Komani Lake: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Tirana: Komani Lake and Shala River Day Trip

1. From Tirana: Komani Lake and Shala River Day Trip

Komani Lake and Shala River Day Trip is ideal for people seeking a fresh peaceful day with scenic views of Komani Lake and Shala River. You will get a chance to do the Boat Trip in Komani Lake and then swim and relax in the fresh crystal clear waters of the Shala River with views of dreamlike nature. The tour starts in Tirana at 6:00 AM and involves a 3-hour and 20-minute car ride with a short stop on the way to the Komani Lake, which was formed in the 1970s by damming the Drini valley. Visitors will then board a boat and embark on a ride through a series of deep gorges and interconnected lakes, passing between high mountains and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the natural surroundings. The ride will continue for approximately 1 hour until reaching the Shala River, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can even take a dip in the river's cool waters if they wish. Additionally, there is an option to go on a 45-minute hike up the mountain at the Shala River to reach a beautiful viewpoint. Afterward, visitors will return to the boat and head back to the Komani Dam by 3:30 PM, followed by a drive back to Tirana. Overall, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to explore the stunning natural beauty of Albania's Komani Lake and Shala River, making it an excellent option for nature lovers and those looking for adventure.

Explore the Beautiful Shala River on a day trip from Durres

2. Explore the Beautiful Shala River on a day trip from Durres

The famous "Thailands" of Albania, the hidden valley situated among towering cliffs, deep gorges, and dense forests, offering breathtaking scenery. You will witness these surroundings on a boat journey which takes you through Shala River, exploring caves and waterfalls on the way. The journey starts from Koman lake, which is approximately 3.30h drive from Durres. You will experience a ride with a local boat to enjoy beautiful landscapes and spectacular views. After the ride, you will have some free time to explore the area, sunbath, swim into the cold crystal waters of the river, have lunch at a local restaurant, take some amazing pictures or just relax by admiring the unique scenery. Back to the starting point in Koman lake in the late afternoon and start the journey back to Durres (expected arrival time at approx. 8:00pm).

From Tirana: 3-Day Komani Lake, Valbona and Thethi Tour

3. From Tirana: 3-Day Komani Lake, Valbona and Thethi Tour

1st Day: We start our journey from Tirana to Komani Lake. At the lake we take the boat and sail for 2 hours through an outstanding dramatic mountain view to Fierza Lake. After that we take our private transfer heading to Valbona Valley. 2nd Day: We start our day early in the morning where we hike from Valbona Valley National Park to Thethi Valley National Park. The hike is moderate and is approximately 6 hours long. Along these 6 hours we will have plenty of time to rest and the most improtant thing, to enjoy one of the best part of Albania, the heart of the Alps. Afternoon we arrive in Thethi National Park. 3rd Day: We start our day visiting the most interesting parts of Thethi as The Curch, Grunas Waterfall and the Blue Eye. Afternoon we start our way back to Tirana with a short visit in Shkodra city. We arrive in Tirana around evening. End of our service.

