Aerial view of a boat crossing turquoise Komani Lake between forested canyon walls in northern Albania

If you want warm sea and swimming off the boat, take a boat trip on the south coast of Albania, from Ksamil, Sarande, Himare or Vlore. If you’d rather have mountains around you and a cold river swim, take the boat from Komani Lake to Shala River in the north. We run boat tours to … Leggi tutto

Shkoder city skyline at sunset with the Albanian Alps rising behind the rooftops

Most travelers treat Shkoder as a place to sleep before the mountains. They arrive late, leave at dawn, and miss the point. This is one of the easiest cities in Albania to fall for: flat, walkable, full of bicycles, with a hilltop castle, a lively pedestrian street, and a lake on its doorstep. Everything sits … Leggi tutto

Visitors crossing a red-railed footbridge over turquoise water toward the Shala River beach and umbrellas

Planning to visit Shala River in September? For visitors that want to experience the whole journey without the crowds, it is probably the best time to visit Shala River. The busiest summer weeks are beginning to pass, temperatures become more comfortable, and the dramatic views around Komani Lake and Shala River remain just as beautiful. … Leggi tutto

Aerial view of the Komani Lake boat dock, parking area, and tunnel entrance, Albania

Getting to Komani Lake is only half of the work. Once you arrive, you still need to know where to catch the boat to Shala River, where to park, and how to find the right boat before the trip starts. If it’s your first time here, that part can feel a little confusing. There are … Leggi tutto

Turquoise waters of Shala River surrounded by steep green canyon walls in northern Albania

If you’re planning a trip to Albania, Shala River is a must-see destination you should include in your bucket list. Turquoise water, mountain scenery dropping straight into the river and small boats winding through the canyon make you feel like you are actually boat riding in Thailand. It all looks incredible, but it’s fair to … Leggi tutto

Traveler on a boat crossing Komani Lake toward Shala River during a boat tour, Albania

Shala River is not a place you can simply drive to. It is a natural gem hidden deep in a canyon in the Albanian Alps, and the main way to reach it is by boat from Komani Lake. That might sound a little complicated at first, but how to get to Shala River is quite … Leggi tutto

Travelers crossing a wooden footbridge over Shala River on a day trip, Albania

A day at Shala River doesn’t require a suitcase full of things. In fact, the less you bring, the easier the day tends to be. You’ll spend much of the trip on the boat, swimming, walking around the river, and sitting by the water, so a small day bag with the right essentials is usually … Leggi tutto

Boat crossing the misty Komani Lake canyon at sunrise, a day trip from Tirana

If you are staying in Tirana and looking for a day trip that feels very different from the capital, Shala River is one of the most spectacular options in northern Albania. The trip is long and requires an early start, but the reward is a boat journey through the mountains of northern Albania followed by … Leggi tutto

Shala River canyon with pebble beach and turquoise water

Anyone researching a trip to northern Albania eventually runs into the same question; is Shala River worth it? Or is it just another spot that looks better in photos than in real life. It is a fair question, especially since the trip involves a full day, a boat ride through Komani Lake, and a bit … Leggi tutto