The Blue Eye Spring: Albania's Syri i Kaltër

The Blue Eye spring — locally Syri i Kaltër (“the Blue Eye”) — is one of southern Albania’s natural wonders. From a round opening in the bed, fresh water wells up in an intense, almost artificial blue that lightens to turquoise around the edge of the pool. The “eye” is so deep that divers have failed to reach its bottom — over 50 metres — and the water, flowing from an underground aquifer, is cold and clear all year round.

It sits between Sarandë and Gjirokastër, making it a natural stop on the north–south route, and it combines beautifully with Butrint and a beach in Ksamil for a full day in the south.

What to expect

From the entrance car park there’s a pleasant 20–25 minute walk along the stream to the spring (or a paid local buggy/vehicle). At the head of the pool a viewing platform has been built over the “eye” itself, from where you can see the water bubbling up from the depths. The colour shifts with the hour and the light, and is strongest at midday when the sun hits it directly.

Swimming and considerations

Swimming in the “eye” itself is officially forbidden and dangerous: the water is very cold (about 10°C) and the upwelling current is strong. Many people still dip in the shallow stream that flows out of the spring downhill, where the water is cool and pleasant in summer. In season the site gets busy, so come early in the morning. Note there’s also a second “Blue Eye” in the north — near Theth in the Alps — an entirely different site; this one is the famous southern one.

Where to stay

There’s no accommodation at the spring itself; the convenient bases are Sarandë or Gjirokastër. Compare stays in the Sarandë area in advance.

For the full picture see the Albania guide and Butrint.