Ksamil, Saranda & Blue Eye day tour from Durrës: visit the enchanting Blue Eye

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

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Duration15h

GroupUp to 55

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Three stops on Albania's Riviera in one morning and afternoon

This day tour from Durrës or Golem visits Ksamil, Saranda, and the Blue Eye—three of Albania's most visited southern destinations—with a professional English-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, and pickup from your hotel. The itinerary includes free time at each stop to swim, walk, photograph, or eat; you'll also pass Vjosa River National Park, one of Europe's last wild rivers. The full day runs 15 hours, with pickup details confirmed via WhatsApp one day before departure.

15h

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Saranda, Ksamil, and Blue Eye

Visit Vjosa River National Park
Explore Ksamil and relax on beaches
Visit Saranda and enjoy seaside promenade
Visit the Blue Eye spring

The Experience

Ksamil anchors the day. Known locally as the "Albanian Maldives," it sits on the Riviera with white-sand beaches and turquoise water shallow enough for swimming during warmer months. You get free time here to swim, rest on the beach, take photos, or eat lunch at a seaside restaurant; the guide offers local tips on where to go and what to order. A short walk from the pickup point may be needed depending on where the vehicle can park.

Saranda comes next, a coastal city and gateway to southern Albania. You'll have free time to walk the waterfront promenade, sit at a café with sea views, or explore the lively atmosphere of the town center. The guide shares the city's history and its role as a regional hub, but the afternoon is yours to spend as you want. This is also where you can arrange to be dropped off if you prefer to stay longer or have luggage to manage—just let the operator know in advance.

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a freshwater spring fed by underground sources, famous for its deep blue center and crystal-clear water surrounded by forest. You'll walk wooden paths along the water, take photos, and hear the guide explain how the spring works. It's a short stop for views and pictures rather than swimming, though the water is cold year-round. On the way, you'll also pass Vjosa River National Park, Europe's last wild river, where you can stretch your legs and see the untouched landscape that environmental campaigns—backed by figures like Leonardo DiCaprio—helped protect.

The full day is 15 hours from pickup to drop-off. Pickup starts earlier than the official tour time and happens in Durrës or Golem; the exact meeting point and time come via WhatsApp one day after 8 PM. The vehicle is air-conditioned and seats a group; traffic can shift the schedule, so build in flexibility. If you're traveling with luggage or planning to stay in Saranda or Ksamil instead of returning, tell the operator when you book so they can confirm availability.

What’s included

Professional English-speaking guide.
air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
pickup and drop-off from your Durrës or Golem hotel.
road taxes and tolls.
free time at Ksamil, Saranda, and the Blue Eye to swim, photograph, eat, or explore as you choose.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by EPIC TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this if you want three southern stops—beaches, a seaside city, and a natural spring—covered in one day as part of a group with scheduled pickups and transport included; choose the private version if you'd rather set your own pace or travel with fewer people.