SIGHT TO SEE
With an intense indigo pupil marking its deepest point , encircled by turquoise waters that fade out to a white pebbly shore , it ’ s easy to see where the Syri i Kaltër , meaning ‘ Blue Eye ’ in Albanian , got its name . It ’ s located near the village of Muzinë on the western slopes of the Mali i Gjerë massif , and its resemblance to the Ancient Greek Evil Eye is clear to see . However , local lore says the Blue Eye actually belongs to a giant serpent — a beast who terrorized the village before meeting his demise at the hands of an old man .
Conjured from the darkest depths , the Blue Eye is fed by underground aquifers and maintains a constant temperature of 50 degrees . Geological surveys show that 18 subterranean springs converge at this point , creating the karst pool and simultaneously forming the source of the Bistricë River , which runs all the way to the Ionian Sea . The vivid spectrum of blues is caused by a high concentration of calcium carbonate , and the viewing platform permits spectators to marvel at it by hovering directly above .
In many ways , the Blue Eye is still an enigma and its actual proportions are unknown . The deepest recorded dive stands at 164 feet , but the intense water pressure has thus far prevented anyone from delving further into the yawning crater . These powerful currents produce a whirlpool effect , best illustrated through the tradition of tossing a small stone into the depths and watching it fight its way back to the surface .
THE BLUE EYE , ALBANIA
This is Albania ’ s most iconic spring — yet its true depths still remain a mystery , says Emily Lush
ESSENTIALS
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The Blue Eye is located in southern Vlorë County , approximately 30 minutes ’ drive via a fully paved road from the city of Sarandë on the Albanian Riviera , or 60 minutes ’ drive from Gjirokastër . Entrance is ticketed . Basic facilities , including restrooms and a cafe , are available on site . Swimming is prohibited . Accessing the area is a lot easier now thanks to the recent installation of walking paths and bridges . Visit in spring or fall when there are fewer crowds . image : alamy
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