From Saranda: Gjirokastra Stone City & Blue Eye Day Trip

Exploring Albania’s highlights from Saranda often means venturing into its captivating history and natural beauty, and this day trip to Gjirokastra and the Blue Eye offers just that. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews paint a picture of an engaging experience filled with fascinating sites, friendly guides, and breathtaking scenery.

What makes this trip appealing are the expert-guided visits to some of Albania’s most treasured spots, the beautiful walk around Blue Eye, and the opportunity to explore a well-preserved Ottoman-era city. A few might find the full itinerary a bit packed, especially if you prefer lingering longer at one site rather than rushing through. This tour suits travelers who love history, scenic landscapes, and a taste of local culture—all within a manageable six-hour window.

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Key Points

Comprehensive tour covering Gjirokastra’s main attractions and Blue Eye springs.
Knowledgeable guides who provide insightful stories and personalized attention.
Good value with all entry tickets and transport included.
Flexible free time for shopping, lunch, or casual exploring.
Stunning scenery both in the historic city and the natural park.
Comfortable transportation with pickup and drop-off from Saranda.

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An Overview of the Experience

This guided day trip is designed to give you a taste of Albania’s cultural and natural gems in a single, well-organized package. Starting from Saranda, you’ll enjoy a comfortable 50-minute drive to Gjirokastra, a city often called the “Stone City” due to its distinctive Ottoman architecture and cobblestone streets. The route itself is scenic, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Once in Gjirokastra, the highlight is undoubtedly the Gjirokastra Castle, a fortress perched above the city. The guided tour here is about an hour, and guides often share stories that bring the fortress’s centuries of history to life. Expect to hear about its strategic importance and how it has shaped the city’s identity.

Next, you’ll wander through the Old Bazaar, a lively area where local artisans sell handmade crafts and souvenirs. Many reviewers praise the free time here, which allows for browsing, relaxing over a coffee, or grabbing a traditional Albanian lunch. The tour also includes a visit to the Cold War Tunnel, a fascinating relic from Albania’s Cold War past. At just 30 minutes, it’s a quick but impactful stop that adds a layer of historical context.

The Skenduli House offers a glimpse into local life from three centuries ago. With another 30-minute guided visit, you’ll learn about Albanian traditions and architecture, making it a compelling cultural experience. Reviewers often mention how informative the guides are, with some noting their own guides’ personable and flexible approach.

Finally, the highlight for many nature lovers is the Blue Eye, a stunning spring with crystal-clear waters that seems almost surreal. The walk here is about 1 km, giving you enough time to enjoy the tranquility and take plenty of photos. The natural beauty of Blue Eye, combined with the informative guide commentary, makes it a perfect end to the day.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Travel to Gjirokastra

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in Saranda, a convenient start that saves you the hassle of organizing transport. The ride, roughly 50 minutes, offers a chance to settle in and get excited about the day ahead. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort on the drive through Albania’s landscape.

Gjirokastra Castle Tour

The first stop is the Gjirokastra Castle, a fortress dating back to the 12th century. Guided tours here typically last about an hour, allowing enough time to explore the battlements, watchtowers, and museum exhibits housed within. Many guests mention the guide’s ability to weave a compelling narrative, making the history tangible. The castle’s elevated position offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains, perfect for photography.

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Old Bazaar and Lunch Break

Post-castle, the walk down to the Old Bazaar is always a favorite for visitors. It’s a lively, colorful area filled with small shops, cafes, and local eateries. Guests have free time of 30 to 60 minutes to browse, buy souvenirs, or sit down for a traditional Albanian meal—many reviewers recommend trying local delicacies and enjoying the informal, friendly atmosphere.

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Cold War Tunnel

The Cold War Tunnel is a short drive away but a meaningful visit. The guided tour lasts about 30 minutes, and guests report that this site adds a poignant historical layer to the trip. It’s a reminder of Albania’s isolationist past and the underground structures built during that time.

Skenduli House

Next, the 300-year-old Skenduli House offers insight into Albanian domestic architecture and lifestyle. The guided visit here is also around 30 minutes. Visitors often comment on how well-preserved the house is and how the guides help bring the history to life with engaging stories about the families who lived there. It’s a peaceful contrast to the bustling bazaar and adds depth to your cultural understanding.

Blue Eye Nature Park

The final stop is Blue Eye, a natural spring renowned for its striking blue waters and tranquil ambiance. The walk from the entrance to the springs is about 1 km, a manageable stroll that allows you to soak in the beauty. Many reviews mention how mesmerizing the sight is, with some describing it as a “surreal” experience. The guide provides commentary about the springs’ formation and significance, enhancing the visit.

Return to Saranda

After about an hour at Blue Eye, the tour wraps up with a quick 30-minute drive back to Saranda, bringing a full, enriching day to a close. The experience includes all entry tickets and round-trip transportation, making it straightforward and stress-free.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Authentic Local Experience: This trip offers more than just sightseeing. The guides are praised for their friendliness and depth of knowledge, often sharing personal stories and insights that enrich each visit. Many guests mention guides like Marsia who go beyond the script to create a memorable experience.

Value for Money: Given that all entry fees, transportation, and guiding services are included, the tour provides good value. The cost covers a comprehensive itinerary that combines history, culture, and nature—elements visitors might otherwise spend days trying to piece together independently.

Flexibility and Free Time: With designated free periods, you can explore at your own pace, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax. Guests often appreciate this balance between guided elements and personal discovery.

Stunning scenery: The views from Gjirokastra Castle, the cobblestone streets, and the Blue Eye springs create a picture-perfect backdrop for your day. Reviewers frequently mention how breathtaking the natural sites are, adding a memorable visual element.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Comfortable shoes and clothes are a must, especially since there’s about 1 km of walking at Blue Eye and cobblestone streets in Gjirokastra. Pack cash for souvenirs or snacks, as some shops might not accept cards.

Book early if you want to secure your spot, especially during peak season, due to the tour’s popularity and high ratings (4.9/5 from 83 reviews).

Be prepared for some walking and uneven surfaces—the tour isn’t wheelchair friendly, and people with heart problems might want to consider their limits.

Timing is key: Check the available starting times to fit the tour into your schedule. The duration is approximately 6 hours, so plan your day accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 6 hours, including transportation, visits, and free time.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Saranda are included, making the start and end of the day hassle-free.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, casual clothes, and cash are recommended for shopping or snacks.

Are all entrance tickets included?
Yes, the tour includes all entry tickets, so there’s no need to worry about additional costs at the sites.

Can I eat lunch during the tour?
While lunch isn’t included, there’s free time at the Old Bazaar where you can choose from local eateries or buy souvenirs.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
It’s not recommended for those with heart problems or wheelchair users due to walking and accessibility limitations.

Final Thoughts

This Gjirokastra and Blue Eye day trip from Saranda is a well-rounded, value-packed experience that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. The small-group setting, guided by knowledgeable and friendly guides, makes it ideal for travelers who want an authentic, educational, and scenic taste of Albania. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply curious about this captivating country, this tour offers a memorable snapshot—without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

Perfect for those with limited time but a desire to see some of Albania’s most iconic sights, this trip balances guided storytelling with free exploration, ensuring you get both information and personal discovery. If you’re after a day that offers color, character, and stunning views, this is a fantastic way to spend your day in Albania.