The 15 Best Albanian Riviera Beach Trips

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.Gjirokastra UNESCO & Ksamil Beach – From Tirana/Durres/Golem

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · 12 to 13 hours (approx.) · from $58Top rated

Spend a long but rewarding day traveling from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem to Gjirokastër’s stone old town and Ksamil’s clear-water beaches. Guides such as Bledi, Klajdi, Ervin, and Antonio add local history, food tips, and humor. Expect air-conditioned transport, free time at both stops, and a great deal of road time.

“It was a really long day but definitely worth it. My guide, Bledi, was so knowledgeable about everything and kept us entertained with stories and information about not only the places we visited but also the history of Albania, things we passed along the way, and random facts about the country.”

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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.Mussel Sailing Tour with Food and Drink in Albania

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

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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6.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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7.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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8.Corfu: Palaiokastritsa Swimming and Loggas Beach Sunset Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 92 reviews · from $55

Spend 6.5 hours exploring Corfu’s west coast by air-conditioned bus. Swim at Palaiokastritsa, take an optional boat trip to sea caves, visit the Panagia monastery, and watch sunset at Loggas Beach. Guides such as George and Despina add history, food tips, and local advice along the way.

“The tour guide George was very informative, the sunset was well worth the journey”

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9.Speed Boat Tour to Secret Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 82 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $102

Set out from Vlore at 10:30 a.m. for a 7 to 8-hour speedboat trip along the Karaburun Peninsula. Visit Haxhi Ali Cave, Dafina Bay, and other swimming spots, with time for photos and snorkeling. Guides such as Andrea and Edison have led lively outings, though equipment and departure details may vary.

“A very pleasant, good value for money excursion. The coast isn't particularly beautiful but our guide Andrea was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed our day.”

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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.Kayak Sup Tours Lukova Caves – Kroreza

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $42Best value

Paddle from Lukova along Albania’s white-rock coast to Kroreza Beach, stopping at small wild beaches and two caves. The four-hour kayak and SUP outing includes snorkeling gear, waterproof phone cases, and dry bags. English-speaking guides including Lora, Laura, Timo, Max, and Guards help beginners manage the route, timing, and equipment.

“Me and a friend booked the kayak tour. Honestly it was the best thing ever. The operators were super flexible - on mistake I booked for the wrong day but I texted them and they answered within 5 minutes and we could reschedule our trip. Laura, our instructor was the best! She has such a spirit and loves what she does. We could ask her anything and she explained so much to us. The landscape is just gorgeous, we had many opportunities to dip into the blue sea (have never seen water like that). The guide even brought snorkelling equipment so we could explore the underwater landscape and animals. If…”

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12.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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13.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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14.Semi – Private Tour at Cape of Rodon; Hidden Beaches & History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $170

Spend 6 to 8 hours exploring Cape of Rodon from Tirana with hotel pickup, private transport, and an English-speaking guide. Walk past Skanderbeg’s 15th-century castle, Saint Anthony’s Church, communist-era bunkers, and white-sand beaches. The day includes about three hours for relaxing by the Adriatic, plus time for a moderate hike.

“This was an amazing experience! Erik was so patient and really took his time talking to us! It is a challenging hike but the views are so worth it. Would absolutely recommend to do”

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15.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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