Albania Archives - Bucket List Travel Fam https://bucketlisttravelfam.com/tag/albania/ Family Travel | Ohio Events | Amazon Finds Thu, 22 May 2025 09:27:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 228843739 How to Visit the Blue Eye of Albania – Complete Guide https://bucketlisttravelfam.com/how-to-visit-the-blue-eye-of-albania-complete-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-visit-the-blue-eye-of-albania-complete-guide Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:17:40 +0000 https://bucketlisttravelfam.com/?p=1039 Albania is full of natural wonders, but few are as jaw-dropping as the Blue Eye, or Syri i Kaltër. Nestled between lush forest and dramatic…

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]]> Albania is full of natural wonders, but few are as jaw-dropping as the Blue Eye, or Syri i Kaltër. Nestled between lush forest and dramatic mountains, this hypnotic pool of turquoise water looks like something from a fairytale—and it’s become a must-visit stop for travelers exploring southern Albania.

Whether you’re road-tripping through Ksamil, Sarandë, or Gjirokastër, this guide will help you plan the perfect visit. Plus, I’m including tips for visiting with kids, where to eat, and those Instagram-worthy photo spots you don’t want to miss!




What is the Blue Eye?

The Blue Eye is a deep karst spring where crystal-clear water bubbles up from an unknown depth—thought to be over 50 meters. It forms a glowing, round pool that truly looks like a “blue eye” in the center of the earth.

The water is icy cold year-round, with hues of emerald, teal, and cobalt dancing across the surface. It’s located in a protected nature reserve surrounded by forest and wildlife.



How to Get There:

From Ksamil: ~45 minutes by car
From Sarandë: ~35 minutes
From Gjirokastër: ~50 minutes

Driving is the easiest way to reach the Blue Eye. If you’re not renting a car, consider booking a local tour or arranging a taxi from Sarandë or Ksamil.

Road Conditions: The main roads are paved, but the final stretch is a gravel path. Drive slowly and be prepared for some bumps!




Where to Park & Start the Trail:

There is a main parking area near the Blue Eye entrance. During peak season, you’ll need to pay a small parking fee (cash only).

From the lot, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk through scenic forest to the spring. The path is wide and mostly flat, though it may be muddy after rain. Strollers with larger wheels are manageable, but baby carriers are better for toddlers.

Trail Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes (not flip-flops!)

Bring bug spray in warmer months

Stay on marked paths to protect the natural area




Best Time to Visit:

Go early! The Blue Eye gets busy by 10:30–11:00 AM, especially in summer. Arriving between 8:30–9:30 AM means fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.

Avoid weekends if you can, as it’s a favorite local getaway.




Can You Swim in the Blue Eye?

Technically, swimming is not allowed anymore due to safety and conservation rules.

Caution: The water is extremely cold and the current is strong. There are no lifeguards, so be cautious and keep kids far from the edge.

Stick to dipping your feet in the nearby streams if you’re with children.

 

What to Pack (I’ve linked a few of our go-to options):

  • A backpack and this one is one of our favorites, we’ve had it for 3 years now and it’s so helpful with the insulated cooler compartment!
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Comfortable shoes or sandals that can get wet 
  • Snacks or lunch (no shops but there is a little cafe inside)
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Light layers (can get chilly under the trees)
  • A waterproof camera or phone pouch
  • Baby carrier (for little ones)



    Restaurants or Cafés Nearby:

    Blue Eye Restaurant: Just near the entrance, this rustic spot serves grilled meats, trout, and fresh local salads. It’s not fancy, but it’s convenient with outdoor seating by the river.

    Gjirokastër Restaurants: If you’re combining your visit with Gjirokastër, try Taverna Tradicionale Kardhashi or Kujtimi, both offering delicious traditional Albanian food in beautiful, historic settings.




    Instagram-Worthy Tips:

    Climb to the wooden platform to capture the full “eye” from above

    Take close-ups of the colorful swirls of water with a polarizing filter

    Photos are best before 11 AM to avoid harsh shadows




    Insider Tip: Combine Your Visit

    Pair your visit with a half-day in Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stone rooftops, a medieval castle, and a historic bazaar. You can also combine with the Butrint Ruins if you’re staying in Ksamil.




    Visiting with Kids? Here’s What to Know:

    The trail is easy, but bring snacks and water

    Kids will love the clear streams and forest walk

    Don’t let little ones near the main spring edge—it’s slippery

    Use a baby carrier or backpack instead of a stroller if possible

    The viewing platform has a small fence but still supervise closely





    Final Thoughts:
    The Blue Eye is one of Albania’s most magical spots—and well worth the short trip from Ksamil or Gjirokastër. Go early, pack smart, and soak in the surreal beauty of this turquoise gem.

