Sarande: Blue Eye Spring and Lekursi Castle Sunset Tour

Discover the Blue Eye Spring and Sunset from Lekursi Castle in Sarande

If you’re looking for a memorable half-day adventure in Albania, the Sarande: Blue Eye Spring and Lekursi Castle Sunset Tour offers just that. This 4-hour tour, rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 450 reviews, takes you to two of the region’s most striking attractions: the crystal-clear Blue Eye spring and the panoramic sunset views from Lekursi Castle.

Starting from the center of Sarande, the tour includes comfortable van transportation, train tickets (though not available from November to April), and a guided experience that balances natural beauty with historical sights. We liked how the tour is well-paced, giving enough time at each spot without feeling rushed. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the trip informative and enjoyable.

However, keep in mind that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to meet at the designated spot in Sarande. This tour suits travelers who appreciate easy logistics, scenic stops, and stunning sunset views. It’s also a good choice for those wanting a relaxed exploration without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

• Duration: 4 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability
• Location: Sarande, Vlorë County, Albania
• Highlights: Blue Eye spring, scenic walk, Lekursi Castle sunset
• Transportation: Climate-controlled van and one-way train ticket (seasonal)
• Inclusions: Guide, entry fee for Blue Eye, photos, transportation
• Limitations: No hotel pickup or drop-off, train not operating from November to April

You can check availability for your dates here:

Journey Begins in Sarande’s City Center

The tour kicks off with a convenient meeting point in Sarande, specifically in front of the OpenTour Albania office. From there, you board a comfortable, climate-controlled van that whisks you away on a scenic drive through the Albanian countryside. The ride offers glimpses of local life and lush scenery, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.

The van ride lasts about 30 minutes before reaching the parking area for the Blue Eye spring. The tour’s design ensures a smooth start, with friendly staff guiding you through the logistics and making sure everyone is comfortable. The guide is known for sharing interesting facts about the area, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Exploring the Blue Eye Spring and Its Enchanting Surroundings

Upon arrival at the Blue Eye spring, guests are given approximately 80 minutes to explore. The walk from the parking area to the spring takes around 15 minutes, leading you along a well-maintained trail with scenic views of the turquoise waters and natural greenery.

The Blue Eye spring is famous for its crystal-clear, deep water that creates a mesmerizing blue hue. Visitors are encouraged to put their feet in the water, experiencing its refreshing coolness, even though swimming is discouraged to preserve the spring’s purity and for safety reasons.

You’ll find plenty of time for photos, with many capturing the breathtaking color of the water and the natural surroundings. You can also buy coffee or a drink on-site, making the visit both relaxing and revitalizing. The quiet atmosphere and pristine environment are often highlighted as major attractions, especially since the water is less crowded outside peak season.

Transitioning to the Historic Lekursi Castle for Sunset Views

After returning to the van, the journey continues to the hilltop ruins of Lekursi Castle. This part of the tour lasts around 30 minutes and involves a short walk up to the castle. The castle’s imposing round towers and scenic vantage points offer panoramic views of Corfu Town, Ksamil, Lake Butrint, and the Ionian Sea.

Guests are provided with ample time to take photos and soak in the spectacular sunset. Many reviews emphasize the breathtaking nature of the sunset at Lekursi Castle, with the glow over the sea and surrounding landscape creating a truly memorable scene. The scenic views make this a perfect moment for sharing photos or simply enjoying the peaceful end to the day.

The 35-minute stop at the castle is well-paced, giving visitors enough time to capture stunning images and appreciate the location’s historical ambiance.

Comfortable Transportation and Expert Guides

Throughout the tour, transportation is provided via a spacious, air-conditioned van. The driver and guides are praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and informativeness. Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, particularly noting their ability to share interesting historical and cultural insights about Albania and the specific sites.

The guide makes an effort to communicate clearly in English, ensuring all guests understand the significance of each stop. Plus, the guides’ courtesy and helpfulness extend beyond the scheduled stops, as many guests mention they assisted with organizing transport or helped capture photos.

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Practical Details and Tips for the Tour

The tour includes entry fees for the Blue Eye spring, train tickets (seasonal), and photos taken during the visit. The meeting point is easy to find in Sarande, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan accordingly.

Guests should bring comfortable shoes for walking, a sun hat, water, and a reusable water bottle. Since swimming is discouraged, it’s best to enjoy the scenery and stay dry. The tour duration is about 4 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

The seasonal operation of the train means that from October to April, the train does not operate, and guests will need to walk around 17 minutes to reach the Blue Eye spring.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

Many guests praise the well-organized nature of this tour, noting that they appreciated ample time at each stop and the quality of the transportation. The scenic drive, stunning views, and knowledgeable guides combine to create a relaxing yet fascinating experience.

The Blue Eye spring receives consistent admiration for its beauty and peaceful atmosphere, especially outside of peak season when it’s less crowded. The sunset at Lekursi Castle is described as breathtaking, providing a perfect close to the trip.

Guests also appreciate the personalized attention from guides like Ledjon and Anna, who are praised for their friendly demeanor, useful local tips, and professionalism. Some mention the extra help provided outside of the scheduled activities, like helping with photos or organizing transport.

Final Thoughts on the Sarande: Blue Eye Spring and Lekursi Castle Sunset Tour

This 4-hour guided excursion offers a blend of natural beauty and historical views that appeal to travelers wanting a short but rewarding experience in Sarande. The Blue Eye spring stands out as a must-see, with its crystal waters and peaceful setting. The sunset from Lekursi Castle provides spectacular scenery to end the day.

The well-reviewed guides and comfortable transport make the tour accessible and enjoyable. While hotel pickup isn’t included and train operation is seasonal, the overall value and experience are highly praised.

This tour suits those seeking an easy, scenic outing with plenty of opportunities for photos, relaxation, and learning about Albanian culture and landscape. It’s especially ideal for first-time visitors, photo enthusiasts, or anyone wanting an overview of Sarande’s most striking sights in just a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Guests meet at the OpenTour Albania office.

Does the train operate year-round?
The train does not operate from November until April, so during those months, guests will need to walk around 17 minutes to reach the Blue Eye spring.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, water, a T-shirt, and a reusable water bottle. Swimming is discouraged to preserve the spring.

How long is the time at each stop?
Guests have about 80 minutes at Blue Eye and 35 minutes at Lekursi Castle for photos, exploring, and enjoying the views.

Is swimming allowed at Blue Eye spring?
No, swimming is not recommended due to safety reasons and to protect the spring’s purity.

Are guides available in English?
Yes, the guides speak English and Albanian and are known for their friendly and informative approach.

Can I expect good photos during the tour?
Absolutely, many guests mention beautiful photo opportunities at both Blue Eye and the castle, often assisted by guides.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is best suited for adults and older children; it is not wheelchair accessible and involves some walking.

What is the typical group size?
While not specified, reviews suggest a well-organized, comfortable group experience with attentive guides.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The Blue Eye spring’s stunning waters and the sunset views from Lekursi Castle are the main photographic and scenic highlights.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, the high ratings and positive reviews reflect its reliability, scenic beauty, and excellent guides, making it a solid choice for a half-day outing in Sarande.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby