2024 Guide To The Blue Eye In Albania (Syri i Kalter)

Here is your guide to the famous Blue Eye in Albania, also known as Syri i Kaltër. We’ve covered how to get there, what to pack, and what you’ll see at Albania’s Blue Eye – a truly natural phenomenon and place worth visiting.

Albania is a beautiful country, with plenty to see and do during your time. But, one place you must visit if you head to nowhere else is the Blue Eye, or Syri i Kalter, as it’s known in Albanian.

If you’re keen to check out this famous spot for yourself, you’ll need to know plenty of information beforehand. Handily for you, we’ve got everything you need to know in one place.

What Is The Blue Eye Of Albania?

The Blue Eye, or Syri i Kalter, is a beautiful freshwater spring surrounded by lush greenery. The outer part – the iris – is a stunning bright blue, and the inner dot – the pupil – is a dark cave spanning far down under the water. From above, the water looks just like a bright blue eye, hence the name.

The water is so stunningly clear that you can see right to the bottom, although we don’t know how deep it is as nobody has ever actually been to the bottom!

Officially known as a vertical karst spring, it’s thought to be around 50 meters at the deepest point (at least), but again, there is no official reading – that’s as far down as any diver has been able to go. The water is also freezing cold, which is excellent for cooling off during a hot summer’s day.

Put simply, once you see the Blue Eye of Albania, you won’t be able to take your own eyes off it.

Why Is The Syri i Kaltër Special?

Aside from how it looks, the Blue Eye is unique for other reasons. You’ll notice that water bubbles up from the bottom at a super-fast rate – at over 18,000 liters every second. The water then feeds into the Bistrice River, which winds its way out into the Ionian Sea. Of course, we get to see the force of Mother Nature at work here.

There is also a local legend of the Blue Eye that’s interesting to learn before you go. Legend says that a snake that used to feast upon children roamed freely around this part of Albania. But one day, the snake slithered up to a donkey and his owner, an older man. The snake thought the donkey looked like a good snack, but the older man pulled a clever trick just before he decided to consume him.

He set the straw around the donkey and the animal itself on fire, trapping the snake as he ate the donkey. The snake’s eye, crying out in pain as he burned to death, fell down the high mountain and landed on the ground, creating what we know as the Blue Eye today.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Syri i Kalter

As you can imagine, the Blue Eye is extremely popular, so the months of July and August are always hectic, not to mention hot. The area is also not so large, so you’ll find crowding seems a lot worse due to this. So, if you want to avoid crowds, you’re best to stick to the shoulder months, perhaps June and September, to get good weather and fewer crowds.

However, there’s no denying that sticking your feet in the ice-cold water during a boiling hot summer is one of the most refreshing sensations you’ll ever have in your life! The temperature of the water is never higher than 10°C (50°F), which is a stark contrast to the air temperature during the summer.

Important Information Before You Go To The Blue Eye In Albania

Here is some basic information to help you plan and get the most out of your visit.

• The Syri i Kalter is open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
• It is located in Muzine village, around a 40-minute drive away from Saranda
• There is a 200 LEK (€1.60) charge for each car that enters – must be paid in cash
• There is a parking area near the entrance of the Blue Eye. The Blue Eye parking lot fees range from 200 to 800 LEK (€1.70-6.70) depending on the duration of stay
• Every person is also charged a 50 LEK (€0.50) Blue Eye Albania entrance fee – which must be paid in cash
• There is a local restaurant on site that serves delicious traditional food, but if you want regular snacks, you’re better off taking your own – remember to bring your litter with you!
• There are cabins, showers, and toilets available

As far as Blue Eye swimming goes, if you’re following the rules to the letter, then you’re not supposed to swim in the Blue Eye. You can dip your feet in, but that’s officially it.

But, and this is a big but, many people swim in the Blue Eye, and nobody has ever stopped them. I had a quick swim (tut tut), but I was so hot!

Disclaimer: Now that you know the rules, you can make your own decisions.

