Blue Eye, Butrint, Ksamil and Lekuresi Castle Day Tour from Saranda
- Duration6 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
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Overview
This full-day tour from Saranda brings together the four places most visitors want to see in the region in one easy six-hour trip. Our driver picks you up in the centre of Saranda or at the port, and an English-speaking guide takes the group first to Lekuresi Castle for the panoramic view over the town and Corfu, then inland to the Blue Eye spring, entry included. In the afternoon you explore the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Butrint and finish with free time and a swim at Ksamil, facing its turquoise islands. It is a shared group tour in an air-conditioned vehicle, ideal for travellers and cruise passengers who want the best of Saranda without driving.
Highlights
- Pickup in central Saranda or at the port, ideal for cruise passengers
- Panoramic view from Lekuresi Castle over Saranda, Ksamil and Corfu
- Blue Eye spring with entry fee included
- Guided visit of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint
- Swim and free time at Ksamil facing its small islands
- Air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking professional guide
- Many start times through the day
Full Description
Lekuresi Castle
The day begins on the hill above Saranda at Lekuresi Castle, a fortress built by the Ottomans in the 16th century to guard the bay and the road to Butrint. Its stone walls and corner towers stand on a strategic ridge, and there is no entry fee to walk around it.
The reason to come is the view: Saranda spread along its seafront, the Ksamil islands to the south, the lagoon of Butrint and, across the strait, the mountains of Corfu in Greece. You spend about 40 minutes here, the perfect start for photos before heading inland. Our guide explains the role the castle played in guarding this coast and points out each landmark on the horizon.
The Blue Eye spring
Next comes the Blue Eye, Syri i Kaltër, a natural spring where clear, cold water bubbles up from a pool more than 50 metres deep. The water glows deep blue in the centre and turquoise at the edges, framed by tall oak and sycamore trees in a protected nature reserve. The entry fee is included in this tour.
You have about two hours here, enough to walk the shady paths, admire the spring from the platform and enjoy the calm. A small train runs inside the park for those who prefer not to walk (optional, paid on the spot). If you are planning a Blue Eye day trip from Saranda, this stop gives you plenty of time.
Butrint National Park
Butrint is the most important archaeological site in Albania and a UNESCO World Heritage site, set on a wooded peninsula between Lake Butrint and the Vivari Channel. Inhabited for more than two thousand years, it was a Greek city, a Roman colony, a Byzantine bishopric and a Venetian outpost, and each era left its mark.
In about 100 minutes the guide leads you past the theatre, the Baptistery with its circular plan, the Great Basilica, the city walls and gates such as the Lion Gate, the Triconch Palace and up to the acropolis with its views over the lake. The Butrint entry ticket is not included and is bought at the gate.
Ksamil and its islands
The tour ends in Ksamil, the seaside village south of Saranda famous for its white beaches and four small wooded islands floating in turquoise water. It is often compared with the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean.
You have about an hour of free time to swim, sunbathe or simply take in the view of the islands before the drive back to Saranda. Bring swimwear and a towel. Summer, from June to September, is the best time to visit Ksamil for swimming, while spring and autumn are quieter and pleasant for sightseeing. Ksamil also has cafés and small restaurants along the beach if you want a snack before the drive back.
Itinerary
- Pickup in SarandaOur driver meets you in the centre of Saranda or at the port at your chosen start time.
- Lekuresi CastleAbout 40 minutes at the castle for the guided visit and the panoramic view.
- Blue Eye springAbout two hours at the spring with entry included, walking the paths or taking the optional little train.
- Butrint National ParkAbout 100 minutes of guided walking through the ancient city (entry ticket extra).
- KsamilAbout one hour of free time to swim and enjoy the view of the islands.
- Return to SarandaDrop-off back in Saranda about six hours after pickup.
What's included
- Pickup in central Saranda or at the port and return
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking professional guide
- Lekuresi Castle viewpoint (no entry fee)
- Blue Eye entry fee
- Guided walk in Butrint
- Free time and swim stop in Ksamil
Not included
- Butrint National Park entry ticket
- Optional little train at the Blue Eye
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- History and culture lovers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
Meeting point
Pickup is in the centre of Saranda or at Saranda port, including for cruise passengers. Choose your start time in the booking panel; we confirm the exact pickup spot and time on WhatsApp. Please be ready 10 minutes before the pickup time. The tour returns to the same place.
Important information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; Butrint involves about 1.5 hours on uneven ancient paths
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and swimwear for Ksamil
- The Butrint entry ticket is not included and is bought at the gate
- The little train at the Blue Eye is optional and paid on the spot
- Food, drinks and tips are not included
- Lekuresi Castle has no entry fee
- Bring some cash for tickets, snacks and lunch
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private experience?
It is a shared group tour with an English-speaking guide and an air-conditioned vehicle.
How long does it take?
About 6 hours from pickup to drop-off in Saranda.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is included from the centre of Saranda or Saranda port, and you are brought back to the same place.
What is included?
Return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional English-speaking guide and the Blue Eye entry fee. Lekuresi Castle is free to visit.
Is the Butrint ticket included?
No. The Butrint National Park ticket is bought at the gate on the day.
Is the price per person or per group?
The price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price.
Is it suitable for children or travellers with reduced mobility?
Children are welcome. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or travellers with reduced mobility because of the walking at Butrint and the Blue Eye.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, swimwear and a towel for Ksamil, and cash for tickets and lunch.
Is this tour good for cruise passengers?
Yes. Pickup is available at Saranda port and the tour returns there, about six hours later.
What is the best time to visit Butrint?
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant for walking; in summer an early start time is cooler.
How far is the Blue Eye from Saranda?
It is about 30 minutes by road, inland on the way to Gjirokastër; transport is included on this tour.
How do I book and confirm?
Choose your date and start time in the booking panel. Our team confirms your booking on WhatsApp within minutes and sends the pickup details.
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