Shala River & Komani Lake Day Trip

Often described as ‘Albania’s Thailand’, the Shala River is surely among Albania’s most stunning locales. Accessible only via boat and framed by rugged mountain peaks, the river serves as an ideal retreat for individuals seeking a respite from cellular connectivity. The river originates from the Albanian Alps.

Duration: 15 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Komani Lake - Our tour begins from Tirana at 06:00. After breakfast en route, the first highlight is Komani Lake. This lake was created when the rugged Drini Valley was dammed in the early 1970s, enabling Albania to rapidly develop its industrial base and become an energy exporter. We embark on a boat trip that navigates between mountains towering 1000-1500 meters high and through a series of deep, stunning, interconnected lakes, with minimal signs of human activity along the shores. The journey to Shala River takes 1 hour and 30 minutes by boat, and the return trip is the same duration.
  • Shala River - Shala River is a tourist destination often described by visitors as the most beautiful gem of Komani Lake, likened to the Thailand of Albania. The river is known for its hazy, crystal-clear waters. The towering, tree-covered rocks seem to reach for the sky, protecting this natural beauty that Mother Nature has so generously provided for our eyes and hearts. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuits, as some of us will take a dip in this paradise, often called the Albanian Thailand. We return to the boat at Komani Dam around 15:30. From there, we drive back to Tirana after a long but unforgettable experience.
  • Tirana - After the incredible experience at Shala River and Komani Lake, we travel the same route back to Tirana/Shkodra.
What's Included
  • Transportation Tirana - Komani lake - Tirana
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Pick up and drop off from the hotel located in Tirana
  • Boat ticket
What's Not Included
  • Foods and drinks
  • Tips for the tour guide & driver
Location
Komani Lake
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(45 Ratings)
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Arna_f
Jul 30, 2024
Great! - It was great, our guide Edi was amazing, such a nice guy and fun character! The trip was however very long and it took a long time to get there and back but that was expected.
Review provided by Viator
Frederikke_h
Jul 24, 2024
Very positive experience of Shala River and Komani Lake - We had a great experience on this day-tour, the guide was wonderful and had coordinated everything from getting a pickup near our hotel in the morning, the tour itself and driving ud back to our desired point in Tirana. We were very lucky with the weather which made the tour and scenery along the way a very memorable experience of Shala River and Komani Lake.
Review provided by Viator
Steefwelhe
Jul 12, 2024
Really nice - It was a super fun trip and I was able to take beautiful photos! Rei was a very friendly and pleasant guide, definitely recommended to do this trip it is really worth your money!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicolai_i
Jul 11, 2024
Perfect tour - We had the pleasure to go to Shala River with our guide Klajdi and his driver. The trip was beyond expectations. The area was not as touristy as expected an we had good time to explore the area and have a swim in the river. Klajdi was very informative about the area and Albania in general. They even picked us up at our hotel eventhough it’s wasn’t a posibility when booking the tour online. We really reccomend this tour :-)
Review provided by Viator
Sumer_b
Jul 9, 2024
Best day ever - This was by far the highlight of my trip! I highly recommend this tour. Our guide Edi was beyond fantastic! He was kind and exceptionally informative. I really can’t recommend this tour enough! It was a day I will never forget. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Naeldod
Jul 6, 2024
Amazing Experience - We had a great tour with Klevi. I would highly recommend. The Shala River is beautiful and worth a day trip. You may want to consider staying one night as it can get tiring.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Malvina
Aug 14, 2024
Superb - The lake and the river are two exceptional spots worth a visit. The day at the River with possibility of hiking, swimming, meals on site etc is a real plus, all in a festive atmosphere. Only negative, the road is VERY long and VERY damaged it shakes for hours, but on arrival fortunately we are not disappointed. Thanks also to our Guide who was very friendly and warm.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kikkeddu88
Jul 22, 2024
Shala river da vedere!! It is worth it - Very nice destination. Organized trip absolutely to do, given the stretch of road now full of potholes. If I may make a Recommendation, perhaps the experience could be supplemented with more explanations from the Guide (about local history, passing cities etc.). That said the Guide was super friendly and helpful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
800lenej
Jul 15, 2024
A long tour - but definitely worth going on! - It’s a long way from Tirana and the roads are very bad when you leave the main roads. But once you get there it’s so beautiful and so much worth going all the long way. We went to the far end of the place, and we can recommend spending a little more time walking to get to the less busy part of the riverside. Good guide - and a really good busdriver! Thanks for a good day 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hermeniafaith_r
Jul 26, 2024
Okay tour. Beautiful sites. - Be aware that this tour essentially drop you off to the lake and you spend the majority of your time there. The drive is scary and beautiful. The boat ride was amazing.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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