Albania’s Natural Wonders, Spots To Not Miss 2023
Albania, often referred to as the hidden gem of Europe, is a country packed full of an abundance of natural beauty. From the pristine beaches along its Adriatic and Ionian coasts. To its rugged mountain landscapes, Albania offers a diverse range of experiences for nature enthusiasts. (Albania nature is incredible!) In recent years Albania has become more and more popular with Western tourists.
If you love nature then you will also love the Dolomites in Italy. Read all about the Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites here.
We didn’t actually visit Albania together, this was part of a ‘girls’ trip’ that Reanna went on with her friend during the summer of 2023.
I, Reanna, spent 5 days travelling Albania. I did not have a lot of time for how much the country has to offer. But, that didn’t stop me from being absolutely blown away by it. Read on to discover all of Albania’s hidden gems along the road with me including the Ionian coast, Albania’s spectacular nature and the Albanian Blue Eye.
If you’re thinking about visiting Albania then read on for our guide visiting this incredible little country that is quickly becoming top of everyone’s radar from visiting the Albanian Blue Eye in Saranda, the enchanting Albania beaches including Ksamil, the serene waters of Lake Komani, and an adventurous trip on the Dajti Express. We’ll delve into the breathtaking landscapes and Albania’s incredible nature, that awaits you in this beautiful Balkan country.
Albania Nature: The Hidden Gem of Europe
First off, it’s worth mentioning that Albania’s natural beauty is often underestimated. The country boasts diverse ecosystems, from pristine beaches, lush forests, towering mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. Albania’s relatively undiscovered status in the tourism world makes it an ideal destination for travellers seeking unspoiled landscapes and authentic experiences. As we explore the Albanian Blue Eye, Ksamil, Lake Komani, and Dajti Express, we’ll discover the incredible variety of natural wonders that Albania has to offer. So, let’s get to it!
The Blue Eye, Saranda
When you picture Albania I bet you’re picturing bright blue water, right? Well, The Albanian Blue Eye in Saranda truly lives up to this image. Located near the coastal town of Saranda in southern Albania the Blue Eye is a must-see for anyone planning a trip to Albania.
It is worth noting that there are 2 Blue Eyes in Albania, one near Theth and this one, near Saranda. Oh, and the water is very very cold. I could only stand in for around 5 minutes before running out again, some people were swimming in it or laying in it whilst the stream took them down the river. See how long you can brave it for!
How does the Blue Eye get its colour?
The Albanian Blue Eye is a natural phenomenon that presents itself as a stunning spring, gushing crystal-clear water from the depths of the earth. The water’s striking blue colour is a result of the constant flow from underground sources and the interplay of light with the minerals and rocks beneath.
The spring is surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a tranquil oasis of greenery. Trees cast their shade over the area, providing a cool retreat on hot summer days. A wooden walkway encircles the spring, allowing visitors to take a leisurely stroll and appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder from various angles.
How to Get To The Blue Eye, Saranda
To reach the Blue Eye from Saranda, if you have a hire can then you can take a short drive or hire a local taxi. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes from the town centre. The road is well-marked, making it relatively easy to find.
From Saranda, you can either get a taxi, public bus, hitch or of course drive here. It is around a 30-minute drive or 1 hour on the bus. The bus costs 400 LEK (approx £3.33) and the last one back is at 5:30 pm. Alternatively, you can join guided tours that include visits to the Blue Eye and other nearby attractions.
It is worth noting that from the bus stop or the car park, it is a 2km walk up and downhill, there are also electric scooters and bikes that you can hire if you don’t fancy walking.
Entrance Fee for the Albanian Blue Eye, Saranda
There is a small entrance fee of approximately 50 Albanian Lek (about £0.40p) per person to access the Blue Eye, Saranda. This is payable as you walk through the entrance to this natural phenomenon in Albania.
Ksamil: Albania’s Coastal Paradise
Located just a short drive from Saranda is, a coastal gem, home to Albania’s stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Albania beaches, Ksamil offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and relaxation.