There is a large viewing platform right over the eye, and you can see the entire outline of this stunning sight from there and take some great photos. The viewing platform is also where you’ll see people diving straight into the middle of the eye. Again, you’re not supposed to, but do with that what you will!

However, how long you can stay in the water is another matter, as it’s freezing, and a few seconds is probably all you’ll manage!

How To Get To The Albania Blue Eye

If you’re staying in Saranda, as most people visiting during the summer tend to do, then you won’t struggle to get to the Blue Eye. There are a few options, and the drive is only around 40 minutes. However, remember that this could be more due to traffic during the summer months. This is the easiest way, remember you have to pay for parking.

The Blue Eye is near Muzine, a beautiful village in the south of the country, and it has easy road links with both Saranda and Gjirokaster.

Public Bus To The Blue Eye

While you can’t get directly to the Blue Eye by bus, you can get pretty close by public transport – you will have to walk the rest of the way.

The furgon, a kind of van/bus hybrid, travels from Saranda and Gjirokaster and back again and will take you close to the eye. It’s a cheap option, and you can get the public bus in the center of Saranda, buying your ticket from the coach driver. Tell the bus driver where you want to go, and they’ll give you a heads-up when it’s time to get off.

Once that happens, you’ll need to follow a signposted path. It is a 2 km walk that takes you directly to the Blue Eye itself. Handily, the path is pretty shaded, and it is no longer a dirt track but a smooth, concreted walk.

I suggest that you allow 20-35 minutes for the walk – depending on your pace and how many slow-po walkers are in front of you, which can be a lot in the high season.

Head To Syri i Kalter By Car

Driving is the best way to reach the Blue Eye and eliminates the need to walk down the 2km path. You can rent a car from Saranda or Gjirokaster and be at the Blue Eye in around 40 minutes from Saranda and around an hour from Gjirokaster. You take the main highway between the two towns, and you’ll see signs for the Blue Eye, around 22km away from Saranda.

Once you turn off the main road, you’ll follow a forested road that is unpaved for 2km, and then you can pull up in a parking spot. You’ll be charged 200 LEK for the car and a 50 LEK per person admission fee.

Get A Taxi To Albania’s Blue Eye

at a price with your taxi driver and a pick-up time beforehand. You can expect a return fee of around 30 Euros, but again, be sure to set your price. Of course, you could also take a taxi and save on the car admission fee.

FAQ Guide To The Blue Eye Albania

What is the Blue Eye?

The Blue Eye is a natural beauty spot in Southern Albania, known for its clear blue water and its resemblance to a giant eye.

How can I get to the Blue Eye from Saranda?

One can travel to the Blue Eye from Saranda by car, bus, taxi, or tour.

Is there public transport available?

Yes, there are buses and shuttles that operate between Saranda and the Blue Eye. The bus drops passengers off 2km away from the Blue Eye and requires a walk.

Is it possible to drive to the Blue Eye?

Yes, if you have a car, you can easily drive from Saranda to the Blue Eye. The drive is scenic and takes approximately 30 minutes.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee?

Yes, there is a small entrance fee of 50Lek (€0.40) for pedestrians and 200Lek (€1.60) for cars + parking per hour.

What should I bring for the visit?

It is advisable to carry water, snacks, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Temperatures can get high, so be prepared.

Can I take a tour of the Blue Eye?

Yes, there are tour companies that offer guided tours from Saranda to the Blue Eye. You can book these tours online or inquire at your hotel or hostel.

Can I swim in the Blue Eye?

Swimming in the Blue Eye itself is not permitted. However, there is a natural pool nearby where you can take a quick swim.

Can I park my car near the Blue Eye?

Yes, there is a parking area available near the Blue Eye. However, be prepared to walk from the parking spot to the site.

Is the Blue Eye crowded during the high season?

Yes, the Blue Eye can get quite crowded during the high season, so it is advisable to visit early in the day to avoid crowds.

 

 

So tell us, when will you visit the turquoise water of the Blue Eye in Albania?