the port pickup with Mariglen Everything went really good and we were back again at the port at 14:30 Thankyou Lici Tours
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Comfortable transport and great storytelling during the tour. We were back at the port with plenty of time.
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Love it. Great tour. Ran a little late due to other cruise passengers, but all was well organized and punctual to get us back on board the ship.
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The Blue Eye was magical and Butrint is a must-see. Everything was smooth and stress-free!
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