The Blue Eye Albania: A Natural Wonder You Need To See

All you need to know for your visit to the Blue Eye Albania

The Blue Eye in Albania is one of the must-see sights in the country. We had seen countless photos before visiting, but nothing could compare to experiencing it in real life. The clear turquoise water and natural setting were even more spectacular than we imagined.

We visited the Blue Eye near Sarandë in Southern Albania in August, right in the middle of the summer holidays. Yes, it was busy, but you can still have an amazing time with the right preparation.

So, what makes the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër) so special, and what should you know before you go to this popular tourist destination? Let’s dive into all the details so you can make the most of your visit!

If you are looking for information on the Blue Eye Theth, scroll straight down for useful information

What is the Story of the Blue Eye Albania?

a natural spring with various shades of blue, the water is crystal clear as you can see rocks, and water plants at the blue eye Albania — The mesmerizing natural spring of the Blue Eye

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a deep, crystal-clear spring that flows into the Bistricë River and eventually reaches the Ionian Sea. It is also a source of drinking water in the region.

It is a vertical karst spring, meaning the water comes from underground caves formed by water dissolving limestone over time. (source: Britannica) As the water emerges from a very deep cave, it creates the illusion of a giant eye with a dark center resembling a pupil.

The exact depth of the Blue Eye is unknown. Divers have only reached 45 meters due to the powerful water pressure, the freshwater spring pumps around 18.400 liters of ice-cold water per second.

Legend of the Blue Eye

woman standing on a plateau looking down at the blue eye natural spring, the river flows through lush vegetation at the blue eye in albania

Many local legends tell the story of the Blue Eye. One legend says that there was once a dark cave, home to mystical creatures.

But the most popular is the one of the snake. A long time ago, a big storm hit the land at Sarandë. As the wind howled and the sea raged, a giant snake rose from the water. It slithered to Vrisi in Delvina, where it ate women and children collecting water. Then, it moved toward Sopoti Mountain and swallowed two shepherds along with their sheep and goats.

The people were scared, but a brave old man had a plan. He took a donkey, put straw on its back, and set it on fire. He led the donkey to the snake’s cave, and the hungry snake ate it without knowing about the fire. The flames burned inside its belly, and the snake thrashed through the mountain, leaving a deep mark on the land.

As the snake died, its huge eye fell out and landed in a quiet place. Water started to flow, creating the Blue Eye spring. People say the Blue Eye still cries today, reminding everyone of the great snake’s end.

Where Can You Find the Blue Eye in Albania?

view of lake with a stunning mountain in the background at national park blue eye Albania — Blue Eye National Park

The Blue Eye Albania is located in the south, roughly 22 km from Saranda and 70 km from Gjirokastër.

It sits within Blue Eye National Park, surrounded by lush greenery of wild ferns, towering oak trees, and exotic palm trees. The park itself is around 180 hectares and offers numerous hiking trails, a stunning lake, and a gorgeous, crystal-clear river.

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How to Visit The Blue Eye Albania

When you arrive at the Blue Eye National Park pay for a ticket at the gate. Tickets are 50LEK (€0.50). The park is open year-round from 7 AM till 7 PM.

There are three ways to reach the natural spring. You can either rent an electric scooter for 500 LEK (€5,-) per hour or hop on a train for 300 LEK (€3,-) with children riding for free or take a leisurely walk.

A well-maintained paved path leads all the way down to the Blue Eye, making for an easy 30-minute walk. However, if you visit during summer, be prepared for the heat. Temperatures can reach above 30C, and with the lack of shade, the sun can make the trek more challenging.

father and son walking on a paved path at Albania Blue Eye — The paved path to the spring makes it accessible to anyone

We arrived late in the afternoon, hoping for cooler temperatures. Still, our son quickly started complaining, especially each time the train passed.

That being said, I personally enjoyed the scenic stroll, though I wished the path had been a bit more natural. While the paved walkway is practical, it did give the park a more urban feel rather than a natural experience.

Nonetheless, the lush surrounding vegetation and little stream created a picturesque setting.

red and green road train parked on the side of the road, the driver is waiting for passengers who are running to the train to avoid the rain at blue eye Albania — The road train is ideal if you don’t want to walk (in the rain)

On our way back, we decided to take the train and it turned out to be a great choice as heavy rain suddenly started pouring.

