Butrint Saranda Day Trip
Discover ancient history at Butrint and marvel at the mesmerizing Blue Eye on an unforgettable day trip from Saranda.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Butrint Saranda Day Trip
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient history at Butrint and marvel at the mesmerizing Blue Eye on an unforgettable day trip from Saranda.
"A must-do day trip from Saranda, blending ancient wonders with breathtaking natural beauty!"
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Renting a car offers the best flexibility for day trips around Saranda and to Butrint.
💧 Don't Miss The Blue Eye
This natural spring is a must-see! Consider a guided tour for easy access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Butrint National Park
Ancient ruins
Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site with millennia of history, from Greek to Roman to Venetian eras.

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
Natural spring
Marvel at this stunning natural spring with its vibrant blue waters and unique underwater phenomenon.

Saranda Promenade & Beaches
Saranda coastline
Enjoy the lively atmosphere, seaside cafes, and beautiful beaches along Saranda's coast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Butrint & Saranda
Best Time for Day Trips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Renting a car offers the best flexibility for day trips around Saranda and to Butrint.
💧 Don't Miss The Blue Eye
This natural spring is a must-see! Consider a guided tour for easy access.
⏳ Go with the Flow
Expect potential delays; embrace the relaxed pace of Albanian travel.
☀️ Beach Club Vibes
Enjoy Saranda's beach clubs, especially before the peak season rush.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Renting a car offers the best flexibility for day trips around Saranda and to Butrint.
💧 Don't Miss The Blue Eye
This natural spring is a must-see! Consider a guided tour for easy access.
⏳ Go with the Flow
Expect potential delays; embrace the relaxed pace of Albanian travel.
☀️ Beach Club Vibes
Enjoy Saranda's beach clubs, especially before the peak season rush.
⛴️ Quick Trip to Corfu
Take a short ferry ride from Saranda to Corfu for a quick island hop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the historical significance of Butrint and the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Eye. Many highlight the convenience and value of car rentals for exploring the region. While some note potential delays and slower service during peak times, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending these day trips for their rich cultural and natural appeal.
"I would be delighted to highly recommend this car rental company.
I rented a car for a long-term period and enjoyed excellent pricing and outstanding service. The car served me perfectly, giving me complete freedom to travel throughout Albania. My family and I enjoyed every moment of our experience.
Thank you so much for the exceptional service. I would encourage anyone to trust these wonderful people - you won't be disappointed."
Rani Ifrah
"This is a family owned business and we are so happy we chose this company for our tour of Sarandë Albania. They fit us in last minute for a tour of Blue Eye Springs, and an opportunity for a panoramic view at a local castle with bunkers. We learnt so much from our guide about the history of Albania, the country has been through so much and yet our guide has such a great attitude and was insightful and fun loving. The Blue Eye natural spring was beautiful, and the train to it was perfection on a hot day. Our guide seemed to know everyone in town and we glided through the crowds and the red tape with him! The company is named after their 10 year old boy, and this company deserves the great reviews it gets. Expect delays, and just go with the flow on this great tour in this lovely country, you’re in great hands and we won’t forget our time here."
Monica Banhidi
"We have rented a car two times from Alban for day trips and have been very happy with the quality of the car and the excellent customer service. He also picks my husband up and returns him home now that we have our paperwork on record and as we live a 30-minute walk away from the car rental this is very much appreciated. Yesterday we drove out to the Blue Eye and were able to sit there and picnic for most of the day enjoying the weather and location."
Sharrell Kline
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common ways are by bus (approx. 5 hours) or by renting a car for a more scenic and flexible journey (approx. 3-4 hours). Renting a car is highly recommended for day trips to Butrint and other nearby sites.
Absolutely! Butrint is very close to Saranda, making it an easy and popular day trip. You can drive, take a local bus, or join a guided tour.
Driving yourself is convenient, or you can join a tour that includes transport. Some tours even offer a train ride to the spring.
Yes, there are fast ferry services that connect Saranda to Corfu in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick island hop.
