SARANDA CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
From Saranda’s Shore to Gjirokastra’s Stone: Blue Eye and the City of a Thousand Stairs
A six‑hour outing from Saranda that pairs the cascading Blue Eye spring and a UNESCO town perched on a steep valley — this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
From Saranda’s Shore to Gjirokastra’s Stone: Blue Eye and the City of a Thousand Stairs.
Embark from coastal Saranda for a six‑hour loop that pairs the crystalline Blue Eye spring with Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage town. The route threads through a historic landscape framed by snow‑capped mountains and a steep valley; days here are defined by dramatic geology, Ottoman‑era stone houses and a winding network of stairs and streets.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Blue Eye Spring
A picturesque tourist train delivers you to the Blue Eye spring, where clear, vivid waters and the immediate surrounding forest create the trip’s most intimate natural moment.
Gjirokastra’s Castle and Skenduli House
Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage town perched on the steep side of the Drino valley; the itinerary includes guided visits to the town’s castle and the Skenduli House followed by free time for lunch and shopping.
Scenic Transfer via Old Road and Tourist Train
Transfers use 12‑seat jeeps and a charming tourist train to reach the spring; the drive to Gjirokastra follows the old road, offering continuous landscape views between the sites.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You depart Saranda in small jeeps, drop down to the Blue Eye via a tourist train for a quiet encounter with the spring, then rejoin the jeeps to climb the old road toward Gjirokastra. Guided visits to the castle and the Skenduli House are balanced with free time for lunch and shopping, all compressed into an energetic six‑hour outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this outing and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing lasts approximately 6 hours.
Meet at Finikas Lines — Ferry Saranda Corfu for departure.
Sunglasses, towel, suncream, water, a hat and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Transfers use 12‑seat jeeps and a tourist train to reach the Blue Eye spring and return to the road toward Gjirokastra.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is approximately 6 hours long.
Where do we meet for departure?
The meeting point is Finikas Lines — Ferry Saranda Corfu in Saranda.
What sites are visited?
The itinerary includes the Blue Eye spring and Gjirokastra, with visits to Gjirokastra Castle and the Skenduli House and free time in town.
How do we travel between Saranda, the spring and Gjirokastra?
The trip uses 12‑seat jeeps for road transfers and a tourist train to reach the Blue Eye spring.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a towel, suncream, water, a hat and comfortable shoes.