Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | The spring ”Syri i Kaltër”, Blue eye, or blå ögat in Swedish is located in southern Albania, not far from the city of Saranda. We drove here directly after our visit to Butrint, and must say that the road towards the mountains is beautiful throughout.
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ShareIt feels like nature is doing well, because it is intensely green and right next to it the clear mountain water flows in a wide channel. But this is of course nothing compared to what we will soon see and experience.
Table of contents
Fresh spring water
On the way up to the spring, we do as we see the Albanians do - we stop where the mountain water flows out and fill our water bottles. Fortunately, we have about 15 empty 1.5 litre bottles that we can fill with clean, clear and tasty spring water.
A driver who doesn’t have time to stop sticks out his half-liter bottle towards Peter and says ”Please Mr”. Peter fills the bottle while the man asks ”Where are you from?” When we answer ”Sweden” he says ”Stockholm! Scandinavians are wonderful people!” and then he thanks and drives on. We ourselves continue to the famous spring Syri i Kaltër.
Blue eye - "blue eye" or "Syri i Kaltër"”
The Blue Eye spring really does look like a blue eye. There are many names for it! Called a natural phenomenon, it consists of a spring a few square metres in size at a depth of at least 50 metres, where clear and drinkable water constantly bubbles up.
The spring is a tourist attraction and many people choose to both bathe and jump in from the small balcony above, even though the water is only 12.7 degrees centigrade. Others take billions of selfies with their selfie sticks ...
We are content to take photos and enjoy the surroundings. It is not only the deep spring that is beautiful. The green and blue colours of the water and the surrounding trees are the most intense shades we have ever seen.
To visit the Blue Eye
It is popular to visit Syri i Kaltër and we are far from alone here. On the contrary, it is teeming with children, young people and adults who want to swim, or just admire the fascinating spring. Of course, there is also a small tourist stand selling drinks and sweets in the middle of the forest …
If you want to get a nature experience without having to crowd with too many others, it might be an idea to come here early in the morning. But, crowded or not, we are very happy with our visit to this beautiful place!
See more in the neighbourhood
There is of course more to see and do near the Blue Eye spring. Here are some tips:
- Ksamil is a small and charming holiday resort
- Saranda is a slightly larger and busier tourist centre
- Butrint is an exciting archaeological site
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye)
Where is Syri i Kalter located?
Syri i Kaltër, or Blue Eye, is located in southern Albania between Saranda and Gjirokastër, near the village of Muzinë. It is one of the country's most visited natural attractions and a popular excursion destination from both Saranda and Ksamil.
What is the Blue Eye?
Syri i Kaltër is a spectacular karst spring where crystal clear water flows up from the earth's interior. The dark blue depths are surrounded by turquoise water, which makes the spring look like a blue eye – hence the name ”Blue Eye”.
How deep is Blue Eye?
The exact depth is still unknown. Divers have reached depths of over 50 meters, but the strong water current has made it difficult to explore the source all the way to the bottom.
How to get to Syri in Kaltër?
Most visitors arrive here by rental car, taxi or organized excursion from Saranda or Ksamil. There is also a local bus between Saranda and Gjirokastër, from where you can walk the last part to the natural monument.
How long does it take to get to Blue Eye?
Allow about one to two hours for your visit. This gives you plenty of time to walk around the area, enjoy the views, and photograph this fascinating natural phenomenon.
Can you swim in Blue Eye?
No, swimming in the spring itself is currently prohibited to protect the sensitive natural environment. The water also stays around 10 degrees all year round, which makes it very cold.
When is the best time to visit Syri i Kalter?
Spring and autumn are particularly nice with pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. During the summer it is popular to come early in the morning to avoid the largest tourist groups.
Is Syri i Kalter worth a visit?
Yes, the Blue Eye is considered one of Albania's most spectacular natural attractions. The combination of the intense blue water, the lush greenery and the peaceful environment makes the place well worth a visit.
Can you combine Blue Eye with other attractions?
Yes, many people combine Syri i Kaltër with Butrint, Ksamil or Saranda in the same day. It is also common to visit the site on the way between Saranda and Gjirokastër.
Do I need to buy a ticket to Syri i Kalter?
Yes, there is a small entrance fee to visit the natural monument. There is also parking and simple refreshments in the area.
English (UK) 
Svenska
Lennart says:
Beautiful!
Live well!
19 August 2015 - 8:55
Åsa says:
I should have gone swimming! I have almost obsessive thoughts that if it is possible to swim, I must swim! (in new places)
19 August 2015 - 9:21
Steve says:
Albania is getting better and better. It makes me feel good to read "It feels like nature is doing well". I wish we could say that wherever we are.
19 August 2015 - 9:31
Birgitta i Umeå says:
How wonderful you have it! I have heard and seen pictures of how beautiful it is up in the mountains.
Would love to go to Albania. Enjoy the time you are there.
19 August 2015 - 10:02
Ama de casa says:
Wow, how beautiful! But bathing in the drinking water? I hope bathing is the only thing they do there... 😉.
19 August 2015 - 10:11
Maggan och Ingemar says:
I'm glad you found the Blue Eye magical spring. We spent the night there all alone. 🙂
No, I wouldn't want to swim in the cold water. Albania has a lot to offer if you take the time to find the different places. Inland I am curious about will probably be a new trip maybe next year. 🙂
19 August 2015 - 10:56
admin says:
Lennart, it's amazingly beautiful in Albania. We sit and say "wow" all the time!
Åsa, you would have been swimming! For me it was both too cold and too crowded 😉.
Steve, this is what you want nature to look like everywhere!
Birgitta in Umeå, we think you should definitely come here if you can! Beautiful and friendly people.
Ama de casa, I don't think many people get their drinking water from here... It sprays and flows from the mountains in a thousand places. But it's drinkable water for bathing.
Maggan and Ingemar, really nice! Understand that it was nice to stand there overnight! We are on the coast now, but may see some of the inland as well.
19 August 2015 - 13:13
BP says:
Incredibly beautiful and who would have expected a pure spring and such a paradise - or should I say oasis - in Albania. Prejudice after prejudice disappears here thanks to your enthusiasm for what you have seen so far.
Never actually drank spring water. Enjoying this post:-)
19 August 2015 - 13:21
admin says:
BP, we are also very positively surprised by Albania. More beautiful than we could imagine! It is also chaotic and messy in many ways, I'll report on that too 😉.
19 August 2015 - 14:26
Steel city anna says:
So beautiful! A lagoon it looks like, like in the films 🙂 .
19 August 2015 - 14:54
Ontrip.dk says:
WOW it looks very delicious 🙂 It would be nice with a swim in the delicious but cold water right now 🙂 ðŸ™'
19 August 2015 - 18:19
admin says:
Steel city Anna, great colours when the sun is out!
Ontripdk, it's probably refreshing to take a dip there anyway! 😉
19 August 2015 - 19:20
Ditte says:
What fun and interesting to read more about Albania and see your beautiful pictures, because Albania is a completely unwritten card with me. So far...
19 August 2015 - 22:58
admin says:
Ditte, it's nice to be able to talk about a place you haven't been. You are so well travelled!
20 August 2015 - 9:31
Rebecca says:
Thanks for such a great and useful post so that we can plan our trip more easily! Have read several posts!
25 March 2018 - 15:40