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The Enigmatic Blue Eye

Discover the mesmerizing Blue Eye of Albania, a natural spring with stunning 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 turquoise waters and lush surrounding greenery. It's a popular destination for a day trip, offering a unique glimpse into Albania's natural beauty.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to The Blue Eye

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
Sarande SHA22, Sarandë, 9701, AL
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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Blue Eye.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, especially during peak season.
Bring cash for entrance fees, parking, and any purchases at the restaurant or souvenir shops.
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a 20-minute walk from the parking lot to the spring.
Take stunning photos from the wooden platform or riverside trails.

Discover more about The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye, or Syri i Kaltër, is a captivating natural spring located near Sarandë, Albania. This natural wonder gets its name from its striking resemblance to a human eye. The deep blue center mimics a pupil, while the lighter turquoise waters surrounding it create the illusion of an iris.The spring is a source of the Bistricë River and is one of the most powerful springs in Albania, with an average flow of 6 m³/s. The water is incredibly clear, allowing visitors to see the light blue bubbles rising to the surface. The surrounding landscape is equally stunning, with lush greenery and forests adding to the area's serene atmosphere.While swimming in the main spring is prohibited due to strong currents and the unknown depth (over 50 meters) , visitors can cool their feet in the lower stream. A viewing platform provides an excellent vantage point for observing the Blue Eye from above. The site also features a restaurant and some souvenir shops.

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    Getting There

    Driving

    If driving from Sarandë, follow the SH99 towards Gjirokastër. The Blue Eye is approximately 22 km from Sarandë. Look for signs indicating the turnoff to the Blue Eye. After turning off the main road, continue for about 2 kilometers on a dirt road to reach the parking area. Parking fees range from 300 LEK for 0-3 hours.

    Public Transport

    Take a bus from Sarandë towards Gjirokastër and ask the driver to stop at Syri i Kaltër. Note that some buses may take a new route that bypasses the Blue Eye, so confirm with the driver. From the main road, it is approximately a 2-kilometer walk to the entrance. Bus fare is around 300-450 LEK.

    Taxi

    A taxi from Sarandë to the Blue Eye costs approximately 3500-4000 LEK for a round trip, including a 1-2 hour wait. Agree on the price with the driver beforehand. Taxis typically accept cash only.

    Walking

    From the parking lot, it's a 1.5 to 2-kilometer walk to the Blue Eye along a paved path. Alternatively, you can take a road train for 300 LEK or rent an electric scooter for 5 EUR per hour.

    A brief summary to The Blue Eye

    Use The Blue Eye as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.

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