Welcome to Shkodra
Shkodra, the traditional centre of the Gheg cultural region, is one of the oldest cities in Europe and arguably the most attractive urban centre in Albania. The ancient Rozafa Fortress has stunning views over Lake Shkodra, while the pastel-painted buildings in the Old Town have a distinct Italian ambience. Many travellers rush through here while travelling between Tirana and Montenegro, or en route to the Lake Koman Ferry and the villages of Theth and Valbona, but it's worth spending a night or two to soak up this pleasant and welcoming place. Check out the interesting museums before moving on to the mountains, the coast or the capital.
Top experiences in Shkodra
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Shkodra activities
Hiking Tour of Theth from Tirana in Two Days
Day 1 We begin our journey toward Northern Albania, leaving Tirana early in the morning at 05:00. On our way to Theth we will pas through the city of Shkoder with the Rosafa Castle on top. After taking a right turn toward Tamara we enter the area of the Albanian Alps.After the arrival in Theth we enjoy e traditional lunch at the Guesthouse. We start with visits on Thethi’s main historic and natural attractions. We will visit the famous tower “Kulla e Ngujimit”, the Church, the ethnographic museum, the waterfall and some of the main natural attractions around the village. Traditional Dinner and overnight in Guesthouse in Theth.Day 2Almost one hour of walk from the Guesthouse the Waterfall of Theth will be the final destination in Theth. Shkodra is the main city of Northern Albania. City tour of Shkodra when will be visited the city center, the famous pedestrian boulevard “Pedonale”, the Cathedral of Shkodra, main Mosque and the Orthodox Church.We have our final lunch by the Buna River, with an amazing view of the Rozafa castle. After lunch (not included in the price) we get on the way to the final destination, Tirana.
Tour of Valbona Valley, Theth and Shkoder in 4 days
Day 1 : We begin our journey toward Northern Albania, leaving Tirana early in the morning at 05:00 (Hotel pickup Included on request). Our guide and the Driver will pick you up to start the journey. At 09:00 we get on the ferry that sails right in the heart of the Albanian Alps. The Koman lake ferry trip offers some spectacular views of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, rural villages and wild forests. Drop off in Fierza after 2.5 hours of sail in Koman Lake. As the Land Rover could not pass to Theth from Valbona you and the guide continue the sail seperatly. In Fierza (the 2nd station of the Koman lake) our other colleague pick us up and he sent us to Valbona. As the Land Rover will be back in Theth in the last day you can pack light in a small backpack and let most of your things is the car. In the last day the driver and the car will came to pick us up in Theth and beings you the rest of the bags as well. Passing through Bajram Curri, we enter the national park of Valbona Valley. After a delicious traditional lunch, we explore some of the main attractions, such as Kukaj, the farthest neighbourhood in Valbona Valley, pretty rural and remote, the “Old Mill” and the centre of the village. Overnight and dinner in the guesthouse in Valbona.Day 2 : Breakfast in the guesthouse. This would be an intense day as walk takes more than 6 hours in a remote terrain reaching Theth, but defiantly worthy! Starting the hike to Theth at 8:30 from Valbona. Panoramic picnic lunch on the top of the mountains. After arrival in Theth and a short break in the afternoon will be visited the Ethnographic Museum, the old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth) and its fascinating story in centuries. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.Day 3 : The main destination for the 3rd day will be the “Blue Eye” of Theth and Gurna’s Canyons, formed from the Black River, which flaw out from the Black Top. The Blue Eye is formed by the erosion of rock by the water that descends from the mountains. It will be the main activity of this day since it takes more than 3 hours reaching it from the guesthouse. Picnic lunch at the “Blue Eye” park. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.Day 4 : Almost one hour of walk from the Guesthouse the Waterfall of Theth will be the final destination in Theth. Shkodra is the main city of Northern Albania. City tour of Shkodra when will be visited the city center, the famous pedestrian boulevard “Pedonale”, the Cathedral of Shkodra, main Mosque and the Orthodox Church. We have our final lunch (not included in the price) by the Buna River, with an amazing view of the Rozafa castle. After lunch we get on the way to the final destination, Tirana. Arrival in Tirana in the latte afternoon. Hotel Drop off on request.This is where we give you some warm greetings from Choose Balkans team and we wish to see you again next year.
Tour of Shkoder in one Day
Tour start at 9:00 from Choose Balkans Offices (Hotel Pick Up in Request) toward the historical town of Shkodra. In our way to Shkodra we will first face Lezha, an historic city with a prehistoric castle on the top of the hill above the city. In the fetes of the hill is lied the Memorial Grave of Scanderbeg. Shkodra is well known also for its Castle, one of the biggest in Albania. After the arrival in Shkodra part of our tour will be visits in the • The Rozafa Castle • Catholic Cathedral (Kisha e Madhe) • Museum of the Cathedral. • “Xhamia e Madhe” – The main mosque • “Pedonalia” Pedestrian street
Hiking Tour of Theth from Tirana in 2 Days
ItineraryDay 1: Tirana to Theth Stop At: Choose Balkans, Tirana, Tirana CountyThe Tour departs from Choose Balkans Office Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Shkodra Lake, Shkoder, Shkoder CountyOur journey towards the Albanian Alps begins in the morning at 07:00 am from Tirana. As we drive along the way towards Northern Albania you would be amazed by beautiful landscapes; wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged untouched mountains. Duration: 10 minutesStop At: Theth National Park, Theth, Shkoder CountyFrom Shkoder we will experience local transport riding. As we take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favorable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender making you feel like you are in Provence (France). On the way to the top we will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 900 meters at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps. We arrive at our Guesthouse in Theth at about lunchtime, some tasty fresh local food will be waiting for us. After resting a bit we visit the Ethnographic Museum of Theth, the old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth) and its fascinating story in centuries. Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth. Duration: 20 hoursNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.Day 2: Theth - Grunasi Water Fall - Tirana Stop At: Theth National Park, Theth, Shkoder CountyWaking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer, however, after breakfast we will hike from Theth to Grunas Waterfall (about 2 hours hike). Grunasi Waterfall, a curtain of white water comes over the grey rocks as if it were being poured from a bucket that never empties. The water tumbles down the hillside in a series of mini-waterfalls. Duration: 4 hoursStop At: Shkodra Lake, Shkoder, Shkoder CountyAt around midday we get ready to get back to Tirana. The elaborated zig-zags road through the mountainous terrain smoothens down little by little taking us towards Shkodra Lake. Duration: 3 hoursStop At: Choose Balkans - Albania Tour OperatorOur driver will be waiting for us in Shkodra, taking us back to the modern and dynamic metropolitan capital city of Albania, Tirana. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you. Duration: 10 minutesNo meals included on this day.No accommodation included on this day.
Hiking tour of Theth from Tirana in three days
Day 1Our journey towards the Albanian Alps begins in the morning at 07:00 am from Tirana. As we drive along the way towards Northern Albania you would be amazed by beautiful landscapes; wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged untouched mountains. From Shkoder we will experience local transport riding. As we take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favorable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender making you feel like you are in Provence (France). On the way to the top we will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 900 meters at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps. We arrive at our Guesthouse in Theth at about lunchtime, some tasty fresh local food will be waiting for us. After resting a bit we visit the Ethnographic Museum of Theth, the old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth) and its fascinating story in centuries. Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth. Day 2 Our hiking tour of Theth continues to the natural wonder the so called “Blue Eye of Theth”. The hike lasts 3 to 4 hours one way. The Blue Eye is formed by the erosion of the rocks by the water that descends from melting snow of the Albanian Alps. You will keep your eyes peeled from the iridescent glow of greens and blues colours of this marvel of nature, inviting you to dive in. Last but not least, if you are brave enough, don’t forget to bring your swimming suits with you as some of us will dare to swim in these cold crystal clear waters. Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth. Day 3Waking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer, however, after breakfast we will hike from Theth to Grunas Waterfall (about 2 hours hike). Grunasi Waterfall, a curtain of white water comes over the grey rocks as if it were being poured from a bucket that never empties. The water tumbles down the hillside in a series of mini-waterfalls. At around midday we get ready to get back to Tirana. The elaborated zig-zags road through the mountainous terrain smoothens down little by little taking us towards Shkodra Lake. Our driver will be waiting for us in Shkodra, taking us back to the modern and dynamic metropolitan capital city of Albania, Tirana. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.
Tour of Koman Lake, Valbona Valley and Theth in Six Days
Day 1 Our journey towards Komani Lake begins early in the morning at 05:00 am from Tirana. As we take the turn from the main road to Vau i Dejës the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. At 09:00 we get on a small local boat (this destination is only reachable by boat) that will take us through Komani Lake offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, rural villages and wild forests. It is considered by many as an exotic experience combined with the unmatched hospitality of the locals. We arrive at Berisha village at about 10:30 (somewhere at middle of the Lake). Kayaking exploration of the area along the lake. Day 2 Waking up with such a magnificent view of Komani Lake and the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer, however, after breakfast we will have to continue our journey to other astonishing wonders. After a delicious traditional lunch, we explore the area and admire the so-called Crown of the Albanian Alps. Day 3 The hiking tour of the Albanian Alps gets more intense during the third day. Our hiking objective is "Maja e Rosit" one of the Balkan Peaks.The trekking takes about 3 to 4 hours on the way up and about 3 on the way back to Valbona Valley. The view from Maja e Rosit offers a spectacular view of Valbona Valley and the Accursed Mountains. We will enjoy a picnic lunch from this breath-taking corner of the world. Day 4 Trekking to Theth from Valbona would be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m elevation) in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The Valbona pass to Theth offers a spectacular view of the Balkan Peaks. When reaching on the top of Valbona Pass you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. On our descent to Theth we will pass through some beautiful landscapes and wild forests.Day 5 Our hiking tour of Theth continues to the natural wonder the so called “Blue Eye of Theth”. The hike lasts 3 to 4 hours one way. The Blue Eye is formed by the erosion of the rocks by the water that descends from melting snow of the Albanian Alps. You will keep your eyes peeled from the iridescent glow of greens and blues colours of this marvel of nature, inviting you to dive in. Day 6 We will enjoy our last traditional breakfast at the heart of the Albanian Alps. We hike from Theth to Grunas Waterfall (about 1 hour hike). On our way back we visit the Ethnographic Museum of Theth, the old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth) and its fascinating story in centuries. We will experience local transport riding through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 900 meters at Qafa e Thores. Our driver will be waiting for us in Shkodra, taking us back to Tirana. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self excitement to share with those around you.