Our most recommended things to do in Shkoder County

Virpazar: Private Guided 2-Hour Lake Skadar Boat Tour

1. Virpazar: Private Guided 2-Hour Lake Skadar Boat Tour

Your 2-hour tour begins in Virpazar from where you will travel through the river channel surrounded by lotus flowers and cane before reaching the open lake. Throughout your boat tour, explore islands which are protected by UNESCO, fishing villages, and hidden passages, among other attractions. Skadar Lake is a treasure trove for a large number of birds which you will see during the tour. As you travel, your knowledgeable guide will also dig into the lake's history through providing expert commentary. There will be some free time to enjoy a refreshing swim on the open lake or on the private beach, following which you can enjoy a refreshing drink on board. At the conclusion of your experience, return to Virpazar.

From Tirana: Komani Lake and Shala River Day Trip

2. 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.

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 Virpazar: Lake Skadar Boat Tour to Rijeka Crnojevića

4. From Virpazar: Lake Skadar Boat Tour to Rijeka Crnojevića

Begin your journey in Virpazar, the tiny fishing village located in the heart of Lake Skadar. Leave its dock, sailing along a narrow river channel bordered by reeds and rows of willows. Uncover the deep-blue waters of Lake Skadar as you exit. Admire views of mountains far away in Albania; and Vranjina, the island just in front of you, with two peaks proudly standing against the largest lake in southern Europe. Turn left, and go under the nearby bridge. Discover the 18th-century fortress Lesendro as you glide through the endless fields of water chestnuts carpeting the lake. Spy birds lining up along the remains or soaring through the sky. Observe them dry their feathers and enjoy their beauty and sound as you start smelling the wild thyme in the summer breeze. Marvel at the three nearby islets and the view they hide - meadows of white and yellow water lily flowers with their large, floating, dark-green leaves. Pass through the fjord Pavlova strana and reach Little Venice - the old fisherman's village named by the river - Rijeka Crnojevića. The historical meaning of this townlet, authentic architecture and beautiful natural surroundings construct a perfect atmosphere for you to experience true Montenegrin mentality. After exploring the village (you have around 1 hour to do that), climb aboard your boat again and head back to Virpazar. In the meantime, don't forget to pack your sunscreen, swimsuits and towels! Grab your opportunity and swim in the refreshing waters of Lake Skadar, surrounded by magnificent views.

Virpazar: Lake Skadar Private Wildlife Cruise & Wine Tasting

5. Virpazar: Lake Skadar Private Wildlife Cruise & Wine Tasting

Leave the old fishing village of Virpazar through a narrow little canal enclosed with willows and reeds. Head left, under the bridge, and discover the remains of the centuries-old fortress Lesendro. Observe cormorants, herons, gulls, coots, and kingfishers - among many others. Challenge your luck and look for the pelicans - these rare birds are at the official Lake Skadar National park logo. Pass near the Morača River - an International Birding Area and head for the three nearby islands. Gaze in awe as you glide through the hidden, narrow channels concealed with reeds and covered in lotus flowers and their big, floating, dark-green leaves. Guess what - this is the perfect place for you to spot some nests and baby birds! As you leave the wilderness behind, immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of Lake Skadar - just before you return to Virpazar.

Skadar Lake: Self-Guided Bird Tour & Kayak Rental

6. Skadar Lake: Self-Guided Bird Tour & Kayak Rental

Drift around water lilies and reeds as you kayak through one of the biggest bird reserves in Europe. Spot Skadar Lake’s 270 bird species, including cormorants, gulls, and squacco. Take in the natural beauty at your own pace with one-hour, two-hour, and whole-day booking options. Begin your adventure in Virpazar with a basic safety and route briefing. Paddle through the open lake to a bridge that connects two villages, Virpazar and Vranjina, known as Little Venice. Take a break for fresh fish soup at the local restaurant if you’re feeling peckish before heading to Fort Lesendro.  Glide past the bird sanctuary and around the islands of Cakovica and Kamenik. Lounge in the sun at the local beaches and swim in the clear lake waters.

From Virpazar: Lake Skadar Scenic Boat Trip in Nature

7. From Virpazar: Lake Skadar Scenic Boat Trip in Nature

From Virpazar, you begin your cruise on Skadar Lake, the largest lake on Balkan. Going through the river that is rich with reeds, you will reach an open lake. Soon, you will pass close to the fortress Lesendro - the Key of Skadar Lake, built in the 18th century. The lush vegetation of the lake is a real decoration of National Park, which you will get to enjoy when you reach delta of river Moraca. This is also a bird reserve with plenty of bird species flying around. Next, you will go through small narrow channels to reach more beautiful nature and go around few islands to get to the open lake, where you can enjoy some free time to swim from the boat. After the swim, take your time to refresh with drink onboard. Returning to the Virpazar at the end of the tour.

Fom Tirana: Shkodra lake, Rozafa Castle and Lezha city

8. Fom Tirana: Shkodra lake, Rozafa Castle and Lezha city

Join us for an unforgettable day trip to explore the stunning attractions of Shkodra and Lezha ( Scutari and Lisus ), two of Albania's most historic cities. We'll meet at 9:00 AM sharp at your hotel in Tirana before setting off on our adventure. Our first stop will be in the city of Lezha. We will visit the city and then proceed to visit the tomb of the national hero of Albania, Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg. Then we continue the trip to visit the iconic Rozafa Castle, also known as the Fortress of Shkodra, located just 3km south of the city center. This massive defensive structure sits atop a rocky hill overlooking the town and has a fascinating history dating back to the early Bronze Age. Archaeological excavations have yielded an impressive array of artifacts, revealing the castle's long and storied past. Within the castle's walls, you'll discover a treasure trove of architectural wonders, including the Church of St. Stephen, several Venetian administrative buildings, and some medieval rooms. From the castle's ramparts, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Buna and Drin Rivers. Next, we'll head to Shkodra Lake, located on the border of Montenegro and Albania. This vast body of water was once a bay of the Adriatic Sea but was cut off when sea levels dropped thousands of years ago. Today, it's the largest lake in the Balkans, spanning over 41km in length with a surface area of between 370-530 km2. As one of the largest bird reserves in Europe, Shkodra Lake is a paradise for bird watchers, with some 240 species of birds inhabiting its shores. Among the most impressive are the last remaining pelicans in Europe, whose majestic wingspans can be seen gliding gracefully over the water. Our next stop will be the Catholic Cathedral, one of the largest in the Balkans and dedicated to St. Stephen. After a reconstruction in 1991, the cathedral was inaugurated by Mother Theresa, and two years later it was visited by Pope John Paul II. Inside the cathedral, you'll find a copy of the Shroud of Turin, which bears the negative image of a man that some believe to be Jesus of Nazareth. Finally, we'll take a leisurely stroll along Shkodra's bustling main boulevard, where you'll soak up the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the city's unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Don't miss the opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine, which is renowned for its delicious flavors and fresh ingredients. This day trip is a must-do for anyone visiting Albania, so don't miss out on the chance to explore the magic of Shkodra and Lezha with us!

Lake Skadar: Private Cruise around the Montenegrin Alcatraz

9. Lake Skadar: Private Cruise around the Montenegrin Alcatraz

Start your journey in Virpazar - a tiny townlet situated in the heart of Lake Skadar, and set off on your scenic 1-hour sightseeing cruise. Navigate along a small river channel with a fence made of willows and reeds. Exit the river and find yourself on the open lake while the boat proceeds to Grmožur. Meanwhile, soak up the incredible views of Mount Vranjina and the impressive ranges in Albania, rising from the biggest lake in Southern Europe. Twenty-five minutes away from Virpazar, the ruined fortress Grmožur ascends from the waters of Lake Skadar. This abandoned fortification is known as Montenegrin Alcatraz and used to be a jail in the time of King Nikola. Among the locals, Grmožur was called the Island of Snakes. Nowadays, the island is a permanent habitat for certain bird species and a temporary retreat during the migration from Central and Northern Europe to Africa. That is why it has another, much more beautiful name - the Island of Birds. Admire the impressive fortification - Grmožur, from approximately 20 meters distance as you circle it.  During the journey, marvel at the breathtaking panoramas, and keep your eyes peeled for many species of native birds, including cormorants, herons, seagulls, and, if you are lucky, maybe some pelicans. Observe them as they dry their wings on the top of the walls of Grmožur.  On your way back, the boat will stop in the middle of the open water for you to take a refreshing swim. Ensure you bring your swimsuit and towel and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear blue waters. Finally, return to the starting point where the tour concludes.

From Tirana: Shkoder, Rozafa Castle, & Lake Skadar Day Trip

10. From Tirana: Shkoder, Rozafa Castle, & Lake Skadar Day Trip

Departure from Tirana. Arrival in Shkodra and start of the tour with a visit to the Castle and the Museum inside, which houses an interesting collection of objects and documents, which illustrate the history of the city from the Illyrian to the Ottoman periods, the wars fought by Scutari against Romans, Byzantines and Slavs, and the heroic resistance of the locals to the siege of the Ottoman army. Guided tour of the city and the Marubi museum (optional), the most important photographic museum in the country and one of the most important in the Balkans. In return lunch possibility by the Skadar Lake, in an area commonly known as “Shiroke” where the fish lovers may have the chance to taste the local specialty, Karp cooked in casarole.

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What people are saying about Shkoder County

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 104 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.

Everything went well. Boats are easy to drive, but you should take a seat pad with you or you'll end up with a wet ass sitting in the back.

A peaceful moment in the middle of superb landscapes, with a smiling and friendly captain. Beautiful memories!

We had such a good time and learned a lot about the area! Also, we got the best photos!

Amazing Cruise with a very kind Captain. Wort every penny.