Thanks to our son’s insistence on not walking back, it was a lucky break!

How Long to Spend at the Blue Eye?

little side stream flowing into a clear emerald coloured stream surrounded by green lush vegetation in Albania — Not just only is the Blue Eye amazing, but the whole park is beautiful

If you just want to see the spring and enjoy the natural setting, you don’t need to spend the whole day there or here. Two to three hours is enough to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and maybe have a meal before heading to your next destination.

You might need a bit more time if you want to see more.

There are other things to do at the Blue Eye Albania than just admiring the natural spring. You can hike around the lake. At the park, you can find maps of trails along the lake. If you are into hiking, it would give you an excellent opportunity to see the blue eye from different angles.

map of trail along the lake in the blue eye Albania

map of trail through the hills at blue eye at Albania

Obviously, with our son having a hard time just reaching the spring we didn’t have the opportunity to check it out.

While we were walking down we also saw a sign of kayak rental. If you love being on the water and exploring the area by kayak then this is a terrific thing to do.

sign along the paved walkway at offering boat and kayak rentals at blue eye albania — Kayak tours are offered to explore the park

Parking at the Blue Eye Albania

We arrived with our motor scooter and could park at the gate in the motorcycle parking area. It was free for us.

There is mixed information on parking at the Blue Eye. Some say it is free, but I do recall seeing signs for parking for 300LEK per hour (some say per 3 hours) The parking area is huge, so you might need to walk a bit to get to the entrance if it is busy.

Restaurants at the Blue Eye

In the parking area, you can find a lot of stalls. Many sell souvenirs, others sell snacks and food. You can get some coffee and something light here.

Within the park, just 200 meters from the Blue Eye, there are facilities along the river. It is a nice place to cool off and have an ice cream. When we were there, they were closing up, so it is more of a place for lunch if you want to have something to eat.

Otherwise, bring plenty of water and food if you plan to be there for a while.

Can You Swim in the Blue Eye Albania?

no swimming sign along the river at the blue eye in Albania — These signs are found everywhere at the Blue Eye

Swimming in the Blue Eye is not allowed. Signs are posted everywhere, reminding visitors that swimming is prohibited to protect the spring’s natural state and preserve its delicate aquatic ecosystem.

Before visiting, we had the impression that swimming was an option. The water remains a chilly 10°C (50°F) year-round, but we were prepared with swimwear and towels, expecting to take a dip. However, after seeing the signs and understanding the reasons behind the restriction, we decided against it.

Despite the rule, many visitors waded into the water, mostly knee deep. There are no designated access points, but no one seemed to enforce the restriction, making it appear somewhat tolerated.

Ultimately, the decision is yours whether or not to swim. We sometimes take rules lightly, but we prefer to respect the guidelines when it comes to conservation.

The Best Time to Visit

boy looking over the blue eye, on the other side of the water is a balcony where visitors can view the natural spring from above — We were ready for a swim but decided not to

The best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is warm, the water is at its clearest and the summer crowd has gone.

July and August are the busiest months. In August 2023 alone there were more than 78,000 visitors (source: Euronews). Aim for early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the tourist crowds.

Naturally, shoulder months like May or September are also a good option..

How to Get to the Blue Eye Albania

woman driving a scooter along a road where it had recently rained, the sun is setting giving a nice golden glow on the road and surrounding trees in Albania — Late afternoon ride from the Blue Eye

By Car or Motor Scooter

We highly recommend renting a motor scooter in Sarandë and heading to the Blue Eye. Download the route on Google Maps, and you’re on your way. The route is very straightforward, the roads are in good condition, and the best part is that the scenery is breathtaking.

You can also rent a car from Sarandee or include the Blue Eye in your Albania road trip. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Sarandë.

Renting a car or scooter provides the most flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

crystal clear river flowing from the mountains, with one side the main road and on the other green vegetation in Mesopotam Albania — The river leads you straight to the Blue Eye

By Bus from Sarandë

Buses from Sarandë Bus Station to Gjirokastër run three times a day (7:00 AM, 10:15 AM, and 2:15 PM). Tickets cost 400 LEK.

