From Saranda: Explore Blue Eye- The Monument of Nature

If you’re planning a trip to southern Albania, chances are you’ve come across the Blue Eye—that striking, vivid spring that looks like something out of a fairytale. We haven’t done this tour ourselves, but from what we’ve gathered, it’s a well-loved experience for travelers wanting a dose of natural beauty with some comfort and ease.

The best parts? The professional guides really seem to bring the place to life, and the comfortable transportation makes the journey smooth. Plus, with flexible departure times, it’s easy to slot into your travel plans. On the flip side, the main drawback might be that the Blue Eye itself isn’t huge, and if you’re expecting a massive spectacle, you might find it a little smaller than imagined.

This tour is perfect if you’re after a straightforward, well-organized way to see one of Albania’s most iconic sites. It’s particularly suited to those who prefer guided experiences and want everything taken care of, from transportation to tickets. If you’re short on time or want a comfortable outing with a bit of nature, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Comfortable ride: The minivan is praised for being very comfortable and air-conditioned.
• Flexible scheduling: Multiple departure times make planning easier.
• Knowledgeable guides: Tour guides are friendly and explain things well.
• Compact but beautiful: The Blue Eye is small but stunning, with great photo opportunities.
• Additional options nearby: There’s a restaurant at Blue Eye where you can grab snacks or lunch.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users: Due to terrain considerations around the site.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour from Saranda is designed for those who want a manageable, well-organized outing to see Albania’s famous natural wonder—the Blue Eye spring. It lasts about 2.5 hours, making it an ideal half-day trip, especially if you’re juggling multiple activities.

The journey begins with a convenient pickup from either Sheshi Kosova or Hotel Butrinti, depending on your choice. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned van for the roughly 30-minute drive toward the site. The transit itself is smooth, and many reviews mention how comfortable the minivan was, which is a big plus after a night or two of travel.

Once at Blue Eye, you’ll get a chance to enjoy a guided tour, which lasts around an hour and a half. The guide’s role is to explain the significance of the site, describe the wildlife—like the rare Blue Dragonfly—and point out the best angles for photos. Afterward, you have some free time to walk around, soak in the views, or grab a snack from the nearby restaurant.

The return trip follows the same route, and you’ll be dropped off at your original pickup points, making the experience straightforward and stress-free.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Departure

Your day starts at either Sheshi Kosova or Hotel Butrinti, with the pickup times flexible to suit your schedule. This flexibility is appreciated, especially if you’re staying in Saranda and want to coordinate with other activities.

The Drive to Blue Eye

The drive lasts about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to relax and chat with fellow travelers or enjoy the scenery. The route is direct and well-organized, with no surprises here.

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Arriving at Blue Eye

Once you arrive, the highlight is undeniably the spring itself—a mesmerizing pool of crystal-clear blue waters surrounded by lush greenery. The site isn’t very large, but the vivid color and the surrounding forest make it a perfect spot for photos and just taking in the view.

Many travelers find it quite manageable to walk from the drop-off point to the spring—about twenty minutes or so—or you can opt to take a short train ride for a small fee, which some might find fun or convenient. As one reviewer noted, the walk is “nothing difficult,” making it accessible for most visitors.

Guided Tour and Free Time

Your guide will explain the significance of the Blue Eye and share interesting tidbits, including the presence of the rare Blue Dragonfly. The guided segment is about 1.5 hours, offering plenty of time to learn and explore. Many reviews mention how friendly and warm the guides are, which adds to the overall experience.

After the tour, you’ll have some free time. You might want to sit by the water, have a snack, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting. The big restaurant nearby offers lunch options and snacks like ice cream, so you can relax after your walk.

Return Journey

The trip wraps up with a 30-minute drive back to Saranda, and you’ll be dropped off at your initial pickup points—easy and convenient.

Is It Worth the Price?

The price includes transportation, an entrance ticket, and a knowledgeable guide, which together provide good value considering the convenience. However, keep in mind that the train ticket to the springs isn’t included, so if you choose to take the train, that’s an extra cost.

Many travelers appreciate how smoothly everything runs, especially the organized pickups and the air-conditioned van. The reviews suggest that the experience offers a lot of value for the price, especially if you want a hassle-free way to see the Blue Eye without worrying about logistics.

What the Reviews Say

The optimistic comments highlight the comfortable minivan and friendly guides. One traveler noted, “The lady who was our guide welcomed us very warmly, explained everything very well, and was very friendly.” This personal touch seems to be a common theme.

As for the site itself, reviews mention that while the Blue Eye is beautiful, it’s not necessarily gigantic or overwhelming. One reviewer said, “Blue Eye was as beautiful as expected, but quite small.” This is worth considering if you’re expecting a sprawling natural wonder; it’s more of a charming, picturesque spot.

Some travelers appreciate the nearby restaurant for snacks or a casual lunch, making the visit more relaxing. Others noted that the walk from the drop-off point to the spring is quite manageable, which is nice if you’re not keen on hiking or strenuous activity.

Practical Details

• Duration: 2.5 hours, making it a quick yet fulfilling trip
• Start Times: Multiple departures—check availability to find a slot that works
• Pickups: From Sheshi Kosova or Hotel Butrinti (with a slight delay for the latter)
• Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned van
• Language: Live tour guides speak English
• Suitability: Not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a stress-free way to see one of Albania’s natural gems, this tour offers solid organization, friendly guides, and a scenic experience. It’s especially good if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy some of the country’s unique landscapes.

While it’s not a massive or overly adventurous trip, the combination of comfortable transport and engaging explanations makes it appealing for travelers who want a snapshot of Albania’s natural beauty without too much hassle. It’s a good choice for those who value convenience, clean facilities, and a relaxed pace.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the price covers comfortable, air-conditioned transportation from selected pickup points and back.

Can I walk from the drop-off point to the Blue Eye? Yes, the walk takes about 20 minutes and is described as nothing difficult by travelers.

Are there any extra costs? The entrance ticket to Blue Eye park is included, but if you choose to take the train to the springs, that’s an additional expense.

Is the site suitable for children? The tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, but the terrain around Blue Eye is manageable for most visitors. Wheelchair users are not advised due to terrain.

How long is the tour? It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including transport, sightseeing, and free time.

What is the Blue Eye like? It’s a small but stunning spring with clear, bright blue waters surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for photos and a peaceful walk.

Is there food available at the site? Yes, there’s a large restaurant nearby where you can buy snacks or lunch.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-organized way to see the Blue Eye and enjoy some nature, this tour from Saranda fits the bill. It offers comfort, interesting insights, and a chance to marvel at one of Albania’s most photographed natural sites. Just keep your expectations in check regarding size—it’s a beautiful, manageable spot rather than a vast spectacle.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as part of a small group, you’ll find this trip easy to fit into your schedule—and the reviews suggest you’ll leave with some lovely photos and good memories. It’s a practical choice for anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic outing with knowledgeable guides leading the way.

Happy exploring!

You can check availability for your dates here: