Explore Blue Eye (Syri I Kaltër)

The Blue Eye, also known as Syri I Kalter, is a breathtaking freshwater spring located near the coastal town of Saranda in Albania. It’s known for its astonishingly clear blue waters surrounded by hills and lush greenery.

The spring’s name, the Blue Eye, comes from the water’s intense blue color, which resembles a giant eye. With a remarkable depth of more than 50 meters and a water flow rate of 18,400 liters per second, it is one of Albania’s most extraordinary natural sites.

The Blue Eye is located inside of Blue Eye National Park. The park has a total surface area of 180 hectares with 13.5 hectares of that being water.

The landscape is hilly and is made up of oak trees and other Mediterranean fauna. The main attraction inside of the national park is the Blue Eye itself. Most people spend a few hours in the park to see the crystal-clear waters and beautiful landscapes.

Syri I Kalter practical information

How much is entrance fee for the Blue Eye?

The cost to visit the Blue Eye is 50 Lek per person ($0.50). This must be paid in cash.

Syri i Kalter opening hours :

7:00 am – 7:00 pm year round, daily

Parking fee at the Blue Eye :

There is a parking lot located near the entrance to the Blue Eye. The fees for parking at the Blue Eye are outlined below. This must be paid in cash.

  • 0-3 hours: 200 Lek
  • 3-4 hours: 300 Lek
  • 8-24 hourus: 800 Lek

What to expect at the Blue Eye?

The entrance for the Blue Eye is located just a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. After you pay your entrance fee, you will cross a bridge and follow along a paved path.

The path is about 2 kilometers from the entrance to the actual Blue Eye. This takes around 20-30 minutes depending on your pace. It took us around 20 minutes to get there.

Once you reach the Blue Eye, there is a platform overlooking the spring, which is where you’ll find the best views. It can get crowded, so be prepared to wait.

After taking some photos here, we recommend follow along the dirt trail behind the platform for even better views of the entire river. You’ll reach some stairs, head up the stairs, and the view is just a short walk from the top.

There is a souvenir shop next to the overlook selling magnets, postcards, and other items if you are interested in purchasing something.

Overall, you should only need about 2 hours in total at the Blue Eye.

 

SOURCE: thetravelfolk.com


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