Sarande: Blue Eye Spring and Lekursi Castle Sunset Tour

Sarande: Blue Eye Spring and Lekursi Castle Sunset Tour offers an inviting glimpse into Albania’s natural beauty and historical sights. This four-hour adventure, rated 4.8 out of 5 by over 450 travelers, combines a scenic train ride (from November to April, a walk) with visits to two of the region’s most photogenic spots: the mesmerizing Blue Eye spring and the panoramic Lekursi Castle at sunset.

What I like most about this experience is how it balances natural wonder with cultural charm. First, the Blue Eye spring is an otherworldly sight — the crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by lush greenery make for some unforgettable photos. Second, the sunset from Lekursi Castle is genuinely breathtaking, with sweeping views over the Ionian Sea and beyond.

A possible drawback? Since the train doesn’t run from November to April, you’ll be walking around 17 minutes to reach the Blue Eye, which might be a consideration for those with mobility issues or hot weather. Also, this is a daytime tour with no hotel pickup included, so you’ll need to plan your transport to the starting point in Sarande.

Key points / Takeaways

• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation makes the trip relaxing and easy to enjoy.
• Expert guides, like Ledjon, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the visit more enriching.
• The Blue Eye’s crystal-clear waters and natural surroundings are a highlight—ideal for photography and peaceful reflection.
• The sunset view from Lekursi Castle offers a spectacular panoramic backdrop, perfect for unforgettable photos.
• The tour includes entry fees and train tickets (season-dependent), providing good value.
• It’s a well-organized, flexible experience suitable for those who want a balanced mix of scenery and history without feeling rushed.

Entering the World of Albania’s Natural and Historic Gems

This tour offers a thoughtfully crafted look at some of Albania’s most stunning sights. Starting from Sarande’s central meeting point, you’ll hop into a comfortable van that whisks you away into the scenic countryside. The first highlight is the Blue Eye spring, a mesmerizing water feature famous for its surreal, vibrant blue hue.

What’s particularly nice about this experience is how accessible it is: the tour provides one-way train tickets (seasonal) if you’re visiting between April and October, adding a charming touch, but during the off-season, you’ll walk a short 17-minute route. I found that the walk through the lush surroundings is a peaceful way to build up anticipation.

Once at the spring, you’ll have about 80 minutes to take your time. From reviews, it’s clear that many visitors love to dip their feet in the chilly waters — the fresh feeling is a real perk, especially on warm days. People also appreciate the opportunity to capture stunning photos, with some guides like Ledjon providing helpful tips and even helping with pictures.

The tour then continues to Lekursi Castle, perched on a hilltop with commanding views of the Ionian Sea, Ksamil, and even the distant Corfu. As the sun begins to set, the panoramic vistas are nothing short of spectacular. Several reviews mention how the sunset from Lekursi is a breathtaking way to end the afternoon, with some describing it as “breathtaking” or “phenomenal.”

Throughout the tour, guides are often described as very friendly and knowledgeable, sharing insights about Albania’s history and geography. It’s clear that this extra layer of storytelling enriches the experience, turning a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable journey.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Transport:
You’ll meet your guide at the OpenTour Albania office in Sarande, which is an easy-to-find central location. From there, the journey begins with a comfortable, climate-controlled van ride out into the countryside. The drive itself is an enjoyable part of the experience, offering glimpses of Albania’s rural landscape and coast.

The Train or Walk to Blue Eye:
During peak season (April to October), you’ll take a short train ride—about 6 minutes—that adds a charming, old-world touch. For those visiting outside this period, a 17-minute walk replaces the train, which most find manageable, though it requires some light effort. The walk is along scenic paths lined with greenery, making it a pleasant start to the Blue Eye visit.

Blue Eye Spring Visit:
Once at the spring, you’ll have roughly 80 minutes for exploration. The location is truly striking — the waters’ vibrant blue is often described as surreal. Travelers love to walk along the edge of the spring, dipping their feet in the cold water, or just relaxing and taking photos. From a safety and preservation standpoint, swimming is discouraged, but plenty of people enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take photos instead.

