About the Blue Eye
The Blue Eye (*Syri i Kaltër* in Albanian) is a karst spring in the mountains above Vlorë county, approximately 25 km northeast of Saranda and 80 km southwest of Gjirokastër. It's one of the most visited natural attractions in Albania — and one of the most visually astonishing.
The spring emerges from an underground river cave at a depth that has not been fully charted. The water rises with tremendous force through a circular pool, and the color — a vivid, luminous turquoise-blue that deepens to indigo towards the center — is extraordinary. The effect is of light coming from beneath the water. On bright days, the contrast between the dark forest surrounding it and the glowing pool is almost surreal.
The Bënça River begins here. The area around the spring is a nature reserve with old oak forest and a small cafe. The walking path along the river from the spring entrance makes for an excellent short hike.
Visiting the Blue Eye
At the Spring
The main pool is reached via a short walk (10–15 minutes) from the park entrance through the forest. The path is clear and relatively easy. At the pool, you can stand close to the edge and look down into the extraordinary blue water.
Swimming: Swimming in the central pool is strongly discouraged and potentially dangerous — the outward current is powerful and the water is extremely cold (around 10°C / 50°F year-round). Supervised swimming may be possible in calmer sections of the river downstream. Follow local guidance.
The viewpoint: A small wooden platform near the spring gives the best view down into the pool. This is where the most striking photographs are taken.
The River Walk
The path along the Bënça River from the spring is a pleasant 1–2 hour walk through old-growth forest. The river forms turquoise pools and small rapids. This section is less visited than the main spring and is excellent in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Practical Information
Getting there:
- From Saranda: approximately 25 km by car or taxi northeast on the SH99 road towards Vlorë. A taxi from Saranda takes around 30 minutes. Ask your accommodation to book one or negotiate at the Saranda taxi stand.
- From Gjirokastër: approximately 40 km southwest by car. A day trip from Gjirokastër is very manageable.
- By organized tour: many Saranda-based tour operators offer half-day Blue Eye trips, often combined with Gjirokastër.
- By public transport: limited; some minibuses from Saranda run in the direction of Vlorë and can drop at the junction, from where you walk or hitch the remaining few km. A taxi is far more convenient.
Entrance: A small fee is charged at the site entrance. Verify the current amount on arrival.
Facilities: A small cafe operates at or near the spring entrance. No other facilities inside the reserve.
Time needed: 1.5–2 hours at minimum; 3–4 hours if you walk the full river path.
Tips for Visiting
- Go in the morning — the light in the forest is best, and the spring is more tranquil before tour groups arrive
- Bring sun protection for the path sections that are exposed, and a light layer for the cool forest
- Do not attempt to swim in the central pool — the current is extremely powerful and the water is very cold
- Combine with a stop at Gjirokastër or a Ksamil beach afternoon for a full day
- Spring (April–May) is spectacular here — the forest is bright green and the pool color is especially vivid after winter rains have boosted flow
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in the Blue Eye? Swimming in the central spring pool is dangerous and strongly discouraged. The water is extremely cold (around 10°C) and the outward current from the underwater cave is powerful. Some visitors swim in calmer sections of the Bënça River downstream.
How do you get to the Blue Eye from Saranda? By taxi (about 30 minutes) or on an organized tour from Saranda. Public transport is limited. Most guesthouses in Saranda can arrange a taxi.
Why is the water at the Blue Eye so blue? The color is caused by light refraction in the deep, extremely clear water. The spring emerges from an underwater cave; the depth and purity of the water creates the remarkable blue-indigo coloring.
How deep is the Blue Eye? The exact depth of the cave system has not been fully charted. Divers have explored to 50+ metres without reaching the bottom.
Is the Blue Eye worth visiting? Yes — it's genuinely unlike anything else in Albania or most of Europe. The visual effect of the spring is extraordinary and the forest setting is beautiful.
Is the Blue Eye crowded? It can be busy in July–August, particularly around midday when tour groups arrive. Go in the morning or in the shoulder season for a quieter experience.