Shkoder: A gate to the beauty of Albania
Shkodër is a city that will surprise you, although you might not necessarily make a detour to go there. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a nice place to stop before exploring the rest of the country. Shkodër is also known as the gateway to the Albanian Alps. This is because most visitors stop here before heading towards the mountains. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of everything you can see and do when you’re in Shkodër. From visiting the beautiful sights to taking the best day trips. We’ll also give you tips on the best restaurants and hotels in Shkodër.
Take a free tour of the city
In our opinion, this is the best way to explore a city like Shkodër. A free walking tour is a guided tour with a local guide where you don’t pay a fixed price, but give a tip at the end based on your own judgment and satisfaction. We recommend taking the tour with the local organization Kiri Adventures. Kiri Adventures has professional and friendly guides who can tell you a lot about the history and culture of Shkodër. The tour lasts about two hours and takes you past the city’s main sights and attractions, such as:
- Central Park in Shkodër
- The local markets
- The historical museum
- Famous religious buildings
- Kole Idromeno Street
You’ll also get tips and recommendations on what to do and where to eat well.
From October to March, the tour starts every weekday at 4:00 PM. On weekends, the tour is organized twice a day, at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. In the intervening summer months, there’s an extra tour time at 10:00 AM. The starting point of the tour is in front of “Bashkia” Shkodër, or the city hall.
Tip: We recommend sending an email to Kiri Adventures in advance. They respond quickly, and this way, you can be sure you can join the tour!
Sightings in Shkodër
Shkodër has a lot to offer to visitors who are interested in history, art, religion, and nature. Here are the best sights you shouldn’t miss in this beautiful city.
Rozafa Castle
Rozafa Castle, perched on a high rock, is one of the most impressive and mysterious castles in Albania. This castle has a long and turbulent history with many sieges and conquests. It also offers a beautiful view of the city, Lake Shkodër, and the Bunë and Drin rivers.
The castle is also known for its legend, which tells of the sacrifice of a young woman to build the castle. According to the legend, three brothers wanted to build a castle, but every night the walls collapsed. An old man told them that they had to bury their wife, who would bring them food the next day, alive in the wall of the castle. Only then would the castle stand. The two older brothers told their wives, but the youngest brother kept quiet. The next day, it was Rozafa, the youngest brother’s wife, who brought the food. She accepted her fate but asked for a hole to be left in the wall for her eye, her hand, her foot, and her breast, so she could see, comfort, rock, and feed her baby. Thus, Rozafa was walled up in the wall, and the castle stood.
Tip: Rozafa Castle is open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The entrance fee for the castle is 400 ALL (approximately 4 euros or 4,50 USD) per person.
The Lead Mosque
The Lead Mosque is one of the oldest and most iconic mosques in Shkodër, dating back to the 18th century. This mosque is named after the lead used to cover its roof. With an elegant dome, slender minaret, and a beautiful interior with colorful tiles and paintings, the mosque is definitely worth a visit. The building is a symbol of the religious and cultural diversity of Shkodër, a city known for its harmonious society of Muslims, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians. During the communist regime, the mosque was closed and used as a storage facility. After the fall of communism, the mosque was reopened and restored. The Lead Mosque is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Please note: Admission to the Lead Mosque is free, but women must be dressed appropriately. This means covering your arms, legs, and head. You can borrow a headscarf at the mosque entrance.
The old bridge of Mes
The Old Bridge of Mes is a historic stone bridge that crosses the Kir River and is located approximately five kilometers outside of Shkodër. It was built in the 18th century by the local pasha Kara Mahmud Bushati, who also had Rozafa Castle renovated. With an arched design and a length of 108 meters, it is the longest Ottoman bridge in the region! The bridge is surrounded by a picturesque landscape, with green hills, blooming trees, and flowing water. This makes it a popular spot for picnics, walks, or bike rides.
Tip: Shkodër is also known as the cycling city of Albania. This makes it ideal to rent a bike here and cycle to the bridge of Mes.
