Peace Island (Ishulli i Paqes in Albanian) is a small islet roughly 160 metres long situated in the middle of Lake Koman, in northern Albania, beyond Fushë-Arrëz. With an area ranging from 0.18 to 0.44 hectares depending on the water level, it ranks among the country's smallest tourist sites — yet its position, at the heart of a landscape of gorges and mountains, justifies the detour for travellers taking the Koman ferry.

Why visit Peace Island

The site's primary appeal lies in its setting: Lake Koman, an artificial reservoir created in the 1980s by the construction of the Koman hydroelectric dam, winds some 34 kilometres through the Albanian Alps. The island marks a stopping point midway through this crossing, in a sparsely populated zone.

The location also holds cultural significance: according to local folklore, the island once served as a neutral ground for resolving bloody conflicts between rival families and clans—a rare tradition that inspired its current name. The site thus combines scenic appeal (calm waters, forested cliffs) with memorial value tied to the traditions of the Northern highlands.

History and name of the island

The name Ishulli i Paqes—literally "the Island of Peace"—was officially adopted on 19 May 2007, at the request of His Excellency Bishop Lucjan Avgustini. The date was no coincidence: it coincided with the 10th anniversary of the installation of the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes (Zoja e Lurdit) in the Kauri cave, located in the same region.

Before this contemporary designation, oral tradition had already linked the site to the notion of peace: elders spoke of a neutral place where feuding families could meet to end vendettas, a practice governed by the customary code (Kanun) that long regulated life in the Albanian highlands.

What to see here

The island itself is small and can be explored in minutes. Vegetation is dense, dominated by shrubs and low trees that contrast with the dark colour of the lake. The main draw remains the 360° panorama of the steep slopes framing the stretch of water.

The Lake Koman region is home to varied wildlife. Among mammals, notable species include the European polecat, stone marten, Eurasian otter, badger, red fox and golden jackal. Among birds, black-headed gulls, great spotted woodpeckers, wrynecks, grey herons, common quails and kingfishers are regularly spotted. Chances of observing these species from the island remain variable: bring binoculars and exercise some patience.

Activities available

• A stop during the ferry crossing: most visitors spend just a few dozen minutes on the island as part of a guided tour.
• Swimming: the lake's waters are cool and crystal-clear in summer; several spots around the island allow you to enter the water.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding: available for rent at Koman or through local operators, they let you explore neighbouring coves.
• Picnicking: no facilities on site—bring what you need and pack out all waste.
• Bird watching: the wooded shorelines and neighbouring cliffs offer excellent viewing points.

Practical information

The island is uninhabited and has no facilities (no potable water, no sanitation, no restaurant). Access is by boat only. Allow a full day from Koman for the round-trip crossing with a stop. The public ferry fare remains affordable; private excursions are considerably more expensive but offer greater freedom to stop where you wish.

When to go

The most favourable period runs from late May to early October. In high summer (July–August), temperatures are suitable for swimming and ferries operate daily. In spring, the flow of tributary rivers is higher and surrounding vegetation is especially lush. In winter, navigation conditions become unpredictable and some services are suspended.

How to get there

The departure point is the Koman ferry terminal, accessible by car or minibus from Shkodër (allow about 2 hours of driving, partly on narrow sections). From Koman, the ferry travels up the lake towards Fierza; the stop at Peace Island depends on the operator chosen. The ferry journey from Koman lasts approximately two hours to reach the central sections of the lake. Booking is advised in summer, especially if travelling with a vehicle.

Nearby attractions

The Lake Koman crossing fits easily into an itinerary through northern Albania. Travellers seeking other mountain landscapes may continue to Mount Kokojka or Mount Gjerë. For protected areas, Germenj National Park and Farma Sotira offer interesting contrasts with Lake Koman's aquatic setting.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip

Peace Island is part of a broader circuit through northern Albania's landscapes. To plan a complete itinerary including Koman, Shkodër and the Albanian Alps, explore our trips to Albania.