The Blue Eye, Mallakastra Travel Guide

4.5 (9564)

Discover the mesmerizing Blue Eye of Albania: a natural spring with crystal-clear waters, lush scenery, and captivating legends.

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a stunning freshwater spring and natural phenomenon located near Muzinë in southern Albania. Its mesmerizing blue water, gushing from a depth of over 50 meters, creates a captivating scene surrounded by lush greenery, making it a popular tourist destination.

A brief summary to The Blue Eye

Sarande SHA22, Sarandë, 9701, AL
Click to display

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.
Wear sturdy shoes as there is a walk of approximately 2 kilometers from the parking area to the spring.
Bring your own snacks and water, although there is a restaurant on site, it can be overpriced.
Swimming is not allowed, but you can still enjoy the view and refreshing atmosphere.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Independence Monument

Lapidari

Skanderbeg Square

Berat Castle

Albanian Flag

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 Gjirokastër for approximately 30-40 minutes. Look for signs indicating the Blue Eye. Turn onto the dirt road leading to the entrance. Parking costs 300 Lek for up to 3 hours. From the parking area, walk approximately 2 kilometers to the Blue Eye. Consider an electric scooter for 5 EUR per hour or a small train for 3 EUR one way.
Public Transport

Take a bus from Saranda towards Gjirokastër and ask the driver to stop at Syri i Kalter (Blue Eye). The bus ticket costs around 400 Lek. From the bus stop on the main road, walk approximately 2 kilometers to the Blue Eye. Alternatively, the KMG Tourist Shuttle runs regular trips from Saranda to the Blue Eye for 1400 Lek return.
Taxi

Take a taxi from Saranda to the Blue Eye for approximately 3500-4000 Lek for a round trip, including a 2-hour wait. Negotiate the price beforehand and ensure the driver accepts Lek or Euro. From the taxi drop-off point, walk approximately 2 kilometers to the Blue Eye.

Discover more about The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), Albanian for "Blue Eye," is a breathtaking freshwater spring nestled in the village of Muzinë, southern Albania. This natural wonder is a popular destination known for its striking blue water and lush surrounding landscape. The spring is believed to be fed by an underground karst system, with water emerging from a cave at a depth of at least 50 meters. Divers have descended to 50 meters, but the actual depth remains a mystery due to the strong water pressure.The name "Blue Eye" comes from the spring's resemblance to a human eye. The dark blue center mimics a pupil, while the surrounding lighter blue waters resemble an iris. The water is incredibly clear, allowing visitors to see the depths of the spring. The discharge rate is approximately 18,400 liters per second, maintaining a consistent temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).The Blue Eye is the source of the 25-kilometer-long Bistrica River, which flows into the Ionian Sea. The surrounding area is a protected natural monument, covering 180 hectares and featuring oak and sycamore trees. Visitors can explore the area, taking in the natural beauty and enjoying the refreshing atmosphere.Local legends add to the allure of the Blue Eye. One tale speaks of a giant snake that terrorized the region until it was tricked and burned, its crying eye falling from the mountain to create the spring. Another legend suggests that an engineer named the spring after his lover's blue eyes. Regardless of the truth, the Blue Eye continues to enchant visitors with its beauty and mystery.