Must See in Albania: The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

Must See: The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

It is one of Albania's most iconic and mesmerizing landmarks. Water erupts powerfully from 50m+ deep underground, creating a stunning pool with a deep sapphire center and vibrant turquoise edges. Looking down, it resembles a glowing blue eye—hence the name. It's an 45-minute drive from Gjirokastër and just 30 minutes from Sarandë.

Tickets can be bought on-site for just 50 Lek per person—an absolute steal! From the entrance, it's a 2 km walk (about 20 minutes) to the shaded spring. The initial stretch has no shade, so definitely pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen in summer. Alternatively, you can hop on the electric mini-train for 300 Lek one-way. It runs roughly every 15 minutes from the entrance on a dedicated track separate from the pedestrian path.

Along the walk, you'll catch glimpses of the lake and cross the Dam of Bistrica, with the Blue Eye awaiting you at the end of the trail. While signs strictly prohibit swimming, some locals gasped in disbelief when I told them I actually stayed dry! So, whether you take the plunge is entirely up to you (just stay safe). One thing you absolutely must do, though, is snap some photos. The morning light here is pure magic, and you'll beat the crowds.

After your visit, you can simply head back the way you came. However, I took the mountain trail winding along the spring. In theory, it leads back to the parking lot in about 50 minutes. It's a beautiful, peaceful path through the woods, though it has some ups and downs and lacks signs (it's not even on Google Maps). I got lost and ended up right on the highway... I still highly recommend stepping into this tranquil wooded path if you're up for a bit of adventure.

💡Practical Info

• You need at least 2 hours. • Open it on GoogleMaps • Entry fee: 50 Lek. Parking: 300 Lek. • Amenities: Toilet, a café-bar, 2 souvenir shops, a restaurant with a low rating.

🗺️How to Get There via Public Transport

1. From Gjirokastër: At 9:00 AM, I hopped on the bus heading from Gjirokastër to Sarandë. Just tell the driver you want to get off at the "Blue Eye"—they know exactly where it is since it's a very popular stop. The fare was 400 Lek, and I arrived at the ticket booth by 9:48 AM. My original plan was to catch the bus to Sarandë at the junction at 11:40 AM, but as I mentioned, my accidental detour made me miss it. Luckily, I met a lovely German couple in the parking lot who gave me a free ride all the way to Sarandë!

2. From Sarandë: You can easily do this in reverse. The bus from Sarandë to the Blue Eye takes about 30–40 minutes and usually runs every hour.

3. 2026 Update: Gjirafa shows two direct buses daily from Gjirokastër to Syri i Kaltër at 1:45 PM and 5:00 PM, priced at €6.