Blue eye


The Blue Eye is an unusual name for the water spring, which is located on the square of the national park with the same name in the city of Saranda in the south of Albania . It is the largest spring in the country, protected by the state and UNESCO.

origin of name

The name "Blue Eye" spring was received because of the color of the water, which can not be compared with anything that would so accurately reflect its azure color. In the center of the spring water is dark blue, and closer to the edges the color gradually changes and becomes light turquoise. The analogy with the shape of the human eye served as the basis for the name of the water source.

What is unique about the spring?

The blue eye is a natural source, the exact depth of which has not yet been called. To determine its divers several times descended into the spring. It is established that it ranges from 45 to 50 meters.

Spring Blue Eye is struck not only by the unknown depth, but also by its student crystal clear water. The water temperature in it does not depend on external factors. At any time of the year and day, it is not more than 13 degrees. Because of such a low water temperature in the source, few wish to swim.

The surrounding landscapes are quite picturesque: they are mountain ranges covered with dense vegetation, and abandoned lands and buildings. The spring itself is located at the foot of the mountain, which is surrounded by pine groves and deciduous forests. In the spring of the Blue Eye, a small river Bystrica originates, which flows through the southern boundary of Albania and flows into the Ionian Sea.

Thanks to a natural source, a hydroelectric power station is located, located a few kilometers away. The blue eye is considered the most nutritious spring of the country, as every minute 6 m³ of cool fresh water enters the environment from it.

How to get to the natural spring?

To personally experience all the beauty and unusualness of the spring, it is necessary to drive almost 18 kilometers by public transport - minibus or bus. Exit will be half way, and walk along the narrow beaten road about three kilometers. Usually the driver stops for refueling 500 meters from the turn to the national park, but if you warn that you want to get out near the Blue Eye, then it will stop near the congress. Back you need to return the same route to the motorway. Here you can wait for a minibus that passes every half hour from Saranda to Girokast and back, or stop the passing car.

Near the spring there is a reservoir, and the road to it stretches along the dam for some time. On this route you can travel by bike. You can have a rest and a snack during a walk in a cozy restaurant of Albanian cuisine near the spring.

Interesting fact

It is known that during the time of communism the Blue Eye spring was in a closed territory and was a privilege only of the communist elite. The source was not allowed to strangers and, especially, tourists. Now the natural beauty of the spring can be enjoyed by everyone who dares to go on a trip and will not get off the road.