Day Trips

From Tirana/Durres/Golem: Blue Eye, Saranda & Ksamil Day Trip

Ksamil Beach view with sun loungers, umbrellas, and clear blue water in Albania.

Dining setup with wine overlooking the sea in Saranda, Albania.

Saranda port cityscape with boats and hillside buildings in spring.

Tourist swimming in the Blue Eye waters, Albania.

Duration

17 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Pickup available

4.3/5

(105)

Hanna

Dec 2025

Verified Partner Review

Went with my partner and our two teens – honestly, we weren’t sure what to expect but this tour was a BLAST. Our guide (can’t remember his name, sorry!) had so many stories, some funny, some kinda wild. The bus was suuuper comfy and had AC, which was a relief ‘cause it got HOT by noon. Ksamil’s water is next-level clear, like, you can see your toes even when you’re up to your waist. Saranda was more chill, we grabbed some pastries from a bakery near the main square (they were still warm, drool). The Blue Eye was the real jaw-dropper though – the color doesn’t look real in pics but in person it’s even more EPIC. Only tiny thing – we felt a bit rushed at the Blue Eye, woulda loved 20 more mins there. Still, 10/10 for the day.

Aaliyah

Dec 2025

Verified Partner Review

Went with my best friend and we had a BLAST. The guide made it feel like a road trip with friends. We sang along to Albanian pop songs on the bus (no one had a clue what we were singing but it was hilarious). Ksamil’s water was freezing but soooo clear, and the sand is weirdly soft. Grabbed ice cream near the beach – pistachio flavor is a win. Only thing: Saranda was busy and kinda touristy, but still fun for people-watching. Blue Eye is a fairytale spot, just don’t try to swim, it’s icy! Def would do it again.

Marek

Dec 2025

Verified Partner Review

Took this tour solo while backpacking. Big plus: group wasn’t huge, so you didn’t feel like a herd of sheep. Got to chat with a few other travelers too. The guide did a good job explaining stuff, but I wish they’d stop at more local food places – ended up grabbing a quick sandwich at a gas station, not the best. Saranda’s views = WOW. Ksamil was a bit crowded (even in November, sheesh) but worth it. Blue Eye is wild, water so blue it looks fake. If you’re into nature vibes, it’s def worth the trek.

Sofia

Dec 2025

Verified Partner Review

Family trip with my parents and little bro (he’s 8 and gets bored easy). Pleasantly surprised – the guide made it fun for everyone. We played silly trivia on the bus and my brother got a small sticker as a 'prize.' Ksamil was his fave (he wouldn’t stop splashing in the water). Bring a towel and maybe a change of clothes, btw. Weather was sunny but the Blue Eye area was a bit chilly, so bring a jacket if you’re going in winter. Totally recommend for families.

Freya

Dec 2025

Verified Partner Review

Did this trip as a solo traveler and had such a cooool time. Met some awesome people on the bus (shout out to Anna from Poland!). The guide was really friendly and let us take our time at each stop, no rushing. Loved Ksamil – water is so blue it looks edited. Saranda was ok, we mostly just walked along the promenade. Don’t skip the Blue Eye, it’s magic. Wear comfy shoes and bring a jacket, it gets chilly in the forest.

Yusuf

Dec 2025

Verified Partner Review

Good tour, but bring snacks! We got hungry between stops. Our guide was super chill, answered all our questions, and even pointed out some random bunkers in the countryside (Albania has a LOT of ’em). The bus ride was longer than I thought, but the scenery kept it interesting. Ksamil is def the highlight, so beautiful. Blue Eye is cool but lots of people taking pics, so you gotta wait your turn.

Travel in comfort with hotel pick-up, drop-off, air-conditioned transport, and a licensed guide included throughout your journey.

Marvel at the Blue Eye spring, where water gushes from a 50-meter-deep pool in swirling shades of sapphire and emerald, surrounded by dense forest.

Sink your feet into Ksamil’s powdery white sand, sunbathe under olive trees, or swim in water so clear it reveals every pebble beneath the surface.

Stroll along Saranda’s seaside promenade lined with palm trees, seafront cafés, and views stretching to the Greek island of Corfu on the horizon.

Learn about local history and culture from your expert guide as you explore southern Albania’s highlights.

Day trip to Blue Eye, Saranda & Ksamil

Entry tickets to the Blue Eye spring

Pick-up & drop-off from selected location (Tirana, Durres or Golem)

Transfers in an AC vehicle

Licensed tour guide in selected language (English, Italian, Spanish or French)

Meals or snacks

Boat ride or kayaks

Sunbeds

Lunch

TOTAL DURATION17 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Van
Timeline
Map
Start point
Tirana, Durres or Golem (as per option selected)
1. Ksamil
Free Admission
1 activity
Things to do
Free time & swimming
Included in price
2. Saranda
Free Admission
3. Blue Eye
Tickets included
End point
Tirana, Durres or Golem (as per option selected)
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

105 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Hanna
Dec 2025
Verified Partner Review
Went with my partner and our two teens – honestly, we weren’t sure what to expect but this tour was a BLAST. Our guide (can’t remember his name, sorry!) had so many stories, some funny, some kinda wild. The bus was suuuper comfy and had AC, which was a relief ‘cause it got HOT by noon. Ksamil’s water is next-level clear, like, you can see your toes even when you’re up to your waist. Saranda was more chill, we grabbed some pastries from a bakery near the main square (they were still warm, drool). The Blue Eye was the real jaw-dropper though – the color doesn’t look real in pics but in person it’s even more EPIC. Only tiny thing – we felt a bit rushed at the Blue Eye, woulda loved 20 more mins there. Still, 10/10 for the day.
Aaliyah
Dec 2025
Verified Partner Review
Went with my best friend and we had a BLAST. The guide made it feel like a road trip with friends. We sang along to Albanian pop songs on the bus (no one had a clue what we were singing but it was hilarious). Ksamil’s water was freezing but soooo clear, and the sand is weirdly soft. Grabbed ice cream near the beach – pistachio flavor is a win. Only thing: Saranda was busy and kinda touristy, but still fun for people-watching. Blue Eye is a fairytale spot, just don’t try to swim, it’s icy! Def would do it again.
Marek
Dec 2025
Verified Partner Review
Took this tour solo while backpacking. Big plus: group wasn’t huge, so you didn’t feel like a herd of sheep. Got to chat with a few other travelers too. The guide did a good job explaining stuff, but I wish they’d stop at more local food places – ended up grabbing a quick sandwich at a gas station, not the best. Saranda’s views = WOW. Ksamil was a bit crowded (even in November, sheesh) but worth it. Blue Eye is wild, water so blue it looks fake. If you’re into nature vibes, it’s def worth the trek.
Sofia
Dec 2025
Verified Partner Review
Family trip with my parents and little bro (he’s 8 and gets bored easy). Pleasantly surprised – the guide made it fun for everyone. We played silly trivia on the bus and my brother got a small sticker as a 'prize.' Ksamil was his fave (he wouldn’t stop splashing in the water). Bring a towel and maybe a change of clothes, btw. Weather was sunny but the Blue Eye area was a bit chilly, so bring a jacket if you’re going in winter. Totally recommend for families.
Freya
Dec 2025
Verified Partner Review
Did this trip as a solo traveler and had such a cooool time. Met some awesome people on the bus (shout out to Anna from Poland!). The guide was really friendly and let us take our time at each stop, no rushing. Loved Ksamil – water is so blue it looks edited. Saranda was ok, we mostly just walked along the promenade. Don’t skip the Blue Eye, it’s magic. Wear comfy shoes and bring a jacket, it gets chilly in the forest.

What to bring

Bring a valid passport or ID card.

Sunglasses, sun hat, and hat are recommended for sun protection.

Swimwear, beachwear, towel, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim.

Comfortable outdoor clothing and walking shoes.

Sunscreen to protect against sun exposure.

Camera for photos.

Snacks and cash for personal expenses, as meals and drinks are not included.

What’s not allowed

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour.

Accessibility

This experience is not suitable for babies under 1 year.

Infants must occupy their own paid seats, but this tour is not recommended for babies.

The tour may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility due to long travel times and walking requirements.

Additional information

If you suffer from motion sickness, please bring your medicine as the tour involves many driving hours.

Depending on group size, a minivan, van, bus, or car may be used for transportation.

Pickup is by van or minivan; you may be asked to reach a suitable pickup location if the vehicle cannot access your area.

You will be contacted with pickup details the night before the tour; ensure you have a working phone number connected to WhatsApp or another communication app.