From Tirana: 3-Day Koman Lake, Valbona and Theth Hiking Tour

4. From Tirana: 3-Day Koman Lake, Valbona and Theth Hiking Tour

This active multi-day tour of Valbona and Theth in the heart of the Albanian Alps takes you to Lake Koman, Valbona Valley, and the quaint village of Theth. Enjoy scenic nature and Albanian hospitality alongside a personal guide. Your private trip includes lodging, meals, and all transportation. Day 1: Tirana – Koman Lake – ValbonaLeave Tirana early to drive toward Koman Lake in time for the ferry that departs to Fierza at the other side of the lake. Since 1985, this manmade lake is the only way locals who live in the area can get in touch with the modern world. Driving from Fierza to Valbona, travel for approximately 45 minutes, passing through Bajram Curri, the municipally of the area. Enjoy a lunch break in Valbona and hiking in Kukaj, a very remote area in Valbona Valley, where you’ll get to see how locals do their living. At the end of the day, stay overnight at the guesthouse. Day 2: Hiking from Valbona – ThethAlso considered the big day of the tour, set off on a thrilling hike from Valbona to Theth following the ancient path that the locals have been using for years. Back in the day, it was only possible to travel from Valbona to Shkoder on foot, taking two full days of walking. Walking on this path, you’ll pass through the oldest part of the village where people are still living in their more than 100-year-old stone houses that are remarkable remnants of the past. The 18-km trek offers spectacular views of long rocky valleys and lush green forests. Stop for lunch at one of the traditional cafés along the way and choose to stock up on snacks. After trekking for about 7-8 hours, you’ll arrive in Theth. Spend time admiring Theth’s unique nature, history, and traditions, including the village’s symbol, the Lock-In Tower. Stay overnight and have dinner at the guesthouse. Day 3: Theth – Shkoder – TiranaAfter breakfast at the guesthouse, the Grunas Waterfall is the next attraction. Take an about 45-minute walk from the center of the village, passing through most of the village and into soft hilly terrain. Leaving Theth behind and driving for around 3 hours, reach Shkoder, the biggest city of the Albanian North. Enjoy free time in Shkoder before returning to Tirana in the evening to conclude the tour.

From Tirana or Shkoder: 4-Day Valbona and Theth Hiking Trip

5. From Tirana or Shkoder: 4-Day Valbona and Theth Hiking Trip

Get a taste of rural Albania on a private 4-day hiking trip from Tirana with a professional guide. Visit Koman Lake, Valbona, Theth, the "Blue Eye," Gurnas Waterfall, and Shkoder. Enjoy included guesthouse accommodation and meals. On Day 1, leave Tirana early after pickup at your accommodation and drive toward Koman Lake. There, take a ferry to Fierza on the other side of this manmade lake, the only connection locals have to get in touch with the modern world. Next, drive on from Fierza to Valbona, passing through Bajram Curri. Stop for a lunch break in Valbona, then go hiking in Kukaj, a remote area in the Valbona Valley. See how local people go about their life before checking into your guesthouse for the night. On Day 2, hike for approximately 20 kilometers from Valbona to Theth, following the ancient path that was once the only way to travel between Valbona and Shkoder. Pass through old villages where people still live in their more than 100-year-old stone towers. Enjoy a spectacular view of the long rocky valley mixed with quiet, relaxing forest, and take your pick from some traditional cafes for a lunch break. Arrive in Theth and prepare to be amazed by its unique nature, history, and tradition. Admire the Lock-in Tower of Theth, and hear about its interesting past. Stay overnight in Theth. On Day 3, hike to the "Blue Eye," a natural water pool located around 10 kilometers from the center of Theth. With a depth of 5 meters and icy waters (5°C), the Blue Eye is formed by rock erosion caused by water descending from the mountains. Savor a picnic lunch at the Blue Eye and return to the guesthouse by the afternoon. On Day 4, have breakfast at the guesthouse, then head to Gurnas Waterfall, around 45 minutes on foot from the center of the village. After, leave Theth behind and drive for around 3 hours to reach Shkoder, the biggest city in northern Albania. Enjoy some free time in Shkoder before returning to Tirana in the evening.

