Royal Caribbean New Port of Call - Sarande, Albania

Last month we travelled on board Voyager of the Seas, Royal Caribbean on a seven night Italy and Croatia cruise. Although the cruise was originally scheduled to visit Kotor (Montenegro), it was a nice surprise to discover we were going to be the first guests on board Voyager of the Seas to visit the Albanian port of Sarande. Having never visited Albania, I was excited to discover more. Here is what you too can do on a cruise ship visit to Sarande, Albania.

Blue Eye, Albania ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Royal Caribbean New Port of Call - Sarande, Albania

Sarande, Albania

We arrived in the early hours of the morning into the modern bay of Sarande (today was our only tendered port). Having had a good buffet breakfast at The Windjammer Cafe, and refilled our water bottles. It was time to head into the allocated lounge (Royal Theatre) to wait our turn to disembark as a tour group, visiting the Blue Eye Spring and the Roman Site of Butrint. There were a couple of shore excursion options, but we were intrigued by the stunning Blue Eye.

Sarande, Albania ©M D Harding Travel Photography

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) natural water spring and phenomenon is part of Thethi National Park, located in the village of Muzine in Finiq, southern Albania, designated a natural monument in 1996. The clear azure mesmerising waters draw you into the 10-degree waters, where you can see to a depth of 50 metres (164ft) but it is believed to be 100 metres (328ft). The local legend describes that a donkey was surrounded by hay, and that of both were set on fire. Trapping both the donkey and also a snake! The snake is said to have ate the donkey, and cried out in pain as he burned to death. Falling down the high mountain and landing on the spot creating the Blue Eye. Today you can wear an amulet known as the Blue Eye. It is believed to protect you against the "evil eye" and bring good luck. The symbol is iconic in Turkey and other cultures including that of Albania.

The air-conditioned coach dropped us at the coach park, where we then had the option to pay 600 Lek (6 euros) extra per person for a return trip on the little train taking you to the top by the Blue Eye or walk in the heat of the bearing down sun for 30 minutes. Being from Scotland, we are used to our cooler temperatures, and the little train is part of the cool experience (only takes 10 minutes). There was no question in our minds what to do. Getting there much faster, taking an enjoyable little train ride (in the shade) and getting to explore the area for longer.

Round Trip onboard the Small Train at The Blue Eye, Albania ©M D Harding Travel Photography

Once off the train, it is a short crossing over a wooden bridge and a few steps up to the viewing platform. It is possible to continue walking up the crumbling path, and then the step valley. We did for a little bit but, it was a mission to get back down. Glad to have had trainers on but would have prefered to have been wearing our hiking boots.

Navigating the Crumbling Path at The Blue Eye, Albania ©M D Harding Travel Photography

The guide mentioned a soft drink/bottle of water was included with the tour at the small restaurant, but it was extremely busy with many visitors from the cruise ship (we had our refillable bottles of water with us). We had ample time to explore, take the train back down, buy a small fridge magnet to remember our visit, from one of the small vendor stands and walk the additional 10 minutes to the coach. It was a very memorable experience.

We took the option to pre-book the shore excursion in advance with the ship via the app but you could also visit on your own. Do bear in mind that you need to be back at the ship in plenty of time. It takes 50 minutes from the port of Sarande to the parking area. The local bus departs at 10am and again at 14.15pm. Then to return to Sarande at 14.25pm and again at 17.40pm. It costs 400 Lek (4 Euros) Cash is accepted. The park entrance fee is 50 Lek (0.50 Euros) per person and is cash only (Included with cruise ship excursion). The park is open 7am - 19.00pm all year round. Please note you can no longer swim in the Blue Eye Spring.

Next, it was off to visit the Roman site of Butrint.

Butrint National Archaeological Park with Beautiful Views To The Lagoon ©M D Harding Travel Photography

About Butrint National Archaeological Park

The UNESCO World Heritage Site - Butrint National Archaeological Park (1992) is renowned for its ancient ruins dating back to the 7th century BC (Bronze Age). It is said that many escaped the falling city of Troy and fled here to Butrint. The park's natural setting covers 29 square kilometres with freshwater lakes, wetlands, salt marshes, reed beds and islands. You'll need at least 2 - 3 hours to explore the beautiful site, with incredible mosaics in Roman villas, Byzantine basilica, and a 4th-century amphitheatre. The site spans a variety of periods across its 2500-year history. Albania's first UNESCO World Heritage Site was initially selected as a Cultural Monument in 1948, and the forest conserved due to its utmost importance for the environment. The site was rediscovered by Italian archaeologist Luigi Ugolini in the 1920s, after having been abandoned during an earthquake, with the area suffering extreme flooding in the late Middle Ages.

While visiting, keep a lookout for some of the 1,200 different species of flora and fauna including: dolphins, turtles, beach martens, red fox, and otters. The area is also said to be home to the grey wolf and golden jackal.

Entrance to the park is 1000 Lek (10 Euros) cash only (Included with cruise ship excursion). Once inside you can find free public toilets, and an undercover artisan craft market (cash only). Please note there are no cafes on site and very few in the area.

You can also take the local bus from Sarande to Butrint and take a cooling dip afterwards in the Ionian Sea by the town of Ksamil or stroll along the pristine beaches of Bora Bora Beach and Neasden Lane Beach. More options include snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and cooking classes.

It was an incredible day discovering more about Albania's culture, seeing some of the beautiful landscapes, history, and monuments. Right now, Albania unlike many other destinations is not full of tourists. So if you are looking to discover someplace beautiful, with its quaint charms and delicious seafood, Albania may be a good option. If you would prefer to dip your toe in first before booking a week-long trip, did you know you can also take the 30-minute ferry (Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways, and Albania Luxury Ferries) from the neighbouring Greek Island of Corfu.

If you would like to visit Sarande, Albania on board a beautiful Royal Caribbean Cruise, you might like to explore two upcoming cruise dates on board Brilliance of the Seas 18th May or 21st September 2026. Will you be cruising Italy, Croatia and The Adriatic next year?