The bus passes Blue Eye, and the bus driver will know where to drop you off. However, you’ll have to walk another 2 km from the main road along a dirt road, past the parking area, to reach the entrance gate.

During the summer months, the bus station can get crowded. To secure a ticket, arrive at least an hour before departure. You can book online, but you’ll still need to collect a paper ticket from the office. If you’re late, your seat may be sold, and you’ll be bumped to the next available bus.

For the return trip, wait on the opposite side of the road from where you were dropped off. Buses typically arrive at 11:40 AM, 2:25 PM, and 5:40 PM. You can pay 400 LEK directly to the bus driver.

If you’re feeling adventurous, hitchhiking is common in Albania. Tourists and locals often pick up travelers. However, for safety reasons, avoid hitchhiking alone.

electric taxi parked on the side of the road in Sarandë Albania

By Taxi

A taxi from Sarandë to the Syri i Kalter/Blue Eye costs around €40, depending on the season. The driver will wait for two hours before taking you back. Some accommodations can arrange a taxi for you, ensuring a hassle-free of arranging one for a reasonable price.

By Tour

Many day tours include Blue Eye in their itinerary, often combining it with stops at Gjirokastër, Butrint, or Lëkurësi Castle. This is a great option for those who prefer a guided experience with transportation included.

Day Trips Ideas

A day trip to the Blue Eye pairs perfectly with other nearby attractions. Some travelers even come from Corfu just for a day to visit this natural wonder.

You can easily combine your trip to the Blue Eye Albania with:

ruins at butrint national park just south of Ksamil in Albania — Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park – Known for its ancient ruins surrounded by nature, this UNESCO site is a must-visit. If you start in Sarandë, it’s only a 30-minute drive to Butrint National Park.

From there, it’s less than an hour’s drive to the Blue Eye, making for a well-rounded and diverse day trip full of nature, history, and adventure.

while tall ottoman house with a souvenir shop displaying carpets and colored plates in Gjirokastër Albania — Ottoman-styled houses throughout Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër – A UNESCO-listed Ottoman city full of history and charm. If you’re driving from Sarandë to Gjirokastër, a stop at the Blue Eye makes for a perfect break. The drive from Sarandë to Gjirokastër via Blue Eye takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes.

For a scenic return, you can take a different route via Kardhiq, which takes 1 hour and 5 minutes and allows you to complete a loop through stunning mountain scenery.

Planning to do a whole road trip through Albania? Check out what we suggest doing to fully enjoy this Amazing country and our suggested 10-day itinerary with a visit to the Blue Eye included.

Places to Stay

emerald green river flowing along the street at a village in Albania — The river in Mesopotam in a preview of what you’ll see at the Blue Eye

We highly recommend leaving the coast behind and spending a night near Blue Eye. There are many charming accommodations 20 minutes or less away. It is nice to experience the local atmosphere and the nature around you.

While the distances were not far, we arrived at our accommodation Mesopotam in the afternoon and headed to the Blue Eye around 4 PM. From there, we continued and drove to Gjirokastër, where we spent another night before returning to the coast.

We highly recommend this mini road trip, instead of staying in one place and going on quick day trips.

Places we recommend staying at the village Mesopotam near the Bleu Eye. You have local restaurants there too, so you won’t feel isolated.

📍Budget Shena The Farm Boutique, experience local hospitality and wake up with stunning views. Surrounded by a beautiful garden it is located far from the busy life.

📍Mid-range Mesopotam Agrotourism Resort cute modern-styled wooden cabins with river views. They have a pool where you can relax, and the restaurant offers something different than the regular tourist menu.

📍Luxury Dreamy Farm, enjoy the peace at this beautifully styled fruit and vegetable farm with a pool. You might need a 4×4 to get there, ask the owner before booking.

Blue Eye Theth Albania

small waterfall flowing into the blue eye pool in Theth National Park Albania — The Blue Eye in the north of Albania

There is another Blue Eye in Albania, located in Theth National Park in the north, known as Blue Eye Kaprre. It is known as the Blue Eye Kaprre and is most visited by those who are into nature and adventure.

Unlike its southern counterpart, this Blue Eye requires a scenic hike through rugged landscapes, past rivers, and into the heart of Albania’s untouched beauty. Worth it? Absolutely.

