South coast of Albania:The Blue Eye-Porto Palermo-Qeparo

The Blue Eye

1 hour

One of the more famous attractions in the Sarande area is the natural spring best known as the Blue Eye.
Taking its name from the vibrant blue colours of the water, the Blue Eye bubbles from deep underground at a surprisingly cold temperature.
While swimming is technically off limits, dipping your feet in the waters will have them tingling from the cold within only a short time.
While the growing reputation of the site means it can be quite busy, and tourist stalls are now part of the scenery, it is still an awe-inspiring example of the natural beauty of the world.
Several trails stretch off from the Blue Eye itself, allowing for some short hikes, and a restaurant has recently been completed farther up the river which runs alongside the Eye

Porto Palermo Castle

2 hours

Connecting the Porto Palermo Castle island to the mainland is a narrow spit of stone, now flanked by two beautiful beaches.
Holiday cabins located on the hill mean there are also beach umbrellas and chairs set out on the beach, though using these may incur a fee at peak time.
The deep blue water means that passing yachts often stop in to Porto Palermo, adding more excitement to the vista.
And for the energetic, there are kayaks available to hire, and the local wharf is a nice height for a jump into the water.

Qeparo Beach

2 hours

The pristine white stone cliffs of Qeparo Beach lend the brilliant blue waters of the Ionian Sea a softer shade, in gorgeous tones of pale aquamarine.
With the beach surrounded by tall hills and olive trees, it remains a tranquil spot to spend a day.
While there are a few beach bars along the shoreline, the beach retains a more classic charm than the more tourist focused locations.
Views from the beach stretch up towards Himare and provide a stunning backdrop for a swim in the sea.
And the sunset from the shores of the natural stone beach are simply incredible.