Saranda: Jeep Tour Blue Eye, Lekursi Castle & Secret Beach

Summary

Jeep adventure from Saranda to Blue Eye spring, castle views and a secret Ionian beach

You’ll ride open-top jeeps from Saranda past Lekursi Castle’s sweeping views to Blue Eye spring’s surreal waters and a quiet secret beach only locals know about. Swim or relax before sharing an optional homemade lunch with an Albanian family—then finish at a centuries-old monastery for one last glimpse of history.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the sun flickering through olive trees as our open-top jeep rattled up the hill out of Saranda. Our guide, Erion, grinned at us in the mirror and pointed out Lekursi Castle perched above the city—he called it “the old guardian.” We piled out for photos, but honestly I just stood there for a minute, squinting at the blue haze over Corfu. There was this faint smell of wild herbs in the air, and you could hear someone’s radio drifting up from the valley. I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything so quickly.

The road got bumpier after that—like, actual bouncing-in-your-seat bumpy—and we all laughed when someone’s hat nearly flew off. Blue Eye was next. It’s this swirling turquoise pool that looks almost unreal. You can hear the rush of water before you see it. Erion explained how deep it goes (no one knows exactly), and some kids were daring each other to dip their toes in—it’s freezing, by the way. There’s an optional little train to get closer if you want (we walked). The air smelled like wet stone and cold river.

Afterwards we stopped at a viewpoint where Erion told stories about old border days—I won’t pretend I caught every detail but something about smugglers and donkeys made everyone laugh. Then came my favorite part: bouncing along dusty tracks through olive groves until we reached Secret Beach. No crowds, just pebbles underfoot and water clear enough to see tiny fish darting around your ankles. Some people swam; I just sat on a rock with my feet in the surf for ages.

Lunch was optional but worth it—a family in Bunec served us plates of grilled vegetables and cheese pie under grapevines. Their daughter tried teaching me how to say “thank you” in Albanian (“faleminderit”)—I probably butchered it because she giggled every time I tried. On the way back, we stopped at this monastery with faded frescoes and thick stone walls that felt cool even as the afternoon burned outside. The ride home was quieter; everyone seemed lost in their own thoughts or maybe just tired in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep tour of Saranda and surroundings

• Drive to Lekursi Castle viewpoint
• Visit the Blue Eye spring
• Stop at panoramic viewpoint
• Drive off-road to Secret Beach
• Relax and swim at Secret Beach
• Stop in Bunec village for optional lunch
• Pass through rural countryside
• Enjoy off-road section adventure
• Visit Monastery of Saint Nicholas
• Return to Saranda and drop off

Top questions

How long does the Saranda jeep tour take?

The tour lasts most of the day, starting in the morning and returning to Saranda by late afternoon.

Is lunch included on this jeep tour?

Lunch is optional for €15 per person, paid directly to the local family in Bunec village.

Does the tour include entry fees?

The entry fee for Blue Eye is included; train transport at Blue Eye is not included.

What kind of vehicle is used?

An open-top 9-seat Defender 4x4 jeep is used for this tour.

Are guides provided during the tour?

Yes, English- and Italian-speaking guides lead each group throughout the day.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from Saranda Port or your selected location within Saranda.

Can infants join this jeep tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to bumpy off-road sections.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or Saranda Port, all entry fees except for the optional train ride at Blue Eye spring, guidance from friendly local drivers (one per jeep), and plenty of stops—including time at Secret Beach and an optional homemade lunch with an Albanian family before returning home in late afternoon.