The Blue Eye, Dukagjin Travel Guide

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Discover the enchanting Blue Eye of Albania: a natural spring with mesmerizing blue waters and lush forest surroundings, a must-see on the Albanian Riviera.

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) is a mesmerizing freshwater spring in southern Albania, known for its striking blue color and lush surroundings. The spring, resembling a human eye, is a popular destination offering a tranquil escape into nature.

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 the peak summer months.
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a 2 kilometer walk from the parking area to the spring.
Bring cash for the entrance fee, parking, and any purchases at the local restaurant or souvenir shops.
Respect the environment by taking your trash with you and not swimming in the spring.
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-June or September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

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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

Driving

If driving from Saranda, follow the SH99 road towards Gjirokaster for approximately 22 km. Look for signs indicating the Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter). Turn onto the unpaved road leading to the entrance. Parking is available near the entrance for a fee: 300 LEK for 0-3 hours. From the parking area, walk approximately 2 km to reach the Blue Eye. Note that the road to the Blue Eye is good, but the last 2 km is unpaved.
Public Transport

Take a local bus from Saranda towards Gjirokaster. Buses depart from Saranda twice daily and cost approximately 450 LEK. Inform the driver that you wish to stop at the Blue Eye. The bus will drop you off at the main road, from where you will need to walk approximately 2 km to the Blue Eye. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Gjirokaster to Saranda and ask the driver to drop you off at the Blue Eye stop on the main road. From the bus stop, there is a 2 kilometer walk to the start of the park.
Taxi

A taxi from Saranda to the Blue Eye costs approximately 4000 LEK (35-40 EUR) for a round trip, including a 1-2 hour wait at the spring. Negotiate the price with the driver before starting the journey. The taxi will drop you off near the entrance, from where you will need to walk approximately 2 km to reach the Blue Eye.

Discover more about The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter), located near Muzine village, is a captivating natural spring in southern Albania. Situated approximately 22 kilometers east of Saranda, along the road to Gjirokaster, this natural wonder draws visitors with its vibrant blue hues and serene environment.The spring's name comes from its striking resemblance to a human eye. The center of the spring is a deep, dark blue, mimicking a pupil, while the surrounding water is a lighter blue-green, resembling an iris. This unique coloration, combined with the surrounding lush greenery, creates a picturesque scene that is both calming and awe-inspiring.The Blue Eye is a karst spring, fed by underground sources. The water emerges with tremendous force, with estimates suggesting over 18,000 liters per second. The exact depth of the spring remains unknown, as divers have only been able to reach about 50 meters due to the high pressure. The water temperature is a consistent 10-13 degrees Celsius, making it refreshingly cold.Local legends add to the allure of the Blue Eye. One tale speaks of a giant snake that terrorized the region, devouring people and animals. A clever old man tricked the snake into eating a burning donkey, and the snake's eye fell from the mountain, creating the Blue Eye spring. Another legend suggests that an engineer named the spring after his lover's blue eyes.Visitors can explore the area, taking in the natural beauty and enjoying the cool, fresh air. A restaurant near the spring offers traditional Albanian cuisine. While swimming is officially prohibited to protect the ecosystem, the viewing platform provides stunning views of the spring's mesmerizing colors.