Some of the unforgettable experiences in Albania is definitely a ship journey throughout Koman Lake to the distant Shala River. Alongside the best way, you’ll sail previous steep cliffs and plush inexperienced gorges, providing you with the sensation of drifting by way of the Norwegian fjords. Collectively, Koman Lake and Shala River kind one in all Albania’s most spectacular landscapes. It’s the right place to completely unplug, take a refreshing swim, and finish your night by a crackling campfire. As a result of visiting Shala River requires a little bit of preparation, we’ve put collectively all the sensible suggestions—and one of the best issues to do on this particular area.
Koman Lake and Shala River are sometimes seen as one vacation spot, however they’re really two completely different locations with their very own character. Koman Lake is a big reservoir created by a dam on the Drin River. The world is usually made up of rugged cliffs and dense greenery, although you’ll spot just a few small settlements right here and there. Many of those villages aren’t related to the street community and might solely be reached by water.
Shala River (known as Lumi i Shales in Albanian) is a tributary of the Drin River, tucked deeper into the mountains. Getting right here takes time, however the nearer you get, the clearer the water turns into. It’s no shock that this part is a favourite amongst vacationers. You’ll discover a pebble seashore with lounge chairs, just a few informal bars, and a laid-back vibe that immediately places you in trip mode.
Many vacationers ebook a day journey to Shala River from Shkodër or Tirana. Excellent if you happen to’re brief on time—however for one of the best expertise, keep not less than two nights in an lodging alongside the Shala River. After 2:00 PM, when most day-trippers head again towards Koman, the seashore empties out. That’s whenever you’ll actually expertise the magic of this place.
We stayed at Bee Eco Guesthouse, a small lodge proper on the river’s crystal-clear banks. Get up to peace and quiet, take a refreshing morning swim, and sip espresso in your balcony with a view of the mountains. Except for its gorgeous location, Bee Eco Guesthouse provides comfy rooms, a non-public seashore bar with lounge chairs, extremely welcoming workers, and a restaurant serving scrumptious Albanian meals made with native components—assume contemporary milk and meat from close by farmers and honey from their very own beehives.
Another choice is Riverside Komani Lake, a budget-friendly spot simply exterior Shala River. You’ll be able to attain Shala River from right here with a brief boat experience or by kayaking. Because you’re staying simply past the busiest space, you’ll take pleasure in much more peace and quiet.
Tip: Lodging at Shala River are restricted and promote out rapidly, particularly in peak season. Ebook as early as potential to safe your spot.
Shala River is the right place to loosen up and take in nature. Past cooling off with a swim within the icy mountain water, you’ll discover loads of different methods to spend your time:
Lease a kayak or SUP board from one of many lodges. The farther you paddle towards Koman Lake, the quieter it will get—a good way to discover at your personal tempo.
Strive the zipline that stretches throughout the river close to Bee Eco Guesthouse. It’s not tremendous excessive or quick, nevertheless it’s a enjoyable strategy to see the realm from one other perspective. Tickets will be purchased proper at first.
Climb the staircase throughout from Bee Eco Guesthouse for an exquisite viewpoint overlooking the turquoise waters and surrounding peaks.
Hike as much as the Balkoni Viewpoint. The path takes about 45 minutes and rewards you with sweeping views of the mountains and river beneath.
Right here’s how one can attain Shala River.
By Rental Automobile
Boats to Shala River depart each day from Koman Harbor. To get there, you’ll drive a surprising however bumpy mountain street, partly unpaved. You’ll be able to’t park immediately on the harbor—vehicles are left close to the Komani Lake Tunnel. We parked at Panorama Espresso Bar, the place a shuttle simply introduced us to the harbor.
From Koman, longtail boats take about 1.5 hours to succeed in Shala River. The experience itself is breathtaking! You’ll be able to ebook tickets by way of your lodging or on-line at Komani Lake Ferry Berisha. Shopping for tickets on the dock can also be potential, however availability isn’t assured. Boats normally depart between 9:00 and 10:00 AM.
By Day Tour
Touring and not using a automobile? Then be a part of this guided day journey to Shala River. You’ll be picked up early from Tirana, Shkodër, or Lezhë, pushed to Koman Harbor, after which board the boat to Shala River. As soon as there, you’ll have loads of time to swim, kayak, or just loosen up. You may also hike with the information to a viewpoint in about 45 minutes.
The most effective time to go to Koman Lake and Shala River is from mid-Might by way of late September. The world is lush and inexperienced, boats run each day, and lodging are open. Summer season is the preferred season, with heat, sunny climate—daytime highs typically climb above 30°C (86°F). Excellent for swimming, although July and August are additionally the busiest months with each worldwide vacationers and Albanians on vacation.
In fall and winter, most lodges and boat companies shut down. Rain is extra seemingly, temperatures drop, and entry turns into troublesome. Until you’re with a neighborhood information and particularly in search of a rugged low season journey, it’s not beneficial to go to then.
Visiting Shala River is an unbelievable expertise, nevertheless it’s distant and amenities are restricted. Maintain these sensible suggestions in thoughts:
Plan to remain two nights at Bee Eco Guesthouse to have one full day to really benefit from the setting.
Convey water footwear—the riverbed is rocky and slippery.
Take out money beforehand. There are not any ATMs, and card funds are not often accepted. Convey sufficient for lodging, meals, drinks, and actions.
Pack heat garments for evenings. Even when daytime highs soar above 30°C (86°F) in summer time, nights within the valley get chilly. In Might and September, sweaters and lengthy pants are a should.
Count on restricted web. Shala River is the right place to disconnect—whether or not you wish to or not. Wi-Fi and cellular information are spotty at finest.
