Syri i Kalter: How to visit the beautiful Blue Eye Saranda

Syri i Kalter (The Blue Eye Saranda) in Albania is one of those rare, almost unreal places. You know, places you won’t believe exist on Earth.

You’ll find Syri i Kalter in Southern Albania, located between the gorgeous Albanian Riviera and the epic UNESCO town of Gjirokastër. Both are worth a visit while you’re there.

In this post I’ll share all the info you need for planning a day trip to the Blue Eye near Saranda, including directions on how to get there.

Let’s dive in.

What is the Blue Eye Saranda?

Pretty intense, that’s what it is.

A Blue Eye, or Syri i Kaltër in Albanian, is a deep spring water pool in a karst rock formation. Its depth and the plants around it make the water look turquoise and azure.

It’s called ‘Blue Eye’ because it looks like a human eye.

When you look into the centre of the Blue Eye, you’ll understand how it got its name. The extremely blue water looks like the pupil surrounded by the vibrant greens and turquoise of the iris.

What makes it even prettier is the surrounding crystal clear water that reveals the rocks and vegetation at the bottom.

Syri i Kaltër is a natural phenomenon and the initial water source of the 25 km long Bistricë River.

And you know where it leads to? The Ionian Sea, a.k.a the dreamy beaches in Albania.

Where is The Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter)?

The Blue Eye is located near Muzinë village, between Saranda and Gjirokastra. It’s a hidden pool in a forest, and it requires a walk to reach.

A new road, shops, and cafes are coming, making access easier but it will likely increase crowds.

The Blue Eye is located beneath a small metal balcony that was built so you can get a closer look.

From above, you have a great view, but you can’t see the bottom. No one knows how deep it is. Some say at least 50 metres, but no one has descended deeper than that before.

How to get to the Blue Eye Albania

Now, you have three ways of visiting the Blue Eye:

• With a guided tour
• By rental car
• By bus/furgon ($2 each way from Gjirokastër – runs hourly in the summer)
• By taxi ($30 from Sarandë there and back)

With a tour

The easiest way to reach the Blue Eye near Saranda is by booking a guided tour from Saranda or Gjirokaster.

By car

Another easy way to reach the Blue Eye is by car. If you have a rental car, you can also explore the rest of Albania’s beautiful sights (trust me, it’s worth it).

By bus

You can also take a bus. It will drop you off at the main road where you’ll need to walk 2 km. But don’t worry. There are signs and only one road, so you can’t get lost.

From the main road, after crossing the bridge (where you’ll pay a small fee – 2.11 USD – remember to bring to bring local currency!) and following the gravel road, you’ll come across a parking spot and a footpath that leads to the Blue Eye. It’s very easy to find.

When you need to go back, just wait at the road on the opposite side of where you were dropped off. Once you see a bus with a sign in the window headed for Saranda/Sarandë or Gjirokastër (depending on where you’re heading), simply wave at them.

The Blue Eye is a common stop, and waving at the side of the road is the way to get on a bus in Albania. Just so you know 🙂

By taxi

You can also hire a taxi, which will cost you around US$30 from Sarandë for the drive there and back. It takes about 30 minutes, and the driver will wait for you at the parking lot.

Opening hours Blue Eye Saranda

If you’re planning to visit the Blue Eye, here’s some quick info you need to know:

• It’s open daily, year-round
• Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM.
• Nearby shops and cafes are open until late.

Blue Eye entry price

Here’s what you need to know about the fees for visiting the Blue Eye:

• Entry fee: 200 LEK per person (about 2.11 USD).
• Parking fee if you arrive by car: 100 LEK.
• Tickets sold at the bridge and pool entrance.

Notice the gorgeous nature in Southern Albania

While you’re there, make sure to check out the area around the Blue Eye. It’s quite beautiful. It’s filled with oak and sycamore trees, and in autumn you’ll get views like these ↓

FAQ – Blue Eye Albania (Syri Kalter)

What is the temperature in the Blue Eye Albania?

The Blue Eye in Albania stays at a chilly 10 degrees Celsius all year.

How deep is the Blue Eye in Albania

The Blue Eye spring is over 50 meters deep, and the water shoots up to the surface with incredible force. It pumps out at a rate of 18,400 liters per second.

Can you swim in the Blue Eye in Albania?

No. Syri i Kaltër is a protected area, so swimming is off-limits to protect it.

Though some people still jump in, please respect the rules and don’t swim. Help preserve this stunning lake, even if you see others ignoring the no-swimming rule.

How long is the walk to the Blue Eye Albania?

From the parking lot, you have to walk for 2 km to reach the Blue Eye near Saranda.

Can you drive to the Blue Eye?

Yes, you can drive there. It costs 100 LEK for parking.

How much is the Blue Eye Albania?

Visiting the Blue Eye costs 200 LEK per person, about 2.11 USD. If you’re driving yourself, parking will set you back another 100 LEK.

You’ll find the ticket booth right at the bridge and pool entrance.

More about Albania

• Albania Travel Guide | Everything you need to know
• Basic Albanian phrases and words you need to know
• 10 things to do in Berat
• Gjirokaster, Albania: A fairy tale hillside town
• The 10 best beaches in Albania
• 15 magical pictures that will make you want to visit Albania now

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