Blue Eye Albania (Syri i Kaltër): How to Visit, Swimming Rules and Theth's Other Blue Eye
Updated 2026-10-19 · 6 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to visit the Blue Eye from Sarandë
- Take a Gjirokastër-bound bus or furgon from Sarandë and ask to stop at Syri i Kaltër, or drive/taxi (about 30–40 minutes).
- From the road junction walk or drive the short access road to the parking area.
- Pay the small entry or parking fee at the gate in lek.
- Walk the shaded path to the spring and viewing platforms.
- Arrive before 10:00 in July–August to avoid tour-bus crowds.
Where is the Blue Eye in Albania?
In Vlorë County near the village of Muzinë, between Sarandë and Gjirokastër, roughly 25 km from Sarandë.
It sits just off the SH99 road, so it combines easily with a Gjirokastër day trip.
Can you swim in the Blue Eye?
No — swimming and jumping into the spring are prohibited at the protected site, and wardens fine people who try.
The water is also very cold (around 10–13 °C) and the spring is over 50 m deep, with a strong upward current.
What is the 'other' Blue Eye near Theth?
The Blue Eye of Kaprre is a turquoise pool below a small waterfall, a 1–1.5 hour hike from Theth village. Swimming there is common.
It's a separate place in the far north — don't confuse the two when planning.
| Syri i Kaltër (south) | Kaprre (Theth) | |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest town | Sarandë | Theth |
| Access | Short walk from car park | 1–1.5 h hike |
| Swimming | Not allowed | Allowed, very cold |
| Best season | All year | June–September |
How much does it cost and when should I go?
Expect a small entry/parking fee of a few hundred lek. Go early morning or late afternoon in summer.
Fees change; carry cash in lek. Spring months have the strongest water flow.