The 15 Best Tours in Saranda & Ksamil

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 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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4.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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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.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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7.1-Day Tour in Blue Eye, Monastery, Gjirokaster and Lekursi Castle

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

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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8.Saranda Prince Ennio-Daily Yacht Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $48

Join Prince Ennio’s six-hour yacht outing from Saranda for a relaxed day along Albania’s southern coast. You’ll stop at Qefali, Kakoma, Krorez Bay, and Soldier’s Beach for swimming, photos, and quiet beach time. Expect open seating, shaded areas, music, and a cash-only bar. The tour is in English and carries up to 60 people.

“What an amazing day!! We anchored and swam at some beautiful places. The crew on board were very nice and helpful! The bar was open as soon as we set sail (cash only). There are many seats to lounge and shade if needed. Would do again!!”

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9.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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10.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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11.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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12.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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13.Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $41

From Saranda, this 5 to 6-hour outing takes you to Gjirokaster’s Ottoman old town, the icy Blue Eye spring, and Lekursi Castle above the coast. Pickup is available, entrance to the Blue Eye is included, and guides such as Jona and Orlando have led the route. Expect mountain roads, walking, and a day that may run longer than planned.

“We really enjoyed our tour with Jona. We were picked up in a private van with a max of 6 passengers so it was very comfortable. While we were not in the van with Jona she did a good job of sharing info with us at Gjirokaster castle. I'm not one for a full day of listening to someone drone on and on about things so I appreciated the history highlights and then allowing us to wander to get our pictures. It was nice that she also asked the group about how much time we wanted in the village so the tour felt less rigid. We enjoyed having time to…”

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14.Visit The National Park of Blue Eye & Lekuresi castel

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 32 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $28

Travel from Saranda to the Blue Eye, a clear spring in a lush mountain setting, then continue to Lekuresi Castle for views across town and the Ksamil Islands. The experience lasts about three to four hours, costs $28.81 per person, and includes an air-conditioned vehicle. Guide service can vary, so confirm who will accompany you.

“Good tour and tour guide to the Blue Eye and Lekuresi castel. Aleksia did a good job telling us about the Blue Eye and castel and we enjoyed the rides to both areas. The views from the castel were amazing and the Blue Eye was beautiful.”

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15.Sarande Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $31

Travel from central Saranda to the Blue Eye spring, with time for photos, a coffee break, and a short walk through the forest. Then head to Lekursi Castle for wide views over Saranda, Ksamil, Corfu, the Ionian Sea, Bistrica River, and Butrinti Lake. The English-language tour lasts about three and a half hours and carries no more than 15 people.

“Great trip to see the beautiful blue eye 👁 i managed to hike around the lake was tough but worth it, then we went to the castle for the most amazing views and sunset.”

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