Tirana/Durres/Golem: Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye Day Trip

Traveling through Albania offers a chance to see some truly spectacular natural beauty, and this day trip from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem promises just that. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve read through hundreds of reviews and details to give you an honest, well-rounded picture. If you’re craving a full day of scenic vistas, turquoise waters, and some good stories about this lesser-explored country, it’s worth considering.

What really appeals to us? First, the guided experience is often praised for its knowledgeable guides who genuinely love their country. Second, the stunning stops — especially the Blue Eye spring — are consistently highlighted for their visual impact. A potential downside? The itinerary is quite packed, so expect a long day with many hours on the road. If you’re okay with that, this tour suits travelers who want a taste of Albania’s highlights in one go — perfect for those on a tight schedule or who prefer organized excursions.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering iconic spots like Ksamil, Saranda, and the Blue Eye spring
• Expert guides who share insights and make the long day engaging
• Incredible photo opportunities at each stop, especially the Blue Eye’s vivid blue waters
• Value for money, considering the transport, guide, and entry tickets included
• Flexible options for pickup from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem
• Long but rewarding day, with plenty of free time at key sites

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour Could Be a Great Choice

This tour is designed for those wanting to see a good part of southern Albania without the hassle of organizing transport or guides themselves. The fact that it’s a full-day experience—around 16.5 hours—might sound intense, but many reviews say it’s worth every minute. The cost, at $77 per person, covers a lot: air-conditioned transport, a licensed guide, and entry to the Blue Eye, which is a major highlight.

The overall feedback is very positive, with a 4.8-star rating based on over 1,200 reviews. Travelers consistently praise the guides, especially for their enthusiasm, local knowledge, and willingness to go the extra mile. Many mention that the scenery is breathtaking, with the Blue Eye spring often described as “absolutely stunning,” “breathtaking,” and “not to be missed.” The stops in Ksamil and Saranda also deliver on their promise of pristine beaches and lively seaside towns.

That said, the trip’s length means you should be prepared for a lot of sitting in a vehicle. But the frequent stops, scenic drives, and engaging guides tend to make the time go faster. If you’re someone who enjoys a detailed itinerary and the comfort of a well-organized tour, this one could be perfect.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Journey to the South

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point in Tirana, Durrës, or Golem. The van ride lasts about 4.5 hours, taking you through Albania’s lush countryside. Expect to see rolling hills, picturesque villages, and mountain views—great for stretching your legs and getting a feel for the country’s landscape.

Many travelers comment on how comfortable the transport is, with air conditioning and a friendly guide sharing stories along the way. The long drive can be tiring, but reviews suggest it’s made more enjoyable thanks to the guide’s enthusiasm and the beautiful scenery.

Saranda: First Stop

Your first major stop is Saranda, a bustling coastal town known for its palm-lined promenade and views of the Ionian Sea. We loved the way this allows travelers to get a quick taste of Albania’s lively seaside vibe. It’s a great spot for photos, and many visitors mention that it’s a lively, colorful town, perfect for a quick walk and some local snacks.

While the stop here is brief—about an hour—many reviews recommend using this time to snap photos and get a quick feel for the town. It’s a great introductory stop to the area’s charm.

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Ksamil and Beach Time

Next, the tour heads to Ksamil, often highlighted as the “paradise” stop. Known for its white sandy beaches and transparent waters, Ksamil is every bit as beautiful as it sounds. The free time here usually spans around two hours, giving plenty of opportunity to relax, swim, or even rent a kayak or boat to visit the nearby islands.

Many reviews say that the time in Ksamil is well-spent, with some opting for a beachside lunch or simply soaking up the sun. The option to rent a boat to explore the unspoiled islands is popular, although this is not included in the tour price. The beaches are described as not overly crowded, but some travelers mention that during peak times they can get busy.

Lunch and Optional Activities

After some beach time, you might choose to enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants. The tour doesn’t include meals, but many guides recommend local spots that serve fresh seafood and Albanian specialties. Some guests take the opportunity to try local tapas or enjoy fresh fish—reviews consistently praise the quality and affordability.

Following lunch, there’s a possibility for a boat cruise, swimming, or simply more exploring. This flexible time is often enjoyed by travelers who like to tailor part of their experience.

Saranda: Scenic Drive and Photo Stops

After Ksamil, the journey continues inland toward Saranda again, with scenic drives and stops for photos along the way. The guide will share insights about the area’s culture and history, often making the bus ride both relaxing and educational.