The Albanian beaches including Ksamil is renowned for its pristine beaches and picturesque islands dotting the Ionian Sea. The beaches boast fine white sand and warm, turquoise waters, making it an ideal destination for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling. The most iconic feature of Ksamil is its trio of small islands, easily accessible by swimming or renting a paddle boat.
How to Get There
Ksamil is conveniently located just 15 minutes away from Saranda by car or taxi. Public buses and shuttle services are also available from Saranda to Ksamil, which are affordable and reliable. If you are travelling from the capital, Tirana, we couldn’t find any buses that went directly to Ksamil. So, instead got a bus to Saranda and hopped in a taxi on the way there and a (very busy) public bus on the way back.
Do you have to pay to visit Ksamil?
The Albania beaches, Ksamil are free to visit, however, a lot of them are private and owned by hotels, meaning you can’t sit on them. They are also all covered in sunloungers which you also have to pay for. The price of the sun loungers varies by what beach you are on. We paid between £7-£12.50 per day, per sun lounger.
Lake Komani: A Serene Escape in Northern Albania
Nestled in the northern part of Albania is Lake Komani. This pristine lake is a hidden gem surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes. You’ll have the option to do a day trip to the lake or stay the night around it, soaking up Albanian nature. When you’re planning your Albania itinerary be sure to include Lake Komani in it too.
One of the most popular activities at Lake Komani is taking a ferry ride through the fjord-like landscape. The journey offers breathtaking views of the rugged terrain and allows you to immerse yourself in Albania’s untouched natural beauty.
How to Get To Lake Komani – Albania nature not to be missed!
To get to Lake Komani you can either opt to travel from nearby Shkoder by car or bus or Tirana. Shkoder is 60 km away (1.5 hours by car). Whilst Tirana is around 140 km away (3 hours by car).
As we were limited on time, we took the minibus from Tirana at 4:50 a.m. The journey took around 3.5hrs getting us there just in time for the 9 a.m. boat. Note that there is only one lake Komani ferry per day. We booked a day tour online which included a smaller boat trip (otherwise you go on the lake Komani ferry through the lake. Due to the weather this is what we ended up doing anyway but it was still beautiful), hiking, kayaking and lunch. We paid around €65 for the day tour.
Note that you pay for the tour online. But, you have to pay for the bus in cash when you’re on it, so make sure that you bring enough cash with you.
Entrance Fee to Lake Komani
There isn’t an entrance fee for Lake Komani itself. However, fees for the lake Komani ferry will vary depending on the provider and the type of experience you choose. We opted for the day trip from Tirana. Whilst it was an absolutely exhausting day out it was well worth it to get to see Lake Komani. Whilst having such a short time visiting Albania.
Dajti Express: A Sky-High Adventure in Albania nature
An experience not to be missed if you’re visiting Tirana, the Dajti Express, a cable car ride that offers panoramic views of the capital city, Tirana, and the stunning landscapes of Mount Dajti.
The Dajti Express is a modern cable car system that transports visitors from the heart of Tirana to the summit of Mount Dajti. The ride itself is beautiful. As you ascend from the city to the lush, green mountainside. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking view of Tirana and the surrounding region.
Mount Dajti is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with hiking trails that lead through dense forests and meadows. The cool mountain air provides a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can enjoy a leisurely walk or opt for more challenging hikes, depending on your fitness level and interests.
The Dajti Express is easily accessible from Tirana, making it a convenient day trip from the capital. You can take a taxi or a bus to the Dajti Express station, which is located near the city centre. The cable car operates regularly, providing a smooth and scenic journey to the mountaintop.
The cost of a round-trip ticket for the Dajti Express is 1500 Albanian Lek (around £12) per person. This fee included the cable car ride to the summit and back.
Albania Nature
Albania nature truly shines as one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, offering an array of experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Whether you seek relaxation by the seaside, serenity in the mountains, or a taste of local culture in the cities. Albania has something to offer every traveller.
