{"id":2468,"date":"2013-09-22T01:34:35","date_gmt":"2013-09-21T21:34:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gotoalbania.ru\/en\/?p=2468"},"modified":"2014-01-21T01:48:49","modified_gmt":"2014-01-20T21:48:49","slug":"the-blue-eye-water-spring-in-southern-albania-beckons-with-coolness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gotoalbania.ru\/en\/the-blue-eye-water-spring-in-southern-albania-beckons-with-coolness\/","title":{"rendered":"The Blue Eye Water Spring in Southern Albania Beckons with Coolness"},"content":{"rendered":"

Text and photographs by Bruce Macphail<\/span><\/p>\n

Once reserved for the communist \u00e9lite, the Blue Eye water spring in southern Albania now beckons all visitors, regardless of their political leanings, with its cool waters and the shady grounds that surround it.<\/span><\/p>\n

As BalkanTravellers.com contributor Bruce Macphail discovered, the Blue Eye spring makes a refreshing spot for a break from the nearby archaeological site of Butrint, the ancient city of Byllis to the north or the newly-opened for visitors underground compound built during Albania\u2019s totalitarian regime in the neighbouring city of Gjirokast\u00ebr.<\/span><\/p>\n

This article is part of a series of short texts by Bruce Macphail as his makes his way from Istanbul to Durr\u00ebs, Albania, along Via Egnatia, the Roman road that cut through the Balkans.<\/span><\/p>\n

While southern Albania holds numerous archaeological wonders, the country\u2019s stunning nature and landscapes also make it a worthwhile destination. The region\u2019s mountainous territory gives for surprising and dramatic landscapes \u2013 to be enjoyed either for their own sake or as the backdrop of historical sites, like the ancient cities of Butrint and Byllis or the modern city of Gjirokast\u00ebr, a UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/span><\/p>\n

A spot of natural beauty of the former kind is the Blue Eye, known in Albanian as Syri Kalt\u00ebr, which is located on the road between the cities of Saranda, on the Ionian Sea, and Gjirokast\u00ebr, situated further inland.<\/span>
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\n The Blue Eye is a 45-metre deep water spring set amid a forest of hazelnuts, walnuts, cherries, pines and fir trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

The water in the inner part of the spring appears very dark blue, like the pupil of an eye, and a lighter colour of blue as an outer ring \u2013 the iris, which gives the impression of a blue eye.<\/span>
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\n It is said the Blue Eye was blocked off to the general population during the communist days, only to be enjoyed by the ruling party members. This is a testimony to the place\u2019s stunning beauty and goes to explain the site\u2019s high level of conservation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although it is possible, in theory, to swim and dive in the pool, the water maintains an average temperature of 10 degrees Celsius, making it is in fact difficult to dip in more then a foot.<\/span>
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\n Some visitors also like to throw stones into the spring\u2019s centre, only to see them pushed back up to the surface after a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another pleasant, and perhaps a more fulfilling, activity at the site is enjoying lunch at the restaurant, located near the Blue Eye\u2019s waterfall. The venue has tables built on a balustrade above a fresh spring water river, which creates a cool breeze moving upward \u2013 a welcome factor in the summer heat that is not to be underestimated. The restaurant serves traditional Albanian food, like roast lamb and grilled fish.<\/span>
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\n Another option is to have a picnic in a designated area near the Blue Eye. There are some tables set amongst a wooded area, which provides a pleasant shade.<\/span><\/p>\n

Practical Information:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

How to get there:\u00a0There is no public transport to the sight. It is located off the main road between Gjirokast\u00ebr and Saranda, about 3 kilometres after the turn signaled by a sign that says \u2018Tourist Attraction\u2019. The short road to the sight is quite scenic as it curves around a lake. There is parking space as you arrive near the Blue Eye.
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\n Where to Stay:<\/b>\u00a0There is no accommodation on the site. The best is to sleep in either Gjirokast\u00ebr or in the coastal towns around Saranda.<\/span><\/p>\n

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