Syri Kalter - The Blue Eye

Natural Phenomenon near Sarandë

Blue Eye Albania 03
Blue Eye Albania 03
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Eleroja

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is one of Albania's most famous natural sights, and it really does live up to the name: a shockingly blue spring that looks like an iris painted into the earth, with bright turquoise shallows fading into an inky, mysterious centre. It sits in a leafy, protected area inland from the coast, around 22 km from Sarandë, and the moment you arrive you feel the temperature drop under the trees and hear the steady rush of water feeding the river below.

What makes it memorable isn't just the colour, but the motion and clarity: bubbles and currents twist across the surface like someone is gently stirring glass, and even from the viewing points you can see the rocky edges with incredible definition. This spot is one of the best places to see in Sarandë when you want a break from the waterfront pace, and it pairs nicely with a walking tour of Sarandë if you do the city first and keep the Blue Eye as your scenic, cooling reset afterward.

History and Significance of the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

The Blue Eye is a karst spring, created by water pushing up through limestone terrain with enough force to form a deep “blue hole” that still hasn’t been fully measured. Over time it has become a symbol of southern Albania’s natural character: dramatic, surprisingly wild, and shaped as much by geology as by human history. Locals have long known it as a powerful freshwater source, and today it’s protected as a natural monument, which helps explain why the rules are stricter here than at many other scenic stops.

Its popularity has also given it a modern kind of significance. In recent years, the Blue Eye has become a rite-of-passage day trip for travellers based on the Albanian Riviera, and it's often the first place people really feel the inland side of this region, with forest trails, cold water, and a calmer rhythm compared to the beach towns.

Things to See and Do in the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

The main event is the viewpoint over the spring, where the colour shift is most dramatic on sunny days. Give yourself time to watch the surface patterns, because the “eye” effect becomes more obvious the longer you look, especially when the light is high and the water is throwing back different shades of blue.

Beyond the spring itself, the surrounding woodland is part of the experience. Short walks through the trees are an easy way to escape the busiest pockets, and if you like a slower visit, it’s worth lingering near the river sections where the water is still crystal clear but less crowded. There are usually places to sit for a break, and it’s a great spot for photos that feel genuinely different from typical coastline shots.

Swimming is typically prohibited, and even when people attempt it, the water is extremely cold year-round. Treat it as a place to admire and photograph rather than a “get in the water” destination, and you’ll enjoy it more.

How to Get to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

If you're travelling into southern Albania, the nearest airports are Corfu International Airport (CFU) via the Corfu-Sarandë ferry, or Tirana International Airport (TIA) followed by an overland journey south. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Sarandë on Booking.com. There is no practical train service to Sarandë or the Blue Eye area, so buses, minibuses, and taxis are the realistic public transport options.

From Sarandë, many travellers visit by taxi or as part of a half-day tour, which is the simplest option if you don't want to think about connections. Public transport can work, but it's less predictable: you may find limited minibuses heading toward the inland routes, and you'll still need to handle the final approach on foot.

By car, it's an easy day trip from Sarandë or Ksamil and gives you the most flexibility to arrive early and leave before peak crowds. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Expect a walk from the parking area toward the spring, and in busy season you may also see paid options like a small tourist train or e-scooters for the final stretch.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

  • Entrance fee: 50 lek per person (vehicle/parking fees are charged separately).
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website:
  • Best time to visit: Go early for calmer viewing and better photos before tour groups arrive, especially in summer.
  • How long to spend: 1.5-3 hours is ideal, including the walk in, viewpoint time, and a relaxed break under the trees.
  • Accessibility: The final approach involves walking on uneven paths, so it can be challenging for limited mobility and strollers.
  • Facilities: Expect basic food and drink options near the main area, plus simple rest stops, but bring water and cash to stay flexible.

Where to Stay Close to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself centrally along Sarandë's waterfront so you can walk to sights and restaurants; for a beach-first trip, stay in Ksamil to maximise sea time and treat the Blue Eye as an inland half-day escape.

For an easy, central base with strong comfort and a straightforward route for day trips, Hotel Saranda Butrinti, Affiliated by Meliá keeps you close to the promenade and the harbour. If you prefer a resort-style stay with a more self-contained feel, Bougainville Bay Resort & Spa is well-placed for coastal outings and organised trips inland. For a practical, well-located option that suits travellers who want simple logistics in town, Hotel Brilant Saranda works well for mixing sightseeing with relaxed evenings.

Is the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you want a true “only-in-this-region” natural sight that contrasts beautifully with the Riviera coastline. The colour and clarity feel almost unreal in person, and the forest setting makes it more than a quick photo stop if you take your time.

It's especially worth it if you visit with the right expectations: this is about viewing, atmosphere, and the walk through nature, not swimming or a big adventure hike. Treated as a half-day reset, it's one of the most rewarding side trips from Sarandë.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (14,056)

The Blue Eye in Sarandë is a compact natural spring with impossibly clear, deep-blue water set amid lush greenery and viewed from a small platform; visitors describe a pleasant paved walk of around 2 km from the parking/entrance, with options to rent electric scooters or take a small road-train shuttle if you prefer not to walk. Along the route you'll find snacks, bars, a souvenir shop and public toilets (some visitors call them poorly maintained), and while kayaking to the spring is offered by some vendors, swimming at the protected site is not allowed.

