15 Finest Issues To Do in Shkoder, Albania in 2023

There are many unbelievable issues to do in Shkoder, a cool, lake-side city within the North of Albania. Shkoder might be one of the underrated locations in Albania. It’s Albania’s cultural capital and has a enjoyable environment, a wonderfully picturesque metropolis heart to discover, and loads of cool issues to do.

Shkoder can be the entry level to the Albanian Alps, so in case you 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 prime 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 lovely heart to the unimaginable nature on its doorstep, you might by no means need to go away.

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 whenever you arrive is to move 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 in all places with locals sipping on espresso and watching the world go by.

Take a lazy stroll by way of this space, notably the primary avenue of Rruga Kole Idromeno, and immerse your self in life in Shkoder. It’s the right introduction to this lovely metropolis and is likely 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 in case 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 totally different time intervals, starting from historic occasions and Illyrian tribes, by way of 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 attention-grabbing and well-presented, with plenty of artifacts and data to maintain you engaged. If, like me, you like historical past, then you definitely’ll simply see why this is likely one of 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 beautiful surroundings and nature on this a part of Albania. Nowhere is that extra obvious than Komani Lake; one of the lovely locations to go to close to Shkoder.

To essentially immerse your self within the unimaginable nature at Lake Komani, I’d 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 way of 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 in case 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 likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Shkoder. The tour will gather 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 likely 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 way of the mountains.

Mix your journey to among the finest Shkoder points of interest 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 among the beautiful landscapes of the Albanian Alps.

You’ll be able to take a dip within the waters whenever you arrive – it’s excellent after that hike. The entire expertise is a shocking day trip and one among my absolute prime issues to see in Shkoder.

Tackle: Blue Eye, Kaprre e Gimajve, Theth

5. Hike the Accursed Mountains

One of many important 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 by way of Kosovo and Montenegro.

This unimaginable 4-day guided hike by way of the Accursed Mountains is each hiker’s dream. It’s actually one 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 among 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 Citadel at Sundown

Rozafa Citadel is positioned simply outdoors the primary metropolis heart and is unquestionably one of many prime issues to do in Shkoder at night time. You’ll be able to discover the ruins or head into the museum to be taught 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, one among 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 fortress at this time.

I hope the legend isn’t true, however I’d positively advocate coming right here for sundown nonetheless. It’s one of the 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 likely one of the largest chook reserves on the continent. It’s proper on the doorstep of Shkoder itself and is a must-see in case you’re staying right here.

You’ll be able to both take a stroll round its shores, rent bikes to journey a bit additional, or lease kayaks and paddleboards to get an excellent nearer look.

You’ll be able to 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 finest 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 be taught 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 method to escape the town and the expertise feels such as you’re going again in time. The local-led tour by way of the village and surrounding areas is each fascinating and very peaceable. It’s one of the 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 consequence of prayer hours, and pictures is permitted each in and out. I really like marveling on the beautiful element inside and studying extra in regards to the Muslim faith right here.

It’s among the finest free issues to do in Shkoder and can be a wonderful method to be taught 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

One in all my favourite issues to do in Shkoder is to rent a motorcycle and discover alone. Shkoder has a wonderful status and infrastructure for biking and so it’s tremendous simple to lease a motorcycle and be in your method.

I’d positively advocate heading to close by Shiroka by bike. You’ll be able to 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 simple experience 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 advocate hiring bikes from Eko Membership, who additionally serve wonderful meals.

Tackle: Shiroka, Shkoder

As you possibly can most likely see, the most effective issues to do in Shkoder are discovered within the nice outdoor. The character and countryside right here is among the greatest within the nation and you may see among 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 in case you’re courageous sufficient, (the water is fairly chilly!).

You’ll additionally keep in a single day and revel 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.

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 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 one of the photographed Shkoder points of interest.

Whereas it’s not someplace that you have to spend quite a lot of time, it’s positively value 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 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 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 gather 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 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 superb to see.

A lot of the masks made listed here 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 be taught 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 unit, 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 completely beautiful 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 in regards to the park, and the crops and animals that inhabit it.

The Park itself is the place to begin of many hikes by way of the Albanian Alps, which is a spotlight in itself.

Nonetheless, the park can be residence 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 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 way of 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 onerous to seek out sufficient time. Listed here are my urged itineraries that will help you plan your excellent journey:

1 Day in Shkoder Itinerary

When you solely have a day in Shkoder then I’d think about 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’d 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

When you have somewhat longer, you possibly can 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 overlook any time quickly.

When 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

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 whenever you’re again.

When 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. Think about 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 facility.

The place to Keep in Shkoder

These are a couple of of the most effective 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 heart, within the pedestrianized zone.

Right here, you’ll have easy accessibility to all the most effective 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 midst of the town.

This lovely Shkoder condominium is ideal in your journey to Shkoder. It’s trendy, shiny, and ethereal and has a balcony providing lovely mountain views.

Rruga G’Juhadol – Finest 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 primary, central vacationer points of interest, so you will have the most effective of each worlds right here. When you’re trying to meet different folks whereas in Shkoder then try The Wanderers Hostel which has an ideal collection of rooms, a bar, and many 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 somewhat to Shiroka, on the banks of Lake Shkoder.

Right here, you’ll have beautiful views over the lake, tremendous peaceable mornings and evenings, and somewhat more room than you’ll discover within the metropolis. It’s a brief bike experience from the town heart that means you’ll nonetheless be near all the most effective locations to go to in Shkoder.

This unimaginable Serena Dwelling has superb views over the lake. It has an enormous lounge and an enormous out of doors balcony to profit from the spectacular views. You’ll be able to 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 focuses on 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 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 advocate the baked lamb, it was so good. Click on right here for instructions.

Restaurant Puri

Restaurant Puri isn’t fancy or advantageous eating by any means, however the meals is superb, and it’s a brilliant reasonably priced place to eat for these on a funds. The goulash and Mom’s meatballs are actually nice dishes. Click on right here to view on a map.

Pasta e Vino

The do-it-yourself pasta at Pasta e Vino is completely wonderful. It’s tremendous recent and the parts are beneficiant too. The dish to attempt is the Ravioli with truffle, notably as a result of truffle is basically standard in Albania. Click on right here for instructions.

Eko Membership

A unbelievable place to seize a scrumptious espresso, juice, or a fast chew earlier than heading off in your bike. When you’re vegetarian, there’s an ideal providing at Eko Membership, with unbelievable 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 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 value round 400 lek ($3.90USD).

Alternatively, you would seize a taxi straight from the airport. A lot of the important 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 automobile. You need to be capable of get a rent automobile from the airport for round €20 per day, though I’d advocate reserving prematurely to get the most effective value.

As soon as in Shkoder, you possibly can take native buses or taxis, however Shkoder is tremendous cycle-friendly. A lot of the important sightseeing in Shkoder might be reached by bike.

Issues To Do in Shkoder: FAQs

Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Shkoder:

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 unbelievable 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 intend what to do in Shkoder. Get pleasure from your journey!

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