Vlore: Blue Eye, Ksamil Beach, and Saranda Day Trip

Discovering the Vlore: Blue Eye, Ksamil Beach, and Saranda Day Trip

This tour offers a taste of Albania’s standout coastal and natural sights, perfect for travelers looking for a full-day escape from Vlore’s city buzz. While it promises a blend of natural wonders, relaxing beaches, and seaside strolling, it’s important to weigh the realities of travel time and group size. We like the chance to see the Blue Eye spring, renowned for its vivid turquoise waters, and enjoy some leisure time on Ksamil’s beautiful sands. Plus, the scenic drive through Albania’s landscapes makes this a visually rewarding experience.

However, it’s not all perfect. The tour’s lengthy road time—over 4 hours round-trip—and the potential for feeling rushed at key stops could be a concern. This trip best suits those who love natural beauty and don’t mind a long day of travel. If you’re seeking an authentic, no-frills taste of Albania’s coast with some photo opportunities and downtime, this is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Natural Wonder: The Blue Eye spring is truly eye-catching, offering vivid, clear waters that make for memorable photos.
• Beach Relaxation: Ksamil Beach provides inviting white sands and calm waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
• Cultural Strolls: Saranda’s promenade offers a laid-back atmosphere for a quick taste of seaside life.
• Travel Time: Expect about 2 hours each way, so prepare for a lengthy coach ride.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, promising a more intimate experience.
• Cost-Value Balance: At $83, the tour is fairly priced if you value guided visits and scenic drives, but food and drinks are extra.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at “Moonlight,” the designated meeting point operated by TouristSolutions. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable bus—small enough for an intimate group but with enough room for a relaxed ride. Expect about 2 hours of travel each way, giving you time to enjoy the changing scenery of Albania’s coastline, mountains, and rural landscapes.

We’ve read reviews that highlight the coach’s comfort, but also some concerns about the driver’s style. One traveler described the driver as “reckless,” which is a crucial note for those with small children or anyone sensitive to fast or aggressive driving. Air conditioning was kept on throughout the journey, sometimes against requests to turn it down, which might be a comfort issue in warmer months.

The Blue Eye Spring

The highlight for many travelers is the Blue Eye spring, a deep, natural spring with remarkably vibrant blue waters. The site is about 1.3 km from the main road, meaning you’ll enjoy a short walk to get there. The walk itself is manageable and scenic, with plenty of opportunities to take photos or simply marvel at the clear waters and surrounding greenery. Some reviews suggest that the actual walk to the Blue Eye might be longer—up to 3 km—so be prepared for a moderate hike, and wear comfortable shoes.

At the site, you’ll have around 50 minutes for exploration. That’s enough to snap some pictures, enjoy the natural silence, and take in the views. It’s easy to see why many consider this a must-see in Albania, thanks to its vivid color and the sense of tranquility it offers.

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Ksamil Beach — The Day’s Relaxation Hub

After the Blue Eye, the tour proceeds to Ksamil, often described as one of Albania’s most beautiful beaches. With its white sands and calm, crystal-clear waters, Ksamil is perfect for a couple of hours of leisure. You’ll have around 4 hours here, giving ample time to swim, sunbathe, or walk along the shoreline.

One consistent theme from reviews is that the beaches can get crowded, especially during peak season, and the area is quite touristy. The tour drops you off at Ksamil’s beaches, but some travelers noted that the actual drop-off point might be about 30 minutes away from the most iconic spots, which can be frustrating if you expect to be right at the most photographed areas. Also, eating options are available but not included, and prices at local eateries can be higher than you might expect.

Saranda – A Quick Seaside Stroll

Before heading back, the journey includes a short stop in Saranda—just about an hour of free time. Here, you can walk along the promenade, enjoy a coffee, or simply soak in the seaside atmosphere. It’s a brief taste of the town, enough to get a feel for its relaxed vibe but not enough for in-depth exploration.

A review from 2025 mentions that the driver dropped travelers off a bit far from the main points, cutting short their time in Saranda, which is worth noting if you’re hoping for a more extensive visit.