Ebu Bekr Mosque
The Ebu Bekr Mosque, also known as the Sheik Zamil Abdullah Al-Zamil Mosque, is one of the most impressive sights in Shkodër. The Ebu Bekr Mosque is named after Abu Bakr, the first caliph of Islam. was built in It1995 by a Saudi sheik, who donated the mosque to the Muslim community in Shkodër. The building stands on the site of an old, historic mosque that was demolished during the communist era, when religion was banned in Albania. Ebu Bekr is inspired by 16th-century Ottoman architecture and has a beautiful dome, a tall minaret, and a spacious interior with marble floors and walls. The mosque is one of the largest and most luxurious mosques in Albania and can accommodate more than 4,000 worshippers.
The Ebu Bekr Mosque is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and admission is free. If you want to visit the mosque, you must take into account the dress code. Women must wear a headscarf, and both men and women must wear clothing that completely covers the knees and shoulders. You must also take off your shoes before entering the mosque.
The lake of Shkodër
Lake Shkodër is the largest lake in the Balkans and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Albania. Two-thirds of the lake lies in Montenegro, and one-third in Albania. It’s a protected national park and an important bird sanctuary. The lake offers a variety of activities and sights for visitors who love nature. Take a boat trip on the lake and discover the many islands, monasteries, and fishing villages. Visit Zogaj for example, where you can see an old monastery and a picturesque fishing village. At Lake Shkodër, you can spot more than 270 bird species, including pelicans, herons, cormorants, and egrets. You can also encounter other animals such as otters, turtles, snakes, and fish.
The Kole Idromeno Street
Kole Idromeno Street pays tribute to one of Albania’s most versatile and talented artists, Kole Idromeno. He painted realistic portraits, landscapes, and religious scenes, and also created sculptures from marble and bronze. He designed various buildings in Shkodër, including the cathedral, the theater, the hospital, and the museum. Kole Idromeno Street is one of the most popular spots in Shkodër. You can find many cafes, restaurants, shops, and street art there, reflecting the creativity and diversity of the local population. You will also find the Marubi National Museum of Photography here as well. The street is a fun place to people-watch, have a drink, and listen to live music. Because they eat late in the evening here, it doesn’t get really busy until the evening. We recommend finding a table for a drink or even making a reservation, especially during the high season.
The Museum of Photography Marubi
If you love photography, you can’t miss the unique Marubi National Museum of Photography in Shkodër. This museum is a treasure trove of the country’s photographic history and culture, with a vast collection of nearly half a million negatives. The museum tells the story of the Marubi dynasty, a family of Italian and Albanian photographers who captured the city of Shkodër and all of Albania from the 19th century to the present, some of which are very rare and valuable. The museum also introduces you to other photographers from Shkodër, who were part of the city’s thriving artistic scene.
Best daytrips from Shkodër
Shkodër is the perfect base for exploring the Albanian Alps, one of Europe’s most pristine and spectacular natural areas. You can hike, bike, and raft in the valleys of Theth and Valbone, which are surrounded by majestic mountains and traditional villages. In our upcoming comprehensive article about the famous Theth to Valbone hike, you’ll find everything you need to arrange the route.
- Another great day trip from Shkodër is Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in the Balkans, which forms the border between Albania and Montenegro. You can take a boat trip on the lake, which has a rich biodiversity and is home to many birds, fish, and plants. You can also visit the island of Zogaj, where you can see an old monastery and a picturesque fishing village.
- If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Albania, you can also take a day trip to Kruja, a city known as the cradle of the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg. You can visit Kruja Castle, where Skanderbeg led his fight against the Ottomans, and the Skanderbeg Museum, which showcases his life and legacy. You can also explore the old bazaar of Kruja, where you can buy handmade souvenirs, antiques, and traditional clothing.
- Day trip to Bogë and Theth National Park: Explore the pristine nature and traditional villages of Theth National Park. You can hike, admire waterfalls, see old churches and towers, and experience the hospitality of the mountain people.
Transport in and to Shkodër
To travel to Shkodër, you can consider several options, depending on your budget, time, and preference.
- You can fly to Tirana, the capital of Albania, and from there take a bus, taxi, or rental car to Shkodër. The distance between Tirana and Shkodër is approximately 100 km (60 miles), and the travel time is about one and a half hours.
