Blue Eye

Blue Eye is located 18 km northeast of the city of Saranda, near the national road Gjirokastër-Delvinë-Saranda. The protected area of Blue Eye was declared a natural park in January 2022. The park with an area of 293.30 ha is surrounded by dense and evergreen vegetation.

The contrast between the depth of the spring, the sun's rays, and the shade of the trees gives the spring its blue color. It is the largest and most interesting spring among the 18 springs that flow at the foot of Gjera Mountain. Its shape is oval similar to the shape and colors of an eye emerging from the earth, dark in the middle and blue on the sides. It is also known as the "Source of Bistrica" as it is the initial water source of this river, which ends in the Ionian Sea.

The legends of this place are many, but the one that dominates all of them is that of the beautiful girls who were sacrificed to the gods who gave you the source of purified water. It was thought that the blue eye symbolized moral purity, feminine beauty and the charm of the nymph bride, emerging from the crystalline waters. The Mediterranean forest ecosystem around the springs consists of tall, old trees such as: maple, hornbeam, hornbeam, bulgar, hornbeam and hygrophilous vegetation.

The Blue Eye Nature Park, surrounded by evergreens and centuries-old turnips, presents a fascinating view, where colors merge and harmonize with each other, so much so that it is difficult to distinguish the border between water and plants. This miracle of nature attracts many tourists, who are amazed by the colors, the clear waters of the source and do not hesitate to jump in enjoying one of the most beautiful experiences of their lives.