Saranda to the Blue Eye: How to Get There

The short answer

The Blue Eye is about 25 km inland from Sarandë — roughly a 25 to 30 minute drive toward Gjirokastër. Getting there needs a little planning: some buses stop on the main road near the turn-off, from where it's about a 2 km walk (or a paid shuttle) in to the actual spring. The easiest options are a taxi, an organised tour, or your own car.

The road vs the spring — read this first

There are two things to separate: the entrance on the main road, and the Blue Eye spring itself, which sits about 2 km up an access track. From the entrance you either walk that track (about 25–30 minutes) or take the short paid shuttle when it's running. Also important: many Sarandë–Gjirokastër buses now use a newer road that bypasses the Blue Eye turn-off entirely — so if you're relying on a through-bus, confirm with the driver that it takes the old SH99 route past the Blue Eye before you board.

Bus and shuttle — the budget way

There are usually a small number of daily buses/shuttles from Sarandë aimed at the Blue Eye (fares reported around 400 lek one way, or roughly €14 round trip for a dedicated shuttle), but timetables are limited and change seasonally — verify them at the ticket office in Sarandë the day before. Budget travellers often combine this with a Gjirokastër bus that uses the old road, then walk in from the turn-off.

Taxi, tour or rental car — the reliable way

A taxi round trip from Sarandë, typically with a set waiting time at the site, runs around €35–40 — agree the price and the wait before you set off, and bring cash. Organised tours from Sarandë, Ksamil or Gjirokastër include transport and take the guesswork out. With a rental car you can pair the Blue Eye with Gjirokastër in a single day.

Which option is right for you

If you want it simple, take a taxi (with wait) or a tour. If you're on a budget, use a bus that genuinely passes the Blue Eye and plan for the walk in. Whatever you choose, confirm the return timing — it's easy to reach the spring and then get stuck waiting for a ride back.

Tree-lined river channel at the Blue Eye spring in southern Albania, water shifting from bright turquoise shallows to a deep blue pool framed by overhanging green branches — Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye) — tree-lined river channel flowing from the spring, turquoise to deep blue water

Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye) — tree-lined river channel flowing from the spring, turquoise to deep blue water

Practical tips

→ Confirm your bus takes the old SH99 road — many now bypass the Blue Eye.
→ From the entrance it's about a 2 km walk (or paid shuttle) to the spring itself.
→ Taxis and tours are the most reliable; agree the fare and waiting time up front.
→ Carry cash in Albanian lek, as some drivers may not accept cards.
→ Swimming in the spring's 'eye' isn't allowed — cool off in the Bistrica pools nearby.