There are many implausible issues to do in Shkoder, a cool, lake-side city within the North of Albania. Shkoder might be one of the vital underrated locations in Albania. It’s Albania’s cultural capital and has a enjoyable environment, a superbly picturesque metropolis middle to discover, and loads of cool issues to do.
Shkoder can be the entry level to the Albanian Alps, so when 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 listing of locations to go to. In the event you’re questioning what to see in Shkoder, learn on for my high 15 greatest issues to do right here.
Finest Issues To Do in Shkoder
There are such a lot of superb issues to do in Shkoder, recognized regionally because the cultural capital of Albania. From its stunning middle to the unimaginable nature on its doorstep, chances are you’ll by no means need to depart.
Listed here are a few of my favourite locations to go to in Shkoder that will help you plan your excellent journey:
1. Stroll Down Rruga Kolë Idromeno
One of many first issues to do in Shkoder if you arrive is to move 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 all over the place with locals sipping on espresso and watching the world go by.
Take a lazy stroll via this space, significantly the primary road of Rruga Kole Idromeno, and immerse your self in life in Shkoder. It’s the proper introduction to this stunning metropolis and is among the greatest locations to see in Shkoder.
Tackle: Rruga Kole Idromeno, Shkoder
2. Discover the Shkoder Historic Museum
There are many nice museums in Shkoder, however when you solely have time for one, then I like to recommend you head to the Historic Museum.
It’s one of many high issues to do in Shkoder for those who need to study extra about its fascinating previous. The museum is cut up into totally different time intervals, starting from historical instances and Illyrian tribes, via the Ottoman Empire till trendy instances.
The museum is housed in a former Venetian service provider’s home and appears stunning. The museum itself is fascinating and well-presented, with a number of artifacts and knowledge to maintain you engaged. If, like me, you’re keen on historical past, you then’ll simply see why this is among the hottest vacationer sights in Shkoder.
Tackle: Shkoder Historic Museum, Rruga Oso Kuka 32, Shkoder
3. Take a Boat Journey on Komani Lake
An enormous a part of Shkoder’s attraction is the gorgeous surroundings and nature on this a part of Albania. Nowhere is that extra obvious than Komani Lake; one of the vital stunning locations to go to close to Shkoder.
To actually immerse your self within the unimaginable nature at Lake Komani, I’d extremely suggest the Shala River & Komani Lake day tour. From Shkoder, you’ll first head to Vau i Dejes Lake for some unimaginable, unspoiled views. The tour then takes a ship via Lake Komani and onto the Shala River.
You’ll get the prospect to hike round Lake Shala, one of many wildest climbing spots within the space. And when you’re actually courageous, you possibly can take a dip within the river itself. Nicknamed Albania’s Thailand, the views listed below are spectacular. It actually is among the greatest locations to go to in Shkoder. The tour will accumulate you out of your lodging 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 close to Saranda) is among the most unimaginable issues to do round Shkoder. It’s a shocking waterfall nestled within the Albanian Alps that’s reached by a 3-4 hour hike via the mountains.
Mix your journey to among the best Shkoder sights with a go to to close by Grunasi Waterfall with this excellent 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 few of the gorgeous landscapes of the Albanian Alps.
You possibly can take a dip within the waters if you arrive – it’s excellent after that hike. The entire expertise is a shocking time out and considered one of my absolute high issues to see in Shkoder.
Tackle: Blue Eye, Kaprre e Gimajve, Theth
5. Hike the Accursed Mountains
One of many predominant occasions in northern Albania is the Accursed Mountains. Named presumably as a result of notion that they’re unsurmountable, the Accursed Mountains, or the Albanian Alps, prolong from Albania via Kosovo and Montenegro.
This unimaginable 4-day guided hike via the Accursed Mountains is each hiker’s dream. It’s actually one of the vital unimaginable 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 few of the wildest and most unimaginable 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 situated simply outdoors the primary metropolis middle and is unquestionably one of many high issues to do in Shkoder at night time. You possibly can discover the ruins or head into the museum to study extra in regards to the fort’s distinctive legend.
It’s rumored that three brothers tried to construct the fort, however the foundations wouldn’t maintain. On the recommendation of a smart man, considered one 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 fort as we speak.
I hope the legend isn’t true, however I’d undoubtedly suggest coming right here for sundown nonetheless. It’s one of the vital romantic issues to do for {couples}.
Tackle: Rozafa Fort, Rruga Rozafa, Shkoder
7. Kayak on Lake Shkoder
Lake Shkoder is the largest lake in Southern Europe and is among the greatest hen reserves on the continent. It’s proper on the doorstep of Shkoder itself and is a must-see when you’re staying right here.
You possibly can both take a stroll round its shores, rent bikes to journey a bit additional, or lease kayaks and paddleboards to get a good nearer look.
You possibly can lease kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Drini Instances Watersports to move 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 among the best issues to do in Shkoder for households.
Click on right here for instructions to Drini Instances Watersports and Birdwatching Middle for kayak and paddleboard rent.
Tackle: Lake Shkoder, Shkoder
8. Take a Day Journey to Boge
If you wish to study extra about life in Northern Albania, then among the best issues to do in Shkoder is to move out on a day tour to close by Boge.
This fun-filled day journey will take you from Shkoder into Theth Nationwide Park the place you’ll cease at some unimaginable 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 wonderful strategy to escape the town and the expertise feels such as you’re going again in time. The local-led tour via the village and surrounding areas is each fascinating and intensely peaceable. It’s one of the vital stunning locations to go to in Shkoder.
Click on right here for the Theth Nationwide Park and Boge Village tour.
Tackle: Boge, Shkoder
9. Marvel at Ebu Bekr Mosque
The Ebu Bekr Mosque is a very 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 move inside as long as you come final result of prayer hours, and images is permitted each in and out. I really like marveling on the gorgeous element inside and studying extra in regards to the Muslim faith right here.
It’s among the best free issues to do in Shkoder and can be a wonderful strategy to study extra in regards to the spiritual influences on modern-day Albania.
Tackle: Ebu Bekr Mosque, Rruga Fushë Cele 1, Shkodër
10. Get pleasure from a Bike Experience to Shiroka
Certainly one of 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 lease a motorcycle and be in your means.
I’d undoubtedly suggest heading to close by Shiroka by bike. You possibly can rent bikes within the middle 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 gives 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 Membership, who additionally serve wonderful meals.
Tackle: Shiroka, Shkoder
As you possibly can in all probability see, the very best issues to do in Shkoder are discovered within the nice outside. The character and countryside right here is a few of the greatest within the nation and you may see a few of the most unbeatable magnificence on this 2-day journey 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 possibly can take a refreshing swim when you’re courageous sufficient, (the water is fairly chilly!).
You’ll additionally keep in a single day and revel in breakfast at a standard guesthouse earlier than heading again to Shkoder. This tour is actually spectacular and is a spotlight of the issues to do in Shkoder.
Tackle: You’ll be collected out of your lodge 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, inbuilt conventional Ottoman design. It’s round 108 meters lengthy and has 13 great 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 unimaginable website to behold. It’s no shock that it’s one of the vital photographed Shkoder sights.
Whereas it’s not someplace that you must spend quite a lot of time, it’s undoubtedly price a go to to get pleasure from views over the river and metropolis and to take some unimaginable photographs.
Tackle: Mesi Bridge, Shqipëri, AL, Mes 4012
13. Take a Day Journey to Montenegro
As Shkoder is correct on the Albanian border, among the best issues to do close to Shkoder is to really go to one other nation. You possibly can simply go to Montenegro from Shkoder however one of the simplest ways to do that, and to take advantage of the time, is to take a tour.
The Shkoder journey 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 beautiful seashores, and the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, The Metropolis of Kotor (a must-see in Montenegro).
It’s among the best issues to do in Shkoder and is a good alternative to tick off visiting one other nation too. Click on right here to guide a spot on the tour, which is able to accumulate you out of your lodge in Shkoder.
Tackle: Take the tour to Montenegro from right here.
14. Go to the Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing facility
Be sure to go to the Masks Manufacturing facility in Shkoder; one of the vital 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, they usually’re actually superb to see.
Many of the masks made listed below are these offered in Venice, and the manufacturing facility in Shkoder is the one outlet in Albania. The craftsmanship is actually excellent and with the assistance of the pleasant host, you’ll study all in regards to the artwork of creating masks.
It’s an expertise that actually highlights the significance of supporting native artisan merchandise the place potential and is a novel and enjoyable factor to do in Shkoder.
Tackle: Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing facility, Rruga Inxh, Gjovalin Gjadri, Shkoder
15. Take a Jeep Tour to Theth Nationwide Park
You possibly can discover the Theth Nationwide 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 have the ability to let you know all in regards to the park, and the vegetation and animals that inhabit it.
The Park itself is the start line of many hikes via the Albanian Alps, which is a spotlight in itself.
Nevertheless, the park can be residence to waterfalls, canyons, church buildings, and comes, all of which will be seen on this tour. The character is unimaginable, and it’s undoubtedly one of the vital stunning and enjoyable issues to do in Shkoder. Guide your spot on this sensible tour right here.
Guide right here for a tour via the park.
Tackle: Theth Nationwide 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 here are my advised itineraries that will help you plan your excellent journey:
1 Day in Shkoder Itinerary
In the event you solely have a day in Shkoder then I’d think about the gorgeous middle itself. Head to Rruga Kole Idromeno and the pedestrianized middle 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’d both take a stroll all the way 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 a bit longer, you possibly can undoubtedly head additional afield and discover the unimaginable countryside past.
Take the 1-day itinerary and on the 2nd day, think about heading out on a boat tour to the unimaginable 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 overlook any time quickly.