How to Get to Blue Eye Theth

farm house at Theth village with a tall mountain wall in the back in Albania — Theth Village

First, you’ll need to reach Theth, a stunning, remote village in the Albanian Alps.

By Bus: Take a mini bus from Shkodër to Theth. This scenic mountain ride takes about 3–4 hours. From there it’s a 7-hour round trip hike including stops and a visit to the Blue Eye.
By Car: A paved road leads from Theth to Nderlysaj to a parking area, from where you can start your hike.
By Tour: Not into hiking? No worries. Many local guides and tour operators in Theth offer off-road 4×4 transport to a point much closer to the Blue Eye, cutting the walking time significantly.

How Long is the Hike from Theth to the Blue Eye?

people crossing a small bridge over a crystal clear river flowing through a mountain gorge in Albania — The area around Theth offers stunning hikes

The hike from Theth to Blue Eye Kaprre is roughly 10 km (6.2 miles) one way, taking around 3–4 hours depending on your pace and fitness level.

From Theth take the dirt road along the river following the red white marks and signposts to Nderlysa. The trail is well-marked and follows the crystal-clear Kaprre River, passing through picturesque villages, meadows, and forests.

It’s not a difficult hike, but it does have some rocky, uneven sections. Make sure to wear proper hiking boots. It’s a 5km hike that will take 1,5 to 2 hours.

From Nderlysa it is uphill into the mountains. Follow the signs and arrive at the Blue Eye 45 minutes later.

mountain landscape with rocky summits and green slopes in Albania — The landscape along the Theth-Valbona trail

Optional:

If you plan to hike the legendary Valbona to Theth trail, adding a day trip to Blue Eye Theth is a no-brainer. After completing the challenging 17 km (10.5 miles) trek between Valbona and Theth, rest in Theth, then set out for Blue Eye the following day. It’s a perfect way to extend your Albanian mountain adventure.

If you are hiking from Teth Village to the Blue Eye, add Grunas waterfall to your hike. Expect to add another hour (return) to your hike. The detailed hike can be found on Maps.Me.

Can You Swim in the Blue Eye Theth?

At Blue Eye Kaprre are allowed to swim. The water is around 5–7°C (41–45°F), so it is freezing. But I can imagine that you want to jump in for a dip once you see the crystal-clear water.

If you’re not up for complete immersion, you can always just dip your feet in.

Best Place to Stay Near Blue Eye Theth

To enjoy your visit to the Blue Eye Teth, we highly recommend staying in Theth itself. There are charming guesthouses with warm hospitality, home-cooked meals, and breathtaking mountain views.

📍Budget Guest House Astrit Villa, a budget-friendly, family-run option with exceptional rooms and service.

📍Midrange Vila Shkalla is located at the river with amazing terrace views. A cozy guesthouse run by a welcoming family. Breakfast is a winner.

📍Luxury Vidis Chalet Boutique Hotel prepares for a luxurious stay with comfortable rooms, delicious food, great food, stunning views, and high-standard service.

Final Thoughts: Is Visiting the Blue Eye Albania Worth It?

The Blue Eye in Albania is absolutely worth visiting. Whether you choose Syri i Kaltër in the south or Blue Eye Kaprre in Theth, both offer an incredible experience of witnessing this unique natural phenomenon.

But it’s not just about the destination, the journey is just as wonderful. Syri i Kaltër takes you away from the bustling coastal towns along a scenic route with beautiful mountain landscapes.

As for reaching the Blue Eye in Theth, that is an adventure in itself. Located within the Albanian Alps, this natural site demands more effort to reach but is definitely rewarding for those who love nature.

Searching for a coastal town to stay along the Albanian Riviera? Read more on our visit to Dhermi Beach.

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Monico

Monico was born in Kuwait and grew up in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia, which gave her a unique perspective on the world from a young age. Her first solo travel experience took her to Indonesia, where she volunteered at an orangutan rehabilitation center, and since then, she has focused her travels on environmental and conservation projects in places like Panama and Australia. Along with her love for wildlife, Monico enjoys exploring historic European cities, swimming in the sea, and tasting street food in Asia. She’s also passionate about sharing her experiences of living abroad, inspiring readers to embrace new cultures and adventures. Monico’s future travel goal is to explore more of South, Central, and North America.