The Blue Eye

Nature preserve · Finiq

The Blue Eye

Nature preserve · Finiq

Sarande SHA22, Saranda 9701, Albania

Highlights

Crystal clear blue-green spring water, a stunning natural wonder

Sarande SHA22, Saranda 9701, Albania Get directions

@atlasobscura

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"Known locally as Syri i Kalter, this deep subsurface well, or “blue hole,” as they are often called, is breathtaking. Reaching unknown depths, this blue hole in Albania’s Delvinë District is fed by an underground spring. Tourists travel from miles around for a glimpse of its natural beauty. Its name means “Blue Eye,” and it is mesmerizing to gaze into its portal. This spring is unique for its appearance as a deep sapphire blue “hole” beneath the surface of more tranquil turquoise water — a color scheme typically only observed in saltwater springs. Divers have made it down 50 meters into the water, but its true depth has yet to be revealed." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/places-to-mentally-go

View Postcard for The Blue Eye

Rick Vreeden De

Google

One of Albania’s true gems. A beautiful natural area with crystal-clear water, perfect for photos and peaceful walks. There are also cozy bars and restaurants along the way. Be sure to wear good shoes, and go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Note: parking costs between 3 and 6 euros. Highly recommended!

Mario Gbraiel

Google

Great experience. Amazing natural wonder, the logistics was well organized. From the car park, you can walk up (very hilly and windey), jump on the happy train or hire an electric bike- all fun. The main rest area was a nice place to get a bite to eat or drink. The water was freezing and the experience was great. Some people went into the water, this is NOT allowed.

TheZuzulinabubulina

Google

The reservation is amazing, all that beautiful vegetation and water's shades of blue and turquoise. There are many mosquitos, so a protection spray is recommended. People aren't allowed to enter the water, but they still do, unfortunately. The entrance was 100 LEK. From the parking area we rented some kind of scooter for 12 euro, because it's pretty far by foot. It was very fun to ride it.

Miles Macdonald

Google

For sure this is a beautiful natural geological feature with a huge volume of 10C clear fresh water pushing upwards from over 50 meters below. So why just three stars !!! Because it's being insanely over developed with private operators jumping on the bandwagon to make money indirectly from this natural feature. Honestly, I'm 68 yo and had no problem walking from the car park to the source, but now you have electric scooters, an electric train ferrying visitors to/from the source at a ridiculous cost. Crazy to me and spoiling the experience. Very different to Butrint where the site hasn't been overdeveloped for tourism.

Giacomo “Panda” Ravaioli

Google

Very nice place with a magical crystal clear blue-green water, although quite touristy. PLEASE respect the environment and the rules and although everyone does it, DON'T ENTER IN THE WATER 🙏 Prepare for a walk under the sun, so I suggest avoiding peak hours or be prepared with a hat and solar cream or take an e-scooter to get to the end of it. The entrance fee is low and inside you can rent a kayak for 10€/person to navigate on the lake and get back to the entrance.

Victor Chiea

Google

One of the most beautiful natural landscapes I've seen in Albania! This attraction can easily be included with other things in the southern region as it won't take much time. Also, I totally recommend renting one of the electric bikes as it can take a while to get there from the parking lot. And remember, swimming is forbidden!

Ahmed Shabana

Google

The place is pretty hot in the summer, but once you reach the blue eye the water is pretty cold, no one is allowed in, but you can splash the water to cool you off. You will park outside about 15 min walk to the Blue Eye, and 15 min back to the parking. For an extra fee there are scooters and a tuftuf which can take you there as well (around 3-5 min). It is usually a bit busy. Definitely worth going.

Ivo Almeida

Google

I had a great morning visiting the Blue Eye (a couple of hours). This beautiful natural spring, with incredibly clear and icy cold water in a stunning setting, is definitely worth a visit! There's about a 1-mile walk from the car park to the spring, so comfortable shoes are a must. Entry costs only 50 Lek (€0.50) per person, and in summer, there's a tourist train for 300 Lek (€3) each way for those who'd rather skip the walk. Near the spring, there's a reasonably priced restaurant, toilets, and a souvenir shop. A lovely spot to relax and enjoy nature 😊