The 15 Best Blue Eye Tours in Albania

1.The Stone City & Blue Eye- The monument of Nature.

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 180 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $71Our pick

Travel from Saranda to Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye with hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance tickets, and an English-speaking guide. You’ll visit the castle, bazaar, Skenduli House, and Cold War Tunnel. Local guides such as Marsia add strong historical insight, but the day involves steep hills, uneven stones, and a brisk schedule.

“Visiting Gjirokastër was a highlight of my time in South Albania. Our guide, Marsia, was wonderful, she was very knowledgable and kind. I learned interesting history about the city and the country while walking through significant historic sites like the bunker and castle’s weapons corridor, and the bazaar was a charming example of Ottoman architecture. Marsia suggested restaurants and traditional Albanian dishes for us to try during our free time and they were excellent. Unfortunately we were unable to visit the Blue Eye due to wild fires in the area, but that is out of their control. Overall a lovely half day tour.”

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

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

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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3.From Durrës/Golem: Saranda, Ksamil, and Blue Eye Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 113 reviews

Travel from Durrës or Golem to Ksamil, Saranda, Lekursi Castle, and the Blue Eye with an English-speaking guide and hotel transfers. You’ll have time for beaches, photos, views, and a possible boat ride in Ksamil. Guides may include Beni, Kledi, Aurel, Kristina, or Klod.

“It was such an amazing trip. The tour guide was very polite and helped us whenever needed. He also suggested amazing speedboat tour and restaurant with good food. I highly recommend if you’re coming to Albania book this trip”

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

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

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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5.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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6.1-Day Tour in Blue Eye, Monastery, Gjirokaster and Lekursi Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $44Top rated

Travel from Saranda in an air-conditioned van with an English-speaking licensed guide. Visit the Byzantine monastery near Mesopot, the Blue Eye spring, UNESCO-listed Gjirokaster, and Lekursi Castle. You get generous free time at the main stops, with a small group capped at eight people. Ilmi Hasani is one guide associated with this experience.

“I booked just to fill a day but it turned into one of the best memories of my vacation. Every stop had something unique from history to nature to great coffee spots. The guide’s passion really showed. Worth every minute!”

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7.Hiking Tour of Valbona, Theth & Blue Eye in 3 Days from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $524

This three-day small-group trip links Tirana with Koman Lake, Valbona, Theth, and the Blue Eye. You’ll cross the 18-kilometer Valbona Pass trail, sleep in local guesthouses, eat included home-style meals, and travel with an English-speaking guide such as Daniel, Jozef, Gavin, or Redi.

“This was a great hiking tour - the main hike was truly incredible with amazing views and it was great learning more about Albania. The guest houses were comfortable and food delicious and generous portions. The tour ran very smoothly, we had an injury in our group and the guide went above and beyond to make sure they got back safely. Daniel, our guide, was a very interesting and knowledgable man and truly made the tour unique. I would recommend moderate fitness for the tour as main hike is tough, but well worth it, and you are required to carry your bags (so pack light!)”

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8.Explore Blue Eye- The Monument of Nature

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 68 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $22Best value

Travel from central Saranda to Albania’s Blue Eye Natural Park in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. You’ll see the famous blue spring, walk through forest scenery, and have about 90 minutes on site. Bring cash, wear good walking shoes, and plan on admiring the water rather than swimming.

“Beautiful monument!! Annie was a great and pleasurable tour guide!! This is a must see!! Pickup & drop off at our cruise ship was perfect!”

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9.Semi-Private Day Tour of Theth & Blue Eye from Tirana / Shkoder

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $261

Travel from Tirana to Albania’s northern mountains in a group of up to eight. You’ll cross Qafa e Thores, visit Theth’s Old Church and Lock-In Tower, and hike to the Blue Eye, with Grunas Waterfall also possible depending on the day. Guides such as Toni, Klodi, Ilir, and Arian are praised for local insight.