Returning Journey

The return trip mirrors the outbound, with another roughly 2-hours coach ride. Some reviews highlight that the driver might take some risks on the road, so if you’re prone to motion sickness or uneasy with fast driving, prepare accordingly. Upon arrival back at the starting point, the tour ends, often with a quick debrief or optional break if requested.

Practical Considerations and What You Should Know

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $83, you get guided visits to three major sights: Blue Eye, Ksamil, and Saranda, plus transportation. Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy on site. The tour is in Italian and Albanian, with small group numbers ensuring a more personalized experience.

What to Bring

Given the itinerary, packing essentials include swimwear, a change of clothes, a reusable water bottle, and motion sickness prevention if needed. Remember, the walk to Blue Eye can be moderate, so wear supportive shoes. Insect allergies are a consideration—some areas might have insects, so bring repellent if that’s a concern.

Group Size and Comfort

Limited to 8 participants, this tour promises a more relaxed, less crowded experience than large buses. But be aware that this small size also means fewer amenities and more dependence on the driver’s style.

Timing and Pace

While the schedule is straightforward, some reviews note feeling rushed, especially at Blue Eye and Saranda. If you’re someone who prefers more time at each stop, this might feel hurried. The long travel hours—totaling around 4 hours on the road—also mean you’ll spend a significant part of the day inside a vehicle.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Positive notes highlight the stunning views of the Blue Eye spring and the delightful time on Ksamil’s beaches. One traveler from the UK said, “The trip was really good! The staff are very lovely, including the driver, and they are very accommodating.” Such comments reflect the warmth and effort of the tour team.

On the flip side, some travelers were disappointed by the driving style and short durations at key sites. One stated, “The driver for the trip was a lunatic,” and felt the Blue Eye was “not long enough,” indicating that the experience can vary based on personal expectations.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you’re hoping to see one of Albania’s most spectacular natural sights and enjoy some beach time, this trip offers a straightforward, guided experience. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind long coach rides and are looking for a compact, affordable day out with guaranteed scenic views.

However, if you prefer more relaxed pacing, less time in transit, or an in-depth exploration of Saranda, you might find this tour a bit rushed. It’s best suited for those eager to tick off major sights quickly and enjoy some laid-back beach time.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Vlore packs some of Albania’s most iconic sights into a single day. You’ll get to see the stunning Blue Eye spring, unwind on Ksamil’s beautiful beaches, and enjoy a brief taste of Saranda’s seaside charm. For the price, it offers a convenient way to cover a lot of ground and experience the country’s natural beauty, especially if you’re short on time.

The tour’s popularity hinges on the breathtaking scenery and the chance to relax by inviting waters, but be prepared for long hours in the coach and some moments of feeling rushed. The small group size adds a personal touch, making the experience feel more intimate than a large bus tour.

Overall, it’s a good choice for travelers who prioritize scenery and authentic seaside atmospheres over exhaustive exploration. If you’re looking for a balance of natural wonder, leisure time, and scenic travel, this trip provides a memorable taste of Albania’s coast.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves a lengthy coach ride and some walking, so it might be best suited for older children comfortable with travel. Be mindful of the driver’s style, as some reviews mention reckless driving, which could be concerning for young travelers.

How much time do we spend at each location?
You’ll have about 50 minutes at Blue Eye, 4 hours at Ksamil Beach, and 1 hour in Saranda. These durations are designed to give a good overview but can feel rushed to some.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy at local restaurants, which are available at Ksamil and Saranda.

What’s the group size?
Limited to 8 participants, giving a more personal experience but also less flexibility than larger tours.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, but check with the provider for specific needs, especially regarding walking distances.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to fit your plans.

What should I pack?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a water bottle, and insect repellent if allergies are a concern. Comfortable shoes for walking are essential.

This tour offers a compact, scenic introduction to Albania’s coast, perfect for travelers eager for natural beauty and seaside leisure, provided they’re okay with the long travel hours and quick stops.

You can check availability for your dates here: