Day Trip from Sarandë: Blue Eye & Gjirokastër

This was one of my favorite days in Albania. Not because of one single highlight, but because of the combination: one of the country’s most fascinating natural wonders in the morning, followed by a UNESCO World Heritage city in the afternoon that offers a completely different perspective on Albania. Both can easily be experienced in a single day from Sarandë.

Route Overview

Sarandë → Blue Eye → Gjirokastër → Sarandë

Route	Distance	Driving Time
Sarandë → Blue Eye	approx. 14 mi	approx. 30–40 min
Blue Eye → Gjirokastër	approx. 19 mi	approx. 45 min
Gjirokastër → Sarandë	approx. 34 mi	approx. 1 h

My recommendation: Start early, visit the Blue Eye in the morning, and spend the afternoon and early evening exploring Gjirokastër. This way you’ll avoid the hottest part of the day in the Old Town and enjoy the city in the beautiful afternoon and evening light.

Stop 1: Syri i Kaltër – The Blue Eye

What Is the Blue Eye?

The Blue Eye, known in Albanian as Syri i Kaltër, is one of Albania’s most extraordinary natural attractions. This deep-blue karst spring pushes water to the surface with incredible force – more than 4,800 gallons (18,400 liters) per second – while maintaining a year-round water temperature of around 50°F (10°C). Its true depth remains a mystery. Divers have reached depths of approximately 165 feet (50 m) before being forced back to the surface by the immense pressure of the spring.

Viewed from above, the spring really does resemble a giant eye – a deep sapphire-blue center surrounded by brilliant turquoise rings. The surrounding forest is lush, shaded, and pleasantly cool, making it the perfect contrast to the sunny beaches along the Albanian Riviera.

Practical Information

Admission: Entry costs 50 LEK per person, and parking costs an additional 100–200 LEK.
Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Walking Trail: From the parking area, it’s about 1.2 miles (2 km) to the spring – an easy 20-minute walk through a shaded forest. If you’d rather not walk, you can rent the small tourist train or an electric scooter on-site.
Important: Bring cash – credit cards are not accepted.
Swimming is officially prohibited, as the Blue Eye is a protected natural monument and an important drinking water source for the surrounding communities.
My Tip: During summer, try to arrive before 10:00 AM. The parking lot fills quickly, and the first few hours of the day are by far the most peaceful.
Getting There: From Sarandë, follow SH8 northeast before turning onto SH99. The Blue Eye turnoff is clearly signposted. The final 1.2 miles (2 km) to the parking lot follow an unpaved gravel road through the forest. Drive slowly, as the road is narrow in places, but a regular rental car is perfectly sufficient.

Stop 2: Gjirokastër – The City of Stone

Gjirokastër feels completely different from Albania’s coastline. It’s quieter, more historic, and nestled among the mountains of southern Albania. The UNESCO World Heritage city is famous for its beautifully preserved Ottoman Old Town, where gray slate rooftops, cobblestone streets, and a magnificent hilltop fortress create an atmosphere that feels frozen in time. Gjirokastër doesn’t need countless attractions – the city itself is the attraction.

1. Qafa e Pazarit – The Old Bazaar

The Old Bazaar is the lively heart of Gjirokastër and the perfect place to begin your visit. Small artisan shops, cafés, and local businesses line the narrow streets, creating an authentic atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy beach towns along the coast. Walking through the bazaar immediately makes you feel like you’ve truly arrived in inland Albania.

2. Gjirokastër Castle

Towering high above the city, Gjirokastër Castle is the region’s most famous landmark. Admission: 400 LEK per adult. Children under 12 enter free of charge. Opening hours (summer): Daily from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Important: Tickets can only be purchased with cash.

Inside, you’ll discover massive fortress walls, historic artillery, prison cells from Albania’s communist era, and spectacular panoramic views over the Drino Valley and the slate rooftops of the Old Town. If you’d also like to visit the Weapons Museum inside the castle, there’s an additional admission fee of 200 LEK per person.

My tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes. The uphill climb is steep, and the cobblestone streets can be uneven.

3. Castle Viewpoint

Before or after visiting the castle, stop at the viewpoint just below the fortress. In my opinion, this is the best place to admire both the castle and Gjirokastër’s iconic gray slate rooftops stretching across the hillside.

4. Around Skënduli House – Explore the Old Town

Skënduli House is one of the finest preserved Ottoman residences in Gjirokastër and offers fascinating insight into the lives of wealthy Albanian families during the 18th and 19th centuries. Even if you don’t go inside, the surrounding streets are among the most charming parts of the Old Town. This is where Gjirokastër truly reveals its character.

Where to Stay in Gjirokastër – Hotel Musée

If one day isn’t enough and you’d like to experience Gjirokastër after the day-trippers have left, I highly recommend Hotel Musée. This charming boutique hotel is beautifully located in the Old Town, offers stunning views across the city, and is decorated with great attention to detail. Staying overnight lets you experience Gjirokastër from a completely different perspective – peaceful, atmospheric, and far removed from the lively Riviera coastline.

Discover Hotel Musée

Dinner Recommendation – Bar Restorant Gjirokaster Rrapi

If you want to end your day with an excellent meal, Bar Restorant Gjirokaster Rrapi is my top recommendation. The owner is incredibly welcoming, prices are very reasonable, and the restaurant often surprises guests with complimentary appetizers from the kitchen. The beautiful shaded garden, complete with a fountain, creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxing after a full day of exploring. Parking is also available.

Practical Tips for Your Day Trip

Timing: A relaxed day trip can comfortably be completed in 8–10 hours. If you want enough time to fully enjoy both destinations, I recommend leaving Sarandë no later than 9:30 AM.
Rental Car: A rental car offers by far the most flexibility. A standard passenger car is perfectly adequate for every road on this itinerary.
What to Bring:
- Cash (LEK) – for admission fees and restaurants
- Comfortable walking shoes – essential for the castle and cobblestone streets
- Plenty of drinking water – especially for the walk to the Blue Eye
- Sunscreen – much of the castle complex offers very little shade

Our conclusion: For me, this itinerary perfectly showcases just how diverse Albania really is. In less than a day, you’ll experience one of Europe’s most mysterious natural wonders and one of the Balkans’ most beautiful Ottoman cities. If you’re only planning one inland excursion while staying on the Albanian Riviera, make it this one.

Which would fascinate you more – the mysterious Blue Eye or the historic streets of Gjirokastër?
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Day Trip from Sarandë: Blue Eye & Gjirokastër – My Personal Guide

Route Overview

Sarandë → Blue Eye → Gjirokastër → Sarandë