Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

From the car park, a 2 km dirt road leads through dense oak and plane tree forest to the spring. Electric scooters and a mini-train are available for those who prefer not to walk. The trail is flat and easy, suitable for all fitness levels.

The spring itself is an oval pool roughly 10 m across. The centre is a dark blue cave opening (over 50 m deep – the exact depth is unknown, as divers are pushed back by the water pressure). Surrounding this is vivid turquoise water that shifts to emerald at the edges. The "eye" effect is best seen from above, from the wooden viewing platform. The water is so clear that the bottom is visible several metres down. The Bistricë River flows from the spring – swimming in the river is permitted, though the water is frigid (10°C).

A restaurant serving traditional Albanian food operates near the spring. The area is forested with plenty of shade and benches. The site is popular – during peak hours (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM in summer) expect queues at the viewing platform.

Depth – over 50 m, exact depth unknown – no diver has ever reached the bottom

Water output – 18,400 litres per second at peak flow, average 6,000 l/s

Temperature – constant 10°C year-round, regardless of season

Bistricë River – the spring feeds a 25 km river flowing into the Ionian Sea

Status – designated Natural Monument of Albania, protected area

The Blue Eye formed over millennia as a karst spring in the limestone bedrock of southern Albania. Underground water passes through a system of caves and channels before surging to the surface under enormous pressure. Scientific study of the spring began in the mid-20th century, but the precise depth and geological structure of the underground system remain uncharted. Divers have descended to 50 m, but the powerful upward current prevented further exploration.

In the 2000s, the area around the spring received Natural Monument status. In recent years, the Blue Eye's popularity has surged – it has become one of southern Albania's most-visited attractions. Infrastructure was expanded: a car park, restaurant, electric scooters, and a mini-train for transporting tourists from the entrance to the spring were added. Swimming in the spring itself is now officially prohibited to protect the ecosystem, though swimming in the downstream river is allowed.

From Saranda (22 km, 35–40 min):

– Taxi – ≈ €30–40 round trip (driver waits 1–2 hours)

– Shuttle from Saranda (KMG Tourism Group) – ≈ 1,400 ALL round trip, several departures daily

– Bus Saranda–Gjirokastër via old SH99 road – 400 ALL, ask for the "Syri i Kaltër" stop (not all buses take this route – confirm beforehand)

– Rental car – good road, parking 200 ALL/hour

From Gjirokastër (37 km, ≈ 1 hour):

– Taxi or bus along the SH99 road

– Convenient stop when travelling between the coast and Gjirokastër

On-site:

From the car park to the spring – 2 km on foot (20–25 min) or by electric scooter/mini-train.

Season: May–October for the best weather. The water looks equally stunning year-round (constant temperature). Winter is quieter but the path may be muddy.

Time of day: Early morning (8:00–10:00 AM) or after 4:00 PM – fewer tourists. Peak time (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM in summer) brings crowds and queues at the viewing platform.

Duration: 1–2 hours including the walk from the car park. Add 1 hour if swimming in the river.

Avoid: July–August midday – extremely crowded. Rainy days – the trail gets muddy.