Sarande: Blue Eye & Lekuresi Tour w/ Wine Tasting

The Blue Eye spring is the star here, but this four-hour trip gives you three very different tastes of southern Albania: a hilltop fortress, a vivid natural spring, and a country winery. You start at Saranda Port, so it is a handy choice if you have only half a day in town or are visiting from Corfu.

I like the wide view from Lekuresi Castle, which reaches over Saranda toward Ksamil and its islands. I also like the winery stop, where you can see how Albanian wine is made instead of simply being handed a glass at a bar. The main drawback is that this is a quick, vehicle-based outing, and the guide may spend only a short time with you at each sight.

Key points to know before booking

• Lekuresi Castle gives you the best broad view, with Saranda below and the Ksamil area visible in the distance.
• The Blue Eye requires a 1.5 km walk each way from the entrance unless you pay about €3 for the small train option.
• The winery is often the most generous stop, with wine, local products, and food available, but extra charges need careful checking.
• Transport may be by car rather than minibus, which can feel comfortable for a small party but tight if you want plenty of personal space.
• English-language guiding varies by stop, with some guides giving a short introduction before leaving you to explore.
• The tour costs $82 per person, a fair price if you value included transport, Blue Eye admission, and wine tasting in one half-day.

Starting at Saranda Port for a quick countryside escape

The tour begins with pickup at Saranda Port. That makes the meeting point simple, especially if you are spending the day in Saranda or arriving by cruise ship. The total duration is listed as four hours, including driving between the town, spring, and winery.

You should expect a brisk outing rather than a slow regional tour. The schedule allows around 45 minutes at Lekuresi Castle, 75 minutes at the stop listed as The Old Pharmacy, and 75 minutes at Kantina e Verës ISAK. Since the main description refers to the Blue Eye while the stop list uses the name The Old Pharmacy, confirm the exact stop wording and order when you book.

Transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle. It may be a regular car rather than a van or minibus, depending on the group. That can be pleasant for a small party, but a full car offers less room for bags and legs. One useful point from the tour experience is that different bookings may be split between two cars instead of placed in one large vehicle.

The drive is part of the experience. You leave the port and head into the countryside, trading Saranda’s seafront setting for quieter inland roads. The quality of the ride can depend on the driver. One account described the driving as uncomfortable, so if you are sensitive to fast or assertive driving, it is worth keeping expectations realistic.

Lekuresi Castle and the view over Saranda

Lekuresi Castle sits on a hill above Saranda. Its location explains its appeal better than a long architectural description: from here, the town spreads below you, and the view continues toward Ksamil and the islands.

The stop lasts about 45 minutes. That is enough for a guided introduction, a walk around the remaining walls, and photographs from the hilltop. It is not enough for an unhurried archaeological visit, so think of the castle as a scenic history stop rather than a full museum experience.

The guide explains the castle’s role and points out the setting around it. Guides such as Elvis have been praised for being funny and well informed, which matters here because the site itself has limited displays. A good guide can turn a short visit into a useful introduction to Saranda’s position on the coast.

Bring comfortable shoes. The castle area is historic and open-air, with uneven ground possible. You will also want a little protection from the sun, since the best view is outside and the stop is built around looking outward rather than staying indoors.

I especially like this first stop because it gives you context for the rest of the day. After seeing Saranda from above, the journey inland feels like a change of scene rather than just a transfer from one attraction to another.

The Blue Eye and its 1.5 km approach

The Blue Eye, known in Albanian as Syri i Kaltër, is a spring fed from a karst opening more than 50 meters deep. Water rises from below and creates the spring’s striking blue color. The pool is clear, cold, and visually unusual, even if your reaction depends on how much time you have spent around dramatic natural springs.

The key practical detail is the walk. From the entrance, you cover about 1.5 kilometers to reach the Blue Eye. That distance is manageable for many people, but it adds walking time and can make the stop tiring in hot weather. Wear proper shoes rather than smooth sandals.

A small train may be available for about €3, according to the tour information. This can save energy and time, but it is an extra cost, not part of the stated package. Ask about it on arrival rather than assuming it is included.

Once you reach the spring, you have time to look at the water and take photographs. The tour includes entry, so you do not need to arrange that separately. The spring is the kind of place that works best when you know what you are seeing. The blue color comes from the depth and the spring’s geology, not from painted water or a decorative pool.

The Blue Eye is also the stop most likely to divide opinion. Some people find the color and setting memorable. Others find the visit underwhelming because the viewing area is compact and the long walk takes up much of the stop. I would book this tour for the whole combination, not for the spring alone.

You should also follow local rules around the water. The attraction is presented as a natural spring, and the point is to view it rather than treat it like a swimming pool.

Kantina e Verës ISAK and the Albanian wine tasting

The final stop is Kantina e Verës ISAK, a local winery in the countryside. This is where the tour shifts from scenery and history to food and drink.

You receive a wine tasting, and the winery visit includes an explanation of the production process. You can see how the drinks are made and taste traditional local wines. The stop is scheduled for about 75 minutes, though one booking stayed close to two hours while eating and drinking. That longer visit may depend on the day, the group, and what you purchase.

The winery has been described as Albanian-owned, with a Filipino staff member leading a short tour on at least one occasion. That detail is useful because the winery experience may not be led by your main guide. Your tour guide may introduce the stop, then winery staff take over.

