Blue Eye in Albania | A Day Trip from Saranda

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Hidden in the lush countryside between Saranda and Gjirokaster lies one of the county’s most magical natural wonders – the Blue Eye in Albania (Syri Kaltër). This dazzling turquoise spring looks almost unreal, with the clearest water bubbling from an underwater cave that plunges more than 50 meters deep.

It’s easily one of the best day trips from Saranda, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone chasing off-the-beaten-path adventures in southern Albania. I explored the Blue Eye on my own without a guide – peaceful, scenic, and super cold!

In this guide, I’ll share exactly how to get to the Blue Eye spring, what to expect when you arrive, tips for visiting independently or on a guided tour, plus a few other awesome things to do nearby to help you plan the perfect day trip.

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What is the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)?

Albania’s Blue Eye is a natural spring located in southern Albania, about 30 minutes inland from the coastal town of Saranda. This natural phenomenon gets its name from its striking colors – a deep sapphire center surrounded by rings of turquoise and emerald green, resembling the pupil of a human eye.

The spring’s exact depth remains a mystery, but divers have descended more than 50 meters without reaching the bottom. Fed by underground rivers from nearby mountains, the Blue Eye forms the source of the Bistricë River, which flows all the way to the Ionian Sea.

The area around it is a protected natural park filled with lush vegetation, shaded walking paths, and wooden viewing platforms that let you peer right over the vivid blue water.

It’s one of Albania’s most famous natural attractions – yet still manages to feel wild and peaceful, especially if you arrive in the morning before the tour groups roll in.

How to Get to the Blue Eye from Saranda or Gjirokaster

The Blue Eye in Albania sits roughly halfway between Saranda and Gjirokaster, making it a perfect stop if you’re traveling between the coast and the mountains. It’s about 14 miles from Saranda and 22 miles from Gjirokaster – around 30 to 40 minutes from either direction. Here are the different ways to reach the natural wonder.

From Saranda

From the Saranda city center, take SH99 northeast toward Gjirokaster. The road is mostly paved and scenic, winding through lush countryside and small villages. Keep an eye out for the signs for “Syri Kaltër”, which will lead you to a turnoff on the right-hand side.

From there, you’ll drive about 2 kilometers down a narrower road until you reach the parking lot. Parking costs 200 lek (2€), and from the lot it’s a 15 minute walk along a shaded forest trail to the Blue Eye of Albania.

From Gjirokaster

If you’re coming from Gjirokaster, head south on SH4, then take the turnoff onto SH99 toward Saranda. The road descends through the Drino Valley with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and farmland.

The Saranda Blue Eye entrance is well marked on the left hand side. Expect about 45 minutes of driving, depending on your pace and traffic. It’s an easy addition if you’re traveling between Gjirokaster and the Albanian Riviera or doing a day trip loop.

🚐 By Tour: If you’d rather not drive, day tours run regularly from both Saranda and Gjirokastër. Many combine multiple highlights in one day, such as the Albania Blue Eye, Ksamil, and Gjirokaster – ideal if you want to cover a lot without planning logistics yourself. This is one of the easiest way to visit the famous Blue Eye.

🚕 By Taxi: You can also hire a round trip taxi from either city. Expect to pay around €30 to €40 from Saranda or €40 to €50 from Gjirokaster depending on your negotiation skills and season. Ask the taxi driver to wait while you explore (about 1.5 hours).

🚌 By Public Bus: Public transport is limited but possible. From Saranda, catch a bus toward Gjirokaster and ask to be dropped at the Blue Eye turnoff (Ura e Syri I Kaltër) – from there it’s a 20 minute walk.

Coming from Gjirokaster, take a Saranda bound bus and do the same. Just remember buses don’t run often, especially outside summer. I would not recommend this option.

🚗 By Car: Renting a car and riving yourself gives you the most flexibility to explore nearby stops like Lekursi Castle, Butrint National Park, or Gjirokaster Old Town. Roads are in decent condition but narrow at times, so take it slow and enjoy the ride.

Rent a Car →

☕️ Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Car in Albania

What to Expect When You Visit the Blue Eye

Once you arrive at the Blue Eye entrance, you’ll find a small parking area, a few shaded picnic tables, and a short trail leading into the forest. It costs 50 Lek to get in, which is about 0.50 cents.

The walk to the Blue Eye is about 15 minutes along a flat, scenic path that winds through lush greenery, wooden bridges, and the sound of rushing water in the distance.

There are people renting motorized razors if you don’t want to walk the mile to and the mile from the Blue Hole. When you reach the main spring, you’ll immediately see why it’s one of the most photographed places in Albania.

The water is unbelievably clear, shifting in color from deep sapphire blue in the center to vibrant turquoise and emerald around the edges. The “eye” effect is created by cold water bubbling up from an underwater cave, and you can actually see the current rippling as it surfaces.

There’s a viewing platform directly over the spring that lets you look straight down into the depths – the center appears almost black because it’s so deep (divers have gone more than 50 meters down without finding the bottom).

