Ultimate Guide to visiting Shkoder Lake in Albania
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Serene vibes and epic sunsets? You will find exactly this when traveling to Shkodër Lake in Albania. This vast lake in the vincinity of the Albanian Alps is a must for nature lover. Its the perfect place to soak up some views for a couple of hours or grab a bike and make a circuit along the shore. With plenty of lakeside cafes for some cooling refreshments and a lunch break, this is a great choice for a day/ half day trip. Much less crowded than many other places in Albania, Shkoder Lake makes you feel off the beaten path without having to sacrifice the view. Read below to find out more about why its worth visiting.
I had no idea about Albania and its natural beauty until a recent trip where I spent 10 days traveling visiting Tirana, Shkoder and the Albanian Alps. The below post is the ultimate guide to visiting Shkoder Lake in Albania, based on my own experience and time spent in Albania.
Planning your Lake Shkoder trip?
The easiest way to see the best of the lake is on a guided boat trip — hotel pickup, local wine, and stops at hidden monasteries included.
→ CHECK ALL TOP RATED LAKE SHKODER BOAT TOURS WITH FREE CANCELLATION HERE
Are Skadar Lake and Lake Shkoder/ Lake Shkodra the same place?
Lake Skadar is often referred to as Lake Shkoder or Schkodra, depending on who you speak to where, given the lake is surrounded by Montenegro and Albania. Ultimately all these refer to the same lake, which is considered the largest lake in Southern Europe and it also named after Shkoder city in Albania.
Map of Lake Shkoder
Shkoder lake sits on the border of Albania and Montenegro and can be visited from either country, although the city of Shkoder in Albania is probably the most convenient place from which to visit the lake.
How to get to Shkoder Lake
Lake Shkoder is straightforward to reach whether you’re starting in Tirana, Durres, or Shkoder city. Your choice depends on whether you want the flexibility of self‑drive, the lowest price, or a tour where everything is arranged for you. If you’d prefer not to think about logistics, guided day trips are an easy, time‑efficient way to visit, with transport, a boat cruise, and a local guide included.
At a Glance: Transport Options to Lake Shkoder
| From | Transport | Time | Cost | Booking Link |
| Shkoder | Tour Bus – Half-day with hotel pickup and boat trip | Half day | From $35 | Book Shkoder boat tour |
| Tirana | Rental Car – Flexible self-drive with stops at Rozafa Castle or villages | 1.5–2 hrs | From $25/day | Compare Tirana car hire |
| Bus – Frequent, budget-friendly option | ~2 hrs | $3–4 USD | – | |
| Train – Scenic but limited service | 2–3 hrs | $3–4 USD | – | |
| Guided Tour – Full-day with hotel pickup, boat trip, and sightseeing | Full day | From $45 | Book Tirana to Lake Shkoder tour | |
| Durres | Rental Car – Flexible scenic drive | 2–2.5 hrs | From $25/day | Check Durres car hire |
| Bus – Frequent and affordable | 2–2.5 hrs | $3–5 USD | – |
See the best-rated Lake Shkoder tours →
From Shkoder City
Local Buses – No direct service to the lake, but you can take a bus to the edge of town nearest the water. Services run every 20–30 minutes, costing 30–50 lek (under $0.50 USD).
Tour Buses – Offer hotel pickup and a guided boat tour, making the most of a half‑day visit.
See boat trips departing from Shkoder town→
Taxi – The fastest option from the city centre, around 300–400 lek ($3–4 USD). Agree on the fare before setting off or use a taxi app.
Half-Day Tours – Many tours from Shkoder include a three‑hour cruise past waterlilies and fortress ruins, with stops at centuries‑old monasteries and local wine tasting. They often book up in summer, so reserve in advance.
From Tirana →
Rental Car – Around 100 km (62 miles), 1.5–2 hours. Driving gives you the freedom to stop at Rozafa Castle or pull over at viewpoints along the lake. The roads are in good condition and parking is straightforward. I like booking through Discover Cars because they compare local and international companies, show the real final price, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare Tirana car hire prices →
Guided Tour – The simplest way to see Lake Shkoder in a single day. Includes hotel pickup, a three‑hour boat cruise through reed‑lined channels, and stops at hidden monasteries and viewpoints. Highly rated and ideal if you want everything handled for you.
Book a Tirana to Lake Shkoder tour →
Bus – Every 30 minutes in peak season, around 2 hours, 300–400 lek ($3–4 USD). Buses depart from Tirana’s northern station. Arrive early in summer to secure a seat and bring water — it can get warm on board.
Train – Less frequent than the bus but more scenic. 2–3 hours and similar in cost. A slower, more relaxed option if you’re not in a hurry.
From Durres
Rental Car – About 115 km (71 miles), 2–2.5 hours. A straightforward drive with the option to detour along the route. Booking ahead through Discover Cars gives you the best choice of vehicles and free cancellation.
Check Durres car hire prices →
Bus – Every 30–60 minutes, taking 2–2.5 hours. Tickets cost 300–500 lek ($3–5 USD) and are bought onboard.
Visiting Lake Shkoder from Montenegro
Its just as easy to reach Lake Shkoder National Park from the Montenegro side from Podgorica, Montenegro. This is the closest city to stay in to visit Lake Shkoder from Montenegro.
Rental Car from Podgorica Airport
- Distance: Approximately 55 km (about 34 miles)
- Driving Time: About 1 to 1.5 hours by car
We hired a car from Podgorica Airport through Discover Cars, and despite it being 11pm, the process was smooth and straightforward. However, make sure to disclose that the car will be driven across the border into Albania, during the car hire process. For the border crossing, the car hire will provide you a card which needs to be shown at the crossing. We didn’t realise this when hiring our car in Montenegro and had to turn back at the Albanian border and get our card!
Bus from Podgorica
- Frequency: Few times a day.
- Duration: About 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Cost: Roughly 5-10 euros, depending on the operator
However, if you’re looking for the most convenient, least hassle option then I recommend booking a tour which covers transport plus a visit to the lake right from Montenegro.
Things to do at Shkoder Lake
Althought Lake Shkoder can techinically be visited in half a day, I would suggest carving out a full day trip for this day, this will allow you time to get to the lake, do a boat tour and also visit and do other activities in and around Shkoder city and Lake Shkoder noted below.
Best Lake Shkoder Boat Tours (Tried & Recommended)
If you only have time for one experience at Lake Shkoder, make it a boat trip. There’s no better way to appreciate its beauty than gliding through stunning waters with the mountains rising in the distance. In summer, the water is dotted with floating water lilies, and you’ll pass fortress ruins and monasteries that can only be reached by boat. Most tours include hotel pickup, small groups, and free cancellation — making them an easy, stress‑free choice.
3‑Hour Small‑Group Boat Cruise from Virpazar
Drift through the lake’s reed‑fringed channels, sip local wine, and listen to your guide share the stories behind every fortress and lotus‑filled inlet. This relaxed small‑group tour is the ideal introduction to Lake Skadar.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 1,000 reviews.
Lake Skadar Winery and Culinary Day Tour (inc. Wine Tasting)
Combine a morning exploring the lake with an afternoon in a hillside village, enjoying a farm‑to‑table lunch and wine tasting at Jablan Winery. Guides are praised for their storytelling and deep local knowledge.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 1,900 reviews.
Sunset Cruise on Lake Skadar
As the sun dips behind the mountains, the lake takes on a golden glow. This evening cruise includes wine, snacks, and a short walk on Lesendro Island — perfect if you’re staying in Virpazar or Shkoder overnight.
Rated 4.8/5 from hundreds of reviews.
Tip: Summer weekends can book out quickly. Reserve in advance so you can just turn up and enjoy the day without worrying about availability.
2. Visit the Medieval Kom Monastery
A 15th century monastry built by the Crnojevic family which has some of the best preserved frescoes today.
3. Wander the Lesendro ruins surrounded by meadows
Located on the small island on Lake Shkoder itself, these are the ruins of the ancient fortress of Lessendro on Shkoder Lake. If you have more time, there is also the Lesendro castle and surrounding fortifications worth checking out.
Depending on the tour booked you can ride the lake in the traditional wooden boats on the water for a more authentic experience. I would also recommend booking one with a English tour guide so you can learn all about the history at each of the stops.
Best places to book a Lake Shkoder boat trip:
If you are looking to explore the surrounding area further, there are some amazing hikes and walks to do around Lake Shkoder, offering some great views from above!
Don’t Miss Your Chance to See Lake Shkoder at Its Best
Check Lake Shkoder boat tour dates & availability →
Can you swim in Lake Shkoder?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Shkodra, with popular spots for swimming including Shiroka Beach on the Albanian side and Rijeka Crnojevića on the Montenegro side. The water is generally clear and a nice shade of turquoise blue if you’re lucky with the weather and sunlight. at more touristy areas like Shiroka Beach.
Swimming Spots on Lake Shkoder
Swimming in Lake Shkoder is a summer highlight, with calm turquoise water framed by mountains and wild reed beds. June to September is the warmest time to swim, with water temperatures of 20–26°C (68–79°F). If you want to do more than just float, you can hire kayaks or stand‑up paddleboards to explore hidden inlets and quieter bays.
Shiroka Beach – Family‑Friendly Swimming with Changing Rooms
Shiroka is the easiest and most popular swimming spot near Shkoder city. The water here is shallow and still, perfect for relaxed swims and cooling off between sunbathing breaks. Cafés line the shore for drinks and lunch, and in summer there are basic changing facilities right on the beach. Local operators also rent kayaks so you can paddle to peaceful stretches away from the main swimming area.
Book a kayak and explore Shiroka’s quiet coves →
Vau i Dejës – Quiet Lakeside Escape
This spot has a more secluded feel, with deeper water that’s ideal for confident swimmers. It’s rarely crowded, so you can swim with mountain views in near‑silence. While there aren’t formal changing rooms, lakeside cafés will often let customers use their restrooms. It’s also a great launch point for private boat trips that combine swimming with sightseeing.
See private boat trips from Vau i Dejës →
Rijeka Crnojevića – Scenic Swimming in Montenegro
This riverside village is one of the most picturesque places to swim on Lake Skadar, with clear, cool water and a dramatic mountain backdrop. After a dip, wander into the village for lunch or rent a paddleboard to explore upstream. No dedicated changing rooms, but most restaurants are happy to let guests get changed.
Rent a paddleboard at Rijeka Crnojevića →
Where to Stay Near Lake Shkoder
While most visitors see Lake Shkoder as a day trip, staying overnight lets you experience the lake in its quietest moments — early mornings when the water is perfectly still and evenings when the sky turns gold over the mountains. There are a handful of charming guesthouses and boutique stays in the area that make it easy to combine lake views with local hospitality.
Tip: Accommodation options right by the lake are limited and can book out in summer, so it’s worth reserving ahead — most listings on Booking.com offer free cancellation.
1. Mid‑Range – Eco Village Shkoder
Just a short walk from the lakeshore, this family‑run property blends traditional Albanian architecture with eco‑friendly design. Rooms open onto a garden filled with fruit trees, and breakfast includes homemade bread and local honey. A great choice if you want comfort and a taste of village life.
See availability & prices at Eco Village Shkoder →
2. Boutique – Hotel Tradita
Located in nearby Shkoder city, Hotel Tradita is set in a beautifully restored historic building with wood‑beamed ceilings and courtyards strung with fairy lights. Known for its exceptional restaurant and warm Albanian hospitality, it’s ideal if you want to pair your lake visit with an atmospheric stay in town.
Book Hotel Tradita & check prices →
3. Budget Concious – Lake Shkodra Resort
A relaxed lakeside retreat with simple wooden cabins and camping options set among olive trees. Guests love the private beach area, calm swimming waters, and on‑site restaurant serving fresh fish from the lake. Perfect if you want peace and nature without spending much.
Check availability & prices at Lake Shkodra Resort →
Is Lake Shkoder worth visiting?
Yes, Lake Shkoder is definitely worth visiting! It’s one of the largest and most picturesque lakes in the Balkans accessible from Both Albania and Montenegro. Lake Shkoder is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, clear waters, and a peaceful atmosphere. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake, take a swim, or explore charming lakeside towns like Shkoder, Shiroka and Vau i Dejës. Additionally, the surrounding region has historical sites such as the Kom Monastry and the Lesendro ruins woerthy exploring.
Places to visit in and around Shkoder
Make sure you leave aside some time to check out Shkoder itself on your way to or from Lake Shkoder. This city often frequented by tourists enroute to the Albanian Alps has a unique charm. The city is often used as a base given it serves as the start and end points of tours and transport for the Valbona to Theth hike in the Albanian alps.
There are several places to visit in and around Skhoder, so I would recommend stopping for at least 1 full day. We stopped in Shkoder the day before heading off on our 3 day long hiking trip to the Blue Eye and the Albanian Alps. Shkoder serves as a good place to start and end hiking trips and you will find a lot of tour companies and public transport options going to the Albanian Alps use Shkoder as a starting and ending point for the journey.
Local Markets in Shkoder
A visit to the local markets in Shkoder is a must, here the city comes alive with colored stalls offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and unique handiwork. It’s a great place for really getting off the beaten path, getting some local souvenirs and soaking up the local atmosphere.
Rozafa Castle
A short distance from the Shkoder, Rozafa Castle – a historic fortress perched on a hill with ancient stone walls and panoramic views.
Climb up to the 400-year-old fortifications to the very top for amazing views over the confluence of the Buna and Drin rivers. The castle’s stone walls and ruins reflect centuries of Illyrian, Roman, Venetian, and Ottoman influence. It is said that the castle gets its name from the Legend of Rozafa (which I found rather creepy) which is a story of sacrifice where a woman was apparently immured into the castle walls to ensure its stability.
Lunch at Kole Idromeno Street
Have a local lunch on Kole Idromeno Street In the afternoon, walk to Kole Idromeno Street, the most famous pedestrian street; here, you can get lunch with typical Albanian cooking served in small and attractive cafes. Try local specialties like byrek or grab a glass of regional wine. Enjoy the pulse of the city with the people strolling about in this beautiful environment.
National Marubi Museum of Photography
Visit the National Marubi Museum of Photography In the afternoon, proceed to the Marubi National Museum of Photography. I spent hours or two in that museum, which had a great collection of photographs representing history in Albania. Besides, the museum gives an idea about the social and cultural history of the Albanians.
Traditional Albanian Dinner at Hotel Tradita
For a traditional Albanian food in Shkoder, head to Hotel Tradita. I was skeptical at first given the restaurant was part of a hotel, however this is quite normal in Albania. On arrival we were welcomed into a beautiful indoor-outdoor courtyard with stunning evening lights and a festive atmosphere, traditional Albanian music playing in the background.
This ended up being my favourite meal in Albania! Its highly popular with locals and visitors alike, so best to go early or try or book in advance. I highly recommend ordering a couple of dishes to share and trying some local Albanian wine.
Plan Your Lake Shkoder Trip Now
You’ve got the inspiration — now make it real. These are the key things to lock in early so you can just turn up and enjoy the lake.
Accommodation – Stay close to the water or in Shkoder city for the best access. Many hotels and guesthouses offer free cancellation, so you can book now and adjust later.
Find places to stay near Lake Shkoder →
Tours & Activities – Guided boat trips cover the highlights, from waterlily‑lined channels to hidden monasteries. Booking ahead means you won’t miss your preferred date.
See the highest‑rated Lake Shkoder tours →
Car Hire – Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Rozafa Castle, lakeside villages, and the Montenegro side.
Compare car hire prices with free cancellation →
Travel Insurance – For Albania and Montenegro, choose a policy that covers both countries plus water activities.
Get a quick travel insurance quote →
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