In the event you’re tour-ed out on day 3 then rent bikes as an alternative 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 within the Accursed Mountains – it’s an unimaginable expertise. Add on the 1-day itinerary on both facet of it and permit loads of time for relaxation if you’re again.
In the event you choose one thing much less difficult, then take the 2-3 day itinerary above as a place to begin. Add on a day journey to Boge and the Theth Nationwide Park for a special perspective of life within the Albanian Alps.
Spend an extra day enjoyable in Shkoder and rent kayaks on Lake Shkoder. Contemplate taking a jeep tour deep into Theth Nationwide Park for a rush of adrenaline, or for one thing extra enjoyable, get pleasure from a day within the masks manufacturing facility.
The place to Keep in Shkoder
These are a number of of the very best neighborhoods in Shkoder for vacationers:
Kole Idromeno Pedestrian Zone – Finest for First-time Guests
In your first time in Shkoder, I like to recommend staying proper within the middle, within the pedestrianized zone.
Right here, you’ll have easy accessibility to all the very best sights in Shkoder in addition to the nice 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 stunning Shkoder residence is ideal in your journey to Shkoder. It’s trendy, brilliant, and ethereal and has a balcony providing stunning mountain views.
Rruga G’Juhadol – Finest for Nightlife
Rruga G’Juhadol is situated proper subsequent to the pedestrianized zone and is inside simple attain of the very best bars and eating places in Shkoder.
It’s additionally nonetheless tremendous near the primary, central vacationer sights, so you might have the very best of each worlds right here. In the event you’re seeking to meet different folks whereas in Shkoder then try The Wanderers Hostel which has a fantastic collection of rooms, a bar, and plenty of communal areas.
Shkoder Lake – Finest 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 a bit to Shiroka, on the banks of Lake Shkoder.
Right here, you’ll have gorgeous views over the lake, tremendous peaceable mornings and evenings, and a bit extra space than you’ll discover within the metropolis. It’s a brief bike trip from the town middle that means you’ll nonetheless be near all the very best locations to go to in Shkoder.
This unimaginable Serena Residence has superb views over the lake. It has an enormous front room and an enormous outside balcony to take advantage of the spectacular views. You possibly can even lease bikes to make your journey to Shkoder middle even simpler.
Finest 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 meals. You have to strive the lamb, it’s unimaginable. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila Bekteshi
Villa Bekteshi is a beautiful restaurant and is a very enjoyable 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 on right here for instructions.
Restaurant Puri
Restaurant Puri isn’t fancy or superb eating by any means, however the meals is superb, and it’s an excellent inexpensive place to eat for these on a finances. The goulash and Mom’s meatballs are actually nice dishes. Click on right 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, significantly as a result of truffle is actually in style in Albania. Click on right here for instructions.
Eko Membership
A implausible 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 a fantastic providing at Eko Membership, with implausible veggie sandwiches and snacks. Click on right 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 move 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 price round 400 lek ($3.90USD).
Alternatively, you would seize a taxi instantly from the airport. Many of the predominant 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 web site for updates to costs.
Lastly, think about hiring a automotive. You need to have the ability to get a rent automotive from the airport for round €20 per day, though I’d suggest reserving prematurely to get the very best worth.
As soon as in Shkoder, you possibly can take native buses or taxis, however Shkoder is tremendous cycle-friendly. Many of the predominant sightseeing in Shkoder will be reached by bike.
Issues To Do in Shkoder: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Shkoder:
Shkoder is named the cultural capital of Albania attributable to its prominence within the arts, in addition to being well-regarded for its spiritual and cultural tolerance throughout Albania’s tumultuous historical past.
The perfect time to go to Shkoder is throughout the shoulder seasons on both facet of the height summer time season. Head to Shkoder in April-June or September-October for cooler temperatures and sunny skies, excellent for climbing and exploring.
Completely, Shkoder is price visiting. It’s a fantastic 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 will be spent climbing mountains, swimming in waterfalls, or kayaking on lakes.
I’d recommend at the least 3–4 days in Shkoder to have the ability to expertise the town itself and a few of the countryside surrounding it. The longer you might have, the deeper into the Albanian Alps you possibly can discover.
Shkoder is extremely protected. Though a metropolis, it feels extra like a small city within the middle the place you possibly can stroll round with none worries, even after darkish. In fact, 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 gorgeous Rozafa Fort. Its loopy legend provides intrigue and the gorgeous views at sundown make it an ideal place to go to.
Shkoder is best recognized 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, it’s a must 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 critically underrated, with many individuals choosing Tirana and heading south towards Berat or Korca. Nevertheless, there are such a lot of implausible issues to do in Shkoder and the character and countryside to be uncovered right here is unparalleled.
Go climbing within the Albanian Alps or have an journey on the Kamani Lake and go to 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. Get pleasure from your journey!
