Sarande Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Saranda, chances are you’re seeking a memorable experience that combines stunning scenery with a touch of history. The Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle tour offers exactly that—an approachable way to see two of the area’s most iconic sights in just a few hours. The fact that it has a 5.0 rating from 24 reviews and is recommended by 100% of travelers suggests it’s a popular option, and from what we gather, it delivers on its promises.

One of the things we really like about this tour is its balance of natural beauty and panoramic views—the Blue Eye spring’s vibrant turquoise waters are breathtaking, and the sunset at Lekursi Castle promises a truly memorable end to the day. Plus, the expert guidance and reasonable price (around $32) make it feel like a good value for a half-day adventure. That said, a potential drawback might be the limited time at each location, especially if you’re a slow walker or really want to linger.

This trip is well-suited for those who want a structured, relaxed sightseeing experience without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s perfect if you prefer to leave transportation and logistics to someone else, especially since it includes a comfortable air-conditioned van and a scenic train ride (when operational). If you’re after a quick, scenic overview of Saranda’s highlights, this tour ticks those boxes nicely.

Key Points

• Convenient Pickup: The tour starts at a centrally located meeting point in Saranda, making it easy to join.
• Scenic Drive: Travel in a climate-controlled van through beautiful Albanian countryside, setting the tone for the day.
• Flexible Exploration: Ample free time at the Blue Eye spring and a sunset at Lekursi Castle for photos and soaking in views.
• Affordable Price: At just over $32, this is a budget-friendly way to see multiple sights.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides add context and enhance the visit, making it more meaningful.
• Limited Meal Options: Meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or grab something locally if desired.

The Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at OpenTour Albania’s shop in Saranda, a straightforward spot in the city center. From there, a climate-controlled van takes you on a scenic drive, which is nice because it spares you from the hassle of navigating yourself. The drive itself is a highlight—traveling past the Bistrica river, lush forests, and the untouched Albanian countryside. The group size is limited to 15 travelers, which helps keep things intimate and allows for more personal attention from the guide.

Stop 1: The Blue Eye Spring

The first major stop is the Blue Eye spring, a natural wonder famous for its vivid turquoise waters, seemingly glowing from within. The walk from the parking lot is about 12 minutes, but there’s also a train option if you’re feeling less inclined to walk—though note that train rides aren’t available from November to April. The reviews highlight how well-managed this part is, with many travelers appreciating the ample time to explore.

Expect to spend around 2 hours 30 minutes here, which includes photo opportunities, dipping your feet in the cold water, and enjoying a coffee break. One reviewer, Hettie, mentioned that the castle restaurant near the site was lovely, and she wished she could stay for dinner—it’s a good hint that there are nice spots nearby if you want to extend your visit.

Insights from travelers:

As one reviewer put it, “It was a very nice experience, the tour coordinator gave us enough time to explore each location and a well-detailed explanation of each location’s history.” That kind of thoughtful pacing makes a difference when you’re trying to enjoy such a unique natural site without feeling rushed.

Stop 2: Lekursi Castle

Next, you’ll head to Lekursi Castle, perched on a hilltop with sweeping views over Saranda, the Ionian Sea, and beyond. The drive up gives you a break and sets the scene for sunset viewing. The walk around the castle is short, about 30 minutes, and the focus here is on taking in the panoramic vistas—which are especially striking at sunset.

One traveler, Hettie, mentioned that the castle restaurant was so lovely that it made her wish she could stay for dinner. Watching the sunset from this vantage point is a highlight, with views of neighboring islands like Corfu and the lush surrounding villages making it a perfect photo-op and a peaceful way to end the day.

Additional notes:

• The admission fee to Blue Eye is included, but the castle’s views are free.
• The tour concludes back at the starting point, making it straightforward and stress-free.
• The total duration is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, making it ideal for a half-day outing.

What We Love About the Tour

The guides seem to be a real highlight based on reviews—they’re described as knowledgeable and friendly, adding depth to the experience without overwhelming. The timing feels well-paced, giving enough space for photos, relaxing, and soaking in the views.

The cost is another plus—$32 roughly per person—offering good value given the sights visited and the included transportation. Plus, the fact that it runs well in advance (recommended booking 7 days out) suggests high demand and a smooth operation.

Common praises include:

• The stunning scenery at Blue Eye, which is as mesmerizing in person as in pictures.
• The beautiful sunset at Lekursi, which many describe as unforgettable.
• The friendly, helpful guides adding context and making the trip enjoyable.

Things to Consider

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers point out that the free time at each location might feel a little limited if you like to explore at a slower pace. Also, since meals are not included, you might want to bring snacks or plan ahead for refreshments, especially if you prefer not to eat at the limited options near Blue Eye.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the train ride at Blue Eye isn’t operational from November to April, so if you’re visiting in those months, you’ll be walking the entire way.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a relaxed, guided overview of Saranda’s natural and scenic highlights, this tour hits the mark. It’s a good pick if you want to see the Blue Eye without the hassle of organizing transport or figuring out how to get there on your own. The sunset views at Lekursi are a bonus, especially if you enjoy photography or just want a peaceful spot to appreciate the Albanian coast.

Travelers who appreciate good value, friendly guides, and picturesque scenery will find plenty to enjoy here. However, if you’re a slow traveler or love to linger at every site, you might find the limited free time at each stop a bit tight.

The Sum Up

The Sarande Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle tour offers a convenient way to tick off two of Saranda’s most representative sights without breaking the bank. It combines natural beauty, scenic views, and friendly guidance in a way that feels approachable and well-organized. The included transportation, combined with the opportunity to see the Blue Eye spring’s mesmerizing waters and watch a sunset from one of the best vantage points in town, makes this a solid choice for anyone wanting a memorable half-day outing.

While it’s not a deep dive into history or local culture, it provides a well-rounded glimpse of what makes Saranda special. Whether you’re short on time or simply prefer guided tours that take care of the details, this experience is likely to leave you with plenty of beautiful memories—and maybe a few photos that will make your friends jealous.

Who it’s best for

This tour appeals most to travelers looking for a comfortable, organized, and scenic experience. It’s particularly suited for those who want to avoid the hassle of self-guided trips and prefer a small group setting. If you enjoy stunning natural sights and panoramic views, this tour will meet your expectations. Travelers with a moderate physical fitness level will find it manageable, as the walks are short and manageable.

On the flip side, if you tend to explore slowly or crave more time at each site, you might want to consider extending your visit or planning a more flexible itinerary.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to meet at the specified meeting point in Saranda.

What is the meeting point? The meeting point is OpenTour Albania’s shop in Rruga Onhezmi, Saranda.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes long.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included, so bring snacks or plan to buy something at the sites.

What is the best time to see the sunset at Lekursi Castle? The tour is timed to catch the sunset from Lekursi Castle, making it a fantastic photo opportunity.

Is the Blue Eye train ride available year-round? No, the train is not operating from November to April; during those months, you’ll walk the entire way.

How many people are in the group? The tour limits group size to 15 travelers, fostering a more personal experience.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, especially at Blue Eye. Bring sun protection and water for hydration.

Can I swim in Blue Eye spring? You can dip your feet or legs, but note the water is cold—many find it refreshing and fun for a quick dip.

Is this tour family-friendly? While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the short walks and scenic spots make it suitable for most travelers, but always consider individual mobility levels.

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic half-day in Saranda with stunning views and friendly guidance, this tour is definitely worth considering.