[ad_1]
There are many incredible 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 environment, a superbly picturesque metropolis heart to discover, and loads of cool issues to do.
Shkoder can also be the entry level to the Albanian Alps, so for those who like to hike, you received’t wish to miss it. In the event you’re planning a visit to Albania, Shkoder ought to undoubtedly be in your checklist of locations to go to. In the event you’re questioning what to see in Shkoder, learn on for my prime 15 greatest issues to do right here.
Greatest 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 unbelievable nature on its doorstep, it’s possible you’ll by no means wish to depart.
Listed here 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 right introduction to this stunning metropolis and is likely one of the greatest locations to see in Shkoder.
Deal with: Rruga Kole Idromeno, Shkoder
2. Discover the Shkoder Historic Museum
There are many nice museums in Shkoder, however for those who 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 those who wish to be taught extra about its fascinating previous. The museum is break up into completely different time intervals, starting from historic occasions and Illyrian tribes, via the Ottoman Empire till trendy occasions.
The museum is housed in a former Venetian service provider’s home and appears stunning. The museum itself is attention-grabbing and well-presented, with a lot 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.
Deal with: Shkoder Historic Museum, Rruga Oso Kuka 32, Shkoder
3. Take a Boat Journey on Komani Lake
An enormous a part of Shkoder’s enchantment 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 actually immerse your self within the unbelievable 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 unbelievable, unspoiled views. The tour then takes a ship via Lake Komani and onto the Shala River.
You’ll get the possibility to hike round Lake Shala, one of many wildest mountain climbing spots within the space. And for those who’re actually courageous, you possibly can take a dip within the river itself. Nicknamed Albania’s Thailand, the views listed below 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.
Deal with: 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 unbelievable 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 the most effective 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 may take a dip within the waters while you arrive – it’s good after that hike. The entire expertise is a shocking day trip and certainly one of my absolute prime issues to see in Shkoder.
Deal with: Blue Eye, Kaprre e Gimajve, Theth
5. Hike the Accursed Mountains
One of many principal occasions in northern Albania is the Accursed Mountains. Named presumably because of the notion that they’re unsurmountable, the Accursed Mountains, or the Albanian Alps, lengthen from Albania via Kosovo and Montenegro.
This unbelievable 4-day guided hike via the Accursed Mountains is each hiker’s dream. It’s really one of the vital unbelievable 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 unbelievable surroundings that Albania has to supply. In the event you like to hike, this could undoubtedly make it onto your Albanian itinerary.
Deal with: The Accursed Mountains, Northern Albania
6. Head to Rozafa Citadel at Sundown
Rozafa Citadel is positioned simply exterior the primary metropolis heart and is unquestionably one of many prime issues to do in Shkoder at night time. You may discover the ruins or head into the museum to be taught extra in regards to the citadel’s distinctive legend.
It’s rumored that three brothers tried to construct the citadel, however the foundations wouldn’t maintain. On the recommendation of a sensible man, certainly one of 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 citadel at present.
I hope the legend isn’t true, however I’d undoubtedly advocate coming right here for sundown nonetheless. It’s one of the vital romantic issues to do for {couples}.
Deal with: 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 fowl reserves on the continent. It’s proper on the doorstep of Shkoder itself and is a must-see for those who’re staying right here.
You may both take a stroll round its shores, rent bikes to journey a bit additional, or hire kayaks and paddleboards to get an excellent nearer look.
You may hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Drini Occasions Watersports to go onto the lake, get away from the town and be at one with nature. It’s a wonderful journey for each youngsters and grown-ups and so for me, it’s the most effective issues to do in Shkoder for households.
Click on right here for instructions to Drini Occasions Watersports and Birdwatching Middle for kayak and paddleboard rent.
Deal with: Lake Shkoder, Shkoder
8. Take a Day Journey to Boge
If you wish to be taught extra about life in Northern Albania, then the most effective 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 unbelievable 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 superb technique to escape the 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.
