Blue Eye Monastery, Gjirokaster & Lekursi Castle: A Day Trip Review

Planning a day trip that packs in both natural beauty and historic sites? So, you might be thinking of visiting southern Albania. That is a plan! Albania really does have a way of combining nature with history. You might just want to consider Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), the historic town of Gjirokaster, plus Lekursi Castle. It could make for a jam-packed day, really, offering pretty stunning sights. What I’m saying is that a trip combining these three hotspots sounds appealing! This review gives the info you’re going to need. It’s like your cheat sheet for maximizing your time and really getting the best from these iconic destinations.

First Stop: The Mystical Blue Eye

Your day probably starts with the Blue Eye, a super-fresh water spring, to get there from Gjirokaster means about a 30-minute drive, so pretty short really. It’s almost known for its vivid blue color and the way it bubbles right up from the earth. The moment you reach this place, you know, it feels a bit like stepping into some kind of magical spot, just so striking, even!

Getting there definitely requires a short walk from the parking place, really easy going though, yet keep your camera handy, ok? The path gives you little peeks of the crystal-clear water. In reality the plant life around the Blue Eye just gives off so many amazing picture opportunities.

When you see the Blue Eye for yourself it really is just incredibly striking! It’s very, very deep, and you probably won’t want to miss staring into its abyss. It’s almost like you’re gazing into something really mysterious and untouched. What I’m saying is, take a few minutes to just soak in that sense of wonder, alright? The water is super cold, as well, so maybe swimming’s more for the brave, really.

For all you photographers, it’s almost essential to spend time here to catch those ideal shots. You might want to find spots from different angles. Then again, maybe experiment with reflections on the water’s surface! Still, if you’re not the photography kind of person, the Blue Eye really does still bring that peaceful retreat. Really peaceful it is!

If you get a bit peckish, there’s often a simple café very close to the spring. Grab some food or coffee as you sit listening to water bubbling near to you. Or, grab refreshments ahead of you starting up Gjirokaster next, it is an idea! That’s it, after an hour or so, you will want to be set to head off and see what else Gjirokaster has on show. Which could take us on to exploring Gjirokaster, really.

Step Back in Time: Exploring Gjirokaster

Right then, Gjirokaster! So, the “Stone City” of Gjirokaster is next. By the way it really earns its spot on UNESCO’s list. The drive there could be quite picturesque, really showing off the Albanian scenery. That’s why when you arrive in Gjirokaster, get ready to see stone houses going up steep streets.

Now, for the main spot in Gjirokaster – Gjirokaster Fortress – make that your very, very first stop, it looms above the city, it certainly dominates, that’s for certain! Going around it probably brings hours filled with seeing history and some spectacular views, that would be some sight.

Is it a fascinating fact the fortress has roots reaching back to the 12th century? Still, its been expanded upon by a series of rulers. Inside, it’s almost like a maze. You might even check out the old armory. See where prisoners were kept. You see a U.S. Air Force plane, almost, as well. This was brought down in WW2, pretty unusual!

And the view of the city from up top, amazing. You will need to grab your camera. It’s hard not to, but you want to get the scenery that takes over Drino Valley. The way those old stone rooftops stretch into the horizon really can capture your attention. Really can.

Next thing, don’t only stay up at the fortress, do take that stroll through the old town. It is what brings the character of Gjirokaster. I’m talking about seeing little shops with artisans and authentic eateries everywhere, it’s really the culture bubbling over.

Have you considered looking for some of those specialized artisan stores that Gjirokaster can supply? See those expertly carved wooden items and those traditional rugs. I’m sure it makes buying a unique memory pretty easy. The local food choices – really worth going for.

When your day starts closing in, Gjirokaster will give an unforgettable travel opportunity. A town, you know, where previous times do stay very close, very closely connected with the new times.

Sunset Views from Lekursi Castle

Alright, so wrap things up with Lekursi Castle. The sun’s setting might provide you the best scenic overlook there is, pretty much the cherry on this day’s trip. Lekursi Castle might just sit perched on top of a hill away to the east from Gjirokaster. Now it will really only need that quick drive from Gjirokaster so as to be right up there to see what the sun sinking brings.

It seems this fortress went all the way back to when Ali Pasha of Tepelena took charge in the 1800’s, its goal really to give command across important areas. Then it degraded but now it’s, very, very stylish again.

Coming here right before nightfall probably would bring picture opportunities for that entire spread of scenery including the valley right below, that’s the best moment there is! If the weather’s fair, which they sometimes are, you could very, very probably see as far off as Corfu and see the Ionian sea right across the way.

For the best spot right up there go over towards Lekursi Castle’s restaurant – it’s known because it lets one sit and soak those scenery experiences in a laid-back atmosphere, might just feel lovely! Have a classic Albanian drink, or you could very, very probably tuck into any tasty dish from that menu whilst you chat and reminisce around your travel times across the day.

Lekursi is more than just its scenic vistas – but very striking too. To witness what the sun brings from up there is the way one connects by ways of Gjirokaster. That’s the best spot to really reflect on travel memories, pretty ideal moment, really!

Making the Most of Your Trip

For bringing about a super smooth tour it might benefit you if there are preparations. It would depend though of what your top priorities are.

Beginning as soon as one can Starting this out early is going to give the gift of having a good deal amount of occasion during this single-day vacation making your travels never a race!
Being comfortable and well rested. To see a landscape requires bringing strong and suitable footwear especially if your planning on roaming round some historical area but at the same point it would benefit to use layered garments that may conform towards modifying atmospheric conditions.
Drinking water Take H20. At times, even Albania is exposed under a scorching sunny environment or the traveling for longer while really makes you in need to drink to replenish hydration, is that right? So taking H20 to stay healthy all the time can ensure that you will be on great form for travelling that entire exploration
Utilizing close transportation options to see all sides of Albania! Whether on rented car rides or group rides it may permit exploring those landmarks and still have the opportunity in absorbing some gorgeous countryside which is the essence to Albania

If some travel happens during the top travel spots expect quite large volume on some parts however, taking your period as well when visiting can mean exploring these places on a relaxed rate and completely cherish that background without people congesting.

Some final advice for travelling through

For bringing that day’s vacation be remarkable by not just knowing some essential destinations. Have an intention to absorb Albanian’s heritage while striking to your natives! Having open dialog by using regional residents. Being in the space as Albanian means engaging over your traditional foods. This cultural dive lets travellers view those depth from lifestyle and custom which means they shall make memorable links when interacting within locations where one travels to see. The engagement enhances those travel experience even making these as rich even. When doing things like being well equipped on information one might simply make sure to bring Albanian’s gems inside your souls!

Top insights for that time in Albania

Take yourself during peak spots since Gjirokaster might have quite full hours, still coming early to discover can reduce overcrowding when taking pictures while being serene also..
Engage by learning about regional cultures when exploring and communicating with residents that way will be a profound understanding!
Bring more H20 when visiting which helps under hot settings on places which can save you right when your out somewhere or on walks
Find more from all Albanian sides by utilizing native shipping! Driving on a rent is one technique that gives ease also!

By planning your path together, you almost guarantee to generate something beyond a holiday – this could be your Albanian time which helps for travelling plus is going back often, this will keep taking care regarding hearts and minds from people too who happen travel together over various countries too!!

So with little planning everyone will provide a fun travel so these activities never make exhausting days – if fact this might allow you towards generating one out of life trip experiences regarding exploration including its historical experiences likewise.