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 locations in Albania. It’s Albania’s cultural capital and has a enjoyable ambiance, a wonderfully picturesque metropolis middle to discover, and loads of cool issues to do.
Shkoder can be the entry level to the Albanian Alps, so for those who like to hike, you received’t need to miss it. When you’re planning a visit to Albania, Shkoder ought to positively be in your listing of locations to go to. When you’re questioning what to see in Shkoder, learn on for my high 15 greatest issues to do right here.
Greatest Issues To Do in Shkoder
There are such a lot of wonderful issues to do in Shkoder, recognized regionally because the cultural capital of Albania. From its lovely middle to the unimaginable nature on its doorstep, it’s possible you’ll by no means need to go away.
Listed below are a few of my favourite locations to go to in Shkoder that will help you plan your good 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 crammed with 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 by this space, significantly the principle avenue of Rruga Kole Idromeno, and immerse your self in life in Shkoder. It’s the proper introduction to this lovely metropolis and is without doubt one of 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 for those who 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 completely different time intervals, starting from historical instances and Illyrian tribes, by the Ottoman Empire till trendy instances.
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 data to maintain you engaged. If, like me, you like historical past, then you definitely’ll simply see why this is without doubt one of 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 enchantment is the beautiful 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 actually immerse your self within the unimaginable nature at Lake Komani, I might extremely advocate 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 by Lake Komani and onto the Shala River.
You’ll get the possibility to hike round Lake Shala, one of many wildest climbing spots within the space. And for those who’re actually courageous, you may take a dip within the river itself. Nicknamed Albania’s Thailand, the views listed here are spectacular. It actually is without doubt one of 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 without doubt one of 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 by the mountains.
Mix your journey to among the finest 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 beautiful landscapes of the Albanian Alps.
You’ll be able to take a dip within the waters if you arrive – it’s good after that hike. The entire expertise is a shocking time out and certainly 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 probably because of the notion that they’re unsurmountable, the Accursed Mountains, or the Albanian Alps, lengthen from Albania by Kosovo and Montenegro.
This unimaginable 4-day guided hike by the Accursed Mountains is each hiker’s dream. It’s really one of the crucial 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 number of the wildest and most unimaginable surroundings that Albania has to supply. When you like to hike, this could positively 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 principle metropolis middle and is unquestionably one of many high issues to do in Shkoder at night time. You’ll be able to discover the ruins or head into the museum to study extra concerning 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 sensible man, certainly 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 might positively advocate coming right here for sundown nonetheless. It’s one of the crucial 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 without doubt one of the largest chicken reserves on the continent. It’s proper on the doorstep of Shkoder itself and is a must-see for those who’re staying right here.
You’ll be able to both take a stroll round its shores, rent bikes to journey a bit additional, or hire kayaks and paddleboards to get a good nearer look.
You’ll be able to hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Drini Occasions 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 finest issues to do in Shkoder for households.
Click on right here for instructions to Drini Occasions 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 finest 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 option 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 intensely peaceable. It’s one of the crucial lovely 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 inside 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 end result of prayer hours, and images is permitted each in and out. I really like marveling on the beautiful element inside and studying extra concerning the Muslim faith right here.
It’s among the finest free issues to do in Shkoder and can be a wonderful option to study extra concerning the non secular influences on modern-day Albania.
Tackle: Ebu Bekr Mosque, Rruga Fushë Cele 1, Shkodër
10. Take pleasure in a Bike Journey to Shiroka
One in every of my favourite issues to do in Shkoder is to rent a motorcycle and discover alone. Shkoder has a wonderful fame and infrastructure for biking and so it’s tremendous simple to hire a motorcycle and be in your means.
I might positively advocate heading to close by Shiroka by bike. You’ll be able to 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 provides some glorious views of the lake alongside the best way. 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 advocate hiring bikes from Eko Membership, who additionally serve glorious meals.
Tackle: Shiroka, Shkoder
As you may in all probability see, one of the best issues to do in Shkoder are discovered within the nice open air. The character and countryside right here is a number of the greatest within the nation and you’ll see a number 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 may take a refreshing swim for those who’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 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 very 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 crucial photographed Shkoder sights.
Whereas it’s not someplace that you’ll want to spend an excessive amount of time, it’s positively price a go to to take pleasure in views over the river and metropolis and to take some unimaginable images.
Tackle: Mesi Bridge, Shqipëri, AL, Mes 4012
13. Take a Day Journey to Montenegro
As Shkoder is correct on the Albanian border, among the finest issues to do close to Shkoder is to truly go to one other nation. You’ll be able to 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 pretty seashores, and the UNESCO World Heritage Website, The Metropolis of Kotor (a must-see in Montenegro).
It’s among the finest 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 can 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
Ensure you 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 Faculties in Albania, they usually’re actually wonderful to see.
A lot 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 actually excellent and with the assistance of the pleasant host, you’ll study all concerning the artwork of constructing masks.
It’s an expertise that actually highlights the significance of supporting native artisan merchandise the place doable and is a singular 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’ll be able to discover the Theth Nationwide Park by Jeep. The surroundings within the park is totally beautiful 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 inform you all concerning the park, and the vegetation and animals that inhabit it.
The Park itself is the start line of many hikes by the Albanian Alps, which is a spotlight in itself.