Many reviews mention how the guide, Ledjon, or Anna, helps with taking pictures or providing interesting details about the geology and the spring’s formation, which enhances the visit. People often comment on how the place feels serene and almost magical, especially when fewer crowds are around.

Lunch or Refreshments:
Most tours include the opportunity to buy a coffee, cold drink, or even a beer — small perks that help you relax and soak in the environment. The natural beauty of the Blue Eye makes for some of the best photo opportunities, so be sure to bring your camera or phone fully charged.

Journey to Lekursi Castle:
Next, you’ll head to the hilltop ruins of Lekursi Castle, about a 30-minute drive. The castle itself is a set of round towers and walls that evoke a sense of history. Here, you’ll have about 35 minutes for photos, exploring, and, of course, watching the sunset.

Sunset and Panoramic Views:
As the sun dips, the landscape transforms into a stunning tableau. Reviews consistently praise the view — spanning Corfu Town, Ksamil, and the Ionian Sea — which makes for fantastic photos and memories. Many describe the sunset as “breathtaking” or “phenomenal,” often noting this as the highlight of the trip.

Return and Reflection:
After sunset, you’ll hop back into the van for the 12-minute ride back to Sarande. The tour concludes at the original meeting point, leaving you with plenty of time to plan your evening in Sarande or nearby.

The Practicalities: What Matters Most

Duration and Pacing:
This 4-hour tour is packed but well-paced, giving you enough time at both stops without feeling rushed. The timing is flexible depending on the season, with the train adding a charming element in warmer months.

Transportation and Comfort:
Most reviews highlight the comfort and air-conditioning of the van, which makes all the difference when traveling in the Albanian heat or rain. The guides, like Ledjon and Anna, are praised for their friendly service and their willingness to go the extra mile, such as helping with photos or guiding you through the sites.

Cost and Value:
While prices aren’t specified here, reviews suggest that the tour offers excellent value for money, especially considering it includes entry fees, train tickets (season-dependent), and a knowledgeable guide. It’s a hassle-free way to see two of the area’s most photogenic sights without worrying about logistics or transportation.

Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers who want a manageable way to see stunning natural sights and enjoy sunset views with little fuss. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate photography, scenic landscapes, and a touch of history. It’s not ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a swimming adventure, as swimming is discouraged to preserve the spring’s purity.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic, and culturally enriching outing from Sarande, this tour hits the mark. The combination of Blue Eye’s surreal waters and Lekursi Castle’s panoramic sunset offers a memorable snapshot of Albania’s diverse appeal.

The tour’s real strength lies in the friendly guidance and the stunning scenery — many reviews mention how helpful guides like Ledjon make the experience more enjoyable by sharing stories and helping with photos. Most travelers agree that the value for money is excellent, especially considering the included entry fees and transport.

However, if you prefer pure adventure or swimming, this might not fully satisfy those cravings. Still, for anyone craving a peaceful, picturesque afternoon with a touch of history and a lot of photo opportunities, this tour is a smart pick.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Is hotel pickup included? No, you need to meet at the designated starting point in Sarande.
• What is the best time to go? The tour duration varies seasonally; check availability for your preferred time. During November to April, train rides are unavailable, so be prepared for the walk.
• Does the tour include transportation back to my hotel? No, but guides are often very helpful and may assist with arranging your transport or helping you plan your next steps.
• Is swimming allowed at Blue Eye? No, swimming is discouraged in order to preserve the spring’s purity and for safety reasons due to the cold water and depth.
• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sun hat, water, a T-shirt, and a reusable water bottle are recommended.
• How long do I have at each stop? About 80 minutes at Blue Eye and 35 minutes at Lekursi Castle.
• Is it suitable for children? Yes, though walking is involved, and children should be mindful of the terrain and cold water.
• Are there any restrictions? Not suitable for wheelchair users; no weapons, sharp objects, smoking, alcohol, or bare feet allowed.
• What language is the tour conducted in? The guide and driver speak both English and Albanian.
• Can I cancel the tour? Yes, with a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

In the end, this tour packs a lot into a short time, offering natural beauty, panoramic views, and friendly guidance. It’s a smart choice for those who want a relaxing yet visually stunning outing during their time in Sarande.