Blue Eye, Mesopotam Monastery & Lekuresi Castle: Guide by Expert

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. What You Will See: -Mesopotam Monastery & St. Nicholas ChurchExplore a rare 11th-century medieval complex and discover the ancient Byzantine architecture and mysterious stone carvings of St. Nicholas Church. -The Blue Eye SpringWitness Albania’s famous natural wonder. See the breathtaking, crystal-clear turquoise waters bubbling from a deep, eye-shaped karst spring. -Lekuresi Castle (360° View)Enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Saranda, the Ionian Sea, and Corfu Island from a historic 16th-century hilltop fortress.

   Passes by

2. We depart from Saranda and head toward the village of Mesopotam, a quiet area known for its remarkable historical and religious heritage. Here we visit the Mesopotam Monastery, a fascinating complex that preserves centuries of history. Inside the monastery stands the Church of St. Nicholas, a rare and well-preserved Byzantine church distinguished by its unusual four-dome structure—considered unique in Albania and exceptionally rare even within the wider region. During the visit, there is time to explore the monastery ruins, admire the architecture, and step inside the church to experience its atmosphere firsthand. The site also offers an opportunity to reflect on the history of religion in the area, and how faith, tradition, and cultural influences have shaped life in this part of Albania over the centuries. The visit, including travel time and exploration on site, will last approximately 1 hour in total.

   1 h

3. The Blue Eye is one of the most famous and most visited natural attractions in southern Albania. Blue Eye Spring is a spectacular karst spring and one of the largest of its kind, reaching depths of more than 50 meters. Surrounded by rare and diverse vegetation, the area offers a peaceful atmosphere in the middle of nature, with crystal-clear water and stunning photo opportunities. The unique blue tones of the spring, combined with the surrounding greenery, create an unforgettable natural landscape. The time spent here, including travel and on-site visit, will be approximately 120 minutes.

   2 hAdmission included

4. "Afterward, we will drive back toward Saranda, but first, we will head up to the highest hill to visit the historic Lëkurësi Castle. Built in the middle of the 16th century by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it is the perfect spot to snap unforgettable pictures and enjoy the refreshing breeze of the Ionian Sea. After taking in the fantastic panoramic views of the bay, we will continue back to Saranda and drop you off at the exact location where you were picked up, marking the end of the tour."

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Saranda

• Its from-price is 117% above the median of the 62 day trips we list in Saranda.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Saranda

Saranda is a sunny port on Albania's Ionian coast, curved around a wide bay with the Greek island of Corfu in sight across the water.

Saranda climbs a steep hillside above its bay, with a palm-lined promenade at the water's edge and apartment blocks stacked up the slope. Its name is a local form of the Greek for Forty Saints, after a monastery whose ruins lie among the houses. The mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue was found near the harbour, and Lëkurësi Castle, a sixteenth-century fortress on the ridge, looks over the town towards Corfu.

Top-ranked sights in Saranda: Lekursi Castle (Kajala e Lekuresit).

See all 172 experiences in Saranda