Day Trip to Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye from Tirana

Three coastal stops in one day: a freshwater spring, white-sand beaches, and a lively seaside town

This full-day tour from Tirana covers the Albanian Riviera's most-visited stops (the Blue Eye spring, Ksamil beaches, and Saranda's waterfront) with a professional English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and hotel pickup included. The itinerary runs 15 to 17 hours, with free time at each stop to swim, walk, photograph, or rest. Pickup details and timing are confirmed via WhatsApp one day before departure. A short walk may be needed at some points due to vehicle access.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye

• Travel to Vjosa River National Park
• Walk and relax at Vjosa River
• Visit Blue Eye spring
• Walk along Blue Eye wooden paths
• Visit Sarandë coastal city
• Walk promenade and enjoy sea views
• Visit Ksamil beaches
• Relax, swim, and have lunch at Ksamil

The experience

You start with hotel pickup in Tirana in the early morning, confirmed the night before. The drive south takes you through changing landscape toward the coast, and the guide provides context as you travel. The route includes a stop at Vjosa River National Park, one of Europe's last wild rivers, where you walk briefly among untouched landscapes before continuing toward the three main destinations.

The Blue Eye comes first: a powerful freshwater spring known for its deep blue center and crystal-clear water, ringed by wooden paths and lush vegetation. You have free time to walk the paths, photograph the colors, and listen to the guide explain how the spring works. From there, the tour moves to Ksamil, part of the Albanian Riviera and often called the "Albanian Maldives" for its white-sand beaches and turquoise water. You can swim during warmer months, relax on the sand, eat lunch at a seaside restaurant, or simply sit and watch the sea. The guide offers local tips on where to eat and what to see.

The final major stop is Saranda, a coastal city on southern Albania's edge. You walk the promenade, enjoy the sea views, sit at a café, or explore the town's lively atmosphere while the guide shares the city's history. The return to Tirana happens in the late afternoon or evening, depending on traffic and border crossings. Throughout the day, the air-conditioned vehicle and professional guide handle the logistics. You move between stops without arranging transport or navigating on your own.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle for all transport between Tirana and the three coastal stops.
• pickup and drop-off at your Tirana hotel (time and location confirmed via WhatsApp the evening before).
• road taxes and tolls.

Options for this experience

2 options

Day tour to Saranda from TiranaGuide in English · 06:30Shared tour from Tirana, 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. 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 tour if you're arriving in Tirana and want to see the Albanian coast's most-visited highlights without arranging transport or navigating between stops yourself. The fixed itinerary and included guide mean the day holds together. You move from the Blue Eye to Ksamil to Saranda without building the schedule or finding your own way.

Traveler reviews

4.72★★★★★★★★★★

322 verified traveler reviews

5 ★270

4 ★33

3 ★8

2 ★2

1 ★9

Read all the reviews ›

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 (Syri i Kaltër) is a freshwater spring famous for its deep blue center and crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush nature and wooden walking paths. You have free time to walk the paths, take photos, swim if conditions allow, and learn from the guide about how the spring forms and why the water is so clear.

Can I swim at Ksamil?

Yes, Ksamil's white-sand beaches and turquoise water are ideal for swimming during warmer months. You have free time there to swim, relax on the beach, take photos, or eat lunch at one of the seaside restaurants. The guide can recommend places to eat.

How long is the drive from Tirana, and what time does pickup happen?

The full tour runs 15 to 17 hours from pickup to drop-off. Pickup time and exact 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 confirm your details the evening before.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, comfortable air-conditioned transport, road taxes and tolls, and pickup and drop-off at your Tirana hotel. Food, drinks, swimming equipment, and tips for the guide and driver are not included.

Is there a stop at Vjosa River National Park?

Yes, the tour includes a stop at Vjosa River National Park, one of Europe's last wild rivers, known for its crystal-clear waters and untouched landscapes. You have time for a short walk, photos, and to learn about the river's environmental significance.

What if I want to stay in Saranda or Ksamil instead of returning to Tirana?

Drop-off in Saranda or Ksamil is possible, but you must inform the operator in advance so they can confirm availability. If you're traveling with luggage, let them know when you book.