Mountain Lake Syri i Kalter: The Blue Eye of Albania

Ella Rogers

Updated: 16 September 2025 ·
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All Important Information About the Mountain Lake

The mysterious Albania attracts more and more tourists every year. When you take a closer look at why that is, you quickly realize that this Balkan country is bursting with natural beauty. We present one of the most popular destinations in the country: the picturesque mountain lake Syri I Kalter, also known as the 'Blue Eye of Albania'.

Syri I Kalter - The Blue Eye of Albania

Clear blue river flowing through lush green vegetation, framed by trees. The water surface reflects gentle sun rays while color shades enliven the natural panorama.
Clear blue river flowing through lush green vegetation, framed by trees. The water surface reflects gentle sun rays while color shades enliven the natural panorama. photo by www.urlaubsguru.de
Clear turquoise water with plants, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. In the foreground a large rock on the left, above gentle sunlight illuminating the nature idyllically.
Clear turquoise water with plants, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. In the foreground a large rock on the left, above gentle sunlight illuminating the nature idyllically. photo by www.urlaubsguru.de
Clear water of a river flowing in the middle, surrounded by lush green trees. On the right, a simple pavilion with a thatched roof and blue furniture on a dock. Mountains in the background under a bright blue sky.
Clear water of a river flowing in the middle, surrounded by lush green trees. On the right, a simple pavilion with a thatched roof and blue furniture on a dock. Mountains in the background under a bright blue sky. photo by www.urlaubsguru.de
Old castle with clock tower on the left along a stone wall; in the background, a vast cityscape and a mountain under a radiant blue sky. Vegetation grows along the walls.
Old castle with clock tower on the left along a stone wall; in the background, a vast cityscape and a mountain under a radiant blue sky. Vegetation grows along the walls. photo by www.urlaubsguru.de

We all know the images of the Croatian national parks Plitvice Lakes and Krka, which have often enchanted us. Clear water through which you can see to the bottom, shimmering shades of blue, a gentle murmur, and blooming nature create a harmonious picture that quickly makes us reach for our cameras. We set out to visit another magical place - the mountain lake Syri I Kalter, the Blue Eye in Albania.

Whether you are coming to Albania for a day trip from your vacation in Greece or taking more time to explore the mysterious country, there's one destination you can't miss: The Blue Eye, the underground spring of a mountain lake, from which crystal clear and ice-cold water flows incessantly.

In 2005, the spring suddenly stopped bubbling for a short time. The reason for this has not been discovered to this day.

Its name, Syri I Kalter, is derived from the deep blue of its constantly bubbling spring, which gradually transforms into shimmering turquoise and green shades as it flows further into the lake. A picturesque sight that makes you want to jump right in. Similar to the Krka National Park in Croatia, you can also take a swim at Syri I Kalter, but with a water temperature of just 12 degrees Celsius, jumping in requires a bit more courage. So if you are true frostbite enthusiasts, you can best test the water temperature cautiously by wading through the crystal clear water.

To get a better view of the spring, there's now a small observation platform from which you can get a good look directly at and even into the Blue Eye. There are a few daring visitors who use this platform as a diving board, even though it's officially prohibited. We could hardly get enough of the intense blue of Syri I Kalter, which is believed to have underground caves over 50 meters long. However, the exact length of the spring system has not yet been researched. Incidentally, there is a restaurant located near the Blue Eye where you can drink or eat before continuing on your journey and still enjoy the picturesque scenery a bit more.

Getting to Syri I Kalter is quite easy and is suitable for day tourists as well. From Saranda, a port city in southern Albania where ferries from Corfu dock, you can reach the Blue Eye within half an hour, passing along a bumpy road. The mountain lake is signposted, and at a barrier, a fee of 200 Lek per person - which is about €1.80 - is charged. If you don't have a rental car, you can also take a taxi, which is relatively inexpensive in Albania at 20-25€ per trip. Alternatively, you can also book a guided tour starting from 60€ online. With this option, you don't have to worry about anything and can fully enjoy the beautiful nature awaiting you here. Many day trips combine a visit to Syri I Kalter with a trip to the impressive city of Gjirokaster, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and should definitely be on your bucket list.

Combine your trip with a detour to the city of Gjirokaster or discover even more noteworthy places in our travel magazine article about Albania as a hidden gem.

Explore Albania!

The newcomer Albania has some exciting travel destinations to offer, so we can only recommend you a vacation or trip to this undiscovered country. In our travel magazine, you can learn more, and in our offers, you will find your vacation in Albania.