Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 65 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle worth booking?
Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle is a 5-hour experience in Saranda, Albania, from $25 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 65 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (65)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $25 per person
Discover the best of southern Albania on this carefully planned day tour from Saranda, combining history, nature, and stunning coastal views in one unforgettable experience. Travel in comfort with a professional local gu
What you get
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Parking fees
About this experience
Discover the best of southern Albania on this carefully planned day tour from Saranda, combining history, nature, and stunning coastal views in one unforgettable experience. Travel in comfort with a professional local guide as you visit the region’s top highlights. Explore Butrint National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins blend within a rich natural landscape. Continue to the famous Blue Eye Spring, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and peaceful forest surroundings. Walk the scenic path or take the optional train for easier access. Enjoy a panoramic stop at Hartë Bay, where your guide introduces the small Ksamil islands and their stories, followed by free time in Ksamil to admire its crystal-clear waters. End at Lekursi Castle with breathtaking views over Saranda, the Ionian Sea, and Corfu. This well-organized tour is ideal for cruise visitors, with guaranteed on-time return.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Parking fees
Not included
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
If you visit Saranda, you should make a stop at Lëkursi Castle. This fortress construction dates back to the 16th century and is in a square with two round towers sitting diagonally. Its tricky position on a hill of about 300 meters in height and its picturesque views of Saranda, the Butrint Lagoon, and even the island of Corfu make this destination a tourist preference. Besides that, inside the fortress, you will find one of the best-known bars and restaurants in Saranda, which also offers the sunset’s most beautiful view.
30 minutes here · Admission included
The Blue Eye
Albania’s famous Blue Eye (Syri i kaltër) is a water spring and natural phenomenon that each visitor should witness. A popular tourist attraction, the beautiful light turquoise river stuns with its beauty.You’ll first be enchanted by the surrounding dense forest and the beautiful light blue river that flows through this natural paradise. The Blue Eye is located beneath a small metal balcony that was built so you can get a closer look.The Blue Eye is a water spring with extremely light blue water bubbles in a more than 50-metre deep pool. You’ll be mesmerized by how clear the water is, to the point that you’ll be able to see straight to the bottom.Divers have attempted to descend into the Blue Eye to calculate its actual depth but it’s still unclear how far the mysterious hole really goes. (We have to walk by foot for 30 min to reach the destination so take any bottle of water )
120 minutes here · Admission included
Ksamil
A scenic stop at the stunning Hartë Bay, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea. From this panoramic point, your guide will introduce the small islands just off the coast of Ksamil, explaining their formation, history, and local stories. It’s the perfect moment to relax, take photos, and appreciate one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in southern Albania.
15 minutes here
Butrint National Park
Butrint is an important UNESCO site in Albania which is also incredibly popular. It’s one of the biggest and best places to see while on your holiday to Albania. If you’re staying in the nearby city of Saranda, or maybe even closer in Ksamil , then you simply cannot leave without making a stop here! Within Butrint National Park you will see very well-preserved ancient buildings, such as the Butrint theatre which seats over 2500 people. It is still used today from time to time for events. There’s also the Temple of Asclepius as well as an Acropolis, columns, a beautiful floor mosaic (includes medallions of 69 churches), a 6th-century basilica, Lions gate and even a Castle. These Butrint ruins will provide you with an incredible view of Lake Butrint, Butrint beach and the surroundings. You will see when wandering around Butrint National Park that some of the buildings are still deep underground. Some locals believe that Butrint was actually the sunken city of Atlantis.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Tour to Butrint Antic City/Blue Eye Spring/Lekursi Castle
Group Tour Pickup included
Private Tour
Private Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Visit Saranda
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 65 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
65 verified traveler reviews for Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful Views and lots in interesting history!
We had a great experience! The private tour was awesome, our guide “Clydee” ( I am positive that is not the way he spells his name but that’s what he asked us to call him) was awesome so accommodating and knowledgeable. We had some of the most amazing views at the Lekursi Castle and our tour guide was more than happy to get a few million shots:). He got us to the Blue eye before all the crowds so we were able to see it and enjoy it. The way up is a good little walk especially in August heat. Clydee suggested we take the train up and walk down which we did. Keep in mind “the train” is a lot like a little kid train but it does the job. I would highly recommend doing this tour and if you have a group -make it a private tour!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience- we recommend Erika
This was a great tour! We could tell that Erika was very passionate and knowledgeable about the subjects! My daughter and I had a great time talking to her. We loved the tour and learned a lot about the history and culture. Everything went very smoothly, from pickup at the port to drop off. Even traffic was on our side.
Response from the operator: Thankyou
via Viator
Excellent day tour/shore excursion
Excellent day/shore excursion. Everything was smooth from start to finish and we were able to see really interesting sites. A highlight was visiting Butrint and seeing the mosaics there. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thankyou
via Viator
Informative about the...
Informative about the local area - Klaidji is a v cool guy and knows his stuff about the local history. Air conditioned car was great and nice small group so was nice to talk to other travellers
Response from the operator: Thankyou
via Viator
Great sights, interesting history
Very glad we chose this. Our guide Mariglen was friendly and enthusiastic as he took us around these three lovely bits of the Albanian coast. Butrint is fascinating, and there is so much there that it’s useful to have personal commentary and some cultural context. It’s a full 6-7 hours with a fair bit of walking up and down steps, and there aren’t many places to eat (it’s mostly sit-down restaurants which you won’t have time for) so pack a lunch if you think you might need a boost.
Response from the operator: Thankyou
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $25 to $120
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Saranda.
How much does Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle cost?
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Prices start at $25 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Saranda usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Saranda is not rushed.
Is Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 65 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Saranda, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle?
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Around 23 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Saranda can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Saranda and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tour to Butrint Unesco Site - Blue Eye-Ksamil and Lekursi Castle start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Saranda within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Saranda?
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On Outty we rank every Saranda experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sarandë: Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim Stops, Drinks & Parasols, Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle, Saranda Boat Tour to Kakome,Hidden Cave and Beaches with Snorkell. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Saranda?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Saranda?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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