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The Blue Eye: Albania's Mystical Spring

Discover the mesmerizing Blue Eye of Albania, a natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush forest surroundings.

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The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a stunning freshwater spring in southern Albania, known for its mesmerizing blue waters and lush surrounding greenery. The spring is more than 50 meters deep and is a popular destination for a day trip from Sarandë or Gjirokastër.

A brief summary to The Blue Eye

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Bring cash in Lek or Euro for entrance fees, parking, and souvenirs, as card payments are not accepted.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the 2-kilometer walk from the parking area to the spring.
  • Bring your own water and snacks, although there are cafes and restaurants available, they can be overpriced.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The Blue Eye is located off the SH99 road between Sarandë and Gjirokastër. From Sarandë, follow the SH99 towards Gjirokastër for approximately 22 km. Look for signs indicating the turnoff to the Blue Eye. The drive takes about 30 minutes. Once you turn off the main road, follow the unpaved road for about 2 kilometers to the parking area. Parking fees range from 300 Lek for 0-3 hours.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Sarandë. A round trip taxi ride to the Blue Eye, including a wait time of 1-2 hours, typically costs between 3500-4000 Lek. Agree on the price with the driver before starting the journey. The taxi will drop you off at the parking area, from where you can walk to the Blue Eye.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Sarandë towards Gjirokastër. Ensure the bus travels via the SH99 mountain pass and confirm with the driver that they will stop at the Blue Eye. Bus tickets cost around 450 Lek. From the bus stop on the main road, there is approximately a 2-kilometer walk to the Blue Eye.

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Discover more about The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), Albanian for 'Blue Eye,' is a captivating natural spring located in the Muzine village, nestled between Sarandë and Gjirokastër in southern Albania. This natural wonder gets its name from its striking resemblance to a human eye. The deep, dark blue center mimics a pupil, while the surrounding lighter turquoise waters resemble an iris. The Blue Eye is the most powerful spring in Albania, with an average flow of 6 m³/s. The spring's depth is still unknown, but it's deeper than 50 meters. The water is ice-cold, with a temperature of 10 degrees Celsius year-round. The Blue Eye is the source of the Bistrica River. Just below the Blue Eye, an artificial lake stretches for about a kilometer, embraced by a grove of oak and plane trees draped in ivy. Located within the Blue Eye National Park, the surrounding landscape is hilly and features oak trees and Mediterranean flora. Visitors can explore the area, though walks are generally short. The vibrant atmosphere and stunning scenery make it a must-see destination. While swimming in the main spring is prohibited due to strong currents, visitors can dip their feet in the lower stream.

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