Albania’s Two Blue Eyes - Ultimate Travel Guide 2024
Albania is known for its beautiful attractions and magical views, and the Blue Eyes in Saranda and Theth are sure to sweep you off your feet the moment you see them.
If you plan to visit Albania, The Blue Eyes are not to be missed! To help you make the absolute most of your visit, here is a complete and thorough guide to these beautiful and interesting spots.
What is The Blue Eye, Albania?
The Blue Eye is known for its unique color, a result of the refraction of
sunlight piercing beautifully through the spring, and also for its peculiar geological structure, as its caves are believed to have formed from the collapse of limestone rocks. Pretty interesting!
Where is The Blue Eye located?
The Blue Eye In Saranda
The Blue Eye can be found in the outskirts of Sarande, Albania, about 10 kilometers from the center of the city. It is known that the spring is deeper than 50 meters, but it is unclear. Divers have tried to reach the bottom, but nobody has succeeded. If you jump into the Blue Eye, you are immediately pushed up to the surface, so don’t be too brave and try to reach the bottom - you won’t.
The best time to visit would be from April to October when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect to enjoy this stunning sight. If you happen to be there during the summer months, you can also take a quick swim, so bring your swimsuit. The water is quite cold even during August, so brace yourself.
The Blue Eye In Theth
The Blue Eye in Theth is a little different. It’s a limestone pool situated approximately 7 km away from the center of Theth, and is fed by a pouring waterfall.
It takes the colors of blue and emerald, varying on the season, creating a breathtaking landscape for everyone who lays eyes on it. Its depth can go up to just 4-5 meters, which is nothing compared to the one in Saranda. The best time to visit is during the hot summer months from June to August. The sparkling blue waters and the majestic mountain views will make you feel like you’re on top of the world!
Why Should You Visit The Blue Eyes?
Visiting The Blue Eye in Saranda should be on everyone’s travel list. Starting from the crystal clear turquoise water, to its mysterious backstory, The Blue Eye is full of surprises.
The water is believed to have healing powers and to be the home of a mysterious creature. Don’t be intimidated though, even if there really are creatures down there, we’re sure they’re friendly ones!
The area surrounding The Blue Eye is also worthy of mentioning since it’s a natural monument where the mighty trees stand out with their beauty. There are also tons of activities to do while you’re there, so you’ll never get bored, but we’ll get into those further down.
For anyone who’s looking for their next hike, visiting The Blue Eye in Theth is a must. Seeing these aquamarine crystal waters in person and listening to the water splashing is a feeling like no other. You can take in all the beauty while also enjoying a quick and refreshing swim in the natural spring. Be warned - it’s freezing cold - so dive at your own risk!
We guarantee you won’t get bored, neither during the trip there nor when you reach your destination, as nature always has something to keep you entertained.
How To Get To The Blue Eye In Saranda?
You can reach The Blue Eye in Saranda:
- By car
- By bus
- By taxi.
Let’s describe each of these options so you can decide which one suits you best!
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#1 By CarList Item 1
From the city center of Saranda, all you need to do is follow the signs for Gjirokastra for about 30 minutes. From the main road, you’re going to have to drive along an unpaved forest path for about 2 km, which can get a little bumpy, but then you’ll finally arrive at the parking spot. From there you can walk until you reach the so-wanted destination.
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#2 By BusList Item 2
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Saranda to The Blue Eye, so you’ll have to take the bus from Saranda to Gjirokaster. The bus ticket costs 2.5 euros, which you can buy from the bus driver. You just have to tell the driver to stop at The Blue Eye and he’ll know where to stop. Once you get off the bus, you’ll have to walk for 2 km to reach the spring. It’s a road with dirt and sand, so be sure to wear proper sneakers.
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#3 By Taxi Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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What To Do At The Blue Eye in Saranda?
Of course, we’re not going to allow anyone to get bored during their visit, so we’re going to provide some suggestions on how to enjoy your visit to The Blue Eye in Saranda.
A. Swim by the Blue Eye
After the walk up to the destination, a refreshing swim will be all you’ll need to relax, along with the turquoise water surrounding you and the sun rays hitting your skin. You can take advantage of a balcony above the spring to jump in and get the full experience. Just know that the water is ice cold, so unless you want a brainfreeze, don’t stay in for too long!
B. Visit the Albanian Riviera
The Albanian riviera has many hidden beaches which you can visit while you’re at the Blue Eye. After taking in all the beauty of the Blue Eye, you can spend the day visiting the beaches of Vlora and Saranda. You can take a boat ride and explore the Albanian Riviera, to best enjoy this experience.