Deal with: 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 go inside as long as you come end result of prayer hours, and pictures is permitted each in and out. I really like marveling on the gorgeous element inside and studying extra in regards to the Muslim faith right here.
It’s the most effective free issues to do in Shkoder and can also be a wonderful technique to be taught extra in regards to the spiritual influences on modern-day Albania.
Deal with: Ebu Bekr Mosque, Rruga Fushë Cele 1, Shkodër
10. Take pleasure in a Bike Experience to Shiroka
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Shkoder is to rent a motorcycle and discover alone. Shkoder has a wonderful repute and infrastructure for biking and so it’s tremendous straightforward to hire a motorcycle and be in your approach.
I’d undoubtedly advocate heading to close by Shiroka by bike. You may rent bikes within the heart of city after which observe 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 trip that gives some wonderful 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 wonderful meals.
Deal with: Shiroka, Shkoder
As you possibly can most likely see, the very best issues to do in Shkoder are discovered within the nice outside. The character and countryside right here is a number of the greatest within the nation and you may 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 possibly can take a refreshing swim for those who’re courageous sufficient, (the water is fairly chilly!).
You’ll additionally keep in a single day and luxuriate in breakfast at a conventional guesthouse earlier than heading again to Shkoder. This tour is admittedly spectacular and is a spotlight of the issues to do in Shkoder.
Deal with: 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 unbelievable web site 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 good to spend quite a lot of time, it’s undoubtedly value a go to to get pleasure from views over the river and metropolis and to take some unbelievable pictures.
Deal with: Mesi Bridge, Shqipëri, AL, Mes 4012
13. Take a Day Journey to Montenegro
As Shkoder is true on the Albanian border, the most effective issues to do close to Shkoder is to really go to one other nation. You may simply go to Montenegro from Shkoder however one of the simplest ways to do that, and to benefit 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 beautiful seashores, and the UNESCO World Heritage Website, The Metropolis of Kotor (a must-see in Montenegro).
It’s the most effective issues to do in Shkoder and is a superb alternative to tick off visiting one other nation too. Click on right here to e book a spot on the tour, which can gather you out of your lodge in Shkoder.
Deal with: Take the tour to Montenegro from right here.
14. Go to the Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing unit
Be sure to 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, they usually’re actually wonderful to see.
A lot of the masks made listed below are these bought in Venice, and the manufacturing unit in Shkoder is the one outlet in Albania. The craftsmanship is really 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 attainable and is a novel and enjoyable factor to do in Shkoder.
Deal with: Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing unit, Rruga Inxh, Gjovalin Gjadri, Shkoder
15. Take a Jeep Tour to Theth Nationwide Park
You may discover the Theth Nationwide Park by Jeep. The surroundings within the park is totally 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 of let you know all in regards to the park, and the vegetation and animals that inhabit it.
The Park itself is the place to begin of many hikes via the Albanian Alps, which is a spotlight in itself.
Nonetheless, the park can also be residence to waterfalls, canyons, church buildings, and comes, all of which might be seen on this tour. The character is unbelievable, and it’s undoubtedly one of the vital stunning and enjoyable issues to do in Shkoder. Guide your spot on this good tour right here.
Guide right here for a tour via the park.
Deal with: 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 here are my prompt itineraries that will help you plan your good journey:
1 Day in Shkoder Itinerary
In the event 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 all the way 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’ve got a little bit longer, you possibly can undoubtedly head additional afield and discover the unbelievable countryside past.
Take the 1-day itinerary and on the 2nd day, contemplate heading out on a boat tour to the unbelievable 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.
In the event 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
When you’ve got 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 unbelievable expertise. Add on the 1-day itinerary on both aspect of it and permit loads of time for relaxation while you’re again.
In the event you want 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 enjoyable in Shkoder and rent kayaks on Lake Shkoder. Contemplate taking a jeep tour deep into Theth Nationwide Park for a rush of adrenaline, or for one thing extra enjoyable, get pleasure from a day within the masks manufacturing unit.
