The Blue Eye: Albania's Mesmerizing Spring

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Discover the enchanting Blue Eye of Albania, a natural spring with mesmerizing beauty and captivating legends. A must-see destination!

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The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) is a stunning freshwater spring near Muzinë, Albania, known for its vibrant blue colors and the fascinating way the water bubbles up from its depths. It's a popular destination offering a unique natural spectacle and a refreshing escape.

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 the crowds, especially during peak season.
Bring cash for the entrance fee, parking, and any purchases from local vendors.
Wear sturdy shoes as there is a 2.2km walk from the car park to the Blue Eye.
Bring your own snacks and drinks, although there is a restaurant on site.

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Getting There

Car

The Blue Eye is located approximately 22km east of Sarandë. The drive takes about 30-45 minutes on the SH99. Parking is available near the entrance to the park for 300 Lek for 0-3 hours. From the parking area, it's a 2.2km walk to the Blue Eye. Alternatively, a small train shuttle is available for 300 Lek per person one way.
Public Transport

Take a bus from Sarandë towards Gjirokastër and ask the driver to stop at Syri i Kalter. The bus ride costs around 400 Lek. From the bus stop on the main road, it is approximately a 2km walk to the entrance of the Blue Eye National Park. From there, it's another 2.2km walk to the Blue Eye itself.
Taxi

A taxi from Sarandë to the Blue Eye costs approximately 3500-4000 Lek for a round trip, including a 1-2 hour wait. Negotiate the price with the driver beforehand. The taxi will drop you off at the parking area, from where you can walk 2.2km to the Blue Eye.

Discover more about The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye, or Syri i Kalter (meaning "Blue Eye" in Albanian), is a captivating natural spring located in southern Albania, near the village of Muzinë. This mesmerizing spot is nestled between Sarandë and Gjirokastër, making it an ideal day trip from either city. The spring is named for its striking resemblance to a human eye: a deep, dark blue center mimics the pupil, while the surrounding lighter blue waters form the iris. The Blue Eye is a karst spring, fed by an underground cave system with a depth of at least 50 meters. The water emerges with incredible force, discharging over 18,000 liters per second. This constant flow creates a mesmerizing bubbling effect, and the water is so clear that you can see straight to the bottom. The surrounding landscape is lush and green, adding to the overall beauty and tranquility of the site. Local legends add to the mystique 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 eye, falling from the mountain in its death throes, created the Blue Eye spring. Another legend says that an engineer named the spring because it reminded him of his lover's blue eyes. Swimming in the Blue Eye was once a popular activity, but it is now prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem. However, visitors can still enjoy the stunning views from the viewing platform and appreciate the natural beauty of this unique landmark. The water temperature remains a chilly 10-13 degrees Celsius year-round.