Blue Eye Magic & Castle Views Saranda Adventure Tour

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $43 per person and lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day escape.
• Main Stops: Highlights include the Blue Eye spring with time for swimming and photos, and Lekursi Castle with breathtaking hilltop views.
• Accessible and Relaxed: The tour is led by a local guide, with an easy-going pace and air-conditioned transportation. It’s wheelchair accessible and includes free bottled water.
• Unique Views: From Lekursi Castle, visitors can see three countries—Albania, Greece, and on clear days, Italy—while learning about the castle’s history.
• Mixed Reviews: While the landscapes are praised, some reviews note a shorter actual duration and questionable value at certain points, like the beach stop.

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Discover the Natural Wonder of the Blue Eye Spring

This tour kicks off with a visit to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring famed for its vibrant turquoise waters. The spring’s waters bubble up from deep underground, creating an entrancing, ever-changing display of colors. Visitors get plenty of time to walk around, snap photos, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters.

The local guide shares intriguing stories and legends about the Blue Eye, adding depth to the visual experience. The area around the spring offers options for a cool drink or snack, allowing for a relaxing break amidst the natural beauty.

Scenic Drive and Panoramic Views from Lekursi Castle

After the Blue Eye, the tour continues with a comfortable drive to Lekursi Castle, perched on a hill above Saranda. Along the way, expect to enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and mountains. The castle itself provides one of the best viewpoints in Albania.

From Lekursi Castle, you can see three countries—Albania below, Greece just across the water with the island of Corfu, and on a clear day, even Italy in the distance. The guide elaborates on the castle’s history and strategic importance, enriching the visual experience with stories of the region.

Organised and Relaxed Tour Pacing

This tour is designed for a relaxed, easy-going pace, with plenty of free time at both stops. The guided insights ensure you learn about the area’s history and legends while enjoying the scenery at your own pace. It’s a suitable outing for couples, families, solo travelers, and even cruise ship visitors seeking a manageable half-day trip.

While the scheduled duration is around 4 hours, actual times can vary depending on the group’s needs. The tour departs from the main office near Saranda’s port, with options for pickup from other locations in the town.

Transport, Guides, and Accessibility

The journey includes comfortable, air-conditioned transportation, led by a local guide fluent in English and French. The guide’s storytelling adds a personal touch to the experience, making the history and legends more engaging.

This tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that guests with mobility needs can enjoy the scenic stops without trouble. The included bottled water helps keep everyone refreshed, especially during the summer months.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The entrance fee to the Blue Eye spring is included in the $43 price, along with guided commentary and transportation. However, some reviews suggest that additional costs might be involved at some stops, like the beach, with one review noting a pay-for-entry beach that is only 35 minutes of swimming.

The tour does not include food, but offers free time for snacks or drinks. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is permitted, offering flexibility if plans change.

What the Tour Offers for Different Types of Visitors

This half-day trip works well for those looking for a quick yet visually rewarding experience. The visual highlights—the Blue Eye’s waters and the sweeping views from Lekursi Castle—are the main attractions. The easy pace and local insights make it suitable for a broad range of travelers, including families and older visitors.

It’s also a good option for cruise ship passengers seeking a manageable excursion close to Saranda’s port. The tour’s relaxed timing and scenic stops help to avoid feeling rushed, despite some criticisms about the actual length of time spent at certain points.

Limitations and Considerations

While the landscapes are undeniably beautiful, the reviewed experiences highlight some discrepancies. One review notes that the tour duration was shorter than expected, with only 2.5 hours of actual sightseeing instead of four. Plus, the beach stop was only 35 minutes of swimming on a private beach, contrasting with the supposed more extensive experience.

Some travelers express concerns about additional costs and feeling pushed to purchase extra services or visits to paid beaches. It’s advisable to clarify what is included beforehand and be prepared for potential extra expenses.

Final Thoughts on the Blue Eye & Castle Views Tour

This tour combines nature, history, and spectacular panoramas into a manageable half-day adventure. The visit to the Blue Eye spring offers a vivid natural spectacle, while Lekursi Castle provides a stunning lookout over Saranda and neighboring countries.

The local guides enhance the experience with engaging stories, and the easy pace makes it accessible to most travelers. However, some reviews highlight shorter actual durations and extra costs at certain stops, making it important to manage expectations.

This tour is best suited for visitors seeking a brief, scenic escape from the city that combines natural beauty with a bit of history. If you appreciate panoramic views, refreshing swims, and relaxed sightseeing, this trip offers great value at $43.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, comfortable, air-conditioned transportation is included, along with a local guide.

How long is the tour?
The tour is designed for 4 hours, but actual experiences may be slightly shorter, around 2.5 to 3 hours.

What are the main stops?
The main stops are Blue Eye spring, where you can swim and take photos, and Lekursi Castle, with panoramic views and historical insights.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are there any extra costs?
The entrance fee to Blue Eye is included, but some reviews mention additional expenses, such as paid beaches or snacks.

Can I bring food or drinks?
While the tour includes bottled water, there is time to buy snacks or drinks at the stops, especially around Blue Eye.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, especially for walking around the Blue Eye and the castle.

Is the tour flexible if I want to skip a stop?
Flexibility depends on the group and guide, but early communication can help accommodate specific needs.

What if I want to cancel?
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who leads the tour?
A local guide fluent in English and French leads the tour, sharing insights about the sites and region.

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