I’ll tell you about the four most famous lakes in Albania. You’ll learn everything a traveler needs to know. Most importantly, you’ll be able to decide whether these lakes deserve a place in your itinerary — or if you can simply pass them by. This guide includes tips, descriptions, and ideas for planning your independent trip around Albania.
Contents:
- Albanian Lakes: Key Facts at a Glance
- Lake Shkodra
- Lake Ohrid
- Lake Koman
- Lake Bovilla
Lakes in Albania: General Facts
There won’t be too much information here — only what truly matters.
- Albania is a mountainous country rather than a lake destination. About 71% of its territory is covered by the Albanian Alps and the Balkan mountain ranges. It’s all about the mountains in Albania.
- As a result, Albania has very few large lakes.
- The country is also bordered by two seas. If you’re curious about Albania’s coastline, beaches, and travel tips, check out the article: What Sea is in Albania?
Good to know:
For the reasons mentioned above, Albanian lakes are often overlooked by tourists. However, there are four lakes worth mentioning — and I’m confident at least one of them will catch your attention. Just take a look at the photos below.
Now, let’s look at each lake in more detail.
Lake Shkodra
Lake Shkodra is not only Albania’s largest lake but the biggest in the entire Balkans. It measures roughly 42 km by 25 km. The lake lies in northern Albania, on the border with Montenegro. If you check the map, about 60% of the lake belongs to Montenegro and 40% to Albania.
The nearest major city is Shkodër. You can read more here: What to See in Shkodër.
Let’s be honest — Lake Shkodra is not particularly exciting for most tourists, for several reasons:
- Although it may look on the map like Shkodër sits directly on the lake, this isn’t quite true. The city itself has no proper lakefront access, beaches, or developed tourist infrastructure.
- You can view the lake from a few nearby villages, but overall the scenery is rather ordinary. If you’re already in Shkodër, it’s far more rewarding to drive just 15 km to the Adriatic coast and visit Velipoja Beach.
- The best panoramic view of Lake Shkodra is from Rozafa Castle on the edge of the city. Details can be found in the guide linked above. The views from the fortress walls look like this:
Summary:
If you’re driving from Montenegro, Lake Shkodra will be almost on your way. The best stop is the village of Shirokë, where the road runs along the shore. You’ll find several family-run fish restaurants popular with locals from Shkodër. If you have spare time, it’s a lovely evening plan. Otherwise, most travelers can skip the lake without missing much.
Lake Ohrid
Albania’s second-largest lake is far from the sea and away from the main tourist routes. Yet it is significantly more attractive and interesting for visitors.
Here are a few facts about Lake Ohrid:
- Located on the border with North Macedonia in Albania’s mountainous region
- Approximate size: 30 × 15 km
- Elevation: nearly 700 meters above sea level
While Lake Shkodra is the largest in the Balkans, Lake Ohrid is:
- The oldest lake in the Balkans
- The deepest, reaching almost 300 meters
- With an impressive average depth of 160 meters
Lake Ohrid is exceptionally beautiful and surrounded by mountains on nearly all sides. From the promenade in Pogradec, you can even see North Macedonia across the water.
Advantages of Lake Ohrid:
- Pogradec is located directly on the lake.
- Excellent beach and long lakeside promenade
- Plenty of accommodation with great views
- A lively tourist center in summer
- Convenient stop for those traveling to or from North Macedonia
- Activities: water slides, pedal boats, boat trips, fishing
Disadvantages:
- Very far from Albania’s coastline
- Distant from many of the country’s main attractions
The biggest drawback is the elevation. Pogradec sits at around 700 meters above sea level, making it typically 5–10°C cooler than the coast. Snowfall in winter is common — something quite rare in most other parts of Albania.
Good to know:
Overall, this is a destination for relaxed, peaceful retreat. Many visitors arrive after spending several weeks exploring Albania and looking for a quieter setting.
Lake Koman (Komani)
This is the lake that may truly surprise you — and who knows, it might even make you rethink your travel plans.
Lake Koman, locally known as Komani, is located in northern Albania, at the foothills of the Albanian Alps. There are no proper roads here, and almost no tourist infrastructure. Small settlements scattered along the shoreline are so remote that many can only be reached by water.
And yet, despite its isolation, Lake Koman is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Albania. Here’s why:
- Lake Koman is a dramatic mountain reservoir formed within a narrow rocky gorge
- At its widest point, it is less than 1 km across
- In many sections, it narrows to just a few hundred meters
- Its total length exceeds 50 km
Along the entire lake, a ferry operates with stops in some of the most inaccessible villages:
✔ For local residents, it is a vital lifeline
✔ For travelers, it is an unforgettable experience
The scenery from the ferry is simply breathtaking. Sheer cliffs rise vertically from the water, creating landscapes often compared to Norwegian fjords.
For more about Albanian ferries, including routes to Italy and Greece, see the full guide.
For ferry schedules, prices, and practical tips for Lake Koman, check out the article: The Ultimate Route Through the Accursed Mountains.
Travel Idea:
There are two main ways to experience Lake Koman.
Option 1:
Take a one-day ferry trip across the lake and return. It’s beautiful — but there’s an even better alternative.
Option 2 (most popular):
Follow a circular route through the Accursed Mountains:
Shkodër → Lake Koman → Valbona Valley → mountain hike over the pass → Theth village (waterfall & Blue Eye) → Shkodër
This route is considered one of the most spectacular journeys in Albania.
A comprehensive article with road trip ideas in Albania.
Lake Bovilla
Lake Bovilla (Liqeni i Bovillës) is one of the most striking natural spots near Albania’s capital. Located just 15–20 km from Tirana, it feels like a completely different world: silence, mountains, turquoise water, and dramatic cliffs.
Although Bovilla is an artificial reservoir created to supply Tirana with drinking water, it has become a popular natural attraction thanks to its extraordinary scenery. The lake is surrounded by steep hills and canyon walls, while the water shifts between emerald and bright blue depending on the light.
Things to Do at Lake Bovilla
📸 Viewpoints & Photography
The most famous highlight is the panoramic viewpoint above the canyon. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s one of Albania’s most photogenic locations.
🥾 Easy Hiking
The walk to the viewpoint takes about 15–25 minutes. The trail is short and manageable, even for visitors without hiking experience. Along the way, you’ll see impressive rock formations and valleys.
🌿 Escape into Nature
Bovilla is perfect for those wanting a break from the city. There are no crowded beaches or resort facilities — just raw, peaceful nature.
🚙 Half-Day Trip from Tirana
An ideal short getaway that easily fits into a Tirana itinerary.
Important to Know
⚠ Swimming is generally prohibited (drinking water source)
⚠ The road is partly unpaved — a car or guided tour is recommended
⚠ Best visited in clear weather for maximum visibility
Lake Bovilla is a rare example of a truly spectacular natural destination located right next to the capital. If you’ve already explored Tirana, this trip offers a completely different, wild, and scenic side of Albania.
Final Thoughts
Albania has around forty lakes and reservoirs, but only two are truly remarkable for most travelers:
✔ Lake Ohrid in the east
✔ Lake Koman in the north
Albania is not just about the sea and mountains 😉
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Albania
- Flights at the best prices with best discounts
- Car rental in Albania (cheaper – only by bus):
- DiscoverCars – a major international resource
- LocalRent – the leader in the Albanian car rental market. Very low deposits, even in cash.
- Hotels and apartments throughout the country:
- TripAdvisor – compares prices among dozens of platforms and offer you the best one.
- Trip.com – large online booking platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages: CheapOair.
- Tours, excursions and activities:
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1050+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Taxi and airport transfer: Intui.Travel