Yes, many local companies offer organized day tours covering Butrint, the Blue Eye, and Ksamil, often with knowledgeable guides.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees for Butrint are generally affordable, typically around 1000 Albanian Lek (ALL). It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing.
While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, can save you time and guarantee entry.
Butrint is usually open daily from morning until late afternoon. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to confirm before your visit.
Yes, there is a small entrance fee to access the Blue Eye natural spring, which helps with its preservation.
Discounts may be available for students, children, or seniors. Group rates might also apply for organized tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for Butrint's ancient ruins. Light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended for both sites, especially during warmer months.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore Butrint thoroughly. If combining with the Blue Eye and Saranda, plan for a full day.
Basic facilities are usually available at Butrint, including restrooms. Cafes or snack bars might be present, but it's wise to bring water and snacks.
Access to the Blue Eye can be challenging due to uneven terrain. While some areas are accessible, it's best to inquire locally about specific accessibility.
The ancient theatre, the basilica, and the Venetian tower offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Capture the interplay of ruins and nature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are restaurants and cafes near the entrance of Butrint, offering local Albanian cuisine. Saranda also has a wide array of dining options.
Saranda boasts numerous restaurants, from traditional tavernas to seafood specialists, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Picnicking is often allowed in designated areas, especially at the Blue Eye, allowing you to enjoy the scenery.
Try fresh seafood, traditional lamb dishes, and local cheeses. Don't forget to sample Albanian raki!
Many restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes and salads. It's always a good idea to ask about vegetarian or vegan options when ordering.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most dramatic and atmospheric shots of the ancient ruins.
Drone usage is often restricted in historical and protected sites like Butrint. Check local regulations before flying.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the ruins and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the Blue Eye.
There are several viewing platforms around the Blue Eye that offer excellent perspectives. The surrounding landscape also provides beautiful photo opportunities.
Capture the bustling atmosphere by photographing people, cafes, and the sunset over the Ionian Sea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Family-Friendly Tips: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be limited. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring Butrint. The 'train' ride to the Blue Eye can be a fun novelty for kids. Saranda's beaches offer a great place to relax and play after a day of sightseeing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget Tips: Pack your own lunches and snacks to save on dining expenses. Look for guesthouses or apartments in Saranda for affordable accommodation. Many attractions like Butrint and the Blue Eye have reasonable entrance fees. Enjoying the beaches and promenades in Saranda is free!
couples
Romantic Touches: Consider a picnic lunch with local delicacies. Enjoy a leisurely meal at a seaside restaurant in Saranda. Renting a car allows for spontaneous stops at scenic viewpoints along the coast.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Butrint National Park
Practical Tips for Butrint: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during warmer months. Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the extensive site. Consider hiring a local guide for deeper historical insights, as many are passionate about sharing Albania's rich past.
Photography at Butrint: The interplay of ancient stone structures with lush greenery provides endless photographic opportunities. The amphitheater, the baptistery with its intricate mosaics (though often covered for preservation), and the views from the Venetian castle are particularly photogenic. Golden hour light can create a magical ambiance.
The Mystical Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
Visiting the Blue Eye: Access to the Blue Eye involves a short drive from Saranda, often followed by a pleasant walk or a short ride on a local 'train' (a tractor-pulled wagon). There are viewing platforms that allow you to get close to the spring. While swimming is generally not permitted to preserve the site, the visual spectacle is more than enough.
Experience and Photography: The vibrant colors of the Blue Eye are incredibly photogenic. The contrast between the deep blue water and the surrounding verdant landscape is striking. Early morning visits can offer a more tranquil experience before crowds arrive.
Getting Around: Car Rental & Transport
Rental Tips: Book in advance if possible, especially during peak season. Ensure you understand the insurance options and fuel policy. Be prepared for Albanian driving styles, which can be more assertive than what you might be used to. Embrace the journey and enjoy the scenic coastal roads.
Alternative Transport: If driving isn't an option, local buses connect Saranda to nearby towns and attractions, though schedules can be less frequent. Organized tours are also a convenient way to see the sights without the hassle of driving or navigating.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit