From Tirana: Ksamil Islands, Saranda, & Blue Eye Day Trip

An Exciting Day Trip from Tirana to Albania’s South Coast

This 11-hour guided tour from Tirana offers a comprehensive taste of Albania’s stunning southern coastline. Starting with hotel pickup in Tirana, the trip takes you through scenic drives, vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and captivating natural sights. You’ll visit Saranda, enjoy free time at Ksamil Beach and Islands, and marvel at the Blue Eye spring surrounded by lush forest.

The tour is designed for travelers seeking a flexible, well-organized experience that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and natural wonder. It includes convenient transport, live English-speaking guides, and multiple stops for photos and exploration. A highlight is the Blue Eye, with its vivid blue waters and scenic pathways. The tour’s length and variety make it ideal for those wanting a full day of adventure without the hassle of planning.

While lunch and boat rentals are not included, the tour’s well-paced schedule ensures you maximize your time at each location. The only notable consideration is the walking involved at the Blue Eye, which requires comfortable shoes. This trip provides an engaging, visually stunning look at Albania’s southern coast, perfect for explorers eager to see the country’s natural beauty up close.

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Key Points

• Duration: 11 hours, with pickup in Tirana, Durrës, or Golem
• Highlights include Saranda city, Ksamil Islands, and the Blue Eye spring
• Transport: Comfortable van with scenic drives and photo stops
• Activities include swimming at Ksamil Beach, exploring the Blue Eye on foot, and sightseeing
• Guided tour: Live English-speaking guide ensures detailed commentary
• Cost: No lunch included; optional boat rentals at extra cost

From Tirana to the Albanian Riviera in Style

This tour departs early from Tirana, with pickup options in Golem, Durrës, Kavajë, or Tirana’s central hotels. The journey begins with a scenic drive lasting approximately 85 minutes for the first leg, then continues for about 1.5 hours to reach the coast. The route showcases Albania’s countryside, with occasional opportunities for photos and sampling seasonal fresh strawberries.

The well-coordinated pickup system ensures smooth departures, and the guide reaches out via WhatsApp to confirm each guest’s timing. The vehicle is spacious enough for the group, and the drive offers breathtaking views of the landscape, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Exploring Saranda’s Vibrant Streets and Seafront

Arriving in Saranda, the tour provides a 30-minute stop for photos, shopping, and a walk along the palm-lined promenade. This lively seaport city serves as the gateway to Albania’s southern attractions. Visitors enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, with street vendors, cafes, and stunning views of the Ionian Sea.

The guide offers insights into Saranda’s history and local culture during this brief visit, giving visitors a taste of the city’s energetic ambiance before heading to the natural highlights.

Discovering the Blue Eye Spring and Its Scenic Surroundings

The highlight of the tour is the Blue Eye spring in Saranda. This natural wonder features vivid blue waters, which are icy cold at around 10°C year-round. You’ll walk along wooden pathways for about 25 minutes, giving ample opportunity to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and dip your feet in the cool water.

Additional stops include short scenic train rides that offer panoramic views of the forest surrounding the spring. The tour provides 30-minute breaks at the Blue Eye for photos, exploration, or relaxing at nearby cafes. Visitors appreciate the vibrant color of the spring and the lush forest setting, making it a truly memorable sight.

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Free Time at Ksamil Beach and Islands

After the Blue Eye, the tour continues to Ksamil, where you get free time to relax on the white-sand beaches or swim in the crystal-clear waters. This stretch typically lasts for about 2 hours, allowing ample opportunity for sunbathing, taking photos, or renting a boat or kayak (extra cost) to explore the Ksamil Islets.

Seaside restaurants nearby offer fresh seafood, though meals are not included in the tour price. Visitors often enjoy a leisurely lunch on their own, soaking up the beautiful seaside views and gentle waves.

Scenic Drive Back with Multiple Stops

The return journey includes scenic stops and photo opportunities as the group heads back to Tirana. The entire trip concludes with drop-offs in Kavajë, Durrës, Golem, or Tirana, depending on the selected location. The drive offers additional vistas of Albania’s countryside, completing the day’s visual feast.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a live English-speaking guide, and scenic drives with photo stops. The entire experience is designed to be comfortable and informative, with scheduled breaks to avoid fatigue.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, camera, and water. As walking around the Blue Eye involves some uneven paths, sturdy shoes are recommended. The tour is not suitable for children under 4 years, those over 80, or individuals with motion sickness.

The tour’s flexibility means you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s an option to reserve now and pay later. The guide reaches out on the day of the tour to confirm pickup times, so arriving at the designated spot 15 minutes early ensures a smooth start.

Why Choose This Adventure?

This day trip offers a well-organized, value-packed opportunity to see some of Albania’s most beautiful natural spots and lively coastal towns. The scenic drives, stunning blue waters, and diverse stops make it ideal for travelers eager for a full day of exploration without the hassle of planning. The inclusion of hotel pickup and live guide service enhances convenience and insight.

While lunch and boat rentals are not included, the flexibility allows visitors to enjoy local eateries and explore at their own pace. The Blue Eye spring, with its vivid colors and cool water, remains a major highlight, as does the vibrant atmosphere of Saranda and the relaxing beaches of Ksamil.

This tour is especially suitable for nature lovers, beach enthusiasts, and those interested in Albania’s scenic landscapes. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the country’s southern coast with minimal planning required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, starting early in the morning with pickup in Tirana and returning in the evening.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, live English-speaking guide, scenic drives, photo stops, free time at Ksamil Beach, and a visit to the Blue Eye spring.

Are meals provided?
No, lunch and additional meals are not included, but there are seaside restaurants near Ksamil where you can dine at your own expense.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 4 years or people over 80. The walk at the Blue Eye involves some uneven paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

How do I confirm my pickup time?
The guide contacts guests via WhatsApp the evening before to confirm exact pickup times, so ensure your contact info is correct and accessible.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also an option to reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

This From Tirana: Ksamil Islands, Saranda, & Blue Eye Day Trip provides a thorough, scenic exploration of Albania’s southern coast, blending cultural stops with awe-inspiring natural beauty, all with the ease of organized transportation and expert guidance.

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