Nevertheless, the park can be dwelling to waterfalls, canyons, church buildings, and is derived, all of which might be seen on this tour. The character is unimaginable, and it’s positively one of the crucial lovely and enjoyable issues to do in Shkoder. E-book your spot on this sensible tour right here.
E-book right here for a tour by the park.
Tackle: Theth Nationwide Park, Shkoder
Fast Journey Itineraries For Shkoder
There are such a lot of wonderful issues to do in Shkoder that it may be onerous to seek out sufficient time. Listed below are my urged itineraries that will help you plan your good journey:
1 Day in Shkoder Itinerary
When you solely have a day in Shkoder then I might focus on the beautiful 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 choice, I might 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 slightly longer, you may positively head additional afield and discover the unimaginable countryside past.
Take the 1-day itinerary and on the 2nd day, take into account heading out on a boat tour to the unimaginable Komani Lake and surrounding space. On the third day, I’d advocate heading to the Blue Eye in Theth as that is certain to be a spot you received’t neglect any time quickly.
When 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 advocate finishing the 4-day trek within the Accursed Mountains – it’s an unimaginable expertise. Add on the 1-day itinerary on both aspect of it and permit loads of time for relaxation if you’re again.
When you desire 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 unique perspective of life within the Albanian Alps.
Spend an extra day enjoyable in Shkoder and rent kayaks on Lake Shkoder. Take into account taking a jeep tour deep into Theth Nationwide Park for a rush of adrenaline, or for one thing extra enjoyable, take pleasure in a day within the masks manufacturing unit.
The place to Keep in Shkoder
These are just a few of one of the best neighborhoods in Shkoder for vacationers:
Kole Idromeno Pedestrian Zone – Greatest 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 one of the best sights in Shkoder in addition to the good bars and eating places on this space. There isn’t any site visitors, so it’s fairly quiet, regardless of being in the course of the town.
This lovely Shkoder condo is ideal to your journey to Shkoder. It’s trendy, brilliant, and ethereal and has a balcony providing lovely mountain views.
Rruga G’Juhadol – Greatest for Nightlife
Rruga G’Juhadol is situated proper subsequent to the pedestrianized zone and is inside simple attain of one of the best bars and eating places in Shkoder.
It’s additionally nonetheless tremendous near the principle, central vacationer sights, so you’ve got one of the best of each worlds right here. When you’re seeking to meet different individuals whereas in Shkoder then try The Wanderers Hostel which has an incredible number of rooms, a bar, and many 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 beautiful 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 middle which means you’ll nonetheless be near all one of the best locations to go to in Shkoder.
This unimaginable Serena Residence has wonderful views over the lake. It has an enormous lounge and an enormous out of doors balcony to take advantage of the spectacular views. You’ll be able to even hire bikes to make your journey to Shkoder middle 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 meals. You could strive the lamb, it’s unimaginable. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila Bekteshi
Villa Bekteshi is a stunning restaurant and is a very enjoyable place to eat or seize a drink, particularly within the yard. The meals was scrumptious too. I can advocate the baked lamb, it was so good. Click on right here for instructions.
Restaurant Puri
Restaurant Puri isn’t fancy or effective eating by any means, however the meals is great, and it’s a brilliant inexpensive place to eat for these on a price range. The goulash and Mom’s meatballs are actually nice dishes. Click on right here to view on a map.
Pasta e Vino
The home made pasta at Pasta e Vino is totally glorious. 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 absolutely in style in Albania. Click on right here for instructions.
Eko Membership
A improbable place to seize a scrumptious espresso, juice, or a fast chunk earlier than heading off in your bike. When you’re vegetarian, there’s an incredible providing at Eko Membership, with improbable veggie sandwiches and snacks. Click on right here to view on map.
Attending to Shkoder
When you’re flying into Albania, then you definitely’ll virtually actually land at Tirana Worldwide Airport.
From Tirana, you will 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 possibly can seize a taxi instantly from the airport. A lot 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. Verify their web site for updates to costs.
Lastly, take into account hiring a automotive. You must have the ability to get a rent automotive from the airport for round €20 per day, though I might advocate reserving prematurely to get one of the best value.
As soon as in Shkoder, you may take native buses or taxis, however Shkoder is tremendous cycle-friendly. A lot of the predominant 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 named the cultural capital of Albania as a consequence of its prominence within the arts, in addition to being well-regarded for its non secular and cultural tolerance throughout Albania’s tumultuous historical past.
The most effective time to go to Shkoder is through the shoulder seasons on both aspect of the height summer time season. Head to Shkoder in April-June or September-October for cooler temperatures and sunny skies, good for climbing and exploring.
Completely, Shkoder is price visiting. It’s a ravishing metropolis in its personal proper, in addition to being the gateway to the Albanian Alps. The encircling panorama is an out of doors fanatic’s dream the place days might be spent climbing mountains, swimming in waterfalls, or kayaking on lakes.
I might counsel a minimum of 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 may discover.
Shkoder is extremely secure. Though a metropolis, it feels extra like a small city within the middle the place you may 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 gorgeous Rozafa Fort. Its loopy legend provides intrigue and the beautiful views at sundown make it an ideal place to go to.
Shkoder is healthier recognized for its lakes, waterfalls, and mountains, however Plazhi i Velipojes is the place to go if you wish to head to the seashore whereas in Shkoder.
When in Shkoder, you must 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 world.
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 improbable 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. Take pleasure in your journey!