From Saranda: Gjirokastra Stone City & Blue Eye Day Trip

Discover Gjirokastra & Blue Eye from Saranda: A Practical Guide to an Enriching Day Trip

If you’re staying in Saranda and craving a taste of Albania’s layered history and stunning natural beauty, this day trip to Gjirokastra and the Blue Eye is worth considering. While it’s a solid option if you’re short on time but want a well-rounded experience, keep in mind that the tour is quite busy, with a packed itinerary that leaves little room for lingering at each spot.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines both cultural and natural highlights seamlessly. The guided visits to historic sites like Gjirokastra Castle and Skenduli House make history accessible and engaging, while the walk around the Blue Eye springs offers a refreshing natural contrast. Also, the guides seem to truly make the experience special — their knowledge and friendliness come through in the reviews.

However, one potential downside is the amount of walking involved—about 1.2 km at the Blue Eye alone—and the tour duration can extend beyond the scheduled 6 hours, especially if there are delays. It’s worth considering whether you’re comfortable with a relatively fast-paced day filled with sightseeing. Ultimately, this experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Gjirokastra’s treasures without sacrificing their whole day, and it’s especially great for those who appreciate guided tours led by knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Well-rounded itinerary with cultural and natural highlights
• Expert guides who are friendly and knowledgeable
• Includes entrance tickets and transport, making it convenient
• Suitable for travelers interested in history, architecture, and nature
• Walks involve some distance, so comfortable shoes are a must
• Approximately 6 hours—a good day trip option if you’re efficient

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Gjirokastra & Blue Eye Day Trip

This tour offers a good balance between exploring Albania’s historical spots and enjoying its natural beauty, all within a manageable 6-hour window. It’s designed to give you an overview of Gjirokastra’s most iconic attractions, complemented by a visit to the Blue Eye springs, renowned for their striking clarity and natural appeal.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Saranda, which really helps streamline the experience so you don’t have to stress about logistics. The transportation is air-conditioned, making the drive comfortable, especially during warm days. The group size tends to be small, which enhances the personal feel and allows guides to give more tailored insights.

The Itinerary

Starting at Saranda: Your day begins with hotel pickup, making it easy to kick off without needing to navigate public transport. The drive to Gjirokastra takes around 50 minutes, giving you a chance to get familiar with the landscape and maybe catch some early thoughts about what’s ahead.

Gjirokastra Castle: This is the first big stop. The guided tour lasts about an hour, giving you a chance to explore its walls, learn about its centuries of history, and enjoy panoramic views. The reviews highlight guides like Marsia, who is praised for her friendliness and depth of knowledge—she seems to make history come alive.

Old Bazaar & Cold War Tunnel: After the castle, you stroll through the charming Old Bazaar for some free time to browse shops or grab a bite. There’s also an intriguing visit to the Cold War Tunnel, which is roughly 30 minutes. It’s a unique slice of recent history, and many reviewers mention how interesting it is to step into a piece of Albania’s Cold War past.

Skenduli House: Another highlight is the 300-year-old Skenduli House. The guided visit here lasts about 30 minutes, giving you a fascinating look into traditional Albanian architecture and local life. Reviewers note that the guide makes this part especially engaging, sharing stories that bring the house’s history to life.

Blue Eye Springs: The final natural stop is the Blue Eye Nature Park. You’ll walk about 1 km to see the springs, which is manageable for most, but not ideal if you have mobility issues. The water’s color and clarity are amazing, and the walk provides a relaxing end to the trip. The site also offers great photo opportunities, and many reviews describe it as breathtaking.

Return to Saranda: After the Blue Eye, the group heads back, with the total tour duration around 6 hours—sometimes slightly longer if delays occur, as some reviews mention.

The Value of the Tour: What You Get for Your Money

Pricing for this tour is reasonable considering the inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance tickets, guided commentary, and air-conditioned transportation. It’s a convenient package that removes the hassle of figuring out tickets and directions on your own.

Travelers consistently mention that guides like Marsia add a lot of value with their knowledge and flexibility. Many reviews also praise the smooth organization and the variety of sights packed into the day, making it good value overall.

Food isn’t included, which is worth noting—most visitors grab a quick lunch in the Old Bazaar, where there are plenty of options. Some reviewers suggest having lunch earlier to avoid rushing, but the free time gives you flexibility.

