Where is Shkoder Located?

Shkoder is situated about 100 km away from Tirana, which is around an hour and 50 minutes away. It lies in the northwest of the country, in a mountainous and hilly terrain with a Mediterranean climate. Shkoder has a very long history behind it, with the oldest wall of the town dating back to the 1st millennium BC.

It has passed down numerous empires, like the Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Turkish. Shkoder gained independence in 1760, under the control of the Bushati family. Before World War II, Shkoder was actually the Roman Catholic Center of Albania, having a cathedral, libraries, and Jesuit convents. It’s also the hometown of the famous poet Milosh Gjergj Nikolla, known as Migjeni.

The best time to visit Shkoder is during April and May, when the weather is ideal for exploring and wandering around the city. The flowers will be in full bloom, and you’ll get to see the amazing nature at the best time of the year.

How to Get to Shkoder?

Now, you’re probably wondering how you can get to Shkoder, so we have listed three ways, and you can decide which one fits your needs best:

Where to Stay When Visiting Shkoder

You’re going to need more than a day to properly explore Shkoder, so here are a few accommodation options:

10+ Best Things to Do in Shkoder

Now, let’s get on with our list of the best things to do in Shkoder:

#1. Visit Rozafa Castle

Probably the most popular landmark in Shkoder and one of the most famous castles in Albania, Rozafa Castle proudly sits on top of a rocky hill, surrounded by the rivers Buna and Drin. The castle has a really interesting legend behind it, saying that it was built by three brothers, but the foundations initially wouldn’t hold.

That’s when a wise man told them that one of their wives should be buried alive in the walls for the castle to stand. The wife’s name was Rozafa, and she requested that half her body be exposed so she could hold her baby boy.

You can also see a life-size sculpture of Rozafa in the castle today. You can visit it every day and explore the inner courtyards and towers.

#2. Wander Around the Lake

Known throughout Albania as Lake Skadar or Lake Shkoder, this lake lies on the border of Albania and Montenegro. It’s the perfect place to visit and appreciate Albanian nature, with its diverse animal species and breathtaking views. It’s the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula, with a surface area of about 368 square kilometers.

During the summer, you can even swim in several spots along the shoreline, with its crystal waters and surrounding nature. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise, being home to around 270 distinct species, like pelicans, seagulls, eagles, and cranes.

#3. Chill With a Drink at G’juhadol Street

If you’re up for a night of music, drinks, and good company, G’juhadol St. is just the place. It’s an old cobblestone street with cafes and bars on every side of the road. It’s also where the locals have their evening "xhiros,"  which are long walks they take to get some air or catch up with friends.

In some bars, there is live music playing, with people dancing on the streets and having fun, singing their hearts out to traditional Albanian songs. What’s unique about G’juhadol is that every cafe is located in an old building, fitting in with the aesthetic of the town.

Some places where you can hang out are Instant, M’Shijon, and Nur n’Gjuhadol.

#4. Check out the Marubi National Museum of Photography

With a collection that comprises over 150,000 photos, the Marubi National Museum of Photography is home to the first traces of Albanian photography. You can also see different artifacts, such as old registers, albums, and photography equipment.

The architecture of the museum itself is very interesting as well, creating a unique combination of tradition and modernism. The use of boxes is visible, with them serving as pieces of furniture for storing the objects and sculptural elements. This way, the museum is turned into an open and alive area, beautifully connecting to the streets of the city.

You can visit the museum every day from 9 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. from April until September and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October until March. A ticket costs about €7 per person.

#5. Explore the Venice Art Mask Factory

Edmond Angoni’s Mask Factory is one of the eight other shops worldwide, like Venice and Las Vegas, and an absolute must among the things to do in Shkoder. Angoni’s works stand out due to their originality, creativity, and quality. He started his business back in 1997 and, since then, has built a global empire.

You can see all his exhibited works, like the famous masks of Bauta, Arlecchino, and the Plague Doctor. There are more than 1700 different models in the factory, each with a unique design and meaning behind it.

#6. Visit the Northern Blue Eye

Among the most stunning natural phenomena in Albania, The Blue Eye in Theth is a destination worth visiting if you’re in Shkoder. It’s a beautiful waterfall located in the Albanian Alps, part of the Thethi National Park, and you can get there by embarking on a three-hour hike.

It’s a not-so-difficult trail, with amazing views of the Alps along the way. You can also visit the village of Theth, which is not so far from the Blue Eye, where you’ll be amazed by the untouched nature and breathtaking landscapes. The path to the destination is marked with road signs, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost.

#7. Admire the Ebu Bekr Mosque

Dating back to the 18th century, Ebu Bekr Mosque is an impressive building with its unique style and architecture. It was renovated in 1995, attracting more tourists to visit with donations from Saudi Arabia.

It’s known by the locals as The Great Mosque, and you can visit anytime for free, except during the praying hours. The interior is beautifully elaborated with Islamic motives, and taking pictures is permitted. It’s also a great chance to learn about the city’s Muslim religion.

#8. Enjoy a Bike Ride Around the Town

Located between Qeparo and Himare, Porto Palermo Castle was built in the 19th century by the famous Ali Pashe Tepelena.

The castle is of a triangular shape, with three pentagonal towers in each corner. Inside the castle, there are numerous old paintings displayed, including portraits of Ali Pashe Tepelena. The terrace of the castle provides breathtaking views of the Ionian coastline and mountains.

Visiting this castle is among the most convenient things to do in Himare, too, considering you can see it every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for an entrance fee of just €3.

#9. Visit the Site of Witness and Memory

A unique destination in Shkoder, The Site of Witness and Memory is a museum dedicated to the persecution of political prisoners and priests during Enver Hoxha’s communist regime.

There are various museums in Albania dedicated to communism and the country’s past, but this is the first place to commemorate the victims of dictatorship. It consists of five rooms, holding photos, archived footage, and different documents.

The last two stories are worth mentioning, with their concrete holding cells and torture rooms really taking you back in time, letting you see what Albania’s dark past was like. From Monday to Saturday, the museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and it’s closed on Sundays. The entrance fee for adults is just €2 and for children, €1. Note that you can only pay with cash.

#10. Check Out the Mesi Bridge

Built in traditional Ottoman design, the Mesi Bridge connects the two sides of the Kir River. It’s a bit far from the city center, but it’s a site worth a visit. The bridge is 108 meters long and consists of 13 arches made of stone.

It’s a great place to take pictures and enjoy the amazing views of the river and surrounding nature from the bridge.

Things to Do in Shkoder FAQ