The Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter)

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Discover the mesmerizing Blue Eye of Albania, a natural spring with stunning turquoise waters and lush surroundings, perfect for a day trip.

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The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye, or Syri i Kalter, is a mesmerizing freshwater spring and natural phenomenon located in southern Albania, near Sarandë. Its name comes from the striking blue colors of the water, resembling a human eye, with a dark blue center and lighter turquoise edges. Surrounded by lush greenery, it's a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

A brief summary to The Blue Eye

Sarande SHA22, Sarandë, 9701, AL
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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 crowds, especially during peak season (July and August).
Bring cash in Lek or Euro for entrance fees, parking, and any purchases at the restaurant or souvenir shops.
Wear comfortable shoes for the 20-25 minute walk from the parking area to the spring.
Pack water and snacks, although there is a restaurant available, prices may be higher.
Be prepared for cool temperatures, even in summer, due to the spring's cold water.

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Getting There

Bus

From Sarandë, take a bus towards Gjirokastër. Ensure the bus route passes by the Blue Eye, as some now take a faster route via the Skërfica tunnel. A one-way ticket costs approximately 450 Lek. Ask the driver to stop at Syri i Kalter. From the bus stop, walk about 2 km along the paved road to the entrance. Entrance fee is 50 Lek. Note: Bus schedules can be infrequent, with limited departures. Check the current timetable in advance.
Taxi

A taxi from Sarandë to the Blue Eye costs around 3500-4000 Lek (35-40 EUR) for a round trip, including a 1-2 hour wait. Negotiate the price beforehand. The taxi will drop you off near the entrance, minimizing the walking distance. Entrance fee is 50 Lek per person. Note: Taxis do not typically accept card payments, so bring cash.
Car

Drive from Sarandë towards Gjirokastër. The Blue Eye is located approximately 22 km east of Sarandë. Follow the signs for Syri i Kalter. Parking costs 300 Lek for 0-3 hours. From the parking lot, walk approximately 2 km along the paved road to the spring. Alternatively, rent an electric scooter (around 2000 Lek per hour) or take the road train (300 Lek one way) from the parking lot to the Blue Eye. Entrance fee is 50 Lek per person.

Discover more about The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) is a stunning natural spring nestled in the Muzine village, between Sarandë and Gjirokastër in southern Albania. This natural wonder is named for its resemblance to a human eye: a dark blue center mimics the pupil, while a ring of lighter, turquoise water forms the iris. The surrounding lush greenery of the nature preserve enhances the eye-like effect, creating a truly captivating scene.The spring is a karst spring, meaning it drains from a large underground cave system. Over 5,000 liters of water per second emerge from the spring, making it one of the most powerful in Albania and the primary source of the Bistricë River. Divers have attempted to explore its depths, reaching at least 50 meters, but the exact depth remains unknown due to the strong water pressure.Local legends add to the allure of the Blue Eye. One tale speaks of a giant snake that terrorized the region until an old man cleverly set it ablaze. The snake's burning eye then fell from the mountain, creating the spring. Another story suggests that the spring was named by an engineer who was reminded of his lover's blue eyes.During the communist era, the Blue Eye was a restricted site, reserved only for the elite. Today, it is open to all, offering a tranquil escape into nature. Visitors can walk along the paved path from the entrance to the spring, enjoying the surrounding forest. A viewing platform allows for stunning views of the Blue Eye, and a nearby restaurant offers refreshments. Swimming in the Blue Eye itself is prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem, but the cool, clear waters of the Bistricë River offer a refreshing alternative.