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 vital 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 when you like to hike, you received’t need to miss it. Should you’re planning a visit to Albania, Shkoder ought to positively be in your listing of locations to go to. Should you’re questioning what to see in Shkoder, learn on for my prime 15 finest issues to do right here.
Finest Issues To Do in Shkoder
There are such a lot of wonderful issues to do in Shkoder, recognized domestically because the cultural capital of Albania. From its stunning heart to the unimaginable nature on its doorstep, chances are 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 while you arrive is to go proper into the middle and discover. The middle is a pedestrianized space that’s stuffed 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 via this space, notably the primary avenue 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 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 when 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 completely different time intervals, starting from historical occasions and Illyrian tribes, via the Ottoman Empire till fashionable occasions.
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 lot of artifacts and knowledge to maintain you engaged. If, like me, you like historical past, then you definitely’ll simply see why this is among the hottest vacationer points of interest 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 essentially 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 via Lake Komani and onto the Shala River.
You’ll get the prospect to hike round Lake Shala, one of many wildest mountaineering spots within the space. And when you’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 among the finest locations to go to in Shkoder. The tour will acquire 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 probably the greatest Shkoder points of interest 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 shocking day trip and considered one of my absolute prime issues to see in Shkoder.
Tackle: Blue Eye, Kaprre e Gimajve, Theth
5. Hike the Accursed Mountains
One of many primary 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, 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 number of the wildest and most unimaginable surroundings that Albania has to supply. Should you like to hike, this could positively make it onto your Albanian itinerary.
Tackle: The Accursed Mountains, Northern Albania
6. Head to Rozafa Citadel at Sundown
Rozafa Citadel is situated simply outdoors the primary metropolis heart and is certainly 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 in regards to the fortress’s distinctive legend.
It’s rumored that three brothers tried to construct the fortress, 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 stated, 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 fortress in the present day.
I hope the legend isn’t true, however I might positively advocate coming right here for sundown nonetheless. It’s one of the vital romantic issues to do for {couples}.
Tackle: Rozafa Citadel, Rruga Rozafa, Shkoder
7. Kayak on Lake Shkoder
Lake Shkoder is the largest lake in Southern Europe and is among the largest 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 hire kayaks and paddleboards to get a good nearer look.
You possibly can hire 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 probably the greatest issues to do in Shkoder for households.
Click on right here for instructions to Drini Occasions Watersports and Birdwatching Heart 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 probably the greatest 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 find out about native life within the village.
This is a superb technique to escape 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 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 end result of prayer hours, and pictures is permitted each in and out. I like marveling on the gorgeous element inside and studying extra in regards to the Muslim faith right here.
It’s probably the greatest free issues to do in Shkoder and can be a wonderful technique 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 Trip to Shiroka
One in all my favourite issues to do in Shkoder is to rent a motorbike and discover alone. Shkoder has a wonderful status and infrastructure for biking and so it’s tremendous straightforward to hire a motorbike and be in your approach.
I might positively advocate heading to close by Shiroka by bike. You possibly can rent bikes within the heart of city after which comply with 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 straightforward journey that provides some glorious views of the lake alongside the way in which. Shiroka is known 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 most likely 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 finest 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 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 basically 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, 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 unimaginable website to behold. It’s no shock that it’s one of the vital photographed Shkoder points of interest.
Whereas it’s not someplace that it’s essential to spend a substantial amount of time, it’s positively value a go to to get pleasure from views over the river and metropolis and to take some unimaginable pictures.
Tackle: Mesi Bridge, Shqipëri, AL, Mes 4012
13. Take a Day Journey to Montenegro
As Shkoder is true on the Albanian border, probably the greatest issues to do close to Shkoder is to truly 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 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 Web site, The Metropolis of Kotor (a must-see in Montenegro).
It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Shkoder and is a superb alternative to tick off visiting one other nation too. Click on right here to ebook a spot on the tour, which is able to acquire you out of your lodge in Shkoder.
Tackle: Take the tour to Montenegro from right here.
14. Go to the Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing unit
Be sure you go to the Masks Manufacturing unit 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 Faculties in Albania, and so they’re actually wonderful to see.
A lot of the masks made listed here are these bought in Venice, and the manufacturing facility in Shkoder is the one outlet in Albania. The craftsmanship is really excellent and with the assistance of the pleasant host, you’ll study all in regards to 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 novel and enjoyable factor to do in Shkoder.
Tackle: 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 completely 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 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.
Nonetheless, the park can be dwelling to waterfalls, canyons, church buildings, and comes, all of which could be seen on this tour. The character is unimaginable, and it’s positively one of the vital stunning and enjoyable issues to do in Shkoder. E book your spot on this good tour right here.
E book right here for a tour via 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 exhausting to seek out sufficient time. Listed below are my steered itineraries that will help you plan your good journey:
1 Day in Shkoder Itinerary
Should 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 Citadel 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 positive to be a spot you received’t neglect any time quickly.
Should 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 while you’re again.
Should 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 distinct perspective of life within the Albanian Alps.
Spend an extra day stress-free 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 stress-free, get pleasure from a day within the masks manufacturing facility.
The place to Keep in Shkoder
These are a number of of one of the best 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 easy accessibility to all one of the best points of interest 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 course of town.
This stunning Shkoder condominium is ideal in your journey to Shkoder. It’s fashionable, shiny, 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 straightforward attain of one of the best bars and eating places in Shkoder.
It’s additionally nonetheless tremendous near the primary, central vacationer points of interest, so you could have one of the best of each worlds right here. Should you’re seeking to meet different folks whereas in Shkoder then take a look at The Wanderers Hostel which has a terrific 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 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 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 one of the best locations to go to in Shkoder.
This unimaginable Serena Residence 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 hire 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 focuses on conventional Albanian meals. You will need 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 stress-free 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 fantastic eating by any means, however the meals is great, and it’s an excellent reasonably priced 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 completely glorious. It’s tremendous contemporary and the parts are beneficiant too. The dish to strive is the Ravioli with truffle, notably as a result of truffle is basically well-liked 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. Should you’re vegetarian, there’s a terrific providing at Eko Membership, with improbable veggie sandwiches and snacks. Click on right here to view on map.
Attending to Shkoder
Should you’re flying into Albania, then you definitely’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 price round 400 lek ($3.90USD).
Alternatively, you may seize a taxi straight from the airport. A lot of the primary taxi firms in Albania function from arrivals. Take a look at 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, take into account hiring a automotive. It’s best to be capable to get a rent automotive from the airport for round €20 per day, though I might advocate reserving upfront 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 primary sightseeing in Shkoder could 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.
The most effective time to go to Shkoder is throughout 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 mountaineering and exploring.
Completely, Shkoder is value visiting. It’s a fantastic metropolis in its personal proper, in addition to being the gateway to the Albanian Alps. The encircling panorama is an outside fanatic’s dream the place days could be spent mountaineering mountains, swimming in waterfalls, or kayaking on lakes.
I might counsel 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 could have, 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 heart the place you may stroll round with none worries, even after darkish. After all, opportunist thieves function in all well-liked areas however take common precautions and also you received’t have any want for concern.
The most well-liked factor to do in Shkoder is to go to the attractive Rozafa Citadel. 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, 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 significantly 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 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. Get pleasure from your journey!
