What are the most beautiful lakes in Albania?
Thanks to its geographical location and water reserves, Albania is home to over 200 natural lakes and 800 artificial ones! The result?
What are the most beautiful lakes in Albania?
September 10, 2024
Thanks to its geographical location and water reserves, Albania is home to over 200 natural lakes and 800 artificial ones! The result? The country offers countless excursions and outdoor activities in the heart of its lush nature… From Bovilla Lake to the Butrint Lagoon, via the Blue Eye Spring: discover the most beautiful lakes in Albania!
1. Bovilla Lake
Bovilla Lake is an artificial lake located in the Mount Dajti National Park, about twenty kilometers from Tirana. Designed to supply drinking water to Albania's capital, this reservoir is also renowned for its beauty.
Its main appeal? The lake is overlooked by mountain ranges – including Mount Gamti, a favorite among hikers. While the climb is somewhat challenging, the summit offers an exceptional view of the lake and its surroundings. It's possible to undertake the journey with a guide for a more in-depth discovery of the region and its history.
At the end of the trail, you can, if you wish, climb the few additional steps of a large metal staircase – an opportunity to get even closer to the beauty of the place…
Practical information ● Price: the observation point at the end of the trail is paid access… Fortunately, the fee is minimal (approximately €1 per person). ● Activities: picnicking, hiking, climbing ● To note: swimming is prohibited ● How to get there: Bovilla Lake is accessible from the city of Tirana (approximately 1 hour's drive) via Route SH47. |
2. Ulza Lake
Located in the Mat municipality, the stunning Ulza Lake could easily join the list of most beautiful landscapes to discover in Albania! But beyond its natural beauty (graced with cliffs, winding roads and verdant scenery), this reservoir boasts many other advantages…
The first? It's a still largely undiscovered site that offers genuine moments of relaxation, with the possibility of taking walks or having a picnic, far from the crowds. The second? The lake can be explored by canoe-kayak!
Practical information ● How to get there: Ulza Lake is accessible via rural roads from the town of the same name. ● Activities: explore the Ulëz hydroelectric facility (Hidrocentrali Ulëz) located west of Ulza Lake, hiking (waterfalls nearby) and admiring the beauty of the Ulza Regional Nature Park – which extends around the lake. |
3. Shkodra Lake (or Skadar Lake)
Shared between Montenegro and Albania, Shkodra Lake (also known as Shkodër or Skadar) is one of the largest lakes in Eastern Europe. What makes it unique? Its surface area varies between 370 and 530 km², depending on flooding from the Morača River (located in Montenegro).
The Albanian side has been a protected site since 2005. It is indeed a wetland of great importance, listed among Ramsar sites – the convention that catalogues wetlands of international significance worldwide.
Shkodra Lake is also a must-visit for ornithology enthusiasts, as it is home to 270 bird species! You may be fortunate enough to spot herons, curly pelicans and cormorants.
The lake can also be explored by canoe-kayak, paddleboard, boat or bicycle rides along the shores. Another advantage? Shkodra Lake welcomes swimming (ideal after a wonderful hike in the surrounding nature!).
Practical information ● Price: although the lake is located in a protected area, access is free. If you wish to take a boat trip, expect around €4 per person. ● Activities: the lake is situated near interesting sites to visit, such as Kom Monastery and (located 5 minutes on foot) or the city of Shkodra (renowned for its rich cultural heritage – historic center, cathedral, English Tower, Rozafa Castle, etc.). ● To note: swimming is permitted, but caution is advised, especially in remote areas and small coves. ● How to get there: by bus from the city of the same name. |
4. Koman Lake
Koman Lake is an artificial reservoir created in the early 1980s during the construction of the Fierza Dam. Its purpose? To supply electricity to the entire Shkodra region. Stretching over 34 kilometers, the lake is known for its beauty: on each side, it is dominated by the stunning mountains of the Dinaric Alps (called the "Albanian Alps").
Considered one of the must-sees in Albania, Komani Lake is accessible by ferry. An opportunity to admire the cliffs and sylvan landscapes of the surrounding valley!
Beyond boat excursions (lasting 45 minutes or more than 3 hours, depending on the cruise type), you can hike around the lake, as well as enjoy mountain biking or motorcycle tours.
Prefer water activities? Koman Lake can also be explored by kayak and offers the chance to swim in the crystalline waters of the Shala River (which feeds the lake).
Practical information: ● Price: approximately €50 per person for a 4-hour cruise; ● Activities: kayaking, swimming, lake cruise ● How to get there: Koman Lake is accessible via Route SH25 from Shkodra (departures every morning at 6:30 a.m. from the city center) where vans serve as shuttles to the town of Fierze (the terminal is located at the ferry boarding for Koman Lake). ● The ferry: ferry tickets cost approximately €10 per person; ● Cruises: some ferry companies offer full-day excursions on the lake. In such cases, pricing hovers around €30 all inclusive (40-45 minute cruise, stops at emblematic sites, swimming in the Shala River, kayaking, etc.). ● To note: it's easy to rent motorcycles, particularly from Motoralb – which also offers guided excursions to the heights of the lake. |
5. Ohrid Lake
Shared with North Macedonia, Ohrid Lake is a natural wonder listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lake is home to exceptional biodiversity – including numerous endemic species dating from the Tertiary period (−66 to −2.58 million years ago!).
Among them? An abundance of mollusks and crustaceans, which attract numerous birds (such as pelicans, eagles and pygmy cormorants). With a maximum depth of 288 meters, Ohrid Lake is the deepest in the Balkans. Nevertheless, it welcomes swimming (with temperatures exceeding 23°C in summer).
On the tourism front? The lake is situated near many emblematic sites in the region. Before or after exploring the lake, don't miss:
The picturesque villages surrounding the lake (on the Albanian side), such as Pogradec, Lin, Tushemisht and Drilon.
Saint-Naum Monastery: this edifice, built from the 10th century onward, sits right on the lake's edge. It now houses small shops and restaurants. Only the church entrance requires payment.
The city of Ohrid: built between the 7th and 19th centuries, it is one of the country's oldest cities. Today, it is a small, very popular beach resort.
Practical information ● Activities: swimming, walking tours, cultural visits, bird watching ● To note: Saint-Naum Monastery and the city of Ohrid are located in southwestern North Macedonia. To reach this neighboring country, plan for a 15-20 minute walk from the lake. Along the way, you will pass through the border post separating the two countries. Don't forget your documents. |
6. Prespa Lake
Located just a few kilometers from Ohrid Lake, Prespa Lake is shared between Albania (on the lake's west side), North Macedonia (to the north) and Greece (to the south).
In fact, it comprises twin lakes, each recognizable by its name: Little Prespa (with the larger portion located in Greece and a small section in Albania) and Great Prespa (divided among the three border nations).
Nestled in the heart of mountains, near three major national parks, the Prespa Lakes boast rich biodiversity (ideal for observing migratory birds).
Practical information ● Activities: less touristy than other Albanian lakes, these promise beautiful escapes far from crowds. ● How to get there: the Prespa Lakes are located approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Pogradec and 4 hours from Tirana. |
7. The Blue Eye Spring
The Blue Eye Spring (or Syri i Kaltër) is not technically a lake, yet it ranks among the must-see attractions to discover in Albania. Why? This natural marvel is renowned for its blue and emerald-green color reminiscent of an iris. According to legend, it belonged to a mythical dragon...
Practical information ● How to get there: the lake is located approximately 25 minutes by car from the village of Muzinë, and 45 minutes from the beach resort town of Saranda (Sarandë) ● Activities: swimming ● To note: access to the Blue Eye is paid. Budget 50 leks (less than €0.50) for approximately 2 hours on site. Though it's a (very) touristy and paid destination, this natural treasure is worth your time. |
8. Butrint Lake
Butrint Lake (or Butrint Lagoon) is another natural gem not to be missed. Located at the far southwestern tip of the country, in the Ionian Sea, this sublime saltwater lagoon is celebrated for its beauty, but also for its biodiversity and wetland (listed on the Ramsar list).
Situated within Butrint National Park (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the lake spans 16 kilometers. What's special about it? It is an important breeding ground for fish. It's even possible to explore the lake alongside a local fisherman.
Practical information ● Price: the lake is located within Butrint National Park, with paid entry at €10 per person ● Activities: fishing, visits to historical and archaeological sites, park exploration (marshes, reed beds, bird watching, etc.) ● How to get there: the park is located approximately 40 minutes by car from Saranda |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Koman Lake?
It's possible to reach the areas surrounding Koman Lake by road, particularly from Shkodra (departures every morning at 6:30 a.m. from the city center) where vans serve as shuttles to the town of Fierze (the terminal is located at the ferry boarding point for Koman Lake).
What is the largest lake in Albania?
The largest lake in Albania is Shkodra Lake. Located between Albania and Montenegro, it spans 370 km² – and up to 530 km² depending on the season and flooding! It is the largest lake in the Balkans (one of three peninsulas in Southern Europe).
What is special about Ohrid Lake?
Recognized as one of the world's oldest lakes (around one million years old), Ohrid Lake is also renowned for its unique biodiversity and water clarity – due to its isolated geographical position (693 m altitude). Thanks to these natural treasures, the lake has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.