You can also follow a short trail downstream to a few smaller pools and bridges for different photo angles. Swimming is technically not allowed to help preserve the fragile environment, but there were several people including us who dipped our feet in (which is allowed).

It was a hot summer’s day, but the water is freezing cold year round. The water was about 50°F and so, so cold. It was refreshing though. Nearby, there’s a small restaurant and cafe with outdoor seating overlooking the river.

Facilities are basic (a few restrooms and picnic spots), so bring what you need for the day, including water, sunscreen, and cash for entrance and parking fees.

Blue Eye Albania Entrance Fee & Hours

💰 Entry Fee: 50 lek (€0.50) per person
🚗 Parking Fee: 200 lek (€2) per person
⏰ Hours: Typically open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Best Time to Visit the Blue Eye in Albania

The Blue Eye is open year-round, but the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, especially in spring or early summer when the colors are most vibrant and crowds are smaller. Midday can get busy with tour groups from Saranda and Ksamil.

Blue Eye Albania Tours

If you don’t have your own transportation or simply prefer a more structured experience, visiting the Blue Eye on a guided tour is an excellent option. Tours run daily from Saranda, Ksamil, and Gjirokaster, and most include transportation, entrance fees, and a few scenic stops along the way.

One of the main perks of going with a tour is convenience – no need to worry about bus schedules, navigation, or parking. Many tours combine the Blue Eye with other top attractions in southern Albania, such as:

🏰 Gjirokaster Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Ottoman architecture and castle views.
🏖️ Ksamil Beaches – perfect for a relaxing swim after your morning at the Blue Eye.
🐢 Butrint National Park – an ancient archaeological site surrounded by wetlands and wildlife.

Tours typically last 5 to 8 hours and cost around €40 to €60 per person, depending on what’s included. You’ll travel in a small group with an English speaking guide who can share local insights, stories, and history that you might otherwise miss when visiting solo.

While I personally loved the freedom of visiting independently, tours are great for travelers short on time, without a rental car, or wanting to meet other travelers. You’ll also be sure to hit all the highlights without the hassle of logistics – which can be especially nice in Albania, where public transportation is limited.

📌 Here are some Tours that include the southern Blue Eye of Albania:

Tips for Visiting the Blue Eye

To make the most out of your trip to the Blue Eye in Albania, here are a few practical tips based on my experience of exploring it solo without a tour.

We visited the Blue Eye after spending a few magical days on the Albanian Riviera on our way back north to go hiking through the Albanian Alps.

🕑 Visit Early or Late in the Day: The Blue Eye can get very crowded between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., especially in summer when day tours from Saranda and Ksamil arrive. Visit early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience – and softer light for photos.
🩴 Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking about a mile each way unless you rent one of those electric scooters for an extra cost.
💧Bring Water & Snacks: There’s a small cafe near the spring, but options are limited. As I always recommend, bring a water bottle and some snacks, especially if you plan to linger or make it a picnic stop.
📸 Bring Your Camera (and Polarizing Filter): The colors of the Blue Eye look even more vivid in photos, especially with a polarizing filter to cut through reflections. The water is so clear you can see every rock and ripple below the surface.
💶 Bring Cash: The entrance and parking fees are cash only, and there’s no ATM nearby. Have a few small bills ready before you arrive.
🧊 Don’t Plan to Swim: While tempting, swimming is technically not allowed to preserve the delicate ecosystem. That said, you can dip your feet in at certain spots downstream – just be ready for a shockingly cold 50° F water temperature. Brrr.
🪂 Purchase Travel Insurance – It’s very affordable when you consider the alternative.
📲 Get an eSIM for your phone to stay connected with a local high-speed data network while you travel.
🗺️ Combine it with Other Stops: If you have a car, make it a full day trip by combining the Blue Eye with Gjirokaster, Lekursi Castle, or the beaches of Ksamil. It’s a gorgeous loop that shows off Albania’s diversity – mountains, springs, history, and coastline all in one day.

Albania Travel Vlogs

Would you rather see what it’s like to visit the Blue Eye in Albania instead of just reading about it? Check out the video above to watch our adventure exploring this chilly turquoise spring in southern Albania.

While you’re there, make sure to check out our other vlogs filmed during our 5 months of travel through the Balkans – from coastal Albania to mountain towns, epic hikes, and hidden gems across the region.

If you enjoy the video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel or give it a thumbs up 👍 – it doesn’t cost you anything, but it really helps us keep creating free travel guides and vlogs to inspire your next adventure.

🎥 Watch our Albania Series on YouTube

Final Thoughts on the Blue Eye (Syri I Kaltër)

The Blue Eye (Syri I Kalter) is one of those rare natural spots that is worth adding to your Albania itinerary if you’re staying in Saranda, Ksamil, or Gjirokaster. Go early, take your time, and soak up the peaceful energy before heading off to explore nearby castles, beaches, and mountain towns.

Whether you’re chasing hidden gems or planning the perfect day trip from Saranda, the Blue Eye is a reminder of why Albania has become one of Europe’s most underrated adventure destinations – wild, welcoming, and full of surprises.