Butrint, Blue Eye & Lekuresi Castle: A Day Trip Review

So, you are thinking of visiting southern Albania? That sounds amazing! And perhaps taking a whirlwind tour that packs in the ancient allure of Butrint National Park, the mystifying depths of the Blue Eye spring, plus the historic heights of Lekuresi Castle, right? I think you are in for a treat! This area has plenty of unforgettable sights, is that true? This review shares what it is like to join that kind of day excursion. I am offering insights plus, very importantly, offering recommendations so, too your own experience can be just a bit better, very possibly.

First Stop: Butrint National Park

Butrint is a fascinating place to get lost, just a little, in its history. As I was saying, you will come face to face with ruins from different periods that tells you plenty about civilizations that included the Greeks, Romans, plus even the Venetians. You can see their influence! Butrint is recognized by UNESCO, that is impressive! Therefore, there are loads of archeological treasures on display, yet, what very nearly makes Butrint so very special is the stunning setting that overlooks a lagoon. Picture yourself strolling along ancient walls, is that cool?, with views of lush greenery plus the shimmering water – I think that’s amazing!

I found the theater to be one of the top highlights, by the way. Can you picture the plays that unfolded there, I mean centuries ago? I actually imagined myself sitting among the ancient spectators! The Lion Gate, although partly ruined, I’d say that too is something very important to notice and admire. If I was to suggest, do make certain that you explore the Venetian Tower. From there, that, is a spot that delivers far reaching vistas of the park. Also the water around it, it does, that!

Yet a point that I wish I knew: I felt a little pressed for time on the tour. As a matter of fact, the tour gave, maybe, around two hours to check Butrint, which may not be enough, right? I would have liked a bit more time for checking every corner at a more steady pace. It might be smart, and I say this very humbly, to consider wearing really comfy shoes as you will definitely be doing a bit of walking on uneven surfaces.

The Mesmerizing Blue Eye

The Blue Eye lives up to its great name! I found that! Just a bit more than a natural spring, this location is just an unreal show of nature’s splendor. The eye of deep blue water bubbles up from depths unknown, that does seem to happen!, generating mesmerizing sights plus a quite magical setting.

We, on that day, invested roughly an hour here, anyway. So, that gave ample time to take pictures, by the way. Yet that also was a bit more time to soak in the unique atmosphere. Now I understand! We, for example, took a little walk down to the viewing platform. Also you could grab some breathtaking views as the water color changes, it might!

Here’s a consideration that might be pretty helpful: The path to the Blue Eye can, kind of, get crowded. It may get busy. Therefore it might be wise to visit this attraction earlier in the day, very possibly! Also, take into account that swimming in the Blue Eye is now restricted, right? Just a little so as to protect the natural setting of that wonderful area.

Lekuresi Castle: Views with a History

You go up up up, it’s almost that the drive to Lekuresi Castle is a trip in itself. So, the roadway weaves around the hillside giving glimpses of Saranda down, right? Then offering views that stretched out into the Ionian Sea – I am remembering it now!

As a matter of fact, the castle history gives this viewpoint extra flavor. Built in Ottoman times, right? It once was an important strategic lookout. That gives you plenty to consider while you explore the ruins, of course. A cafe sits in the castle today, so I see. Which offers a spot for resting with food plus something cool to drink.

Very importantly, make certain to have your camera with you for the panoramic sight as you see! Is that so true! I caught an astonishing sunset right there from Lekuresi Castle. Plus then, later that night I remembered that was definitely among my preferred moments on that complete day. Just one word of warning for your plans: Very little sections of the castle can be uneven. Therefore caution could be a thing while going around, I mean.

Tour Logistics: Transportation and Guides

So, now let us cover logistics! Typically, that is the way it often goes, that this excursion commonly bundles transportation. Is that so often including a guide. The ease factor of having somebody deal with the travel in a cozy vehicle should be great. While a local expert, a local expert shares info regarding historical places! And they give insights as the trip unfolds!

Speaking as myself: I would rate the guide proficiency to be reasonably strong – good details! I do feel they maybe went just a tad fast at certain places. This is the trade-off for checking various destinations inside one single day, really. If one feels the necessity, or I’d say urge, go and inquire for additional information at every site. I think that might assist.

Value for Price

I do think that the entire day’s tour showed value for the price given the diverse experiences jammed in! So that is the main point! So, think of entrance fees to parks, just a little, ease of moving about without independently arranging every bit, and so also there is information to obtain. In the event you traveling solo – a group could show appeal for socializing and very possibly seeing attractions without having to drive, so it looks like!

The price ranges seem, sort of, to vary, you realize. However, the average price may land between $50-$80 per individual, maybe. I’d be checking local tour providers or very possibly even booking platforms beforehand just so that you understand what the current offers, so do I see.