From Durrës or Golem: Ksamil, Saranda and Blue Eye Tour

If you’re considering a full-day adventure to explore some of Albania’s most stunning spots, this Ksamil, Saranda, and Blue Eye tour might be just what you’re after. We’ve looked into what this experience offers, and it’s clear that it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a mix of nature, history, and gorgeous scenery — all in one day.

What we really like about this trip is how well-organized it seems, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, so you don’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads. Plus, the places visited—like Ksamil’s beaches and the Blue Eye spring—are genuinely breathtaking and worth the trip. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a long day — around 14 hours — so it’s not ideal if you’re not a fan of long bus rides or tight schedules. Still, if you’re someone who loves a packed itinerary with diverse sights, this tour might suit you well.

This experience works best for travelers who want to see the highlights without too much hassle — especially those who appreciate guides with good local knowledge and value a hassle-free pickup. It’s not specifically tailored for families or kids, but it’s suitable for most travelers who enjoy scenic drives and sightseeing.

Key Points

• Convenience is king with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• You’ll visit diverse spots, from natural wonders to cultural sites.
• Expect a long day, but with plenty of incredible views and photo opportunities.
• The guides are noted for being caring, attentive, and knowledgeable.
• Blue Eye offers a surreal, fairy-tale-like scenery that’s unforgettable.
• The trip offers good value for money, considering the variety of locations covered.
• Be prepared for optional costs like sunbeds in Ksamil and a small train fee at Blue Eye.
• This tour is perfect for those eager to see Albania’s coastline and nature without planning every detail themselves.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day trip starts with an easy hotel pickup in Durrës or Golem, which is always a relief — no hunting for meeting points or worrying about transportation. Once on the bus, the journey begins with about four hours of scenic driving through Albania’s diverse landscape, giving you your first glimpse of the countryside’s olive groves, citrus, and vineyards.

Saranda: The Pearl of the Albanian Riviera

Your first stop is Saranda, a lively coastal city known for its stunning bay and proximity to nearby Greek islands. Here, you’ll get a chance to stroll along the promenade, feel the sea breeze, and maybe grab a coffee or ice cream by the water. Saranda is a bustling port town with a lot of charm, plus a strategic spot linking Albania to the Mediterranean.

One of the highlights here is Lekursi Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking Saranda and Corfu. It’s a quick visit but offers spectacular panoramic views that make for great photos. From this vantage point, you’ll see the island of Corfu, which adds a touch of Mediterranean magic to the scenery.

Ksamil: The White Sand Beaches

Next up is Ksamil, often called the pearl of the Albanian Riviera. This is where you’ll get your beach fix. The beaches here are as inviting as they look in the photos — soft white sand and crystal-clear water. You’ll have about three hours to relax, swim, or explore. The beaches are lined with small islands, creating perfect spots for photos or a quick boat trip (if you decide to rent a jet ski or paddleboard).

A tip from past travelers is that visiting Ksamil early in the day can mean better weather and fewer crowds, so the sequence of stops seems well thought out. One reviewer mentioned, “Going first to Ksamil gave us the opportunity to enjoy the better weather and swim.” Keep in mind, the sunbeds aren’t included, which can add a bit of extra cost if you want shade or loungers.

Blue Eye: A Fairy-Tale Water Spring

After a hearty dose of beach relaxation, the tour takes you to the Blue Eye, a natural spring famed for its vivid, blue, crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery. It’s about a two-hour stop, including walking and exploring the area. The walk is a bit longer — around 15 minutes — but many agree it’s worth it for the stunning scenery.

You might find the experience a bit chilly — the water temperature is quite low — but the sight of the bright blue water against the green forest is enough to make it memorable. One reviewer called it “something very positive about the tour,” emphasizing how magical the site is. Be prepared for a small extra fee if you want to take a train from the entrance to the site (around 3 euros), and sunbeds are not included here either.

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Wrapping Up with Lekursi Castle

The last stop is the Lekursi Castle, which offers another panoramic view of Saranda and Corfu. It’s a quick visit, about an hour, but it’s a nice way to round off the day with some cultural history and great picture opportunities.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a real plus for comfort and convenience. The transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, something all travelers appreciate after a long day in the sun. A tour leader/driver accompanies you, sharing insights and keeping the group moving smoothly.

Tickets to Blue Eye are included in the price, which is good because that’s one less thing to think about. However, if you want to rent sunbeds in Ksamil or take the Blue Eye train, those are extra costs — about 15-20 euros for sunbeds and 3 euros each way for the train.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Based on reviews, the guides in this tour seem to stand out. Guests mention guides like Mirsad, Andrew, and Mario as caring, attentive, and knowledgeable — often extending stops or helping take photos. This personal touch makes a long day feel more relaxed and pleasant. One traveler said, “Our guide Andrew was very caring and gave a lot of information about the country and its history,” which shows how a good guide really enhances the experience.

The scenery is what most travelers rave about. The Blue Eye’s surreal blue waters are often described as “fairy-tale-like,” and Ksamil is frequently called “magical.” The views of Corfu from Lekursi Castle add a Mediterranean touch that’s hard to beat.

On the flip side, the 14-hour duration is quite a long commitment. Some reviews wished for more time at certain stops, especially Ksamil, which is understandable. The day is tight, and with traffic or busy spots, you might feel a bit rushed at times. Also, the optional costs for sunbeds and train rides can add up if you’re not prepared.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free way to see some of Albania’s top spots in one day. If you love scenic drives, beautiful beaches, and impressive viewpoints, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. It’s especially good if you’re interested in the natural beauty and coastal towns without the stress of planning every detail.

It’s not necessarily suited for those looking for a relaxed or leisurely pace, given the long hours. Nor is it specifically tailored for families or children — unless kids are comfortable with long bus rides and walking — but it’s generally suitable for most visitors who enjoy exploring.

Final Thoughts

This Ksamil, Saranda, and Blue Eye tour offers a balanced mix of nature, history, and culture, all wrapped into a well-organized package. The guides seem to make a real effort to make the day enjoyable and informative, which many travelers appreciate. The scenery — especially Blue Eye and Ksamil’s beaches — is genuinely stunning and worth experiencing firsthand.

The value for money is good, considering the variety of sights covered, and the easy logistics make it accessible even if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with Albania. It’s a solid choice for those eager to check off multiple highlights in one go.

If you’re someone who enjoys a full-day adventure filled with beautiful landscapes and scenic views, this trip will probably leave you with lasting memories. Just be prepared for a long day and some optional extra costs along the way.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off in Golem or Durrës, making logistics straightforward and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 14 hours, starting with morning pickup and returning in the evening.

What’s the best time to visit Ksamil?
Many travelers suggest visiting early in the day for better weather and fewer crowds, especially for swimming.

Are sunbeds in Ksamil included?
No, sunbeds are an optional extra costing around 15-20 euros per umbrella with two sunbeds.

Is Blue Eye worth the walk?
Absolutely — many describe it as a magical, fairy-tale scene. The walk is about 15 minutes, and the view makes it worthwhile despite the chilly water.

Can I visit other attractions?
Yes, there are optional costs like taking the Blue Eye train (about 3 euros each way), but most of the main sights are included.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not specifically designed for children, it can be suitable if your kids are okay with long bus rides and walking.

What language is the tour guide in?
The tour is conducted in English, with knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts along the way.

In short, if you’re looking for an efficient, scenic way to experience some of Albania’s coastal treasures, this tour offers a well-rounded taste. Just bring your camera, some comfortable shoes, and a sense of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: