Sunset at Lekursi Castle & Wine Tasting Tour and Blue Eye Springs

Saranda , Albania

Sunset at Lekursi Castle & Wine Tasting Tour and Blue Eye Springs

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(10 reviews)

4h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the best of southern Albania in one unforgettable day. This tour combines the natural beauty of the Blue Eye Spring, the charm of local wine tasting, and the magic of a sunset at Lekursi Castle overlooking the Ionian Sea.

1-Begin your journey with a visit to the legendary Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër). Marvel at the vivid blue waters bubbling from the earth in a lush forest setting. Learn about the spring’s mysterious depth and enjoy a peaceful walk through nature.

2-Wine Tasting Experience at Kantina Isak
Discover Albania’s ancient wine-making heritage while sampling a selection of local wines and raki, paired with cheese, olives, and other regional delights. Meet the winemakers and learn about native grape varieties and rural traditions.

3-The last destination ,is Lekursi Castle, perched high above Saranda. Take in breathtaking views of the town, Ionian coastline, and Corfu Island as the sun sets in spectacular colors.

Available options

Sunset at Lekursi Castle & Wine Tasting Tour and Blue Eye Springs

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Live Guide during the trip

Detailed itinerary

Kantina e Verës ISAK offers an incredible experience of Albanian hospitality with a quaint and charming vineyard setting. Visitors are treated to a tour of the wine production, and olive oil before tasting raki, fresh vegetables, cheeses etc

What makes the Blue Eye so fascinating is that divers have attempted to descend into its turquoise waters to calculate its depth several times without succeeding. Thus, it remains a mystery how deep the Blue Eye is, but the deepest point the divers have reached is 50 m (164 ft) deep.

Syri I Kalter (which is Albanian for “Blue Eye”) is a unique place that you should definitely add to your Albanian itinerary.

Stop 3

Amidst stone ruins there often exists lurid tales of times long past. The Lëkurësi Castle in Albania is just one of those ruins. Also known as Kalaja e Lëkurësit in Albanian, this historical castle has an interesting history.Located on a steep hill that strategically overlooks the town of Saranda, the castle was built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Suleiman was a powerful Sultan who, under his administration, ruled over at least 25 million people. During his monarchy, he led Ottoman armies in their attempts to conquer Christian strongholds throughout Europe. The building of the castle of Lëkurës on such a steep hill certainly would have been a strategic decision.

What's not included

Train Ticket to Blue Eye (3 euro person each ride )

a selection of local wines and raki, paired with cheese, olives, and other regional delights wich costs only 15 euro/person

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

About Saranda

Saranda is a charming coastal town in southern Albania, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to the ancient ruins of Butrint. It offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Butrint National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including a well-preserved theater, baptistery, and various temples.

Historical 2-3 hours €7

Lekursi Castle

A historic castle offering panoramic views of Saranda and the Ionian Sea. It's a great spot for sunset views.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Ksamil Beach

A beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and small islands nearby. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free to €10 for sunbeds and umbrellas

Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

A natural spring with incredibly clear, blue water. It's a popular spot for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty.

Nature Half day €2 for parking

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tavë Kosi

A traditional Albanian baked dish made with lamb, rice, and yogurt.

Main Dish Contains dairy and meat

Byrek

A savory pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat.

Snack Can be vegetarian or with meat

Peshk në Zgarë

Grilled fish, often sea bass or sea bream, served with lemon and olive oil.

Main Dish Contains fish

Fërgesë

A traditional dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, often served with bread.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Butrint National Park Scuba diving in Ksamil Boat tours to Ksamil Islands Sunbathing at Ksamil Beach Yoga on the beach Spa treatments Exploring Butrint National Park Visiting Lekursi Castle

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, ideal for beach activities and exploring the town. The sea is at its warmest, and the town is lively with various events and festivals.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Albanian
Widely spoken: English, Italian, Greek
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Albanian Lek (ALL)

Time Zone

GMT+1

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Saranda is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport • 200 km from Saranda

By bus

Saranda Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are affordable and convenient for getting around Saranda. They are frequent and connect major points in the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxi Albania

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Ksamil Butrint

Day trips

Corfu, Greece

15 km from Saranda • Half day to full day

A beautiful Greek island with ancient ruins, historic sites, and stunning beaches.

Llogara Pass

80 km from Saranda • Full day

A stunning mountain pass offering breathtaking views of the Albanian Riviera.

Gjipe Canyon

60 km from Saranda • Full day

A beautiful canyon with a hidden beach, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Festivals

Saranda Summer Festival • July to August Butrint Festival • July to August

Pro tips

Visit Butrint National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Take a boat tour to the Ksamil Islands for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Try local dishes like Tavë Kosi and Byrek for an authentic taste of Albanian cuisine.
Explore the town on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and local secrets.
Attend local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.