From Durres/Tirana to Ksamil, Blue Eye and Lekuresi Castle

Travelers looking for a day filled with natural beauty, historic sights, and panoramic views will find this Albanian tour to be a well-rounded experience. It offers a chance to see some of the country’s most iconic spots without the hassle of planning each detail on your own. The journey from Durres or Tirana takes you through lush landscapes, past charming villages, and to some truly unforgettable sights.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances relaxing moments at the beaches of Ksamil with inspiring historical and natural highlights like Lekuresi Castle and the Blue Eye spring. The small-group format and air-conditioned transport keep the experience comfortable and personal. However, keep in mind that this is a long day—about 14 hours—so a good level of energy and flexibility are recommended. This tour is ideal for travelers who want an authentic, visually stunning taste of southern Albania without the stress of self-driving or multiple bookings.

Key Points

• Comfortable logistics with air-conditioned transport and professional guides
• Diverse experiences: beaches, castles, and natural springs in a single day
• Ideal for scenery lovers seeking iconic views of the Ionian coast
• Flexible free time in Ksamil for swimming, relaxing, or optional boat rides
• Includes entrance fees to key sites like Lekuresi Castle and Blue Eye
• Not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchair users due to walking and terrain

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off with a morning pickup from your hotel in Tirana or Durrës. Depending on where you stay, you may have your choice of three pickup locations: Golem, Durrës, or Tirana. The journey is comfortably made in an air-conditioned coach, which is a real plus after a night or morning in the city. We found that the drive through Albanian countryside is quite scenic—rolling hills, small villages, and patches of farmland pass by at a relaxed pace.

The total driving time from Durrës or Tirana to Ksamil is about 2.5 hours, with additional stops along the way. This gives you a good chance to stretch your legs and soak in the changing landscape. The group size is typically small enough to foster a friendly atmosphere but large enough to feel like an organized, well-coordinated trip.

First Stop: Ksamil and Its Beaches

Arriving in Ksamil, you’ll immediately sense why it’s a favorite among both locals and travelers. The white sandy beaches and turquoise waters create a postcard-perfect setting. You get about 2.5 hours here, which is enough time to swim, lounge, or sample some fresh seafood at seaside cafes.

Many reviews mention how peaceful and inviting Ksamil’s beaches are, making it ideal for a quick escape from city life. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also an option to take small boat rides to nearby Ksamil Islands, adding an extra layer of fun. We loved how relaxed this part of the tour was—plenty of opportunity for photos, dipping into the sea, or just enjoying the scenery.

Visiting Lekuresi Castle

After enjoying the coast, the tour heads inland to Lekuresi Castle, perched atop a hill above Saranda. The castle’s stone walls date back centuries, and the views from the top are spectacular. You’ll see the city, the Ionian Sea, and on clear days, even the island of Corfu.

Walking around Lekuresi, you can appreciate the old fortress architecture and take countless photos of the sweeping landscape. Many travelers appreciate this stop because it offers both history and an unbeatable vantage point. The experience is quite intimate, as the site isn’t overly commercialized, allowing you to savor the view and imagine the centuries of history that unfolded here.

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The Blue Eye: Nature’s Hidden Gem

The highlight for many visitors is the Blue Eye spring, a natural wonder surrounded by lush greenery. The spring’s crystal-clear waters bubble up from more than 50 meters underground, creating a mesmerizing deep blue pool. It’s easy to see why this spot is called the “Blue Eye”—the vibrant hues of the water seem almost surreal.

The walk through the forest to reach the spring is gentle but worth noting if you have mobility concerns. Once there, you’ll have around 2.5 hours to explore, take photos, and simply soak in the peaceful natural setting. The blue waters and the surrounding nature make for fantastic photos and a calming break from the busier beaches and castles.

Return Journey and Reflection

After a full day of sightseeing and natural beauty, you’ll board the coach for the long drive back to Tirana or Durrës—about 3.5 hours. The return trip is a good time to relax, look through the photos you’ve taken, or chat with fellow travelers about their favorite parts of the day.

Value and Practical Tips

This tour offers good value considering the included entrances, transportation, and guided commentary. It’s priced to cover some of Albania’s premier sights, allowing you to see diverse landscapes and historic sites in one day. The small-group setting enhances the experience because you get more personal attention and the chance to ask questions.

However, keep in mind that long hours on the road mean this isn’t for everyone. If you’re not used to full-day trips or have limited stamina, consider whether you’re comfortable with 14 hours of touring. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users due to walking and terrain considerations.

What to Bring and Wear

To enjoy the day fully, pack comfortable shoes for walking around castles and natural sites. A hat and sunscreen are essential, especially at Blue Eye and Ksamil beaches. Bring swimwear if you want to take a dip, along with a camera for capturing stunning vistas. Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, and avoid bringing food or alcohol during the tour, as these aren’t permitted.

The Experience: Authentic and Scenic

Many travelers mention how the tour provides “stunning views” at every stop, from the seas of Ksamil to the ancient walls of Lekuresi. The natural beauty of Blue Eye is often described as “magical,” making it a must-see. The combination of history, nature, and leisure creates a well-rounded day that appeals to many types of travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for those who want a visual feast of Albanian landscapes, enjoy a mix of history and nature, and appreciate a comfortable, organized day with minimal planning. It’s suited to travelers with a reasonable level of mobility who want to avoid the hassle of self-driving or navigating unfamiliar routes. Families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a meaningful day trip will all find value here.

If you’re after authentic scenery and want to avoid overly touristy spots, this tour strikes a nice balance. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in seeing iconic beaches, ancient ruins, and natural springs in one go.

The Sum Up

This tour from Durres or Tirana to Ksamil, Blue Eye, and Lekuresi Castle offers an excellent way to experience some of Albania’s most photogenic and memorable sights in one day. The combination of relaxing beach time, panoramic castle views, and stunning natural springs makes it a well-rounded adventure. The organized transport, expert guide, and entrance fees included make it both convenient and cost-effective.

Travelers who value scenic views and want to see a variety of landscapes without the stress of planning will find this tour particularly appealing. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to maximize a single day with rich, authentic experiences.

If you’re eager to see the highlights of southern Albania, enjoy spectacular vistas, and prefer guided convenience, this tour is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a long day—and bring your camera!

FAQ

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned coaches, making the long drive more pleasant, especially in warm weather.

Can I swim at Ksamil beaches?
Absolutely. You’ll have about 2.5 hours at Ksamil, plenty of time to relax, sunbathe, or swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour covers entrance fees to Lekuresi Castle and Blue Eye, saving you the hassle and extra cost.

How long is the total tour?
The entire day lasts about 14 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most, it’s best for children who can handle a full day of walking and outdoor activity. Not recommended for those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, swimwear, camera, water, and a sense of adventure. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to buy lunch or snacks at stops.

This Albanian day trip balances natural wonders with historical sights, offering a memorable glimpse of southern Albania that’s as scenic as it is enriching.

You can check availability for your dates here: