Audio Guide of Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

The natural park is usually open every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM during the high season, and until sunset in winter. To get there, the most convenient option is to drive about 30 minutes from Saranda or take a bus toward Gjirokastër and ask to get off at the exact location on Google Maps.

Admission is not free, but it is very inexpensive: it costs 50 LEK per person (approx. €0.50) and a small additional fee if you arrive by car. Remember to bring cash (Albanian lek), as cards are usually not accepted at the entrance booth.

To enjoy the walk, see the spring at a relaxed pace, and take good photos, I recommend setting aside between 1.5 and 2 hours. If you decide to walk from the main parking area (about 2 km) instead of renting the available electric scooters, the visit may take a bit longer.

It is a unique geological phenomenon: a vertical karst spring more than 50 meters deep whose exact bottom has still not been reached by divers. Local legend says the eye was born from the tears of a giant dragon slain by villagers, which gives the place a mystical atmosphere.

Without a doubt, the key is to arrive early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or just before sunset. During the summer months (July and August), the place fills with tourists at midday, which takes away some of the magic of the turquoise water.

The main path from the entrance has been recently paved, which makes access easier, but it has a considerable slope and is about 2 km long. However, the final access to the edge of the spring has uneven ground and steps, so full accessibility is limited.

If you're making the trip, it's ideal to combine this visit with the historic stone city of Gjirokastër (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is about 30 minutes away. You can also visit Butrint National Park if you head back south of Saranda.

The water emerges at a constant temperature of 10°C, so although you will see people swimming, it is technically forbidden to protect the environment and can be dangerous because of thermal shock. Wear comfortable shoes for the walk and bring water, although there are a couple of simple restaurants next to the spring.