Day trip from Tirana to Ksamil, Blue Eye & Saranda

A full southern coast in one day, without building the route yourself

A day trip from Tirana to Ksamil, the Blue Eye and Saranda combines three of Albania's most visited natural and coastal sites in a single 13–15 hour outing. You're picked up from Tirana, Durrës or Golem, driven south with a licensed guide, and returned the same evening. Entry to the Blue Eye is included. The guide leads a 15-minute walk through the natural park to reach the spring-fed pools, then you have free time to swim in Ksamil's turquoise water and explore its white-sand beaches before a brief stop in Saranda for views of the Ionian coast.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ksamil, Blue Eye, and Saranda

• Walk 15 minutes to Blue Eye spring
• Enjoy and explore Blue Eye area
• Spend free time at Ksamil beach
• Swim or kayak around Ksamil islands
• Optional seafood at seaside restaurant
• Stop in Saranda for photos and views

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel or a central point in Tirana, Durrës or Golem, then a drive south toward the coast. The first stop is the Blue Eye, a natural spring surrounded by forest where the water stays a constant cool temperature year-round. A 15-minute walk through the park gets you there with the guide, who explains the geology and the landscape as you go. You'll have time to photograph the pools, wade in, and sit on the banks before heading back to the vehicle.

Ksamil is the main event of the day. The beaches here are white sand meeting water so clear you can see the seafloor, and unlike rushed group tours, you get meaningful free time to actually be there, not just pass through. Swim, lie on the sand, or rent a kayak or small boat to paddle out to the nearby islands if you want to move around. If you're hungry, seaside restaurants line the shore and serve fresh seafood with a direct view of the water. That's optional and on your own tab. The guide stays available if you have questions, but the hours are yours.

The final stop is Saranda, a working coastal city on the Ionian Sea. It's a short pause to stretch, take photos of the waterfront promenade and the hills beyond, and get a sense of the southern coast before the drive back north. You'll be dropped at your starting point by evening.

What’s included

• Entry to the Blue Eye.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the full 13–15 hours.
• pickup and drop-off from Tirana, Durrës or Golem.
• professional licensed guide speaking English, Spanish or French.
• a 15-minute guided walk through the natural park to the spring.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 49 years) · Senior (50 to 85 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Traveles AL

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Spanish or French, so you follow the commentary without translation. The full day is arranged (route, timing, entry and transport), which means you don't spend the morning figuring out how to get south. Instead you show up and the coast unfolds.

Traveler reviews

4.65★★★★★★★★★★

31 verified traveler reviews

5 ★26

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (3 to 5 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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.

How long is the walk to the Blue Eye?

The walk through the natural park to reach the Blue Eye takes 15 minutes with the guide, who explains the landscape as you go. It's a gentle pace on a marked path.

How much free time do I get in Ksamil?

Ksamil is the main stop of the day and you have meaningful free time there to swim, relax on the beach, or explore the nearby islands by kayak or boat rental. The exact duration depends on the day's timing, but it's designed to let you actually enjoy the place, not just pass through it.

Is food included in the day trip?

Food and drinks are not included. In Ksamil, you can eat at one of the seaside restaurants at your own expense, or bring your own snacks.

What's included in the price?

Entry to the Blue Eye, air-conditioned transport, pickup and drop-off from Tirana, Durrës or Golem, and a professional licensed guide are all included. Kayak or boat rentals in Ksamil and any meals are separate.