From Tirana: Valbona Park with Ferry Ride and Prizren City

6. From Tirana: Valbona Park with Ferry Ride and Prizren City

Day 1 : At six o'clock the guide will come and pick you up at the hotel. Then we start the journey to Valbona. We arrive at Komani Lake where we will travel by ferry for about 2.5 hours. During the trip we will have the opportunity to see the Komani Lake surrounded by high mountains and greenery. The nature is amazing! The journey continues towards the town of Bajram Curri. There we will take a walk on the main boulevard and have a coffee / tea. We continue the trip to Valbona National Park. Along the way we are accompanied by the river Valbona where we can stop bathing (Optional). The next stop is at the water mill, where you will learn how water mills work. Overnight in Valbona (Guesthouse). Accommodation is included in the package. Day 2 : After breakfast we will explore the Valbona Valley by 4x4 car/ Van for 30 minutes. Then we will hike to Valbona waterfall, a waterfall with fantastic nature. The hike is easy level, through the beech forest. After visiting the waterfall, we continue walking for about an hour to a point where the Valbona valley is viewed from above. Xhema’s Lake is a spring-fed who creates a magic blue lake in the springtime. During summer, especially in August, it gets dried, losing the magic and being transformed mostly in a puddle. Anyway, the walk to this place is a nice experience exploring the surroundings in every season. On the way back to Tirana, we will pass through Kosovo and will definitely stop at Prizren city.Prizren is one of the oldest settlements in Kosovo and the western Balkans. Archaeological excavations in Prizren Fortress indicate that its fortress area has seen habitation and use since the Bronze Age

From Tirana : Shala River Private Boat Tour

7. From Tirana : Shala River Private Boat Tour

A private guided tour to Shala River and Komani Lake,where you will explore the wilderness of the Albanian mountains where you will see dense forests and untouched places. Departure from Tirana around 8.00 am towards Komani Lake.The drive will take around 3 hours. On the way we can do a pit stop for a coffee/cold drink at a cafe. After the arrival at the boat station, we will start riding though crystal clear waters towards Shala River. The boat ride is around 1 hour long, upon reaching our destination you will have some free time to enjoy the beauty of nature. For those who are brave enough, you can go swimming in the ice-cold waters, or enjoy a drink by the river. Also, there is the option to hike for 40 minutes up the mountain where an amazing view is awaits you. When we are done with the visit to the Shala River, we will start riding back on the boat. On our way back we will stop for a coffee/cold drink at an amazing spot. Upon completion, we will head back to Tirana to give an end to our amazing tour!

Tour of Shkodër

8. Tour of Shkodër

Shkodra is a pretty city full of light and things to do, including cafes, shops and beautiful sights on each corner. We will visit wUra e Mesit (the middle bridge), a bridge located in the village of Mes, on the Kir river, about five kilometers north-east of Shkoder. This bridge connects the city with the ancient site of Drisht, which preserves important testimonies of Roman and medieval architecture. Our tour culminates with a visit to the legendary Rozafa Castle, whose original core was raised by the Illyrians in the 4th century BC. Subsequently, the fortress was enlarged during the Middle Ages and the Venetian period (1396-1478). Here we have the opportunity to see Shkodra, its lake and mountains from a unique vantage point.

Tirana: 4-Day Trip to Komani Lake, Valbona, Theth & Shkodër

9. Tirana: 4-Day Trip to Komani Lake, Valbona, Theth & Shkodër

Experience Albanian culture on a whole new level with a 4-day guided hiking excursion from Tirana. Discover the lush countryside around the remote village of Berisha and hike to Komani Lake. Take in the views of the Valbona Valley and Gurnas Waterfall before returning to city life in Shkodër. Start the trip with an early morning drive to Komani Lake. Hop on the ferry to Fierza and start your journey to Berisha, a small village off the beaten path. Kayak around Komani Lake and overnight in the home of a local family.  Begin your second day with a trip through the town of Bajram Curri to Valbona for lunch. Hike to Kukaj, another remote area in the Valbona Valley, and experience the local culture miles away from the bustle of the urban center. On your third day, follow the ancient path from Valbona to Theth and pass by traditional stone homes that have been occupied for a century. Enjoy the views of the valley before eating lunch in a local cafe. Discover the unique history and traditions of Theth, with its historic Reconciliation Tower. Begin your final day with breakfast in the local guesthouse. Walk along the soft, hilly terrain to the Gurnas Waterfall. After exploring its clear waters, ease back into urban life with a 3-hour stop in Shkodër before returning to Tirana in the evening.

Albania: North to South Tour - 8 Days

10. Albania: North to South Tour - 8 Days

We start our journey in Tirana with guided walking tour of the city center, including Skanderbeg Square, Ethem Bey Mosque, National Historical Museum, the Pyramid, Blloku area. Day 2: Thethi via Shkoder En route to Shkodra, a small city situated at the foot of the Albania Alps, stop and visit the hilltop Rozafa Castle. Enjoy its amazing views and the fortress’s fascinating history. You'll transfer for lunch in Shiroke, with Lake Shkoder well known for its fish cuisine. Experience the Old Town, St. Stephen’s Catholic Cathedral and the Ebu Bekr Mosque on a guided tour before transferring to Theth, where on route you will stop in the mountain village of Boge and Thore Pass surrounded by mountains. Day 3: The Blue Eye of Theth & Grunas Waterfall and Canyon Spend a day exploring Theth National Park on a leasure hike. Marvel at the view and sound of Grunas waterfall and Canyon. Enjoy a refreshing bath and lunch at the Natural pools of Nderlysa. Be amazed at the Blue Eye of Theth, after hiking through stunning scenery. Day 4: Durres via Kruja Leave the northern village of Theth and head for the city of Kruja. Set off on a guided tour of Dollma Bektashi Teqe, the surroundings and the Castle itself and the Skanderbeg Museum. Head for lunch in a local restaurant in Kruja, with a tremendous view of the city and valley of Kruja. Enjoy free time to wander around the Old Bazaar, transfer to the seaside city of Durres. Day 5: Saranda via Gjirokaster Transfer to Gjirokaster to discover this "city of a thousand steps” whilst driving through small villages. Once arrived, settle into your hotel before soaking up the rich history of the castle and enjoying the view of the “city of stone” from above. Explore the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden house before stopping for lunch in a small local restaurant for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes. On the road to Saranda, you will later stop at the “Blue Eye” spring. Day 6: Butrint and Ksamil Transfer to Butrint for a guided tour of the UNESCO archaeological site. Following that you will have free time for a beach day at the Ksamil Islands, before returning to Saranda in the evening. Day 7: Vlore via Ali Pasha Castle & Riviera Road Visit Porto Palermo Castle with your guide, before spending the day at the beach in the bay of Porto Palermo. Along the way you'll stop by Tirana, as well as the Llogara “balcony” to try local products of the area. Sightseeing tour of Berat (UNESCO) & Tirana Set off from Vlore to reach Berat, the “City of Thousand Windows”, where you will admire the Red and White Mosque, the Church of the Holy Trinity and the arched bridge of Gorica. In the afternoon Alpeta Winery will welcome you for a cellar and vineyard visit. enjoy lunch with their seasonal home-grown and locally sourced organic delights and their fine wine. Transfer in Tirana in afternoom

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What people are saying about Komani Lake

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 15 reviews

The tour has been fantastic. An essential experience if you travel to Albania. Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and a river at the end where you can rest as in a resort. Along the way we have made stops for coffee and Kristi the guide, simply a 10 out of 10. The communication has been perfect, he has given us a thousand recommendations not only from Albania, but also from Kosovo where we have gone the next day. You can tell he loves his job and cares about people. — The tour has been fantastic. An essential experience if you travel to Albania. Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and a river at the end where you can rest as in a resort. Along the way we have made stops for coffee and Kristi the guide, simply a 10 out of 10. The communication has been perfect, he has given us a thousand recommendations not only from Albania, but also from Kosovo where we have gone the next day . It is visible that he loves his job and cares about people.

This is one of the best hiking tours I’ve ever done so far. Kevin, our guide, was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Because it was a little bit early in the season, there’s still a lot of snow in the summer path, thankfully Kevin knows how to navigate around without it being too dangerous. The ferry ride was incredibly beautiful. Valbona is like straight out of a fairly tale. Theth feels like a movie set. Doesn’t look real. Would definitely do this tour again in a heartbeat!

Amazing trip! I cannot recommend this highly enough - the views are incredible and I think I will always remember swimming in the icy mountain waters of the Shala River. The whole trip was really made by our guide Alban, who is simply a kind, generous and knowledgeable (and super adventurous!!) guy who seemed to be always smiling and happy!. 11/10.

Thank you Olsi for such an amazing day! It was truly magical.