    You’ll leave with beautiful memories—and photos that don’t even need a filter.

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]]> 1039 10-Day Albania and Corfu Itinerary: Beaches, History, Hidden Gems & How to Make It Happen https://bucketlisttravelfam.com/10-day-albania-and-corfu-itinerary-beaches-history-hidden-gems-how-to-make-it-happen/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-day-albania-and-corfu-itinerary-beaches-history-hidden-gems-how-to-make-it-happen Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:03:56 +0000 https://bucketlisttravelfam.com/?p=967 Dreaming of turquoise waters, UNESCO towns, and affordable island adventures? This 10-day itinerary through Albania and Corfu, Greece, was one of our favorite trips ever—packed…

The post 10-Day Albania and Corfu Itinerary: Beaches, History, Hidden Gems & How to Make It Happen appeared first on Bucket List Travel Fam.

]]> Dreaming of turquoise waters, UNESCO towns, and affordable island adventures? This 10-day itinerary through Albania and Corfu, Greece, was one of our favorite trips ever—packed with bucket-list beaches, charming towns, and jaw-dropping views. Here’s everything you need to plan it yourself, including where to stay, how to get around, and must-see highlights.




Quick Look at Our 10-Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: Tirana, Albania

Day 3-5: Ksamil (with day trips to Gjirokastër & The Blue Eye)

Day 6-8: Corfu, Greece

Day 9-10: Drive back to Tirana for one final night


> Travel Tip: We flew into Tirana (from Memmingen, Germany) and rented a car to explore Albania and catch the ferry to Corfu.



Day 1-2: Tirana – Albania’s Lively Capital

Where we stayed: Doanesia Premium Hotel & Spa

Highlights:

Skanderbeg Square

National History Museum

Bunk’Art 2

Dajti Ekspres cable car for epic city views

>Travel tip: Parking in Tirana can be tricky—look for hotels with parking or leave your car and walk.

 


Day 3-5: Ksamil – Beaches & Day Trips to Gjirokastër + Blue Eye

Where we stayed: EMAR Hotel Ksamil

Beaches we loved: Lori Beach, Ksamil Beach 9, and Pasqyra Beach (Mirror Beach)

Day trip highlights:

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) – Go early for fewer crowds and give yourself plenty of time to explore. They have a nice area to have a snack or even a meal WITH nice bathrooms!

Gjirokastër – UNESCO town with castle views and cobbled alleys that you have to see if you love hidden gems with lots of character! 


> Travel Tip: The drive from Tirana to Ksamil takes about 4-5 hours with stops. Pack snacks and prepare for winding roads!




Day 6-8: Corfu – Greek Island Beauty

Where we stayed: Waves Apartments Harmony Glyfada Corfu

Beaches we loved

Paleokastritsa (great for views + monastery)


Canal d’Amour in Sidari

Glyfada Beach


Must-see

Achilleion Palace

Corfu Old Town

Mon Repos Palace


Food we loved: The Venetian Well, Avli in Corfu Town


> Ferry tip: Take the ferry from Sarandë to Corfu Town. It runs frequently and takes about 30-70 minutes.





Day 9-10: Drive Back to Tirana

Scenic stops on the way back:

Himarë Beach

Porto Palermo Castle


One last night to relax before an early flight home!





How to Make It Happen

Flights:

We flew in/out of Tirana Airport (TIA). Look for budget airlines into Albania or Corfu.


Car Rental

Renting a car in Albania gave us the freedom to explore at our pace. Just check border/ferry policies.


Budget Breakdown

Flights: $100–$200 roundtrip

Accommodation: $50–$100 per night

Rental car: ~$30–40/day

Food: $10–$20 per person per meal, we also ate it a lot during this trip which made things inexpensive.

Ferry: ~$20–30 per person one way.



Why You’ll Love This Trip

It’s a budget-friendly mix of culture and coastline.

You’ll visit two countries with totally different vibes.

Perfect for a mix of beach relaxation and historical exploration.





Things to Pack

Swimsuits, sunscreen (UV can be high even in spring)

Comfortable shoes for castles, cobblestones, and hikes

Travel umbrella or rain jacket (especially in early April)

Portable charger & converter plugs






This trip was truly a dream. Albania surprised us with its raw beauty, kind people, and jaw-dropping coastlines. And Corfu gave us a taste of Greek island magic. If you’re looking for an affordable European escape with turquoise water, delicious food, and family-friendly adventures—this is it.

xoxo Maddie

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