Top 8 Beach Trips in Saranda

1.Butrint, Ksamil, Blue Eye, Lekuresi Castle. All-in-one daytrip.

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 125 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $71Our pick

This 6 to 7 hour tour from Saranda combines the ancient ruins of Butrint, a short Ksamil beach stop, the Blue Eye spring, and Lekuresi Castle. Tony is often the guide, though staffing can vary. Hotel pickup, transport, Butrint admission, Blue Eye admission, and WiFi are included. Bring snacks and cash for the optional Blue Eye train.

“Tony was a great guide…and best to go with a tour because I wouldn’t want to drive on the roads here. Pick-up and drop-off at our hotel, received highlights of all the places, including entrance fees. We only had to pay the €6/person to ride the train from the entrance of the Blue Eye park to the actual spring head waters. (The train is one of those “kiddie trains” used for tours around city streets.) Perfect amount of time in all the places, but no time for lunch built into the schedule…so eat a good breakfast or bring snacks. Plenty of time to get a drink, but not a sit-down…”

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2.From Durrës or Golem: Ksamil, Saranda and Blue Eye Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 14 hours · from $52Best value

Travel from Durrës or Golem to southern Albania by air-conditioned coach, with a guide such as Mirsad, Andrew, Beni, or Mario. Swim at Ksamil, stroll Saranda, see Corfu from Lekursi Castle, and visit the Blue Eye spring. It is a long day, but hotel pickup, transport, guiding, and Blue Eye entry are included.

“This day trip to Ksamil, Sarandë, and the Blue Eye was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Highly recommend if you’re looking to see some of Albania’s most beautiful spots in one day!”

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3.Mussel Sailing Tour with Food and Drink in Albania

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67Top rated

Join a small traditional-boat tour from the Baba Sherifi meeting point near Ksamil. Guides such as Elidon and Antonio explain mussel farming, help you clean the catch, and take you to a family-run restaurant for mussels prepared several ways, vegetables, bread, local white wine, and water.

“In early summer, this tour leaves from right in front of Butrint park and is very easy to find. Ilio explained the life cycle of farmed mussels and we met mussel farmers and fishermen. It was beautiful and relaxing! After debearding the mussels, we visited Livia restaurant and feasted on them. An absolutely wo of experience!”

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4.Butrint, Blue Eye, Ksamil and Lekuresi Castle Tour From Saranda

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 102 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $81

This six-hour Saranda tour links Lekuresi Castle, the Blue Eye, Butrint National Park, and Ksamil in an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi. You may get a private car or join a small group, despite the private-tour wording. Guides such as Elvis, Mara, Katie, and Marjela have earned praise for flexible schedules and thoughtful help.

“It was amazing. The driver was very friendly. We were a bit late so we couldn't do the first one but we did the three which was blue eye, butrint national park and kshmil beach. They were all beautiful places.”

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5.Stand Up Paddle-boarding around Ksamil islands (3 times a day)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 96 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $66

Meet Ari at Kristal Seafood Restaurant in Ksamil for a guided SUP outing around the Ksamil Islands. You’ll receive a short lesson, paddle across clear water, and may swim before returning for coffee or tea. Sunrise, morning, afternoon, and sunset timing can suit different schedules. Beginners are welcome, and groups can include up to 15 people.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable a friendly. He taught us how to paddle and the islands he showed us were so beautiful it was a highlight of my holiday. Would definitely do again if I come back to Ksamil. Highly recommend.”

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6.Saranda Catamaran VIP to Krorez and Kakome Beach with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $106

Set out from Saranda’s Limion Port at 9:30 a.m. on a catamaran capped at 29 people. Swim at isolated Krorëza, Kakome, Soldier’s Beach, and Qefal Beach, then enjoy a boat-cooked lunch. Mario may be both your crew member and chef, with seafood linguini and flexible meal options available.

“A very wonderful tour. The boat was very spacious. We were able to stop at each stop for an ample amount of time for a swim . The crowd was amazing too everyone was dancing at various points and staff was very responsive and attentive. I would recommend going !”

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7.Buthrotum, Blue Eye Springs, Ksamil and Lekursi Castle from Saranda

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $180

From Saranda or Ksamil, this 4 to 6-hour tour combines the Blue Eye spring, Butrint’s ancient ruins, a short Ksamil stop, and Lekursi Castle. You travel by air-conditioned minivan with pickup, water, snacks, and a local guide. Guides such as Irena, Linda, and Leo have earned special praise, though stop times can be tight.

“My mom and I booked a private tour, that way we got to decide how long to stay where, when to stop in between etc. Our guide Irena was the most wonderful guide you could ever hope for. Our driver added great information in Albanian which Irena translated for us. Butrint is a very unique experience I would recommend for anyone, the blue eye has many tourists but kind of feels like a must see of the area and the castle has a spectacular view! Best day of our trip, thank you!!!”

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8.Half-day Tour in South Albania (Blue Eye, Lekursi Castle, Ksamil)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $118

Set out from Saranda or Ksamil with guide Ari for a compact tour of southern Albania. You’ll visit the vivid Blue Eye spring, the hilltop ruins of Lekursi Castle, and a favorite Ksamil beach. Transport, entrance fees, snacks, and water are included, while beach costs and personal spending are not.

“A great trip! We had a limited time being cruise ship guests to the area and our friendly tour guide was great at making sure we were back in plenty of time as indicated on the tour timings. A really nice potter about 3 lovely spots and well worth it for us to make the most of our short time docked in Sarandë. Absolutely loved the blue eye, worth the journey out - it was stunning and our guide kindly bought us a drink in the cafe at the site. Would recommend, you'll be in good hands! (Picture of us and our guide in the blue eye photo).”

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