Blue Eye Syri i Kaltër Albania
A mesmerizing natural spring in Albania, famed for its impossibly clear, vibrant blue waters resembling a giant eye.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Blue Eye Syri i Kaltër Albania
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mesmerizing natural spring in Albania, famed for its impossibly clear, vibrant blue waters resembling a giant eye.
"It truly looks like a giant, mesmerizing eye staring up from the earth. "
🚶♀️ Walk or Ride?
The 2km walk is scenic but can be hot. Rent scooters or take the road train if you prefer.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The restaurant may be closed off-season. Pack essentials for your visit.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 14,444 reviews
Type
Nature Preserve
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mesmerizing Spring
Main spring
A breathtaking natural pool with impossibly clear, vibrant blue water that glows like a giant eye.
Scenic Walk or Ride
Path from parking to spring
Enjoy a 2km paved walk through lush nature, or opt for an electric scooter or road train.
Kayaking Adventure
River leading to Blue Eye
Experience the journey to the Blue Eye from the water with a recommended kayaking tour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Respect the Reserve
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The amazing Blue Eye Spring near Sarande in Albania. It's over 50 metres deep and to date no-one has ever reached the bottom. [OC] [1000x1500]
I’ve been there. The water is ice cold. Quite refreshing in the summer. Although the water looks as blue as it is in this picture, other colors are just result of too many filters.
🚶♀️ Walk or Ride?
The 2km walk is scenic but can be hot. Rent scooters or take the road train if you prefer.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The restaurant may be closed off-season. Pack essentials for your visit.
Looking for some tips for 5 days in Albania! First time visitor!
Hey! Have seen many posts here and there is some great info. Looking for some tips and advise for a trip myself and my girlfriend are planning for early September. We aim to arrive in Sarande from Corfu. We will most likely spend 2 - 3 nights in Ksamil - we're hoping to rent a…
The Blue Eye, Albania
Sadly it was an unregulated mess when I visited last year. Basically everone ignored the "no swimming" signs. Tons of trash, immensly crowded and generally disappointing. Parking was also a terrible. If the authorities would limit visitors per day and enforce that not everybody…
🚫 No Swimming!
It's a nature reserve, so swimming is forbidden. Respect the rules.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entrance fee is very low (around 0.50€), and parking is also reasonably priced.
Things to do in and around Saranda
Une do jam ne Sarande t'henen per nje jave per her te pare. So I need some help from my shqipes for suggestion what to do. We will mostly be sunbathing at the hotel 1,5 km from centrum but will atleast a day or two want to do something else. So I was thinking about going to…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Ride?
The 2km walk is scenic but can be hot. Rent scooters or take the road train if you prefer.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The restaurant may be closed off-season. Pack essentials for your visit.
🚫 No Swimming!
It's a nature reserve, so swimming is forbidden. Respect the rules.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entrance fee is very low (around 0.50€), and parking is also reasonably priced.
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant blues and turquoises are stunning. Go early for the best light.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Blue Eye's breathtaking natural beauty, particularly its impossibly clear and vibrant blue waters. The affordable entry and scenic surroundings are major draws, though some note that litter and graffiti can detract from the experience. The walk to the spring is generally pleasant, with convenient transport options available.
"The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), Albania The Blue Eye is a must-see natural wonder! It's absolutely breathtaking. The main attraction is the water—it’s impossibly clear and vibrant, glowing with deep sapphire blues in the center eye and stunning turquoise rings around the edges. It truly looks like a giant, mesmerizing eye staring up from the earth. The surrounding nature is lush and green, making the whole spot incredibly picturesque. From the parking lot/entrance gate, it's about a 2 km walk one way to reach the main spring. The path is paved and generally easy, but it can be hot! If you don't want to walk, there are convenient ways to get there: You can often rent an electric scooter at the entrance. Look for the road trainwhich shuttles visitors along the path for a small fee. The water is cold. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get the best photos. It's a short but unforgettable stop!"
Beata Wasilewska
"The water was extremely beautiful and super clear. We went on a very hot day so the cold water was amazing and we went kayaking. I would highly recommend doing the 10 euro kayaking to the blue eye. It was a little crowded but otherwise it was fantastic."
Ben Refoua
"A beautiful place in nature but very full with tourists.
You need to park your car 25 min (food walk) before the Blue Eye is coming. But you can rent a little motor roller for 10€ to go fast there. We rented because we was late there, it's close when the sun go down. You can go also with a little cute train there some meters away from the parking place.
If you chose to walk you have a lot spots on the way to enjoy the view.
The entry coast only 50 Lek = 0,50€.
It gives some restaurants and bars (with toilets) to eat and drink something.
By the Blue Eye it gives a beautiful souvenir shop with so many beautiful things from the Blue Eye 🧿🪬
You can't swim there. Some person do that but its forbidden 🚫 because its a nature reserve! Please respect that! ♡"
Anabel Sader
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Sarande, you can rent a car or take a bus towards Gjirokastër and ask to be dropped off near the Blue Eye. The drive is scenic.
Yes, there is parking available, though it can fill up during peak times. The cost is usually around 3€ for a few hours.
You can walk the 2km paved path, rent an electric scooter (around 5-10€), or take the convenient road train that shuttles visitors.
While direct public transport is limited, you can take a bus towards Gjirokastër from Sarande and arrange a drop-off. Renting a car or joining a tour is often easier.
The walk is about 2km on a paved path. It's generally easy but can be tiring on a hot day. Scooters or the train are good alternatives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, typically around 0.50€ (50 Lek) per person.
Tickets are usually purchased at the entrance gate. It's advisable to have some local currency (Lek) on hand.
The Blue Eye is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough time.
Yes, there is a parking fee, typically around 3€ for up to 3 hours, which is quite reasonable.
No, swimming in the Blue Eye is strictly forbidden as it is a protected nature reserve.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning offers the best light and fewer people, allowing you to capture the vibrant blues without distractions.
Drone usage is generally not permitted in protected natural areas like the Blue Eye to preserve the environment and visitor experience.
Focus on the mesmerizing blue hues of the spring, the surrounding lush greenery, and the unique perspective from the viewing platforms.
Consider kayaking to the Blue Eye for a different vantage point, or capture the journey along the scenic path.
Use a polarizing filter to enhance the water's colors and reduce glare. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the spring.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and bars located near the Blue Eye, offering refreshments and meals. However, they may be closed outside the main tourist season.
It's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, especially if visiting outside the peak season when facilities might be limited.
Expect typical local Albanian fare at the restaurants, including grilled meats and fresh salads.
Toilets are available along the path, though their condition can vary. It's advisable to use them cautiously.
Yes, there is a souvenir shop near the Blue Eye selling items inspired by the natural wonder.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit