Half day trip to the Blue Eye

If you’re planning a trip to southern Albania, the Blue Eye is often on the list of must-see natural wonders. We’ve come across a popular half-day tour that promises to take you from Saranda to this incredible site, and it seems well worth considering. While we haven’t done the trip ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect—and what not to.

What immediately catches our attention is how accessible and manageable this tour is—just three hours, with a departure from Saranda at 9 am. We also like that it offers a chance to explore Albanian nature in a relaxed way, perfect for those wanting a quick but memorable outing. One thing to consider, however, is that this is a fairly short trip—so if you’re after an in-depth exploration, you might want to look for longer options. Still, this is ideal for travelers who want a taste of Albania’s natural beauty without too much fuss.

In terms of who this tour suits best, it seems perfect for travelers looking for an easy, guided excursion, especially if you’re based near Saranda or Gjirokastra. Families or those on a tight schedule will appreciate the straightforward nature, but it’s also a good choice for anyone wanting to tick off the Blue Eye without dedicating an entire day.

Key Points

• Convenient half-day format makes it easy to fit into your itinerary.
• Includes park entry and transport, providing good value.
• Guided experience with knowledgeable guides, enhancing your understanding.
• Stunning scenery of the Blue Eye and surrounding natural environment.
• Limited time at the site means you’ll see the highlights without rushing.
• Suitable for travelers who enjoy nature walks and scenic views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Experience

The half-day trip to the Blue Eye is a compact adventure that offers a peek into Albania’s natural beauty. It’s a great option if you’re based in Saranda or Gjirokastra and want to experience something memorable without committing a full day. The trip is praised for its friendly guides and the breathtaking scenery you’ll encounter.

What we really like about this tour is the emphasis on nature exploration—you get to walk through lush greenery, see small springs and caves, and breathe in fresh air. Plus, the Blue Eye itself is a captivating sight—a deep, dark blue spring where water emerges from the mountain, creating a mesmerizing visual that’s hard to forget.

On the flip side, the tour’s short duration means you won’t spend hours exploring every nook and cranny of the area. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience or some serious swimming or diving, this might not satisfy that craving. However, for a quick outdoor escape with some good information and stunning views, it hits the right notes.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic outdoor walks, want to see one of Albania’s most famous natural sites, and prefer guided tours for convenience and insight. It’s also a good fit if you want to keep things flexible and budget-friendly, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Departure and Journey

The tour kicks off at 9 am from Saranda’s port, making it a punctual and straightforward start. You’ll meet your guide, who is described as friendly and knowledgeable, ready to share insights about Albanian nature and history along the way. The drive to Gjirokastra typically takes about 40 minutes, which is a comfortable travel time for a half-day trip.

Arrival at Syri i Kalter (Blue Eye)

Once you reach the Blue Eye National Park, you’ll enter a lush, green environment—paths winding between tall trees and narrow streets, leading to the spring. The authorities have protected this area as a national park, emphasizing its ecological importance and natural beauty.

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Exploring the Area

Walking through the dense vegetation, you’ll notice the play of light on the water, especially where the spring’s waters bubble up from a large hole. This mysterious, dark blue “eye” is the star of the show, captivating visitors with its deep, changing hues. The depth of the hole remains unknown, with divers having reached as deep as fifty meters, adding an air of mystery to this natural wonder.

The Water and Surroundings

The spring waters are usually between 10°C and 14°C, depending on the season. While some may find the cold water tempting for a quick dip, the tour primarily focuses on sightseeing and appreciating this natural marvel. For those less inclined to swim, the surrounding scenery and peaceful atmosphere still make the visit worthwhile. You’ll breathe in fresh air, amid old oaks and Mediterranean scrub, with plenty of opportunities to walk around the network of paths, discovering smaller springs and caves.

Additional Discoveries

Many travelers enjoy exploring hidden springs and small caves, listening to the gentle sound of flowing water. These little spots provide a more secluded experience and are perfect for photo opportunities or just soaking in the tranquility of the area.

Entrance Ticket & Transportation

Your tour fee includes transport in a comfortable vehicle and the park entrance fee, which simplifies logistics and ensures you don’t have to worry about additional costs or arrangements. The overall experience feels well-organized, and the small group size, sometimes just you and your guide, makes it more personal.

Real Traveler Perspectives

From reviews, we see that guides are a highlight, with visitors describing them as “really good and sweet” and full of knowledge about Albania. One reviewer notes that their guide, Alexander, was “very nice and knowledgeable,” making the trip enjoyable and informative.

The scenery at the Blue Eye “is definitely worth a visit,” according to another traveler, who emphasizes the incredible beauty of the site. The experience of seeing the dark blue water and observing its shifting reflections during daylight is described as “incredible”.

Many guests appreciate the value for money, considering the included park entry and transport. The short duration is seen as a plus for quick visits, though some mention they might have liked more time to explore further or relax.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour’s duration of about 3 hours makes it easy to slot into a busy itinerary. Since the trip departs at 9 am, it’s ideal for morning plans, leaving the rest of the day free for other activities. The pay later option offers flexibility if your plans are still uncertain.

The group size tends to be small, especially if you’re lucky enough to go with just your guide and a couple of other travelers, which enhances the experience. The cost is reasonable, especially considering the included entrance fee and transport, making it good value for a brief but scenic trip.

While the tour doesn’t focus on activities like swimming or caves exploration in detail, it provides a balanced experience—sightseeing, gentle walks, and learning about the site’s natural features.

The Sum Up

This half-day trip to the Blue Eye is ideal for those who want a stress-free, guided glimpse of one of Albania’s most iconic natural sights. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the beauty of Albanian nature and learn a bit about the area from friendly guides. The convenience of included transport and park entry make it a hassle-free option that offers good value.

Travelers who appreciate stunning scenery, guided insights, and manageable excursions will find this trip rewarding. Keep in mind, it’s a short visit, so if you’re craving a deeper or more active experience, you might want to look for alternatives. Still, for a quick, scenic, and well-organized outing, this tour hits the right notes.

The Blue Eye trip is a solid choice for travelers looking to see a true natural masterpiece with minimal fuss. Its combination of beautiful views, friendly guides, and good value makes it a memorable part of any Albanian itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts around 3 hours, starting at 9 am from Saranda, making it a quick but fulfilling visit.

Is transportation included?
Yes, your fee covers travel in a comfortable car or minivan from Saranda to the Blue Eye and back.

What’s included in the price?
The price includes park entrance tickets and transportation, ensuring a smooth experience without extra costs.

Can I swim in the Blue Eye?
The waters are between 10°C and 14°C, and while some might dip in, the main focus is sightseeing. Swimming is not emphasized in the tour.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Reviews highlight that guides are friendly, nice, and well-informed, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Who is this tour best for?
It’s perfect for travelers who want a concise, guided outdoor experience—especially those based near Saranda or Gjirokastra—who prefer a relaxed, scenic outing.

Is it suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the manageable trip and safe environment make it suitable for most travelers, including families with older children.

If you’re in southern Albania and want a straightforward way to see one of its most stunning natural sights, this Blue Eye tour offers a reliable, beautiful, and affordable option.

You can check availability for your dates here: