Saranda day trip: Lekursi Castle, Blue Eye & Gjirokastër

Three stops in one day: castle views, spring water, and a hilltop town

A full-day guided tour from Saranda covers Lekursi Castle overlooking the coast, the natural springs at Blue Eye, and the historic town of Gjirokastër, with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and entry to Blue Eye included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from Saranda or Ksamil depending on which option you choose. Meals are not included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Saranda, Blue Eye, and Gjirokaster

• View Saranda from Lekursi Castle
• Travel to Blue Eye spring
• Tour Blue Eye area with guide
• Free time at Blue Eye café
• Explore Gjirokaster Old Bazaar
• Visit Gjirokaster Castle
• Relax or have lunch in Gjirokaster

The experience

The tour starts at Lekursi Castle, perched above Saranda with panoramic views across the city, the Ionian Sea, and the surrounding coastline: a natural vantage point for photographs before heading inland. From there, the route leads to Blue Eye, a natural spring where the water runs so clear that the depth is visible from the surface. You can walk or take a small train to reach the spring (around 20 minutes on foot), then explore the area at your own pace or sit by the water with a coffee while the guide points out the geology and local details.

The final stop is Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-listed town built into a hillside. Free time here means you set the pace: wander the Old Bazaar with its narrow stone streets and local shops, climb to the castle for more views, step into the traditional museum houses, or find a restaurant for lunch. The guide is present throughout but the afternoon is yours to spend as you choose. The full day runs 7 to 8 hours, with all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and entry to Blue Eye covered by the tour price.

What’s included

• An English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• entry fee to Blue Eye.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Saranda or Ksamil (depending on your chosen option).

Options for this experience

2 options

Ksamil pickupGuide in English · Available from 1 Mar 2027Meeting point: Simple Lounge, Street Dea, Ksamil 9706, Albania

Gjirokaster Old Town, Blue Eye and Lekursi from SarandaGuide in English · Available from 1 Mar 2027Meeting point: OpenTour Albania, Rruga Onhezmi, Saranda 9702, Albania

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

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Mar 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 19 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Open Tour Albania

Is this one for you?The free time in Gjirokastër and at Blue Eye means you move at your own pace rather than following a fixed schedule: ideal if you want to linger at a particular spot or skip ahead. The route covers three distinct landscapes (coast, spring, hilltop town) in a single day, so you see variety without changing hotels or arranging separate transport.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is the Blue Eye and what do you actually do there?

Blue Eye is a natural spring with exceptionally clear water fed by underground sources, located inland from the coast. You reach it by walking (around 20 minutes) or taking a small train, then have free time to explore the area, swim if you wish, or sit by the water: the guide shows you around first, then you're free to spend the time as you like.

How much free time do you get in Gjirokastër?

Gjirokastër is the longest stop of the day, giving you several hours to explore on your own. You can visit the castle, walk through the Old Bazaar, tour the traditional museum houses, or eat lunch at a local restaurant without a fixed schedule.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you book the Saranda option or the Ksamil option. Choose whichever matches where you're staying. Confirm your hotel address at checkout so the driver knows where to collect you.

What's included in the price and what isn't?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, and entry to Blue Eye. Meals and gratuities are not included, so budget for lunch in Gjirokastër and any refreshments along the way.

How physically demanding is this tour?

The tour involves walking around the castle grounds, a 20-minute walk (or train ride) to Blue Eye, and exploring Gjirokastër on foot. You'll be on your feet for much of the day, though the pace is set by you during the free-time portions.