The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) from Borsh

The Blue Eye, Syri i Kaltër in Albanian, is a spring where deep blue water wells up out of the ground in a quiet patch of forest. It is about an hour from Borsh by car, and it makes a good half-day trip, or part of a longer day in the south.

One thing first: this is the southern Blue Eye near the village of Muzinë, between Saranda and Gjirokastër. There is a different "Blue Eye" in Theth, in the mountains of northern Albania. If you search for directions, make sure you pick the right one.

What it is

The Blue Eye is a karst spring and the source of the Bistricë river, which flows about 25 km to the Ionian Sea south of Saranda. The water rises from a hole so deep that divers have gone down 50 m without reaching the bottom. The pool shifts from bright turquoise at the edges to deep blue in the middle.

The spring is surrounded by oak and plane trees and is a protected nature area. In summer the shade of the forest is a welcome change from the coast.

Getting there from Borsh

• By car: about an hour. The route goes south along the coast towards Saranda and then inland on the road towards Gjirokastër. The spring lies just off that road, a little west of the village of Muzinë.
• In summer: allow extra time. The roads around Saranda are busy in July and August.
• The last part: access arrangements at the site have changed in recent years, and you may need to walk the final stretch from where cars stop. Check the current situation before you go, especially if anyone in your group walks with difficulty.

On site

• No swimming: the site rules do not allow swimming in the spring itself. The water is also cold, even in August.
• Go early: the Blue Eye is one of the best-known sights in southern Albania, and midday in summer is crowded.
• Bring cash: carry some lek in case there are parking or entry charges.
• Footwear: paths around the spring can be uneven and damp. Trainers or sandals with grip are better than flip-flops.
• Time on site: 1 to 2 hours is plenty for most people.

Combine it

The Blue Eye is on the way to Gjirokastër, and close enough to Saranda to fit lunch by the sea into the same day. You can combine it with Butrint, but both together make a long day with a lot of driving. If you only have time for one full day in the south, pick the one that interests you more. More options are on our things to do near Borsh page.

After a day inland, the sea at Borsh is waiting when you get back to your apartment.