Gjirokaster, Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle Day Trip from Saranda

Summary

Wander Gjirokaster’s alleys, feel Blue Eye’s chill, watch sunset from Lekursi Castle

You’ll start your day wandering Gjirokaster’s winding streets and Ottoman-era houses before heading into lush forest for a walk to Albania’s famous Blue Eye spring. Pause for strong coffee by rushing water, then finish with sweeping views from Lekursi Castle as evening falls over Saranda. It’s a day full of contrasts and small surprises.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Saranda just after breakfast, windows down because the air felt cool for once. Our guide, Arben, started pointing out the way the light hit the mountains — he said you could tell what season it was just by the color of the stone. Gjirokaster came up fast, all those slate roofs stacked on the hillside. Walking through the old town felt like stepping into someone else’s story. The cobblestones were uneven and slippery (I nearly wiped out more than once), but nobody seemed to mind. There was this faint smell of wood smoke and coffee drifting from somewhere. Arben told us about Ismail Kadare — I’d never read him, but now I want to. We ducked into a small museum where you could almost hear echoes in those thick Ottoman walls.

The drive to Blue Eye was quieter — everyone kind of lost in their own thoughts or maybe just watching the forests blur by. When we finally got out, there was this hush except for birds and water rushing somewhere close. The walk through the trees only took fifteen minutes but felt longer with all that green pressing in. And then suddenly there it was: Syri i Kalter, this wild blue spring swirling under a metal balcony. It looked fake at first — too bright — but when someone tossed in a pebble you could see how deep it went. Some guy actually jumped in (even though there are signs everywhere saying not to), and his shout echoed around us. We grabbed coffee at this little place by the river; honestly, I can still taste how strong it was.

Last stop was Lekursi Castle right before sunset — Arben timed it so we’d catch that gold light over Saranda and the sea. The wind picked up hard up there; I had to hold onto my hat while trying to take photos that never really do it justice anyway. Locals were sitting along the wall sharing snacks and laughing about something I couldn’t quite catch — Albanian always sounds like music when people joke around. On the way back down, I kept thinking about how each spot felt completely different from the last, but somehow they all fit together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Gjirokaster, Blue Eye, Lekursi Castle

• Explore Gjirokaster Old Town
• Walk to Blue Eye spring
• Enjoy views at Lekursi Castle

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Saranda to Gjirokaster take?

The tour lasts most of a day with stops at Gjirokaster, Blue Eye spring, and Lekursi Castle before returning to Saranda.

Is swimming allowed at Blue Eye spring?

No, swimming is officially prohibited at Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter), though some people still jump in despite warning signs.

Are entrance fees included for Blue Eye?

Yes, entry to Blue Eye is included in your tour price.

How much walking is involved during this tour?

You’ll walk through Gjirokaster’s old town (uneven stones) and about 15 minutes through forest to reach Blue Eye spring.

Is hotel pickup included in Saranda?

The tour includes pickup from your location in Saranda.

Are booster seats available for children?

Yes, booster seats are provided if needed during transport.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is lunch included on this trip?

No lunch is included, but there’s usually time for a coffee break near Blue Eye spring.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable air-conditioned transport with pickup in Saranda, entrance fees for Blue Eye spring, and even a booster seat if you need one—plus time for coffee by the river before heading back home as evening settles over town.