There are many improbable issues to do in Shkoder, a cool, lake-side city within the North of Albania. Shkoder might be some of the underrated locations 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 be the entry level to the Albanian Alps, so should you like to hike, you gained’t need to miss it. If you happen to’re planning a visit to Albania, Shkoder ought to undoubtedly be in your listing of locations to go to. If you happen to’re questioning what to see in Shkoder, learn on for my prime 15 greatest issues to do right here.
Finest Issues To Do in Shkoder
There are such a lot of wonderful issues to do in Shkoder, identified regionally because the cultural capital of Albania. From its lovely heart to the unimaginable nature on its doorstep, chances are you’ll 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 if you arrive is to go 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 means of 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.
Handle: 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 study extra about its fascinating previous. The museum is cut up into totally different time intervals, starting from historic instances and Illyrian tribes, by means of the Ottoman Empire till fashionable instances.
The museum is housed in a former Venetian service provider’s home and appears lovely. The museum itself is attention-grabbing and well-presented, with plenty of artifacts and knowledge to maintain you engaged. If, like me, you’re keen on historical past, then you definitely’ll simply see why this is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer sights in Shkoder.
Handle: 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 beautiful surroundings and nature on this a part of Albania. Nowhere is that extra obvious than Komani Lake; some of the 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 means of Lake Komani and onto the Shala River.
You’ll get the possibility to hike round Lake Shala, one of many wildest mountain climbing spots within the space. And should you’re actually courageous, you possibly can 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.
Handle: 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 surprising waterfall nestled within the Albanian Alps that’s reached by a 3-4 hour hike by means of the mountains.
Mix your journey to top-of-the-line Shkoder sights with a go to to close by Grunasi Waterfall with this good 1-day waterfall tour. You’ll have a information to steer 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 possibly can take a dip within the waters if 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.
Handle: 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 presumably because of the notion that they’re unsurmountable, the Accursed Mountains, or the Albanian Alps, prolong from Albania by means of Kosovo and Montenegro.
This unimaginable 4-day guided hike by means of the Accursed Mountains is each hiker’s dream. It’s really some of the 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. If you happen to like to hike, this could undoubtedly make it onto your Albanian itinerary.
Handle: The Accursed Mountains, Northern Albania
6. Head to Rozafa Fort at Sundown
Rozafa Fort is situated simply outdoors the principle metropolis heart and is unquestionably one of many prime issues to do in Shkoder at night time. You possibly can 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 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 fort right this moment.
I hope the legend isn’t true, however I might undoubtedly advocate coming right here for sundown nonetheless. It’s some of the romantic issues to do for {couples}.
Handle: Rozafa Fort, Rruga Rozafa, Shkoder
7. Kayak on Lake Shkoder
Lake Shkoder is the biggest lake in Southern Europe and is without doubt one of the greatest hen 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 lease kayaks and paddleboards to get a good nearer look.
You possibly can lease kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Drini Occasions Watersports to go onto the lake, get away from town and be at one with nature. It’s a wonderful journey for each children and grown-ups and so for me, it’s top-of-the-line 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.
Handle: Lake Shkoder, Shkoder
8. Take a Day Journey to Boge
If you wish to study extra about life in Northern Albania, then top-of-the-line issues to do in Shkoder is to go 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 technique to escape town and the expertise feels such as you’re going again in time. The local-led tour by means of the village and surrounding areas is each fascinating and intensely peaceable. It’s some of the lovely locations to go to in Shkoder.
Click on right here for the Theth Nationwide Park and Boge Village tour.
Handle: Boge, Shkoder
9. Marvel at Ebu Bekr Mosque
The Ebu Bekr Mosque is a extremely spectacular piece of structure inside the metropolis. It was rebuilt in 1995 and so is a really fashionable and picturesque place to go to.
You’re welcome to go inside as long as you come consequence of prayer hours, and pictures is permitted each inside and outside. I really like marveling on the beautiful element inside and studying extra concerning the Muslim faith right here.
It’s top-of-the-line free issues to do in Shkoder and can be a wonderful technique to study extra concerning the non secular influences on modern-day Albania.
Handle: 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 motorbike and discover by myself. Shkoder has a wonderful repute and infrastructure for biking and so it’s tremendous simple to lease a motorbike and be in your approach.
I might undoubtedly advocate 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 journey that provides some wonderful 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 wonderful meals.
Handle: Shiroka, Shkoder
As you possibly can in all probability see, the perfect issues to do in Shkoder are discovered within the nice outside. The character and countryside right here is a number of the greatest within the nation and you may 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 possibly can 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 basically spectacular and is a spotlight of the issues to do in Shkoder.