Beata Wasilewska
2 months ago
"The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), Albania ​The Blue Eye is a must-see natural wonder! It's absolutely breathtaking. ​The main attraction is thewater—it’s impossibly clear and vibrant, glowing with deep sapphire blues in the center eye and stu ing 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!..."
Anabel Sader
3 months ago
"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 renta 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! ♡..."
Milan Pokrývka
5 months ago
"Beautiful spot with crystal-clear water, but not an all-day attraction. A small train runs for less active visitors, but I recommend walking – it’s apleasant stroll on a well-maintained path. You can grab a snack or buy souvenirs nearby. Public toilets are available, though they could be better maintained. Worth a short visit!..."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is a strong family stop if you frame it as a short nature walk with a big visual payoff at the end. Kids usually love the “eye” shape and the colour, and it’s easy to keep the visit light and engaging without needing a long attention span.

The main consideration is safety and pacing. Keep a close eye near the water edges, plan breaks in the shade, and bring snacks so you’re not reliant on whatever is open on the day.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the Blue Eye is ideal as a calm, scenic escape from the beach-town buzz. Go early or later in the day for a quieter atmosphere, then slow it down with a coffee or a simple meal nearby before heading back to the coast.

It's also a great photography stop that feels a bit cinematic without trying too hard. If you time it well, you can turn it into a relaxed half-day that still leaves room for a sunset evening back in Sarandë.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers will appreciate that this is a low-cost highlight where the main value comes from the scenery, not a long ticketed experience. The easiest savings are practical: bring water and snacks, and try to share transport or use a minibus connection if it lines up.

If you’re watching spending closely, treat paid add-ons as optional. Walking the final stretch is part of the experience, and arriving early can help you avoid the feeling that you need to pay for convenience just to beat the crowds.

FAQs for Visiting the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

Getting There

It’s inland from Sarandë in the Muzinë area, making it a straightforward day trip from the coast. Most visitors combine it with Sarandë or Ksamil rather than staying nearby.
A taxi or a half-day tour is the simplest option because it removes the uncertainty of limited public transport. It also makes timing easier if you want to arrive before the busiest period.
It can be possible, but services are limited and schedules can be inconsistent depending on season and route changes. If you try it, plan extra buffer time and be prepared for a longer walk component.

Tickets & Entry

Typically, no-most people buy entry on arrival. Bring cash, because small sites and parking areas don’t always reliably accept cards.
Often yes, especially if you arrive by vehicle, as parking is usually charged separately. Some visitors also choose optional paid rides for the final approach, but those are not essential.

Visiting Experience

Swimming is generally prohibited to protect the spring and for safety reasons. Even when people attempt a quick dip, the water is extremely cold and can be dangerous.
Cold enough to feel shocking even on the hottest summer day. Think “ice-bath cold,” not refreshing beach water.
Arrive early in the day, especially in July and August, and keep your visit efficient at the main viewpoint before lingering elsewhere. Weekdays tend to feel calmer than weekends in peak season.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, because it gives you a very different side of the region and doesn’t require a full day if you start early. It works best as a half-day trip paired with a relaxed afternoon back on the promenade.
A classic easy pairing is the Blue Eye in the morning, then Butrint or Ksamil in the afternoon depending on whether you want history or beach time. That creates a balanced day without long backtracking.

Photography

Bright sunshine brings out the strongest blue tones and makes the “eye” effect more dramatic. Mid-morning to early afternoon usually gives the clearest colour, while late day can be softer and moodier.
Yes, the colour is naturally striking, and a phone camera does well in good light. The best tip is to take a few shots from slightly different angles to capture both the deep centre and the lighter edges.

Accessibility & Facilities

The approach involves walking and uneven ground, so it can be difficult if mobility is limited. If you need to reduce walking, consider arranging a taxi plan that minimises distance and visiting at a quieter time.
Yes, there are usually basic places for a drink and a rest near the main area, but options can be limited in the off-season. Bringing water and a small snack makes the visit more comfortable.

Nearby Attractions to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

  • Butrint National Park: A UNESCO-listed archaeological site near Sarandë that combines major ruins with a beautiful lagoon landscape.
  • Ksamil Islands: Tiny offshore islets and bright-water beaches that make an easy, scenic afternoon after your inland visit.
  • Lekursi Castle: A hilltop fortress above Sarandë with panoramic views, especially popular for sunset.
  • Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave): A cliff-framed cove known for clear water and dramatic coastal scenery on calm days.
  • Gjirokastër Castle: A powerful hilltop fortress in a UNESCO city, ideal for travellers who want to add culture to a southern Albania road day.

The Syri Kalter - The Blue Eye appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Sarandë!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

50 lek per person (vehicle/parking fees are charged separately).

Address: SH99 Muzina, Vlora County, Albania
Sarandë: 16 km
Gjirokastër: 18 km

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