- You can also fly to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, and cross the border to Shkodër from there. The distance between Podgorica and Shkodër is approximately 50 km (30 miles), and the travel time is about an hour.
- You can also fly to Dubrovnik, the well-known city in Croatia, and from there take a bus or rental car to Shkodër. The distance between Dubrovnik and Shkodër is approximately 200 km (120 miles), and the travel time is about three hours.
You can find the best flights to these destinations on trip.com, a handy tool to book the best time and find the cheapest month to travel.
To get around in Shkodër, you can consider several options, depending on your budget, time, and preference. You can walk, cycle, take a taxi, or use a rental car to explore the city and its surroundings.
Walking is a good way to soak up the atmosphere and culture of the city, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Cycling is a fun and affordable way to discover the city and the lake, and you can easily rent a bike from one of the many bike rental companies in the city.
Taking a taxi is a fast and comfortable way to get around, but make sure you choose a reliable and registered taxi, and agree on the price beforehand. Using a rental car is a convenient and flexible way to explore the city and its surroundings, but be aware of the traffic rules and road safety. You can book a rental car from one of the many car rental companies in the city or online.
The best hotels in Shkodër
Shkodër also has a wide range of hotels, catering to every budget and taste. You can stay in a luxury hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, a charming guesthouse, or an adventurous campsite. Here are some of the best hotels in Shkodër, where you can enjoy a comfortable and pleasant stay.
- Hotel Colosseo: This is a four-star hotel located in the heart of the city, close to the main sights and attractions. The hotel has a modern and elegant design, with spacious and comfortable rooms equipped with all facilities. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. The hotel offers excellent service and friendly staff.
- Hotel Tradita: This is a three-star hotel located in a traditional house that has been converted into a cozy and charming hotel. The hotel has an authentic atmosphere, with rustic decor and a beautiful garden. There is also a restaurant, which bears the same name as the hotel, where you can enjoy local cuisine and culture. The hotel has simple but clean and comfortable rooms, equipped with all facilities. Tradita has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Camping Legjenda: This is a campsite located on the outskirts of the city, in a green and peaceful setting. The campsite is ideal for adventurous and nature lovers who want to enjoy the fresh air and freedom. The campsite has various accommodation options, such as tents, caravans, bungalows, and cabins. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a playground, a swimming pool, and a volleyball court. The campsite has friendly and helpful staff.
The lovielest restaurants in Shkodër
Shkodër has a varied and tasty culinary offering that reflects the influences of Albanian, Italian, Turkish, and Mediterranean cuisine. You can enjoy delicious dishes such as fergese, tavë kosi, byrek, baklava, burek, cheese, yogurt, honey, olives, fish, lamb, and much more. Here are some of the best restaurants in Shkodër, where you can taste the local cuisine and culture:
- Tradita: This is one of the most popular and authentic restaurants in Shkodër, where you can taste the local cuisine and culture. The restaurant is located in a traditional house, furnished with antique furniture and objects. You can enjoy delicious dishes accompanied by live music and dance.
- Shega e Eger: This is a modern and cozy restaurant that specializes in fish dishes. The restaurant is located on the banks of the Buna River, with a beautiful view of the water. You can choose from a variety of fish, such as trout, carp, sea bass, salmon, and shrimp, prepared in different ways. You can also try other dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and salads.
- San Francisco: This is a stylish and elegant restaurant that offers a fusion cuisine, combining the best elements of Albanian, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant has a refined atmosphere, with minimalist decor and romantic lighting. You can enjoy dishes such as risotto, gnocchi, and more. Here you can also choose from an extensive wine list that includes both local and international wines.
Shkodër is a city you won’t soon forget, once you’ve had the chance to visit it. It’s a city that will inspire and enrich you with its beauty, history, culture, and hospitality. A city that will invite you to come back and discover more. In this article, we’ve given you an overview of the best things you can do in Shkodër, from visiting the beautiful sights to taking the best day trips. We’ve also given you tips on the best restaurants and hotels in Shkodër, where you can enjoy the local cuisine and the warm atmosphere. So we hope you found this article helpful and interesting and that it has made you want to visit Shkodër.