Handle: 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, in-built 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 web site to behold. It’s no shock that it’s some of the photographed Shkoder sights.
Whereas it’s not someplace that it’s good to spend an excessive amount of time, it’s undoubtedly price a go to to take pleasure in views over the river and metropolis and to take some unimaginable photographs.
Handle: Mesi Bridge, Shqipëri, AL, Mes 4012
13. Take a Day Journey to Montenegro
As Shkoder is true on the Albanian border, top-of-the-line 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 best ways to do that, and to profit from 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 top-of-the-line issues to do in Shkoder and is a good alternative to tick off visiting one other nation too. Click on right here to ebook a spot on the tour, which is able to accumulate you out of your lodge in Shkoder.
Handle: Take the tour to Montenegro from right here.
14. Go to the Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing unit
Ensure you go to the Masks Manufacturing unit in Shkoder; some of the vibrant and enjoyable locations to go to within the metropolis by way of artwork. The masks are made by graduates of Artwork Faculties in Albania, and so they’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 basically highlights the significance of supporting native artisan merchandise the place potential and is a novel and enjoyable factor to do in Shkoder.
Handle: Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing unit, 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 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 let you know all concerning the park, and the vegetation and animals that inhabit it.
The Park itself is the place to begin of many hikes by means of 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 some of the lovely and enjoyable issues to do in Shkoder. E-book your spot on this good tour right here.
E-book right here for a tour by means of the park.
Handle: 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 search out sufficient time. Listed below are my advised itineraries that can assist you plan your good journey:
1 Day in Shkoder Itinerary
If you happen to solely have a day in Shkoder then I might consider the gorgeous 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 choice, 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
When 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, contemplate heading out on a ship 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 positive to be a spot you gained’t overlook any time quickly.
If you happen to’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
When 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.
If you happen to favor 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 distinct perspective of life within the Albanian Alps.
Spend an additional 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 a couple of of the perfect neighborhoods in Shkoder for vacationers:
Kole Idromeno Pedestrian Zone – Finest for First-time Guests
To 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 perfect sights in Shkoder in addition to the nice bars and eating places on this space. There isn’t any site visitors, so it’s fairly quiet, regardless of being in the midst of town.
This lovely Shkoder house is ideal to your journey to Shkoder. It’s fashionable, brilliant, and ethereal and has a balcony providing lovely 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 perfect bars and eating places in Shkoder.
It’s additionally nonetheless tremendous near the principle, central vacationer sights, so you’ve got the perfect of each worlds right here. If you happen to’re trying to meet different folks whereas in Shkoder then try The Wanderers Hostel which has an excellent number of rooms, a bar, and plenty of communal areas.
Shkoder Lake – Finest for Households
If you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of 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 beautiful 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 journey from town heart that means you’ll nonetheless be near all the perfect locations to go to in Shkoder.
This unimaginable Serena Dwelling has wonderful views over the lake. It has a giant lounge and an enormous out of doors balcony to profit from the spectacular views. You possibly can even lease bikes to make your journey to Shkoder heart 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 makes a speciality of conventional Albanian meals. It’s essential to attempt the lamb, it’s unimaginable. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila Bekteshi
Villa Bekteshi is a stunning restaurant and is a extremely 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 superb eating by any means, however the meals is great, and it’s an excellent reasonably priced 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 wonderful. It’s tremendous contemporary and the parts are beneficiant too. The dish to attempt is the Ravioli with truffle, significantly as a result of truffle is basically 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. If you happen to’re vegetarian, there’s an excellent providing at Eko Membership, with improbable veggie sandwiches and snacks. Click on right here to view on map.
Attending to Shkoder
If you happen to’re flying into Albania, then you definitely’ll nearly actually land at Tirana Worldwide Airport.
From Tirana, you will 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 instantly from the airport. A lot 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 web site for updates to costs.
Lastly, contemplate hiring a automotive. You need to have the ability to get a rent automotive from the airport for round €20 per day, though I might advocate reserving upfront to get the perfect worth.
As soon as in Shkoder, you possibly can take native buses or taxis, however Shkoder is tremendous cycle-friendly. A lot of the most important sightseeing in Shkoder will 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 attributable to 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 very best time to go to Shkoder is in the course of 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 mountain climbing and exploring.
Completely, Shkoder is price visiting. It’s an exquisite 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 will be spent mountain climbing mountains, swimming in waterfalls, or kayaking on lakes.
I might recommend at the very least 3–4 days in Shkoder to have the ability to expertise town itself and a number of the countryside surrounding it. The longer you’ve got, 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 heart the place you possibly can 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 gained’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 identified 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, it’s a must to attempt 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. 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 mountain 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 intend what to do in Shkoder. Take pleasure in your journey!