The food arrangement needs special attention. Wine tasting is included, but additional food and drinks are not. Some people found the wording unclear when food was placed on the table and an extra payment was later requested. If you only want the wine, say so before food is served. If you want the full spread, ask for the price per person first.

This is not just a tasting room with one token pour. The stop can include several products to sample and buy. That gives you a chance to try local flavors and take something home, but it also makes it easier to spend more than the tour price.

I see the winery as the strongest value part of the experience for anyone interested in Albanian food and drink. You get a local setting, an explanation of production, and a chance to taste more than you would during a standard sightseeing stop. Just treat the included tasting and optional food as two separate things.

What $82 covers, and where the extra costs begin

At $82 per person, the tour sits in the mid-range for a four-hour excursion. The price includes air-conditioned transportation, entry to the Blue Eye, and wine tasting. It also gives you a guide and a direct pickup from Saranda Port.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange a taxi or private driver to reach the castle, spring, and winery. You also avoid working out the inland route yourself. For a solo visitor or a couple, that convenience can make the price reasonable.

The value is weaker if you want long guided visits or a spacious group vehicle. The tour moves through several places in a short time, and some stops may feel like brief introductions followed by free time.

Set aside extra money for the Blue Eye train if you want to avoid the walk. Food and additional drinks at the winery are also extra. Because food may be served as part of the tasting setup, ask what is included before you begin eating.

The booking terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your date.

The guide, group style, and pace

The tour is led in English. The guide may provide historical background at the castle and an introduction at the other stops, but do not expect a guide beside you for every minute.

One booking praised Elvis for his humor and knowledge of the area. Another described the guide as funny and able to keep the short stops enjoyable. That is a real advantage on a fast schedule. A lively guide can add character even when a site itself needs only 20 minutes of explanation.

The pace, however, is not designed for extended questions or detailed interpretation. At some points, the guide may give a short overview at the beginning and then let you explore independently. If you prefer a formal walking tour with continuous commentary, this format may disappoint.

Communication before the tour can also matter. Mara has handled time changes and helped adjust arrangements for some departures. Cruise ship traffic can affect timing, and moving the tour to a quieter day may make the winery stop more relaxed. If your schedule is tight, confirm pickup time and any changes directly.

Who will enjoy this half-day tour

This outing suits you if you want several highlights without committing to a full-day trip. It works well for a first visit to Saranda, a short port call, or a day trip from Corfu when you want to see more than the waterfront.

It is a good fit for:

• Couples and small groups who like a mix of views, nature, and food
• Wine drinkers interested in local production
• Visitors who prefer transport between several inland sights
• People with four hours available from Saranda Port
• Anyone happy with short guided visits and some independent time

It is less suitable if you use a wheelchair or need step-free access. The tour is specifically not suitable for wheelchair users, and the Blue Eye requires a 1.5 km walk from the entrance. It is also not intended for people over 95 years old.

Families and older visitors should think carefully about the walking section and vehicle space. Comfortable shoes are essential for everyone, even if you use the paid train for part of the route.

Small details that make the day work better

Wear shoes with a firm sole. The Blue Eye walk is the main physical requirement, but castle ground can also be uneven.

Carry water, especially in warm months. The tour includes wine tasting, but that does not replace drinking water during the walk.

Keep your camera ready at Lekuresi Castle. The hilltop view is the clearest reason to stop there, and 45 minutes passes quickly.

Ask two questions at the winery: Which wine tasting is included, and what will cost extra? This simple check can prevent confusion over food placed on the table.

If you dislike cramped transport, ask what vehicle is planned for your departure. Cars have been used for some groups, while others may expect a larger vehicle.

Do not plan a demanding appointment immediately after the tour. The advertised time is four hours, but traffic, a delayed pickup, or a longer winery visit could affect your return.

Should you book the Lekuresi, Blue Eye, and winery tour?

Book it if you want an efficient sampler of southern Albania and value having transport arranged from Saranda Port. The castle view and winery give the tour balance, while the Blue Eye adds a memorable natural stop. The best departures appear to be those with a warm guide, a small group, and clear communication about timing and food costs.

Skip it if you want a slow, deeply guided experience at each site, or if a long walk and compact vehicle will bother you. The Blue Eye may not justify the trip on its own, and the winery’s extra food charges require attention.

My practical verdict: this is a useful half-day introduction, not a definitive tour of the region. Go for the combination, ask about the vehicle and winery charges, wear good shoes, and you are more likely to find the $82 price worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Pickup is provided at the Port of Saranda.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts four hours.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The live tour guide language is English.

What sights are included?

The experience includes Lekuresi Castle, the Blue Eye spring, and Kantina e Verës ISAK. The stop list also uses the name The Old Pharmacy, so confirm the exact wording and order when booking.

How long is the walk to the Blue Eye?

There is a 1.5 km walk from the entrance to the Blue Eye.

Can I avoid walking to the Blue Eye?

According to the tour information, you may be able to take a small train for about €3 instead of walking. This cost is extra.

Is entry to the Blue Eye included?

Yes. Entry to the Blue Eye is included in the tour price.

Is the wine tasting included?

Yes. Wine tasting is included, but additional food and drinks are not included.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.