The place to Keep in Shkoder
These are a couple of of the very best neighborhoods in Shkoder for vacationers:
Kole Idromeno Pedestrian Zone – Greatest for First-time Guests
On your first time in Shkoder, I like to recommend staying proper within the heart, within the pedestrianized zone.
Right here, you’ll have quick access to all the very 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 the town.
This stunning Shkoder condo is ideal on your journey to Shkoder. It’s trendy, vivid, and ethereal and has a balcony providing stunning mountain views.
Rruga G’Juhadol – Greatest for Nightlife
Rruga G’Juhadol is positioned proper subsequent to the pedestrianized zone and is inside straightforward attain of the very best bars and eating places in Shkoder.
It’s additionally nonetheless tremendous near the primary, central vacationer points of interest, so you could have the very best of each worlds right here. In the event you’re seeking to meet different individuals whereas in Shkoder then take a look at The Wanderers Hostel which has a terrific number of rooms, a bar, and many communal areas.
Shkoder Lake – Greatest 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 a little bit to Shiroka, on the banks of Lake Shkoder.
Right here, you’ll have gorgeous views over the lake, tremendous peaceable mornings and evenings, and a little bit more room than you’ll discover within the metropolis. It’s a brief bike trip from the town heart which means you’ll nonetheless be near all the very best locations to go to in Shkoder.
This unbelievable Serena Residence has wonderful views over the lake. It has an enormous front room and an enormous outside balcony to benefit from the spectacular views. You may even hire bikes to make your journey to Shkoder heart even simpler.
Greatest 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 makes a speciality of conventional Albanian meals. You could attempt the lamb, it’s unbelievable. 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 effective 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 totally 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 admittedly in style in Albania. Click on right here for instructions.
Eko Membership
A incredible place to seize a scrumptious espresso, juice, or a fast chunk earlier than heading off in your bike. In the event you’re vegetarian, there’s a terrific providing at Eko Membership, with incredible veggie sandwiches and snacks. Click on right here to view on map.
Attending to Shkoder
In the event 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 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 might seize a taxi straight from the airport. A lot of the principal 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. Verify their web site for updates to costs.
Lastly, contemplate hiring a automotive. You must be capable of get a rent automotive from the airport for round €20 per day, though I’d advocate reserving prematurely to get the very best worth.
As soon as in Shkoder, you possibly can take native buses or taxis, however Shkoder is tremendous cycle-friendly. A lot of the principal 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:
Shkoder is called the cultural capital of Albania attributable to its prominence within the arts, in addition to being well-regarded for its spiritual and cultural tolerance throughout Albania’s tumultuous historical past.
One of the best time to go to Shkoder is through the shoulder seasons on both aspect of the height summer season season. Head to Shkoder in April-June or September-October for cooler temperatures and sunny skies, good for mountain climbing and exploring.
Completely, Shkoder is value visiting. It’s a wonderful metropolis in its personal proper, in addition to being the gateway to the Albanian Alps. The encompassing panorama is an out of doors fanatic’s dream the place days might be spent mountain climbing mountains, swimming in waterfalls, or kayaking on lakes.
I’d counsel a minimum of 3–4 days in Shkoder to have the ability to expertise the town itself and a number of the countryside surrounding it. The longer you could have, the deeper into the Albanian Alps you possibly can discover.
Shkoder is extremely secure. Though a metropolis, it feels extra like a small city within the heart the place you possibly can stroll round with none worries, even after darkish. In fact, opportunist thieves function in all in style 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 seashore whereas in Shkoder.
When in Shkoder, you must attempt 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 critically underrated, with many individuals choosing Tirana and heading south towards Berat or Korca. Nonetheless, there are such a lot of incredible issues to do in Shkoder and the character and countryside to be uncovered right here is unparalleled.
Go mountain 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. Take pleasure in your journey!
Like This Article? Pin it!
[ad_2]
Source_link