Saranda, Ksamil and Blue Eye Day Trip from Tirana
Overview
This long shared day trip takes you from Tirana, Durres, Golem, Vlora or Lalzi Bay to the Albanian Riviera: the seafront town of Saranda, the turquoise beaches of Ksamil and the Blue Eye spring. A licensed guide in your chosen language shares the story of southern Albania on the drive, the vehicle is air-conditioned and the Blue Eye entry ticket is included. It suits travellers who want to see the Ionian coast without hiring a car, and who are happy with a very early start and a late return.
Highlights
- Saranda, the palm-lined Ionian seafront town facing the Greek island of Corfu
- Ksamil, famous for its white-pebble beaches and small islands in turquoise water
- The Blue Eye spring, a deep freshwater pool of vivid blue surrounded by trees
- Licensed guide in your selected language on the road
- Blue Eye entry ticket and air-conditioned transport included
- Pickup from Tirana, Durres, Golem, Vlora or Lalzi Bay, chosen when booking
- A full day on the coast without driving the long southern roads yourself
Full Description
Saranda on the Ionian Sea
Saranda is the main resort town of southern Albania, a lively port with a palm-lined promenade that looks across the strait to Corfu. It takes its name from the Forty Saints monastery whose ruins lie above the town, and today it is the starting point for most visits to the Albanian Riviera.
On this Saranda day trip from Tirana you make a short stop for photographs of the bay and the old harbour, and have time for a walk along the seafront. The stop is brief because the main priority of the day is the beach at Ksamil and the Blue Eye. If you want more time here, ask about our other options for the south.
Ksamil beaches and islands
Ksamil is a small village a few kilometres south of Saranda, known for its clear turquoise water and its tiny islands a short swim or boat ride from the shore. The beaches here are among the most photographed in Albania, and the shallow water makes it comfortable for swimming and snorkelling.
Your Ksamil beach day trip from Tirana gives you about three hours of free time to swim, walk, have lunch at a beach restaurant or take an optional boat ride to the islands. Boat rides, kayaks and sunbeds are not included and are paid by you. Ksamil is at its best in July and August, and it is busy in high season, so an early arrival gets you the best spot.
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) spring
The Blue Eye is a natural spring in a wooded valley about 25 kilometres from Saranda. Water rises from a great depth and forms a pool that shows a deep blue centre surrounded by a paler ring of turquoise, and it stays icy cold all year round. It flows on to form a small river, and the site is a well-known nature stop on the southern route.
A short walk through trees leads to the viewing area, and swimming is possible in some places, although the water is very cold and strong currents make it unsuitable for a long swim. Your entry ticket is included, while the small tourist train that runs to the spring is not. Allow about an hour and forty-five minutes, including the walk and free time.
Planning your long day on the Albanian Riviera
This is one of our longest tours, about seventeen hours from pickup to drop-off, with several hours of driving each way. Pickup starts early, between 6:00 and 7:20, and pickup may begin up to two hours before the selected time depending on your location and the traffic. Final details are sent the evening before.
To make the most of it, wear swimwear under light clothes, bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat and cash for lunch, and take motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to car sickness. The best time to visit the Albanian Riviera is June to September, and the route and stop times can change with traffic, season and weather.
Itinerary
- Early-morning pickupPickup in Tirana, Durres, Golem, Vlora or Lalzi Bay between about 6:00 and 7:20, chosen when booking.
- Scenic drive southA long drive through the Albanian countryside, with the guide sharing history and culture on the way.
- SarandaA short stop on the seafront for photos and a walk along the promenade.
- KsamilAbout three hours of free time to swim, relax and have lunch at the beach.
- Blue Eye springWalk to the spring and enjoy the viewpoint, with entry included, for about an hour and forty-five minutes.
- Return journeyThe long drive back to your pickup area, arriving late in the evening.
What's included
- Pickup and drop-off in your chosen location or nearby
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Licensed tour guide in the selected language
- Entry tickets to the Blue Eye spring
Not included
- Meals and snacks
- Boat rides or kayaks in Ksamil
- Sunbeds
- The small tourist train at the Blue Eye
- Water
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- Babies under one year
- Travellers over 70 years, because of the very long day
- Anyone who gets severe car sickness
Meeting point
Pickup from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Tirana, Durres, Golem, Vlora or Lalzi Bay, chosen when booking. Pickup times run from about 6:00 to 7:20, and pickup may start 90 to 120 minutes earlier depending on your area. Final details arrive by WhatsApp the evening before, and door-to-door pickup is not always possible.
Important information
- Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Bring cash for lunch and any optional activities
- Meals, boat rides or kayaks in Ksamil, sunbeds, the Blue Eye tourist train and water are not included
- Tips for the driver and guide are customary and appreciated but not included
- Eating is not allowed in the vehicle; food and toilet stops are provided
- Bring motion-sickness tablets if needed, as the tour has many hours of driving
- Stop times can change with season, traffic and weather
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Saranda, Ksamil and Blue Eye day trip cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off in your chosen location or nearby are included: Tirana, Durres, Golem, Vlora or Lalzi Bay. A short walk to a nearby meeting point may be needed.
How long is the tour?
It is a very long day of about seventeen hours from pickup to drop-off.
Is the Blue Eye ticket included?
Yes, the entry ticket to the Blue Eye spring is included. Meals, boat rides, sunbeds and the tourist train at the spring are not.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children who can manage a very long day in the car can join, but babies under one year and infants are not recommended.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear swimwear under light clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes and cash for lunch.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Select your date in the booking panel to see what is open. For last-minute requests, message us on WhatsApp.
Can I swim at the Blue Eye?
The water is very cold and currents can be strong, so most people paddle or take a short dip rather than swim.
Is Ksamil worth visiting?
Yes, for its turquoise water and small islands, especially in summer, though it is crowded in high season.
When is the best time to visit Saranda and Ksamil?
June to September for swimming, and May or October for fewer crowds.
