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

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.

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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour to Saranda/Ksamil from DurresGuide in English · 06:30Shared tour from Durres or Golem, pickup is included

Private Day TourGuide in English · 06:30Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 79 years) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 55

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with 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.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Blue Eye and what can I do there?

The Blue Eye is a freshwater spring with a striking deep blue center and crystal-clear water, surrounded by forest and accessible via wooden walking paths. You'll have free time to walk, photograph, and swim if you wish, while the guide explains the spring's natural formation and significance.

Can I stay overnight in Saranda or Ksamil instead of returning the same day?

Yes, you can arrange to be dropped off in either Saranda or Ksamil at the end of the tour instead of returning to Durrës or Golem. Let the operator know in advance so they can confirm availability, especially if you're traveling with luggage.

How much free time do I get at Ksamil and Saranda?

The itinerary includes free time at both stops, though the exact duration depends on traffic and the group's pace. At Ksamil you can swim, relax on the beach, or eat. In Saranda you can walk the promenade, sit at a café, or explore the town center.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Durrës or Golem, and road taxes and tolls. Food, drinks, swimming gear, and tips for the guide and driver are not included.

When will I be picked up, and how early do I need to be ready?

Pickup details (exact time and meeting point) are confirmed via WhatsApp one day before departure after 8 PM. The pickup process starts earlier than the official tour departure time, so allow extra time. A short walk of 0–15 minutes may be needed at the pickup point depending on vehicle access.

What happens if traffic delays the tour?

Timing can shift due to traffic and road conditions, so the schedule is flexible. The guide will manage the stops to fit as much as possible into the 15-hour day, but you may spend less time at one location if traffic is heavy.