The Blue Eye Travel Guide

Free Guide: Discover the enchanting Blue Eye of Albania: a natural spring with mesmerizing beauty and captivating legends.

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A brief summary of The Blue Eye

Discover the enchanting Blue Eye of Albania: a natural spring with mesmerizing beauty and captivating legends.

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a mesmerizing freshwater spring in southern Albania, known for its vibrant blue hues and stunning natural surroundings. It's a popular destination for a day trip, offering a unique glimpse into the country's natural beauty.

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Plan your visit

Opening hours

Every day8 am–8 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address: Sarande SHA22, Saranda 9701, Albania

Getting there

Public Transport

From Sarandë, take a bus heading towards Gjirokastër. Confirm with the driver that the bus will stop at the Blue Eye. The bus ticket costs approximately 400 LEK. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes. From the main road, it's a 2.2 km walk to the Blue Eye entrance. Alternatively, from Ksamil, take a bus to Sarandë (150 LEK), then transfer to the Sarandë-Gjirokastër bus.

Taxi

A taxi from Sarandë to the Blue Eye costs approximately 4000 LEK (35-40 EUR) for a round trip, including a waiting time of 1-2 hours. Negotiate the price with the driver before starting the journey. Taxis do not typically accept card payments, so bring cash.

Driving

If driving from Sarandë, follow the SH99 road towards Gjirokastër. The Blue Eye is approximately 22 km from Sarandë. The drive takes around 30-45 minutes. Parking at the entrance costs 300 LEK for 0-3 hours. From the parking lot, it's a 2.2 km walk to the Blue Eye. Consider renting an electric scooter (5 EUR per hour) or taking the small train (3 EUR one way) to shorten the walk.

Discover more about The Blue Eye

Overview

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), located near Sarandë, Albania, is a natural spring and a captivating natural wonder. The spring is the source of the Bistricë River and is characterized by its striking blue color, resembling a human eye. The water bubbles up from a depth of over 50 meters, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of color and clarity.The surrounding area is a lush, green oasis, making it a refreshing escape. Giant plane trees and water streams add to the serene atmosphere. The site is part of a 180-hectare nature reserve, offering walking trails and opportunities to connect with nature.Local legends add to the allure of the Blue Eye. One legend tells of a snake whose eye fell from a mountain to create the spring, forever crying. Another speaks of the spring being named by an engineer who was reminded of his lover's blue eyes. During the communist era, the Blue Eye was a restricted area, accessible only to the elite, which helped preserve its pristine condition. Today, it's open to all, inviting visitors to witness its beauty and learn about its rich history and the legends that surround it.

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