Sarande, Blue Eye & Sunset tour at Lekuresi castel

Planning a day trip from Saranda? If you’re eager to see some of Albania’s most captivating sights without the hassle of planning every detail, the Blue Eye & Lekuresi Castle tour might just be the ticket. This guided experience offers a compact but memorable dive into natural beauty and history, all wrapped in a comfortable, affordable package.

What we love about this tour is its focus on two iconic sites—the Blue Eye spring and Lekuresi Fortress—both of which deliver distinctive experiences. First, the tour’s inclusion of round-trip transportation from Saranda makes it convenient and straightforward. Second, the chance to watch a spectacular sunset from the castle’s panoramic views adds a magical ending to your day. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour is fairly brief, with limited time at each stop, which might leave some wanting more in-depth exploration.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick yet meaningful taste of the region’s natural wonders and historic sites, especially if they’re short on time but eager to see the highlights. If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized outing that combines scenic views with local stories, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

Convenient round-trip transport from Saranda simplifies logistics.
Affordable value at around $28 per person, including entrance fees.
Two major highlights: stunning Blue Eye spring and sunset views at Lekuresi Castle.
Guided insights from friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the experience.
Limited time at each site—suitable for a quick visit, not in-depth exploration.
Good for travelers who want scenic, cultural highlights without long hikes or complex planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

If you’re staying in Saranda and looking for a straightforward way to explore some of Albania’s most famous sights, this tour offers a nice balance of comfort and discovery. Starting from the Leka Tours & Rent a Car office, you’ll board a comfortable vehicle, setting off for about 40 minutes toward your first stop: the Blue Eye.

The Blue Eye: Nature’s Marvel

The Blue Eye spring is truly something to see. It’s a natural spring where water flows from the mountain Mali i Gjërë, creating a vivid pool of crystal-clear, blue-turquoise water. We loved the way the site combines natural beauty with an almost surreal quality—like a hidden gem you’ve uncovered. The tour includes a guided visit and free time, so you can soak in the sights, snap plenty of photos, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Travelers have remarked that the ride itself is pleasant, and many appreciated the professional driver and the modern vehicle. One reviewer from Brazil praised the ride, saying, “The ride was great, the driver was super nice, and the car was brand new. I totally recommend it.” Given that the Blue Eye is a protected area, entrance fees are included, making this a simple, no-hassle experience.

Exploring the Blue Eye

Once at the site, you’ll likely want to take your time walking around, admiring the water’s clarity and the lush greenery surrounding the spring. Some visitors mention that there’s an optional train ride to get closer to the spring, but note that this is an extra cost. The walk around the area is moderate, and you’ll want comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water—some of the essentials that reviewers consistently recommend.

Transition to Lekuresi Fortress

After about an hour, the group boards the vehicle again for a roughly 40-minute drive to the Lekuresi Fortress. This hilltop fortress once served as a defensive position and now offers some of the most breathtaking views of Saranda and the surrounding coast.

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The View from Lekuresi

Many visitors rave about the sunset views from here. As the sun dips, the landscape turns into a stunning tableau of colors, and the fortress provides the perfect vantage point. It’s a popular photo spot—and rightly so. The tour includes another guided visit where your guide will share snippets of local history, culture, and stories that bring the site to life.

The 30-minute stop here is enough to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and absorb the atmosphere. For many, it’s a highlight—a perfect way to end the day with a memorable sunset view. Reviewers have noted that the guide’s insights added value, with one saying, “Thanks to our guide Viola who was superb.”

Return and Reflection

After spending about half an hour at Lekuresi, the group heads back to Saranda, completing the round trip in just over 3 hours. The final leg is about 20 minutes, allowing you to reflect on the day’s highlights during the comfortable ride back.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the $28 fee, you get transportation, a professional driver, entrance fees to Blue Eye, and guided visits to both sites. That’s quite a deal considering how much ground you cover and the quality of sites visited. However, meals and drinks aren’t included, so plan to bring some snacks or enjoy local eateries after the tour.

It’s worth noting that no train ride at Blue Eye is included in the price, and optional extras are available if you want to go closer to the spring, but these are at your own expense.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the moderate walking involved at each site. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Photography is permitted, so bring your camera or smartphone—but drones and smoking are forbidden during the tour.

Most travelers found the timing sufficient for a quick visit, but if you prefer in-depth exploration, you might want to consider longer or private options. The group size tends to be small and manageable, making it easier to ask questions and enjoy a personalized experience.

Reviewer Insights and Authentic Feedback

Many reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides as a major plus. One traveler from France praised the “great guide, super friendly,” while another from the Netherlands appreciated the “plenty of time for each activity.” Some noted that the tour is more about transportation and quick visits rather than detailed historical insights, but overall, the positive comments about the value for money and stunning scenery make it clear this tour delivers on its promises.

A German reviewer mentioned that “it was a cool tour,” and that the guide was “really nice,” emphasizing the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. For those seeking a peaceful, scenic day with some local storytelling, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

In summary, this affordable day trip packs in two of Albania’s most iconic sights—the Blue Eye spring and Lekuresi Fortress—with convenient transport, guided commentary, and beautiful views. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a taste of natural beauty and history without the fuss of complex arrangements or lengthy excursions. The tour’s value for money is clear, especially when considering the included entrance fees and scenic stops.

However, if you crave more time at each site or a deep dive into local history, you might find the brief stops and guided snippets somewhat limiting. It’s best suited for short-term visitors or those with limited time who want a manageable, scenic overview. The friendly guides and scenic vistas make this an enjoyable, low-stress way to see a different side of Albania.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Saranda is included, making it easy and stress-free to reach the sites without renting a car or navigating public transport.

How much is the tour?
The tour costs around $28 per person, which covers transportation, entrance fees to Blue Eye, and guided visits. It’s considered good value for the experience and sites visited.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Drones are not allowed, and smoking or littering is prohibited.

How long does the tour last?
It’s a one-day experience, with about 3–4 hours of total activity time, including transportation, sightseeing, and breaks.

Can I get a hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickups are available within Saranda at no extra charge. Outside the city, you’ll need to meet at the designated office.

Is there any optional extra activity?
Yes, at Blue Eye, there is an optional train ride to get closer to the spring, but this is at your own expense.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s best for those who can handle moderate walking. Not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

In The Sum Up, this tour offers a well-balanced blend of natural beauty, historic vistas, and scenic views—all accessible with minimal hassle. It’s most appealing to those looking for a memorable snapshot of Albania’s highlights, especially if you value friendly guides, good value, and stunning sunsets. Perfect for travelers short on time yet eager for a genuine taste of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: