The Blue Eye, Delvina Travel Guide

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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.

A brief summary to The Blue Eye

Sarande SHA22, Sarandë, 9701, AL

Monday 8 am-8 pm
Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday 8 am-8 pm
Friday 8 am-8 pm
Saturday 8 am-8 pm
Sunday 8 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Blue Eye.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season (July-August).
Bring cash in Lek or Euro for entrance fees, parking, and transportation, as card payments are not widely accepted.
Wear comfortable shoes for the 2.2 km walk from the parking area to the spring.
Pack water and snacks, although there is a restaurant near the Blue Eye, it can be overpriced.
Be mindful of the rules: swimming is officially not allowed in the Blue Eye spring.

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Explore The Blue Eye on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Blue Eye, mapped for you.

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

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.