Saranda: Rafting, Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle Exploration

If you’re craving a day filled with adrenaline, stunning scenery, and a touch of history, this tour from Saranda offers just that. It combines outdoor excitement with cultural sights, making for a well-rounded experience that highlights some of Albania’s most captivating natural and historical sites.

What we especially like about this tour is its balance: thrilling river rafting, tranquil moments at the Blue Eye spring, and panoramic views from Lekursi Castle. The tour is designed to give you a taste of Albanian wilderness and heritage in one day. But, a heads up — it involves physical activity, so it’s best suited for those in good health and ready for some adventure. If you’re looking for a relaxed, sightseeing-only trip, this might not be your best fit. However, for active travelers eager to combine adventure with culture, it’s a real winner.

Key Points

• Adventure and Natural Beauty: Rafting on the Bistricë River offers exhilarating rapids and peaceful stretches amid stunning mountain scenery.
• Iconic Sight: The Blue Eye spring is a vibrant, photogenic spot showcasing Albania’s pristine waters.
• Historical Insights: Lekursi Castle provides sweeping views of Saranda and the Ionian Sea, paired with a glimpse into the past.
• Comfort and Convenience: Includes transportation, professional guidance, and entry fees, making it a hassle-free day out.
• Flexible and Family-Friendly: Suitable for kids 8 and up, with options for a scenic, active day suitable for families and solo travelers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour begins with a straightforward meet-up at the centrally located Centrali Restaurant in Saranda. The guide, usually fluent in English and Italian, will give a quick rundown of the day’s activities — setting the tone for an engaging day ahead. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, ready to enjoy a scenic 15-minute drive through rolling Albanian countryside. It’s a gentle start that immediately hints at the natural beauty to come.

Rafting on the Bistricë River

The highlight for many is the rafting adventure, which lasts around three hours. The Bistricë River, crisscrossed by rushing rapids and calmer stretches, runs through the Albanian Alps, offering a perfect setting for both thrill and serenity. According to reviews, the waters are crystal-clear, providing excellent visibility and making the experience more immersive.

Your guide and professional instructors will brief you on safety, equipment, and technique before you start. The guides, often praised for their enthusiasm and expertise, help ensure everyone, from beginners to more experienced paddlers, feels confident navigating the waters. Expect a mix of exciting rapids that get your adrenaline pumping, and peaceful moments where you can simply soak in the mountain scenery.

One reviewer mentions, “The rafting was the perfect mix of adrenaline and tranquility, with views that made every rapid worth it.” For families or less confident swimmers, the safety gear and guidance are reassuring. The group size tends to be small enough to feel personal but large enough to keep the energy lively.

Break and Refreshing Rest

After the rafting, you’ll have a roughly 30-minute break. This pause is a good chance to hydrate, take photos, and chat about the morning’s highlights. Some travelers also use this time to snap pictures of the surrounding mountains and pristine waters, capturing memories of this dynamic landscape.

Visiting the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

Next, it’s about 40 minutes by van to the Blue Eye spring, one of Albania’s most iconic natural wonders. Set amidst lush greenery, the spring’s intense blue waters seem almost surreal. The site is well-maintained, with a viewing platform and pathways that allow for safe exploration and picture-taking.

Guests often comment on the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Eye, with one noting, “It’s one of the most stunning sights I’ve seen — the color of the water is mesmerizing.” You can spend about an hour here, wandering around, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, and capturing photos of the vivid blue against the verdant backdrop.

While some opt for an optional lunch nearby, showcasing fresh local dishes, the tour does not include this — giving you flexibility to choose a favorite spot or just enjoy a snack if you prefer.

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Lekursi Castle: A Panoramic Finale

The journey continues with a 40-minute drive to Lekursi Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking Saranda and the Ionian Sea. The castle dates back to the 16th century, and although much of it is in ruins, the views are what make this stop worthwhile. From the castle ruins, you’ll get sweeping vistas of the sparkling sea, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains.

Visitors often mention how the panoramic scenery makes this an ideal spot for photos and quiet reflection. The guided tour here offers insights into the castle’s history, adding a cultural layer to the day. You’ll spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring the ruins and snapping pictures from various vantage points.

Return and Reflection

Afterward, it’s just a short 10-minute drive back to the meeting point at Centrali Restaurant. The day ends with a sense of accomplishment — having experienced Albania’s natural beauty and history in one concise, well-organized trip.

Practical Details

Transport & Group Size: The entire journey is conducted in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with small group sizes making the experience intimate and personal.
Duration & Timing: The full day lasts approximately 10 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.
Inclusions & Extras: The tour covers all entrance fees (Blue Eye, Lekursi Castle), safety gear, and professional guidance. It also includes liability insurance, providing peace of mind.
Cost & Value: Considering the transportation, guided activities, and entrance fees, the price offers solid value for an active day amid some of Albania’s best sights.
Age & Physical Requirements: Suitable for ages 8 and up, but participants should be in good health, able to perform light to moderate activity — especially for rafting.
Weather & Rescheduling: Activities depend on weather conditions, and the itinerary might be adjusted for safety reasons.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurers who want more than just sightseeing — it’s for those eager to paddle through mountain waters, marvel at natural wonders, and enjoy panoramic history. Families with children over 8 will find it a fun and active day, provided everyone is comfortable with physical activity.

It also suits travelers who appreciate convenience: all logistics are handled, leaving you free to focus on the fun and scenery. If you’re after a relaxed, purely cultural tour, this might not be the best choice, but if you’re craving genuine outdoor adventure, it delivers in spades.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation in a comfortable vehicle, a professional guide, safety briefing, all necessary rafting equipment, and entrance fees to the Blue Eye and Lekursi Castle.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is optional and not included in the price. You can opt for a meal at a nearby restaurant with local dishes if you wish.

How long is the rafting?
Rafting lasts approximately 3 hours, offering a good mix of excitement and scenic rest stops along the river.

What should I wear for rafting?
It’s best to wear quick-drying clothes, suitable footwear like water shoes or sneakers, and bring a hat and sunscreen. The tour provides safety gear, including life jackets.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children 8 and up are welcome, but they should be comfortable with physical activity and good health.

What if the weather is bad?
Activities are weather-dependent, and the itinerary may be adjusted or rescheduled for safety reasons.

How long do we stay at each stop?
You’ll spend about 3 hours rafting, an hour at the Blue Eye, and 1.5 hours exploring Lekursi Castle, with short breaks in between.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with limited mobility due to the physical nature of rafting and walking around the sites.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot now with the option to pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Saranda stands out as a superb option for travelers craving a balance of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural highlights. The combination of rafting on the Bistricë River, the stunning Blue Eye spring, and panoramic views from Lekursi Castle makes for a memorable day.

The carefully organized itinerary, inclusive pricing, and guide support make it accessible and hassle-free. It’s particularly well-suited for active travelers, families, or anyone eager to experience Albania’s outdoors in a meaningful way. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply someone who loves scenic vistas, this tour promises a day full of authentic discoveries and unforgettable moments.

If you’re visiting Saranda and want to see the best of what Albania’s nature and history have to offer, this adventure is well worth considering. Just remember to wear comfortable clothes, bring your camera, and prepare for a day of fun and exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here: