There are many improbable issues to do in Shkoder, a cool, lake-side city within the North of Albania. Shkoder might be one of the crucial underrated places in Albania. It’s Albania’s cultural capital and has a enjoyable ambiance, a superbly picturesque metropolis heart to discover, and loads of cool issues to do.
Shkoder can also be the entry level to the Albanian Alps, so should you like to hike, you received’t need to miss it. In the event you’re planning a visit to Albania, Shkoder ought to undoubtedly be in your checklist of locations to go to. In the event you’re questioning what to see in Shkoder, learn on for my prime 15 finest issues to do right here.
Greatest Issues To Do in Shkoder
There are such a lot of superb issues to do in Shkoder, identified regionally because the cultural capital of Albania. From its lovely heart to the unbelievable nature on its doorstep, you might by no means need to depart.
Listed below are a few of my favourite locations to go to in Shkoder that can assist you plan your good journey:
1. Stroll Down Rruga Kolë Idromeno
One of many first issues to do in Shkoder while you arrive is to go proper into the middle and discover. The middle is a pedestrianized space that’s full of many cute, boutique retailers, cafes, eating places, bars, ice cream parlors, and extra.
The streets are cobblestoned, the retailers are brightly coloured, and there are squares and patios in every single place with locals sipping on espresso and watching the world go by.
Take a lazy stroll by this space, notably the principle road of Rruga Kole Idromeno, and immerse your self in life in Shkoder. It’s the proper introduction to this lovely metropolis and is likely one of the finest locations to see in Shkoder.
Tackle: Rruga Kole Idromeno, Shkoder
2. Discover the Shkoder Historic Museum
There are many nice museums in Shkoder, however should you solely have time for one, then I like to recommend you head to the Historic Museum.
It’s one of many prime issues to do in Shkoder for people who need to be taught extra about its fascinating previous. The museum is break up into completely different time intervals, starting from historical occasions and Illyrian tribes, by the Ottoman Empire till trendy occasions.
The museum is housed in a former Venetian service provider’s home and appears lovely. The museum itself is fascinating and well-presented, with numerous artifacts and knowledge to maintain you engaged. If, like me, you’re keen on historical past, you then’ll simply see why this is likely one of the hottest vacationer sights in Shkoder.
Tackle: Shkoder Historical Museum, Rruga Oso Kuka 32, Shkoder
3. Take a Boat Journey on Komani Lake
An enormous a part of Shkoder’s enchantment is the gorgeous surroundings and nature on this a part of Albania. Nowhere is that extra obvious than Komani Lake; one of the crucial lovely locations to go to close to Shkoder.
To essentially immerse your self within the unbelievable nature at Lake Komani, I might extremely suggest the Shala River & Komani Lake day tour. From Shkoder, you’ll first head to Vau i Dejes Lake for some unbelievable, unspoiled views. The tour then takes a ship by Lake Komani and onto the Shala River.
You’ll get the possibility to hike round Lake Shala, one of many wildest mountaineering spots within the space. And should you’re actually courageous, you’ll be able to take a dip within the river itself. Nicknamed Albania’s Thailand, the views listed here are spectacular. It actually is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Shkoder. The tour will accumulate you out of your accommodation in Shkoder.
Tackle: Komani Lake, Shkoder
4. Go to Albania’s Northern Blue Eye
The Blue Eye in Theth (to not be confused with the Blue Eye near Saranda) is likely one of the most unbelievable issues to do round Shkoder. It’s a surprising waterfall nestled within the Albanian Alps that’s reached by a 3-4 hour hike by the mountains.
Mix your journey to the most effective Shkoder sights with a go to to close by Grunasi Waterfall with this good 1-day waterfall tour. You’ll have a information to guide you on the 17-kilometer hike to the Blue Eye, in addition to transport to each waterfalls and thru a number of the gorgeous landscapes of the Albanian Alps.
You possibly can take a dip within the waters while you arrive – it’s good after that hike. The entire expertise is a surprising day trip and one in every of my absolute prime issues to see in Shkoder.
Tackle: Blue Eye, Kaprre e Gimajve, Theth
5. Hike the Accursed Mountains
One of many most important occasions in northern Albania is the Accursed Mountains. Named probably as a result of notion that they’re unsurmountable, the Accursed Mountains, or the Albanian Alps, lengthen from Albania by Kosovo and Montenegro.
This incredible 4-day guided hike by the Accursed Mountains is each hiker’s dream. It’s really one of the crucial unbelievable locations to go to in Shkoder and maybe the entire of Albania. You’ll have a private information all through the journey and can keep at native guesthouses every night.
You’ll see a number of the wildest and most unbelievable surroundings that Albania has to supply. In the event you like to hike, this could undoubtedly make it onto your Albanian itinerary.
Tackle: The Accursed Mountains, Northern Albania
6. Head to Rozafa Fort at Sundown
Rozafa Fort is positioned simply exterior the principle metropolis heart and is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Shkoder at evening. You possibly can discover the ruins or head into the museum to be taught extra concerning the citadel’s distinctive legend.
It’s rumored that three brothers tried to construct the citadel, however the foundations wouldn’t maintain. On the recommendation of a clever man, one in every of their wives was buried alive within the partitions, within the hope, it was mentioned, that the foundations would maintain agency.
She accepted her destiny however requested that half of her be uncovered to consolation her toddler son. A life-size sculpture of the spouse is seen on the citadel at this time.
I hope the legend isn’t true, however I might undoubtedly suggest coming right here for sundown nonetheless. It’s one of the crucial romantic issues to do for {couples}.
Tackle: Rozafa Castle, Rruga Rozafa, Shkoder
7. Kayak on Lake Shkoder
Lake Shkoder is the largest lake in Southern Europe and is likely one of the greatest fowl reserves on the continent. It’s proper on the doorstep of Shkoder itself and is a must-see should you’re staying right here.
You possibly can both take a stroll round its shores, rent bikes to journey a bit additional, or hire kayaks and paddleboards to get a fair nearer look.
You possibly can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Drini Times Watersports to go onto the lake, get away from the town and be at one with nature. It’s a wonderful journey for each children and grown-ups and so for me, it’s the most effective issues to do in Shkoder for households.
Click on here for instructions to Drini Instances Watersports and Birdwatching Middle for kayak and paddleboard hire.
Tackle: Lake Shkoder, Shkoder
8. Take a Day Journey to Boge
If you wish to be taught extra about life in Northern Albania, then the most effective issues to do in Shkoder is to go out on a day tour to nearby Boge.
This fun-filled day journey will take you from Shkoder into Theth Nationwide Park the place you’ll cease at some unbelievable panoramic viewpoints to marvel on the panorama contained in the Park. When you arrive at Boge, you’ll meet native inhabitants and study native life within the village.
This is a superb solution to escape the town and the expertise feels such as you’re going again in time. The local-led tour by the village and surrounding areas is each fascinating and very peaceable. It’s one of the crucial lovely locations to go to in Shkoder.
Click on here for the Theth National Park and Boge Village tour.
Tackle: Boge, Shkoder
9. Marvel at Ebu Bekr Mosque
The Ebu Bekr Mosque is a extremely spectacular piece of structure throughout the metropolis. It was rebuilt in 1995 and so is a really trendy and picturesque place to go to.
You’re welcome to go inside as long as you come end result of prayer hours, and images is permitted each inside and outside. I like marveling on the gorgeous element inside and studying extra concerning the Muslim faith right here.
It’s the most effective free issues to do in Shkoder and can also be a wonderful solution to be taught extra concerning the spiritual influences on modern-day Albania.
Tackle: Ebu Bekr Mosque, Rruga Fushë Cele 1, Shkodër
10. Take pleasure in a Bike Experience to Shiroka
One in all my favourite issues to do in Shkoder is to rent a motorcycle and discover by myself. Shkoder has a wonderful repute and infrastructure for biking and so it’s tremendous simple to hire a motorcycle and be in your manner.
I might undoubtedly suggest heading to close by Shiroka by bike. You possibly can rent bikes within the heart of city after which observe Lake Shkoder alongside to the quaint village of Shiroka.
It’s a 14-kilometer spherical journey and the terrain is flat; it’s a pleasant simple trip that provides some wonderful views of the lake alongside the way in which. Shiroka is legendary for its carp, so cease for a fish lunch on the shores of the lake earlier than returning to Shkoder. I’d suggest hiring bikes from Eko Club, who additionally serve wonderful meals.
Tackle: Shiroka, Shkoder
As you’ll be able to most likely see, the most effective issues to do in Shkoder are discovered within the nice outdoor. The character and countryside right here is a number of the finest within the nation and you’ll see a number of the most unbeatable magnificence on this 2-day adventure tour.
Over two days, you’ll go to some conventional rural villages earlier than crossing the magnificent Komani Lake by boat. After, you’ll go kayaking on the Shala River the place you’ll be able to take a refreshing swim should you’re courageous sufficient, (the water is fairly chilly!).
You’ll additionally keep in a single day and luxuriate in breakfast at a conventional guesthouse earlier than heading again to Shkoder. This tour is absolutely spectacular and is a spotlight of the issues to do in Shkoder.
Tackle: You’ll be collected out of your resort on the tour and can go to the Komani Lake and Shala River.
12. Head Out to Mesi Bridge
The Mesi Bridge is a historic bridge, in-built conventional Ottoman design. It’s round 108 meters lengthy and has 13 fantastic stone arches. It connects the 2 sides of the Kir River and is the best river crossing in Albania.
It’s been well-preserved and is an unbelievable web site to behold. It’s no shock that it’s one of the crucial photographed Shkoder sights.
Whereas it’s not someplace that you have to spend quite a lot of time, it’s undoubtedly value a go to to get pleasure from views over the river and metropolis and to take some unbelievable photographs.
Tackle: Mesi Bridge, Shqipëri, AL, Mes 4012
13. Take a Day Journey to Montenegro
As Shkoder is correct on the Albanian border, the most effective issues to do close to Shkoder is to really go to one other nation. You possibly can simply go to Montenegro from Shkoder however the easiest way to do that, and to profit from the time, is to take a tour.
The Shkoder trip to Montenegro will take you to see the highlights of the southern Montenegrin coast together with Sveti Stefan, as soon as a small fishing city on a small island turned premier resort, the walled metropolis of Budva and its pretty seashores, and the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, The Metropolis of Kotor (a must-see in Montenegro).
It’s the most effective issues to do in Shkoder and is a superb alternative to tick off visiting one other nation too. Click on here to book a spot on the tour, which can accumulate you out of your hotel in Shkoder.
Tackle: Take the tour to Montenegro from here.
14. Go to the Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing facility
Be sure to go to the Masks Manufacturing facility in Shkoder; one of the crucial vibrant and enjoyable locations to go to within the metropolis when it comes to artwork. The masks are made by graduates of Artwork Colleges in Albania, and so they’re actually superb to see.
Many of the masks made listed here are these offered in Venice, and the manufacturing unit in Shkoder is the one outlet in Albania. The craftsmanship is really excellent and with the assistance of the pleasant host, you’ll be taught all concerning the artwork of constructing masks.
It’s an expertise that basically highlights the significance of supporting native artisan merchandise the place doable and is a singular and enjoyable factor to do in Shkoder.
Tackle: Venice Art Mask Factory, Rruga Inxh, Gjovalin Gjadri, Shkoder
15. Take a Jeep Tour to Theth Nationwide Park
You possibly can discover the Theth National Park by Jeep. The surroundings within the park is totally gorgeous and by Jeep, you’ll get to see a lot of it. You’ll even have a information with you who will be capable of let you know all concerning the park, and the crops and animals that inhabit it.
The Park itself is the place to begin of many hikes by the Albanian Alps, which is a spotlight in itself.
Nonetheless, the park can also be residence to waterfalls, canyons, church buildings, and is derived, all of which might be seen on this tour. The character is unbelievable, and it’s undoubtedly one of the crucial lovely and enjoyable issues to do in Shkoder. E book your spot on this brilliant tour here.
E book here for a tour by the park.
Tackle: Theth National Park, Shkoder
Fast Journey Itineraries For Shkoder
There are such a lot of superb issues to do in Shkoder that it may be exhausting to search out sufficient time. Listed below are my prompt itineraries that can assist you plan your good journey:
1 Day in Shkoder Itinerary
In the event you solely have a day in Shkoder then I might focus on the beautiful heart itself. Head to Rruga Kole Idromeno and the pedestrianized heart for a espresso or ice cream and get a really feel for Shkoder. Cease by the Ebu Bekr Mosque.
Within the afternoon, relying in your desire, I might both take a stroll right down to the lake or go to the Shkoder Historic Museum. Within the night, head to Rozafa Fort to catch the sundown.
2-3 Days in Shkoder Itinerary
If in case you have slightly longer, you’ll be able to undoubtedly head additional afield and discover the unbelievable countryside past.
Take the 1-day itinerary and on the 2nd day, think about heading out on a boat tour to the incredible Komani Lake and surrounding space. On the third day, I’d suggest heading to the Blue Eye in Theth as that is certain to be a spot you received’t neglect any time quickly.
In the event you’re tour-ed out on day 3 then rent bikes as a substitute and cycle the picturesque path to Shiroka for carp by the lake.
1 Week in Shkoder Itinerary
If in case you have longer in Shkoder and also you like to hike, then I extremely suggest finishing the 4-day trek in the Accursed Mountains – it’s an unbelievable expertise. Add on the 1-day itinerary on both aspect of it and permit loads of time for relaxation while you’re again.
In the event you desire one thing much less difficult, then take the 2-3 day itinerary above as a place to begin. Add on a day trip to Boge and the Theth National Park for a unique perspective of life within the Albanian Alps.
Spend an additional day stress-free in Shkoder and hire kayaks on Lake Shkoder. Think about taking a jeep tour deep into Theth National Park for a rush of adrenaline, or for one thing extra stress-free, get pleasure from a day within the masks manufacturing unit.
The place to Keep in Shkoder
These are a couple of of the most effective neighborhoods in Shkoder for vacationers:
Kole Idromeno Pedestrian Zone – Greatest for First-time Guests
On your first time in Shkoder, I like to recommend staying proper within the heart, within the pedestrianized zone.
Right here, you’ll have quick access to all the most effective sights in Shkoder in addition to the good bars and eating places on this space. There isn’t any visitors, so it’s fairly quiet, regardless of being in the midst of the town.
This lovely Shkoder apartment is ideal to your journey to Shkoder. It’s trendy, shiny, and ethereal and has a balcony providing lovely mountain views.
Rruga G’Juhadol – Greatest for Nightlife
Rruga G’Juhadol is positioned proper subsequent to the pedestrianized zone and is inside simple attain of the most effective bars and eating places in Shkoder.
It’s additionally nonetheless tremendous near the principle, central vacationer sights, so you’ve got the most effective of each worlds right here. In the event you’re seeking to meet different folks whereas in Shkoder then take a look at The Wanderers Hostel which has an excellent number of rooms, a bar, and plenty of communal areas.
Shkoder Lake – Greatest for Households
If you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and really feel at one with nature, then head down the coast slightly to Shiroka, on the banks of Lake Shkoder.
Right here, you’ll have gorgeous views over the lake, tremendous peaceable mornings and evenings, and slightly more room than you’ll discover within the metropolis. It’s a brief bike trip from the town heart that means you’ll nonetheless be near all the most effective locations to go to in Shkoder.
This unbelievable Serena Home has superb views over the lake. It has a giant front room and an enormous out of doors balcony to profit from the spectacular views. You possibly can even hire bikes to make your journey to Shkoder heart even simpler.
Greatest Eating places in Shkoder
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Shkoder:
Fisi Grill & Restaurant
For native meals, Fisi Grill is a should. Nice for lunch or dinner, the restaurant focuses on conventional Albanian food. You could strive the lamb, it’s unbelievable. Click here for directions.
Vila Bekteshi
Villa Bekteshi is a stunning restaurant and is a extremely stress-free place to eat or seize a drink, particularly within the yard. The meals was scrumptious too. I can suggest the baked lamb, it was so good. Click here for directions.
Restaurant Puri
Restaurant Puri isn’t fancy or nice eating by any means, however the meals is great, and it’s a brilliant reasonably priced place to eat for these on a finances. The goulash and Mom’s meatballs are actually nice dishes. Click here to view on a map.
Pasta e Vino
The selfmade pasta at Pasta e Vino is totally wonderful. It’s tremendous recent and the parts are beneficiant too. The dish to strive is the Ravioli with truffle, notably as a result of truffle is absolutely in style in Albania. Click here for directions.
Eko Membership
A improbable place to seize a scrumptious espresso, juice, or a fast chew earlier than heading off in your bike. In the event you’re vegetarian, there’s an excellent providing at Eko Club, with improbable veggie sandwiches and snacks. Click here to view on map.
Attending to Shkoder
In the event you’re flying into Albania, you then’ll nearly definitely land at Tirana Worldwide Airport.
From Tirana, you may get to Shkoder by bus. First, you’ll want to go to the regional bus terminal within the metropolis. From right here, buses to Shkoder depart each half-hour from round 6.30 am till 5 pm. The bus takes round 1 hour 45 minutes and can value round 400 lek ($3.90USD).
Alternatively, you possibly can seize a taxi immediately from the airport. Many of the most important taxi corporations in Albania function from arrivals. Try Tirana Airport Taxi, which is the formally licensed taxi on the airport. They cost €55 – €62 to Shkoder. Test their website for updates to costs.
Lastly, think about hiring a automotive. You need to be capable of get a rent automotive from the airport for round €20 per day, though I might suggest reserving upfront to get the most effective value.
As soon as in Shkoder, you’ll be able to take native buses or taxis, however Shkoder is tremendous cycle-friendly. Many of the most important sightseeing in Shkoder might be reached by bike.
Issues To Do in Shkoder: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Shkoder:
Shkoder is called the cultural capital of Albania as a result of its prominence within the arts, in addition to being well-regarded for its spiritual and cultural tolerance throughout Albania’s tumultuous historical past.
One of the best time to go to Shkoder is through the shoulder seasons on both aspect of the height summer season season. Head to Shkoder in April-June or September-October for cooler temperatures and sunny skies, good for mountaineering and exploring.
Completely, Shkoder is value visiting. It’s a ravishing metropolis in its personal proper, in addition to being the gateway to the Albanian Alps. The encompassing panorama is an out of doors fanatic’s dream the place days might be spent mountaineering mountains, swimming in waterfalls, or kayaking on lakes.
I might counsel not less than 3–4 days in Shkoder to have the ability to expertise the town itself and a number of the countryside surrounding it. The longer you’ve got, the deeper into the Albanian Alps you’ll be able to discover.
Shkoder is extremely secure. Though a metropolis, it feels extra like a small city within the heart the place you’ll be able to stroll round with none worries, even after darkish. After all, opportunist thieves function in all in style areas however take common precautions and also you received’t have any want for concern.
The preferred factor to do in Shkoder is to go to the attractive Rozafa Fort. Its loopy legend provides intrigue and the gorgeous views at sundown make it an ideal place to go to.
Shkoder is healthier identified for its lakes, waterfalls, and mountains, however Plazhi i Velipojes is the place to go if you wish to head to the seaside whereas in Shkoder.
When in Shkoder, you need to strive Tavë Krapi. It’s carp, from the Shkoder Lake, marinated in onions, garlic, and tomatoes after which baked. It’s scrumptious and is a delicacy of the realm.
In Closing
Shkoder is severely underrated, with many individuals choosing Tirana and heading south towards Berat or Korca. Nonetheless, there are such a lot of improbable issues to do in Shkoder and the character and countryside to be uncovered right here is unparalleled.
Go mountaineering within the Albanian Alps or have an journey on the Kamani Lake and visit Albania’s Thailand on the Shala River. There are simply so many epic adventures awaiting in Shkoder.
I hope this weblog helps you propose what to do in Shkoder. Take pleasure in your journey!