“My friends and I had an amazing time. Our guide was great, explained everything to us and was super friendly. The hike wasn’t too hard and the swim at the end was fabulous”

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10.From Tirana/Durrës: Saranda, Ksamil, and Blue Eye Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 49 reviews · 12 hours · from $56

Travel by air-conditioned van with an English-speaking AlbanianBus tour leader from Tirana or Durrës to Saranda, Ksamil, Lekursi Castle, and the Blue Eye. You get seaside views, beach time, castle panoramas, and a freshwater spring for $56, but expect a very long road day.

“Beaucoup d'heures de route pour peu de temps sur place, notamment deux heures à Ksamil où nous avons été déposés dans une crique excentrée entourée de club lounge privés avec musique a fond et eau pas limpide sans doute a cause du vent fort. Toutefois, une partie de la plage, bien remplie, était, heureusement, publique. L'oeil bleu était envahi de touristes, pas toujours respectueux du site. L'Albanie souffre déjà du surtourisme... Point positif : on a pu admirer de beaux paysages et se rendre compte de la vie locale au cours des trajets.”

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11.Semi – Private Tour of Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $235

You’ll leave Tirana early with an English-speaking guide and private transport, then visit Saranda’s Ionian waterfront, Ksamil’s beaches, and the Blue Eye spring. Guides including Sam, Ilir, Toni, Erik, and Xhonaton have led this route. Expect a scenic but demanding 10 to 12-hour day, with about four hours on the road.

“Toni was absolutely awesome with all the details, care, hospitality, facts and tips and history. Such a beautiful day of gorgeous landscapes, sites, beaches and fun. Highly recommended!”

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12.Gjirokastra, Blue Eye, Ksamil & Saranda – Day Tour from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 12 to 13 hours (approx.) · from $198

Start early from Tirana or Durres for a full southern Albania circuit. You’ll walk Gjirokastra’s Ottoman old town, visit its hilltop castle and the Blue Eye spring, then spend time in Ksamil before a Riviera drive through Saranda. Groups are limited to eight, with guides such as Daniel, Engjell, and Josef.

“Didn’t go ahead as only one who had booked this tour. Offered the chance to go to Kosovo instead for same price which I did. Great chance to visit a new country, thanks to the operator for sorting”

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13.Blue Eye, Gjirokaster & Lekures | Private & Small Group Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (approx.) · from $134

Set out from Saranda with guide Ari for a private day through southern Albania. Visit the icy Blue Eye spring, Gjirokaster Castle, the Ottoman bazaar, Skenduli House, and Lekuresi Castle. Expect hotel pickup, private transport, entrance fees, water, snacks, photography help, and a flexible pace.

“This is such a fantastic tour! Ari is an amazing guide and he kept my 2 teenage kids and myself entertained for the whole day. He is extremely knowledgable and adapted our trip to our needs. We took the tour from Tirana to Sarande which was a great way to make the trip without needing to do the drive myself while also seeing so much on the way. Thank you so much Ari!”

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14.Tour to Butrint Antic City/Blue Eye Spring/Lekursi Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $86

Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle from Saranda with guide Klajdi or another local guide to the Blue Eye, Lëkurësi Castle, Butrint, and Ksamil. Expect flexible timing, hotel or port pickup, a 30-minute walk to the Blue Eye, and extra fees for Butrint and the optional train.

“Excellent guide and driver. Kind and attentive to pace of walking. Very sweet and thoughtful. Thank you.”

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15.Day Tour of Theth & Hike to Blue Eye from Tirana, Durres/Shkoder

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 43 reviews · from $64

Join a small-group day trip from Tirana, Durres, Golem, Lalez, or Shkoder to Theth National Park. You will cross Thora Pass, visit the Church and Lock-in Tower, then hike to the Blue Eye. Guides such as Taulant, Fassi, Renato, Redon, and Fazlli have led this route. Expect about 13 hours, a moderate hike, and a long mountain drive.

“We took this tour with our guide Renato. Everything went well and I recommend taking this trip to Theth and the surroundings because the landscapes and the nature are incredible.”

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