A Mysterious Journey to the Blue Eye

The sun had barely risen when I found myself stepping off a cruise ship in Saranda, a city that whispers tales of ancient times and hidden wonders. I was drawn here by the allure of the Saranda Adventure, a tour promising to unveil the secrets of Ksamil, the Blue Eye, and Lekursi Castle. As a DJ and music producer, my life is a symphony of beats and rhythms, but today, I was ready to tune into the melodies of nature and history.

Our guide, Mariglen, was a maestro of knowledge, orchestrating our journey with stories of Albanian history and culture. His English was impeccable, and his passion for the region was infectious. We set off in an air-conditioned vehicle, the cityscape of Saranda fading into the rearview mirror as we ventured towards the enigmatic Blue Eye.

The Blue Eye, a natural spring with water so clear and blue it seemed otherworldly, was our first stop. Nestled between mountains, this hidden gem was a sight to behold. The water, a constant 8-12°C even in summer, was mesmerizing. I found myself lost in its depths, the sound of the water a soothing symphony that resonated with my soul. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, a magical oasis that left me in awe.

The Enchantment of Lekursi Castle

Our journey continued to the historic Lekursi Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking Saranda. Built in the early 16th century by Sultan Suleymani, the castle was a sentinel of the past, guarding the city from invaders. As we walked through its ancient walls, Mariglen painted vivid pictures of battles fought and won, of a time when the castle was a beacon of strength.

From the castle’s vantage point, the view was nothing short of spectacular. The island of Corfu lay in the distance, a silent witness to the passage of time. Below, the city of Saranda sprawled out, a tapestry of old and new, where churches and mosques stood side by side. The Bitrica River wound its way through the landscape, a silver thread weaving together the stories of the land.

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the castle, I felt a connection to the past, a sense of belonging to a world that was both foreign and familiar. It was a moment of reflection, a pause in the whirlwind of life that allowed me to appreciate the beauty of history and the stories it holds.

The Allure of Ksamil Beach

Our final destination was the paradise-like Ksamil Beach, a slice of heaven on the Albanian Riviera. The beach, with its white sands and crystal-clear waters, was a stark contrast to the bustling nightlife I was accustomed to. It was a place of tranquility, where the only sounds were the gentle lapping of waves and the distant call of seagulls.

Though our time was limited, the beauty of Ksamil left a lasting impression. The beach was a canvas of colors, the turquoise waters blending seamlessly with the azure sky. It was a place where one could lose themselves in the moment, where the worries of the world seemed to fade away.

As we made our way back to the city, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience. The Saranda Adventure had been a journey of discovery, a chance to step away from the familiar and embrace the unknown. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable adventures are those that take us off the beaten path, to places where history and nature dance in harmony.