The Blue Eye, Puka Travel Guide

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

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The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a stunning freshwater spring near Muzinë, Albania, known for its vibrant blue color and crystal-clear water. This natural wonder, resembling a human eye, is a popular tourist attraction offering a unique glimpse into the region's natural beauty and local legends.

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, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Wear sturdy shoes as you'll need to walk about 2 kilometers from the parking area to reach the spring.
Bring cash for entrance fees, parking, and any purchases at the local restaurant or souvenir stalls.
Be aware that swimming is officially prohibited, but some people still choose to enter the very cold water.

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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

Car

If driving from Saranda, follow the SH99 towards Gjirokastër for approximately 30-45 minutes. Look for signs indicating the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër). Turn onto the road leading to the park entrance. Parking is available at the entrance for a fee: 300 Lek for 0-3 hours, 400 Lek for 3-4 hours, 600 Lek for 5-8 hours, and 1200 Lek for 9-24 hours. From the parking area, it's a 20-30 minute walk (approximately 2.2 km) to the Blue Eye. An optional shuttle or electric scooter can be hired for an additional fee.
Public Transport

Take a bus from Saranda to Gjirokastër and ask the driver to stop at Syri i Kaltër. Check the Gjirafa website for bus schedules. The bus ticket costs approximately 450 Lek. From the main road, walk approximately 2 kilometers to the Blue Eye. Alternatively, take the KMG Tourist Shuttle from Saranda, which offers direct trips to the Blue Eye for 1400 Lek (round trip). This shuttle departs from outside Hotel Mallara.
Taxi

A taxi from Saranda to the Blue Eye costs approximately 35,000-40,000 Lek for a round trip, including a 2-hour wait. Negotiate the price with the driver beforehand and ensure they accept cash payments. Taxis can also be arranged from Gjirokastër for a slightly higher fare.

Discover more about The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a mesmerizing freshwater spring, is a natural phenomenon located near the village of Muzinë in southern Albania. Situated between Sarandë and Gjirokastër, it's a popular day trip destination renowned for its striking beauty and the clarity of its turquoise water. The spring is believed to be fed by the karst rocks of the Drinos Valley.From above, the Blue Eye strikingly resembles a human eye. The center of the spring is a deep, dark blue, mimicking a pupil, while the surrounding water is a lighter, bright blue, resembling an iris. The water is so clear that you can see to the bottom, though the spring's actual depth remains a mystery. Divers have descended to 50 meters, but the strong water pressure has prevented them from reaching the bottom. The source has a discharge rate of 18,400 liters per second, feeding into the 25km-long Bistricë River, which flows into the Ionian Sea.Local legends add to the allure of the Blue Eye. One tells of a giant snake (or dragon in some versions) that terrorized the area, devouring people and animals. A brave old man tricked the snake into eating a donkey filled with burning straw, causing the snake's eye to fall from the mountain and create the Blue Eye, which continues to cry to this day.Visitors can enjoy the lush greenery surrounding the spring and a restaurant with traditional food. While swimming was once popular, it is now officially prohibited, though some visitors still brave the cold waters.