C. Go to the Local Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes
D. Explore the nearby attractions
How To Get To The Blue Eye In Theth?
Going to the Blue Eye in Theth requires more of an adventurous spirit. You can reach your destination by driving from Shkoder to Theth, and then hiking until you get to The Blue Eye. You can go there by car, bus, or taxi. Let us take you through each option:
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#1 By CarList Item 1
The trip from Shkodra to Theth takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. For the first 2 hours the road is in proper condition. However, for the last hour and a half the road is bumpy and a little tricky, so if you’re going by car, make sure you have one with a strong grip. Unless you’re into near death experiences, we wouldn’t recommend getting a normal car.
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#2 By TaxiList Item 2
Getting a four wheel-drive taxi is probably the best and safest choice to go to Theth, since a four wheel-drive has a better grip on the rocky mountain road than a regular car. Also, the taxi drivers are experienced and know the area quite well, so you won’t have to worry.
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#3 By Bus Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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#4 Hike
The hiking trail to The Blue Eye starts from Nderlysaj village. You can get to the village from Theth either by hiking for 3 hours or booking a taxi. After you reach the village, you’ll have to hike for an additional 40 minutes. We know, it sounds like a never-ending hike, but the destination will be worth it. Also, it’s always good to burn some extra calories! The hike in overall is not that strenuous, just be sure to have proper shoes for walking long distances. Also, bring snacks, water, and don’t forget sunscreen; there is little to no shade during the hike!
What To Do At The Blue Eye, Theth?
A. Swim by The Blue Eye
After all that long hike, a swim to the refreshing blue water spring is all you’ll need. The thermal springs are the perfect place to take a dip and enjoy the water. The area is also home to numerous rivers and lakes, which offer opportunities for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The Blue Eye is surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation, making it a stunning spot to enjoy a day of swimming and relaxing.
B. Hike To The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye in Theth is a very popular destination for hikers, being a 2 mile trail following along the Theth river. The hike is considered moderate to difficult, because of the steep climb and loose terrain. Your hike will start from the village of Theth and continue for about 3 hours to the village of Nderlysaj. After you’ve passed some small cottages, it’ll soon be just you and the mountains. From Nderlysaj, it will take another 40 minutes to reach the Blue Eye.
Along the way, you will experience breathtaking views of the mountains, rivers, and valleys. After successfully completing the hike, you’ll have the chance to
admire the flow of the turquoise water in person, soaking up all its beauty.
C. Explore the surrounding mountains
Just in case you didn’t get tired from all the nature during your hike, there’s tons more to explore! Take the chance to explore some of the forests nearby. You can also engage in activities such as birdwatching or wildlife viewing. There are also nice spaces for picnics, so pack up some snacks to enjoy after (or during) your hike.
Travel with Kalemi to The Blue Eye
#1. Full-Day Tour From Tirana to Gjirokaster, Blue Eye and Saranda
If you want a more organized visit to The Blue Eye, you can take advantage of one of the tours provided by Kalemi. Throughout this day tour, you’ll get to visit the cities of Saranda and Gjirokastra, while also stopping at The Blue Eye. Firstly, you’ll travel from Tirana to Saranda, while enjoying the picturesque ride along the beaches of the Riviera.
After a short ride, The Blue Eye will be laid in front of you, this beautiful spring of fresh turquoise water in the middle of lush greenery, perfect for pictures, or even diving if you can take the cold temperatures!
Then, you’re traveling towards Gjirokastra, one of the best-preserved towns and part of UNESCO Heritage Sites.The city is filled with rich culture and history, where we have to mention the medieval bazar, Zekate House, and the unique handmade crafts from local artisans.
#2. Theth Two-Day Tour From Tirana
This marvelous tour will take you to the beautiful village of Theth, where the nature and the landscapes are unbelievable. You’ll get to stay in one of the guesthouses there, in the middle of the beautiful fields and forests.
You’ll get to see the Grunas Waterfall, which can be reached after a nice hike up the mountains, but it’s not too strenuous, so no worries. The next day you’ll get to enjoy a delicious traditional breakfast, with stunning views of the Alps. Then you’ll be heading to The Blue Eye of Theth, one of the most unique spots in Albania.
While walking back, you’ll reach your final stop, the Church of Theth, with its picturesque facade dating back to 1892.
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