Sarande Lekursi Castle, Blue Eye and Gjirokaster Tour

If you’re considering spending a day exploring some of Albania’s most captivating sights, the Sarande Lekursi Castle, Blue Eye, and Gjirokaster Tour might just be worth your time. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve reviewed the details thoroughly to help you figure out if it’s a good fit. It promises a mix of breathtaking vistas, natural wonder, and history — all packed into about 7 to 8 hours, with a reasonable price tag of around $54 per person.

What I appreciate about this tour are the spectacular views from Lekursi Castle and the chance to see the famous Blue Eye spring, known for its striking clarity and natural beauty. Plus, the visit to Gjirokaster Castle and the charming old bazaar provide a real sense of local culture and history. One thing to keep in mind is that this trip involves some walking and moderate physical activity, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable on their feet. Overall, if you’re after a well-organized day trip that hits some of Albania’s highlights, this could be a good choice—especially if you like a mix of nature, history, and local flavor.

Key Points

• Includes essential sights like Lekursi Castle, Blue Eye, and Gjirokaster Castle, offering a balanced mix of nature and history.
• Round-trip transfers make the logistics easier, reducing the stress of planning transportation.
• Knowledgeable guides help bring the history and stories of each site to life.
• Moderate physical activity is involved, so it suits travelers comfortable with some walking.
• Affordable price point provides good value considering the sights and guided experience.
• Limited flexibility on timing might be a consideration if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting at Lekursi Castle: Panoramic Views and Photos

We love the way this first stop sets the tone for the day. From the Lëkurësit fortress, you get a sweeping view of Sarande, the Ionian Sea, and Ksamil. It’s a great spot for photos, and the 20-minute visit is enough to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed. Since the admission is free, it’s a perfect way to start the day on a high note, literally.

Visiting the Blue Eye: Nature’s Marvel

Next, you’ll head to the Blue Eye spring, a natural wonder renowned for its crystal-clear waters that seem to go straight to the bottom of the 50-meter deep spring. There’s an option to arrive by either a small train or a walk, which takes about 17 minutes. The guide will lead you around and share insights about this unique spring, but then you’ll have free time to explore on your own.

The experience of seeing the Blue Eye is truly special—many travelers find it mesmerizing. It’s worth noting that the admission fee is included, so there are no surprises there. The area can get busy, especially in peak season, so plan accordingly if you’re after a quieter moment.

Exploring Gjirokaster Castle and Its Surroundings

After Blue Eye, the tour moves to the Gjirokaster Castle, a highlight for history buffs. The guide will take you through the ramparts, prisons, canons, festival stage, and clock tower, offering a layered understanding of Albania’s past. The admission fee is included and the visit lasts about an hour. Expect to climb and walk through uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are advised.

Following the castle, you’ll have some free time to wander around the Gjirokaster Bazaar. This is where you’ll want to slow down and enjoy the local atmosphere, sample traditional Oshaf (a sweet dessert) and Qifqi (a type of rice ball). The bazaar seems to be a favorite for many, with one reviewer noting the delicious food and friendly vibe.

Practical Details and Logistics

The entire day is supported by air-conditioned transport, which is a big plus after a morning of sightseeing. The tour departs at 8:00 am from OpenTour Albania’s shop in Sarande, and note that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

Group size is limited to 18 travelers, fostering more personalized attention from the guide. The English-speaking guide makes a difference in understanding the sites and their stories. The tour is suitable for anyone with a moderate physical fitness level—expect some walking and uneven surfaces, especially at the castle and bazaar.

What People Say

A review highlights the knowledgeable and entertaining guide, who was very accommodating when some guests were late. The reviewer also mentioned parking difficulties, which is common in many historic sites, so planning ahead with a taxi or local transport is wise if you’re not staying nearby. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with a solid 5-star rating and remarks like “Complete A+ tour,” emphasizing the overall quality.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At just over $50, you’re paying for a full day of sightseeing, guided insights, and transportation. Considering the included entry fees and the convenience of round-trip transfers, it’s quite reasonable. If you’re keen on a balanced mix of natural beauty, history, and local culture, this tour offers a good bang for your buck. But if you prefer a more relaxed pace, or want to spend extra time at each site, you might find it a bit tight.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive day trip without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets. It’s ideal for those interested in history, scenic views, and natural wonders, and who don’t mind a bit of walking. If your time in Saranda is limited but you still want to see some of the region’s highlights, this tour provides a well-rounded overview.

Final Thoughts

The Sarande Lekursi Castle, Blue Eye, and Gjirokaster Tour offers a good introduction to southern Albania’s most notable sights. It combines stunning viewpoints, a unique natural spring, and historic sites, all within a manageable one-day schedule. The guided element enriches the experience with stories and local insights, making it more meaningful than just ticking off sites.

While it’s not perfect—some might wish for more time at each stop, and parking in Sarande can be tricky—the positives outweigh the downsides for most travelers. If you’re after a value-packed, well-organized trip that captures the essence of this part of Albania, this could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting point at OpenTour Albania’s shop in Sarande.

How long does each stop last?
You’ll spend around 20 minutes at Lekursi Castle, 1 hour 30 minutes at Blue Eye, 1 hour at Gjirokaster Castle, and about 1 hour 30 minutes exploring the bazaar area.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour doesn’t specifically mention family-friendliness, it involves some walking and moderate activity, so active children could enjoy it. As always, consider your children’s stamina and interest in the sites.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guided tour in English, air-conditioned transportation, and entry fees to Blue Eye and Gjirokaster Castle.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
You might want extra money for souvenirs at the bazaar or for optional snacks and drinks, but everything else listed is included.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, well-organized day filled with scenic spots, history, and local flavor, this tour seems like a practical and enjoyable option. Just plan your logistics ahead, especially for parking and transportation to the meeting point, and you’re set for a memorable day in southern Albania.