The Blue Eye: The Grand Finale

The tour’s highlight—by far— is the Blue Eye spring. This natural wonder is a deep, vivid blue freshwater spring, often described as resembling an eye staring back at visitors. Surrounded by green foliage and accessible via wooden pathways, it’s a magical sight.

Visitors can walk along the pathways, admire the view, and dip their feet in the icy waters, which stay at around 10°C (50°F) year-round. Many reviews mention how stunning the Blue Eye is in person, with some saying the photos don’t do it justice.

You’ll have about an hour and 45 minutes here, enough time to take multiple photos, enjoy the peaceful scenery, and even swim if you’re brave enough. The cooler waters are refreshing, especially after a warm day exploring.

Return Journey

The ride back to Tirana, Durrës, or Golem takes about 3.75 hours. Many travelers say that the scenic drive, combined with friendly guides sharing stories and tips, helps make the long trip feel more manageable. You’ll arrive back late evening, often around 11:30 pm, but most agree it’s a full day packed with incredible sights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers the essentials: air-conditioned vehicle, licensed guides in multiple languages, and entry tickets to the Blue Eye. These elements ensure comfort and access to the main attraction. The provided reviews mention that the guides are knowledgeable and engaging, truly making the trip special.

What’s not included? Meals, snacks, boat rides, kayak rentals, sunbeds, and water are extras. While this might seem like a downside, many travelers found the overall value high considering the price — especially when you factor in the convenience of all-in-one transportation and guided commentary.

How the Reviews Paint the Picture

Feedback consistently highlights the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Multiple reviews praise guides like Beni, Orgest, and Artol for their professionalism, humor, and local insights. One reviewer said, “Orgest was caring, communicative, and made sure we felt comfortable,” while another called him “a true ambassador of his country.”

The sights themselves receive glowing remarks. The Blue Eye, in particular, is described as “breathtaking,” “absolutely stunning,” and “not to be missed.” Many travelers also appreciated the free time at Ksamil, where they could swim, rent boats, or just relax on the beach.

Some reviews point out the long duration — about 16.5 hours — but most agree the experience is worth it for the stunning scenery and the ease of guided travel. A few reviewers mention that the early start and late return can be tiring, but the overall enthusiasm about the destinations outweighs the fatigue.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This trip is ideal if you’re looking for an efficient way to see multiple top sights in southern Albania. It’s suited for those who enjoy scenic drives, natural beauty, and a bit of adventure in the water. If you prefer relaxed, slow-paced days, the long hours might be a challenge, but most reviews say the highlights make it worthwhile.

It’s particularly good for travelers who don’t want the hassle of organizing transport or guides themselves. The group setting also lends itself well to meeting fellow travelers from around the world.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children or babies, note that the tour isn’t recommended for infants, and the long hours on the road could be tiring for little ones. Also, be prepared for the physical activity involved in walking around sites like the Blue Eye.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The trip runs for about 16.5 hours, with most travelers arriving back late in the evening. It’s a long day, but many say the experience is worth every minute.

What is included in the price?
You get air-conditioned transport, a licensed guide, and entry tickets to the Blue Eye spring. Meals, snacks, boat or kayak rentals, and sunbeds are not included.

Is there free time at the stops?
Yes. You’ll have around 30 minutes in Saranda, about 2 hours in Ksamil, and nearly 2 hours at the Blue Eye, allowing for photos, swimming, and relaxing.

Can I swim at the Blue Eye?
Yes, you can dip your feet or swim in the icy waters, but it’s quite cold at 10°C (50°F). Most enjoy the sight and the walk rather than a full swim.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly geared toward children, the tour can be suitable for those who enjoy outdoor activities and scenic sights. Kids should be able to handle the long day and some walking.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring essentials like passport or ID, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, change of clothes, and cash. Be prepared for outdoor conditions, so hats and sunglasses are also advisable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to see some of Albania’s most stunning natural sights with the convenience of a guided group, this day trip offers a solid balance of adventure, scenery, and cultural insights. The positive reviews about guides like Beni and Orgest show how important knowledgeable, friendly guides are to making such trips memorable.

The stops at Ksamil and the Blue Eye are definite highlights, and the scenic drive gives you a taste of Albania’s unspoiled countryside. While the long hours might seem daunting, travelers consistently say that the beauty of the sites and the warm guidance make it all worthwhile.

This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience in the south of Albania and don’t mind a full day on the move. It’s a fantastic way to tick off several bucket-list spots in one go — and leave with plenty of photos and stories to share.

Happy travels!

You can check availability for your dates here: