Background

The Blue Eye: Albania's Mesmerizing Spring

Discover the mesmerizing Blue Eye spring in Albania, a natural wonder with crystal-clear waters and stunning blue hues, surrounded by lush greenery.

4.5

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a stunning freshwater spring near Sarandë, Albania, known for its mesmerizing blue color and surrounding lush greenery. The spring's name comes from its resemblance to a human eye, with a dark blue center and lighter blue-green periphery.

A brief summary to The Blue Eye

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Bring cash for the entrance fee, parking, and any purchases at the local restaurant or souvenir shops.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the walk from the parking area to the spring.
  • Pack your own snacks and drinks, as the on-site restaurant can be overpriced.
  • Be prepared for cold water temperatures if you decide to dip your feet in the spring.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    If driving from Sarandë, take the SH99 road towards Gjirokastër. The Blue Eye is approximately 22 km east of Sarandë. The drive takes about 30-45 minutes. Parking is available near the entrance for 200-300 Lek for 0-3 hours. From the parking lot, walk 1.5 km to the Blue Eye.

  • Bus

    Take a bus from Sarandë towards Gjirokastër and ask the driver to stop at Syri i Kaltër. Note that some buses take a new route that bypasses the Blue Eye, so confirm with the driver. The bus ride costs around 300-400 Lek. From the bus stop, walk approximately 1.5 km to the Blue Eye.

  • 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 near the entrance, from where you will walk 1.5 km to the Blue Eye.

Unlock the Best of The Blue Eye

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), located near Muzinë village in southern Albania, is a breathtaking natural spring that attracts over 50,000 tourists annually. The spring is a popular destination for day trips from Sarandë and Gjirokastër. The name 'Blue Eye' comes from the spring's striking resemblance to a human eye, with a deep blue center and a lighter blue-green perimeter. The Blue Eye is a karst spring, meaning it drains a large underground karst system. The water bubbles up from a depth of over 50 meters with a discharge rate of 18,400 liters per second, feeding into the Bistricë River. Divers have descended to 50 meters, but the spring's actual depth remains unknown due to the strong water pressure. The water temperature is a chilly 10-13 degrees Celsius year-round. Local legend tells of a giant snake (or dragon) that terrorized the area, devouring people and livestock. A brave old man tricked the snake into eating a donkey filled with burning straw, causing the snake's eye to fall out and create the Blue Eye spring. It is said that the snake's eye continues to cry until today. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, with oak and sycamore trees surrounding the spring. A viewing platform offers a vantage point to see the mesmerizing colors and clarity of the water. Although swimming was once popular, it is now prohibited to protect the spring.

Popular Experiences near The Blue Eye

Popular Hotels near The Blue Eye

Select Currency