Shala river & Komani lake -Day trip from Tirana/Durres/ Shkodra
Description
Named "the Thailand of Albania", Shala River is definitely one of the most beautiful destinations of Albania. Reachable only by boat and surrounded by mountains, this river is a perfect getaway for those who want to get rid of the mobile connection. The source of this river is in the Albanian Alps.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will pick you up from your accommodation in Tirana (for Durres, Golem, Lezha and Shkodra there is a meeting point). Relax in a comfortable van for a 2 hours drive until our first stop for coffee, snacks, stretching your legs, and free toilets. Since it’s an early start, you can also take a nap during this part of the ride. To keep it peaceful, the guide will only share a short itinerary until after the break.
It’s about another 1.5 hours of driving. During this part, your guide will share interesting information about Albania, the area, and the tour itself while you enjoy the mountain and lake scenery. Please note that part of the road is under construction and can be a bit bumpy. After around 4 hours in total, you will reach the Komani Lake dam. Following the guide’s instructions, you’ll walk through a 7-minute tunnel to reach the boat. Enjoy a 1-hour boat ride across Komani Lake with stunning views of mountains, greenery, and crystal-clear waters—a perfect time for photos!
Once at Shala River, you’ll have your free time. The tour guide will show you the best spots to swim, relax, have lunch, or enjoy a drink by the river. You will also have the option to join a short guided hike to the Shala River balcony for another amazing view.
Afterward, visitors will return to the boat and head back to the Komani Dam, followed by a drive back to Tirana. Overall, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to explore the stunning natural beauty of Albania's Komani Lake and Shala River, making it an excellent option for nature lovers and those looking for adventure.
KNOW BEFORE YOU RESERVE: PICK UP: Please note that in some cases, you may be kindly asked to walk a short distance (1–5 minutes) to a nearby main street. This is usually due to certain hotels being located on narrow streets where our buses cannot easily access IMPORTANT: You’ll receive the final tour details via email and WhatsApp the night before the tour start. Pick-up times may slightly change depending on the schedule, so it’s very important to check our message. MOBILE DATA ROAMING: On the tour day, all communication will be via WhatsApp, so please make sure your phone number is linked to WhatsApp and you have mobile data/roaming enabled FITNESS LEVEL: No fitness level required. Participants must be in good health conditions to participate in this tour.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Departure from TIRANA: Pick-up is directly from your hotel, as the tour starts early in the morning. Departure from DURRES OR GOLEM: Pick-up is directly from your hotel, as the tour starts early in the morning. Departure from LEZHA: Pick-up at 07:00am is from a central meeting point — the roundabout on the main street. Departure from SHKODRA: Departure: 07:00 AM from the center of Shkodra city Meeting Point: Pick up from Shkodra city center at Shkodër bus station (in front of Neptun shop) Please be on time, as this is a shared tour and the bus cannot wait for late arrivals.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Kindly note that this tour is not suitable for children under 2 years old
Reviews(420)
This was my first time visiting Shala River and Komani Lake, and it was an amazing experience. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and everything was well organized. Our guide was friendly, understanding, and very helpful throughout the trip. Highly recommended!
Klajdi was a great guide! The boat ride was very scenic and the river was very refreshing!
My tour to Shala River and Lake Komani with Erwin as our guide was unforgettable. Erwin brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the day, making the whole experience feel both relaxed and adventurous. He clearly knows the area inside and out, sharing interesting facts about the landscape, local culture, and history as we traveled. Erwin was organized, attentive to everyone’s needs, and made sure the group felt safe and included, whether we were on the boat, hiking along the river, or just soaking in the views. He went out of his way to check in with solo travelers like myself, making sure no one felt left out and that we got the most from the trip. The Shala River and Lake Komani are absolutely stunning, and having Erwin as a guide made the day even more memorable. If you want a guide who’s knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about sharing the best of Albania, I’d highly recommend booking a tour with Erwin.
Nice and well organised trip One of the most beautiful scenes I have ever saw.
Long drive ,however one toilet break and toilet locked in bus. Komani lake boat road great. Shala river experience poor, stay for 3 hours, no public amenities, have to go to a restaurant to use a toilet. To sit under shade only option 20 euros to sit under an umbrella. The scenery is spectacular however it’s an overpriced , money making experience with every operator outdoing each other with loud music. And if you’re elderly or have an injury good luck getting on and off boats. If you are under 25 you may like it. Overall horrible day out and tour lasted 14 hours. A lot of driving for very little reward.
This tour was perfect for me and my friends, we had a great time and I would really recommend for anyone wanting to visit. The views and services were amazing and very great value for money.
Thank you! 😊 We're happy you and your friends had a great time and enjoyed the views, service, and value of the tour.
Arber is a great guide and very fun, the tour is also entertaining and very beautiful to see.
¡Muchas gracias! 😊 Nos alegra saber que disfrutaste del tour y de la energía de Arber como guía.
Our tour guide did a great job communicating via what’s app, showing us around, providing history about Albania, and keep us engaged. He also made things chill and ensured to wait for the whole group- would def book with Arber again
Thank you! 😊 We're glad you enjoyed the tour with Arber and appreciated his communication, knowledge, and care for the group.
Nice tour, lives up to expectations. Nice guide that is full of stories about Albania.
Bedankt! 😊 Fijn om te horen dat de tour aan jullie verwachtingen voldeed en dat jullie genoten hebben van de verhalen van onze gids.
Tour never appeared, waited 40minutes. Contacted Viator, the tour operator all I was offered was to submit a refund request. Has ruined my full last day here.
