Sarande Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle Tour

The Sarande Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle Tour offers a compact yet memorable experience, combining natural beauty with impressive historical views. Priced at $32.39 per person, this 3-hour 30-minute guided excursion is ideal for travelers seeking a balanced mix of scenic landscapes and cultural landmarks. The tour departs from a central meeting point in Saranda, Albania, and features climate-controlled transport ensuring comfort throughout the journey. With a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 24 reviews, it’s highly recommended by 100% of participants, emphasizing its popularity and quality.

This tour is well-suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking around 12 minutes to reach the Blue Eye spring and enjoying a train ride (when operational) to enhance the experience. The group size is limited to 15 travelers, maintaining a friendly, intimate atmosphere. While the admission fee for Blue Eye is included, meals and hotel transfers are not. This trip provides excellent value and is perfect for a half-day adventure packed with scenic views and historical sights.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $32.39 with all fees including Blue Eye entry
• Duration of about 3.5 hours, making it suitable for a half-day plan
• Visiting two top sights: the Blue Eye spring and Lekursi Castle
• Comfortable transport with a climate-controlled van from Saranda’s city center
• Beautiful sunset views from Lekursi Castle, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Corfu

Starting Point in Saranda: Convenient and Central

The tour begins at OpenTour Albania’s meeting point, located in Rruga Onhezmi in the city center of Saranda. This central location ensures easy access and smooth check-in. The transportation is an air-conditioned vehicle, providing a comfortable ride through the Albanian countryside. The trip is designed for groups of up to 15 participants, fostering a small-group vibe that encourages interaction and personal attention from the guide.

The tour usually takes bookings 7 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among visitors. Since no hotel pickup is included, travelers should plan to meet at the designated point in Saranda.

Scenic Drive to the Blue Eye Spring

The journey to the Blue Eye spring starts with a scenic drive past the Bistrica river, renowned for its clear waters, and through lush nature forests. The drive itself offers glimpses of traditional Albanian landscapes, setting the stage for the natural wonder ahead.

Once at the parking lot, visitors walk approximately 12 minutes along a trail to reach the spring. There is an optional train ride available (not operating from November to April), which can offer a relaxed way to reach the Blue Eye spring. This natural phenomenon is famous for its turquoise waters and the 15-minute walk along the edge of the spring provides plenty of opportunities for photos, soaking your feet in the refreshing water, or enjoying a coffee while taking in the view.

Exploring the Blue Eye Spring

The Blue Eye spring is a major highlight of this tour, praised for its stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. Visitors are given ample time—about 2 hours and 30 minutes—to explore the area, take photographs, or simply relax beside this monument of nature. The admission fee for Blue Eye is included in the tour price, streamlining the experience.

While walking around the spring, it’s common to see people dipping their feet into the cold water, savoring the tranquility of the surroundings. The setting’s vibrant colors and the natural sounds of flowing water make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Cultural and Scenic Highlights at Lekursi Castle

After visiting Blue Eye, the tour continues to Lekursi Castle, a hilltop fortress offering sweeping panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, the city of Saranda, Ksamil, and even Corfu. The 30-minute stop here is scheduled just in time for the spectacular sunset, a moment that many reviews highlight as a major highlight.

From this vantage point, visitors can gaze at the Bistrica river, Butrint Lake, and the coastline, appreciating the vastness of the landscape. The castle itself features imposing round towers, and although the admission is free, the real attraction is the breathtaking scenery and the chance to take memorable photos.

The Guide’s Role and Tour Pacing

Multiple reviews note the friendly and informative guides, who provide detailed explanations of each location’s history and natural features. The pace of the tour is described as well-balanced, allowing enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. The tour’s well-paced schedule makes it suitable for those who prefer a relaxed day with structured sightseeing.

In case of bad weather, guides often go the extra mile—some reviews mention being taken to nearby sites like monasteries—adding value to the experience even when conditions are less than ideal.

Sunset at Lekursi Castle: A Photographic Moment

The sunset views from Lekursi Castle are a highlight praised in reviews. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the glow over the Ionian Sea creates a memorable backdrop. This is one of the most visually striking moments of the tour, recommended for those wishing to photograph the landscape or simply enjoy a peaceful end to an excursion.

Since the castle restaurant is highly regarded, visitors might consider planning a return for an evening meal to extend their time at this scenic hilltop.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The Blue Eye is only accessible from April to October via train, as the train service is not operational from November to April. The tour includes all fees and taxes, ensuring no hidden costs. However, meals and hotel transfers are not included, so plan accordingly.

Confirmation of booking is received at the time of reservation, and the meeting point remains the same for the tour’s duration. The maximum group size of 15 helps maintain a personal and engaging experience.

The Overall Value and Suitability

The value for money is high, given the inclusion of Blue Eye’s entrance fee, transport, and a guided experience. The reviews consistently praise the friendly guide, the scenic stops, and the timing that allows travelers to enjoy each site comfortably.

Ideal for those seeking a half-day escape from Saranda, this tour suits visitors with moderate physical fitness who want to see iconic natural and historical sites without overextending their schedule. It’s especially recommended for first-time visitors or those short on time but eager to experience Albania’s natural beauty.

Limitations and Considerations

A potential limitation is that the train ride to Blue Eye is not operational from November to April, so visitors during this period should be prepared for a walking route. Also, meals are not included, so bringing snacks or planning to dine elsewhere after the tour is advisable.

Lastly, as the tour ends back at the meeting point in Saranda, travelers should consider transportation arrangements if staying farther from the city center.

Sarande Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle Tour: Final Thoughts

This budget-friendly tour offers an excellent mix of natural beauty and scenic views with easy logistics and friendly guides. The Blue Eye spring provides a truly breathtaking natural spectacle, while Lekursi Castle delivers spectacular sunset vistas over the Ionian Sea.

It’s a perfect choice for those wanting a manageable half-day excursion, combining relaxation, photo opportunities, and cultural insight. The high ratings and consistent praise underscore its appeal to travelers seeking quality and value in their Albanian adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes climate-controlled transportation from the meeting point in Saranda to both the Blue Eye spring and Lekursi Castle.

Can I visit the Blue Eye outside the tour hours?
Since the Blue Eye entry fee is included, you can visit during the tour. The train ride is available April to October; outside this period, you’ll walk to the spring.

What is the best time to see the sunset from Lekursi Castle?
The tour is scheduled to catch the sunset at Lekursi Castle, which offers spectacular views and ideal lighting for photos, making it a highlight of the experience.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included. Visitors can purchase coffee or snacks at the Blue Eye or bring their own to enjoy during the walk.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically addressed, the moderate physical activity and short walks suggest it’s suitable for children with adult supervision and moderate fitness levels.