The Experience of Each Stop: Why They Matter

More Great Tours Nearby

Gjirokastra Castle

This fortress is central to the town’s identity, and exploring it offers a window into Albania’s medieval past. The guided tour helps you appreciate the architecture and strategic importance of the site. Plus, the views from the walls are fantastic. If you’re into history or scenic panoramas, you’ll find this to be a highlight.

Old Bazaar

Walking through the cobblestone streets of the Bazaar feels like stepping back in time. There are local shops selling crafts and souvenirs, and it’s a good place to soak in the local vibe. Some travelers mention they would have liked more time here, but the allocated hour is enough for a quick browse and maybe a snack.

Cold War Tunnel

This underground tunnel represents a more recent chapter of Albania’s history. Visiting it gives a tangible sense of how the country prepared for potential conflict. It’s fascinating to imagine life underground and adds a different dimension to your understanding of Albania.

Skenduli House

A visit here offers insights into traditional Albanian homes and family life from 300 years ago. The guide’s storytelling makes it more vivid, and many reviews highlight how much they learned about local culture during this stop.

Blue Eye Springs

Finally, the Blue Eye springs aren’t just stunning—they’re also a peaceful natural retreat. The walk is about 1 km, so wear comfortable shoes. Visitors love the water’s transparency and the surrounding greenery, making it an ideal spot for photos or just relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Transport and Group Size: The tour uses a van, and groups are generally small, making for a more personalized experience. The drive is straightforward, and the air conditioning keeps everyone comfortable.

Timing and Pace: The day is quite full, with visits scheduled pretty tightly. Expect to be on your feet quite a bit, especially during walks and site visits. The total duration can occasionally extend beyond 6 hours, depending on traffic or group pace, so be prepared for a full day.

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes and clothes are essential. Also, bringing some cash for lunch or souvenirs is recommended, as food isn’t included.

Accessibility: The tour isn’t suited for wheelchair users or those with heart problems due to the walking involved and the nature of the sites.

Booking & Cancellation: It’s flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans aren’t set in stone.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Gjirokastra and Blue Eye day trip offers a balanced look at Albania’s cultural and natural highlights, all wrapped into a manageable six-hour experience. If you love guided tours led by friendly, knowledgeable guides—and want to maximize your sightseeing without the stress of planning every detail—this is a solid choice.

It’s especially good if you’re keen on exploring historic sites like Gjirokastra Castle and Skenduli House, and if you enjoy natural beauty spots like the Blue Eye. The tour’s strong reviews highlight its value and the engaging guides who make the experience memorable.

On the flip side, if you prefer more relaxed, less packed itineraries or have mobility concerns, this might feel rushed. Also, consider if you’re okay with a full, active day that involves some walking and a tight schedule.

All in all, this is a well-rounded, reliable way to experience some of Albania’s most striking sights, perfect for those who want a guided, informative adventure with a friendly touch.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Saranda to Gjirokastra?
The journey takes about 50 minutes in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, making it a convenient start to the day.

What’s included in the tour price?
All entry tickets, hotel pickup and drop-off, guided tours, and transportation are included. Food and drinks are not, so plan to bring cash or buy lunch during free time.

Is there any walking involved?
Yes, expect to walk around 1.2 km at the Blue Eye springs, and some site visits require walking through cobbled streets and historic buildings. Comfortable shoes are a must.

How long do I spend at each site?
The castle and Skenduli House tours are about 30 minutes each, with the castle tour lasting around an hour. Free time in the bazaar is about 30-60 minutes, and the Blue Eye walk is about 1 hour.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically aimed at families, children comfortable with walking and exploring will likely enjoy the sites. Keep in mind the walking involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothes, and some cash for meals or souvenirs.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with heart problems due to walking and site terrain.

Will I have free time to explore on my own?
Yes, there’s about 30-60 minutes of free time in the Old Bazaar, perfect for browsing shops or grabbing a snack.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, if you want a full, guided experience that covers major attractions in a short time, with friendly guides and interesting sites, it’s a strong pick.

This tour offers a practical way to see Gjirokastra’s highlights with ease. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just want a memorable day trip from Saranda, it ticks many boxes — just be ready for a busy but rewarding adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: