Saranda to Blue Eye and Mesopotam Church: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
4h 15mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Discover two nearby Albanian destinations. The Blue Eye spring mesmerizes with its crystal-clear turquoise waters amid lush forest, while Mesopotam Church, with its striking Byzantine architecture, adds historical intrigue to your journey.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Saranda whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Expect 45 minutes to Blue Eye, then 30 minutes to Mesopotam Church. A private driver from Saranda ensures you experience both the natural spring phenomenon and Byzantine monastery ruins at your own pace.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions The Blue Eye and Monastery of Saint Nicholas should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €51
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€153
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Saranda
You choose the pickup spot.
1
The Blue Eye
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
A startlingly blue spring forms this mystical natural phenomenon near Saranda.
Main attractions
- Incredible views of the deep blue "Eye" from the wooden platform above
- Easy scenic walk from the parking area down to the spring itself, passing by native trees and the winding river
- Cafes and restaurants nearby offering local snacks and a break from the sun
Take note
- Swimming is no longer allowed in The Blue Eye for safety and conservation reasons
- Electric bikes and scooters are available to rent for a faster alternative to walking
2
Monastery of Saint Nicholas
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 hour - admission not included
Once the largest monastery in Albania, this site dates back to the 11th century and is still home to incredibly preserved frescoes.
Main attractions
- Abandoned main church building and protective wall where one of seven original towers still stands
- Byzantine frescoes and intricate carvings highlight the former glory of this unique Catholic and Orthodox-serving monastery
- Partial stone ruins dating back to 3rd and 4th century BC and possible archaeological connections to Phoenice 
Take note
- Expect a short uphill walk from the parking lot to the monastery site
Back to Saranda
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
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Know more about your day trip
Swimming is no longer permitted at the Blue Eye spring. The restriction is in place for both safety and conservation reasons, as the spring's depth is unknown and currents can be deceptively strong. That said, the site is still absolutely worth visiting — the wooden platform above the spring offers dramatic views, and the forested walk leading to it is beautiful in its own right.
The Blue Eye is about 45 minutes from Saranda by car. The road winds through the scenic hills of the Muzina Pass, offering lovely views of the Albanian countryside along the way. The Monastery of Saint Nicholas is located in the village of Mesopotam, approximately 30 minutes from the Blue Eye.
The itinerary allocates approximately two hours at the Blue Eye and one hour at the Monastery of Saint Nicholas. Stop durations can be adjusted after booking by contacting Daytrip's customer support, so don't hesitate to ask if you'd like more time at either location.
There is a small entrance fee to access the Blue Eye natural park. The Monastery of Saint Nicholas may or may not charge an entry fee depending on current conditions — it's a good idea to bring a small amount of local currency just in case. Neither admission is included in the Daytrip price.
The walk to the Blue Eye from the parking area is gentle and mostly flat, passing through trees along a river path — it's manageable for most visitors. The monastery involves a short uphill walk from the parking lot. Those with significant mobility limitations may want to take it slowly and wear sturdy shoes. Your private driver will wait nearby throughout, so there's no time pressure.
The Blue Eye is a mesmerizing natural spring in southern Albania where crystal-clear water wells up from a deep underground source to create a vivid, swirling pattern of blue and turquoise — resembling a giant eye looking up at the sky. Surrounded by lush forest and a winding river, it's one of the most photogenic and serene natural wonders in the Western Balkans.
The Mesopotam Church (also known as the Monastery of Saint Nicholas) is one of Albania's oldest and most historically significant religious sites, dating back to the 11th century. Once the largest monastery in Albania, it uniquely served both Catholic and Orthodox communities. Visitors can explore stone ruins, an ancient protective wall with a surviving original tower, and remarkably preserved Byzantine frescoes and carvings.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as there's a pleasant walk through the forest to reach the Blue Eye spring. The path is shaded and not particularly strenuous, but sturdy footwear is recommended. For the monastery, a modest outfit is appreciated. Bring sunscreen, water, and a camera — the landscapes here are incredibly photogenic.
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