Renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and unique nature, the Shala River flows throughout the Albanian Alps, with a length of about 36 kilometers. It’s among the most serene destinations in Albania, reachable only by boat.

It’s often referred to as the “Thailand of Albania”, thanks to its crystal clear turquoise waters and white sand on the beaches.

If you’re up for a special and memorable adventure, don’t hesitate to book Kalemi’s Shala River and Komani Lake Day Trip, which will give you a proper insight into Albania’s natural beauty.

Below, you’ll find a list of all the information you need to know about this day trip:

• Tour Duration: 12 hours
• Minimum Age: All ages are welcome
• Departure Point: Tirana
• Departure Time: 6 a.m.
• Arrival Point: Shala River
• Arrival Time: 9 a.m.
• Highlighted Sights: Shala River, Komani Lake
• Mode of Transportation: Minibus, Boat
• Language(s) of Tour Guide: English
• Price: €140 per adult, €60 per child

Are Shala River and Komani Lake Worth Visiting?

Just a photo of the Shala River and Komani Lake is usually enough to convince most tourists to visit them, but here are a few extra reasons if you still aren’t quite sure:

• Delicious traditional food from the local guesthouses. There are numerous guesthouses by the river that serve traditional food prepared with the freshest ingredients. You can enjoy these dishes on the special wooden platforms above the river.
• Amazing hiking trails. There’s a pretty steep trail through the mountains around the Shala River, providing breathtaking views of the forests and river. It’s a pretty demanding hike, though, so it would be good to have some experience.
• Exciting kayaking opportunities. Along the river, there are numerous kayaks that you can rent for a special experience.

How to Get to the Shala River and Komani Lake from Tirana

If you’re wondering how to get to Shala River and Komani Lake from Tirana, here are the transportation options you can choose from:

• By Bus - To get to Shala River from Tirana by bus, you’d have to take a minibus from Tirana to the Komani Lake Ferry Terminal and get on a small boat to reach your actual destination. The minibus to Komani Lake typically departs at around 5 a.m., and they don’t do pickups, so you have to get there before 5 a.m. The station is located in Asim Vokshi St., and a bus ticket costs €10. The ride lasts for about four hours, and you’ll have to wait in the Koman Ferry Terminal until the boats start to depart at around 10 a.m. You’ll then reach the Shala River after an hour or so. Taking a bus by yourself may be a bit of a hassle, though, as there will be quite a bit of waiting around.
• By Taxi - If you don’t want to travel by bus, you can get a taxi from Tirana to the Komani Ferry Terminal. From there, it’s the same thing as above; you’ll wait until the boat comes, get dropped off at Shala River, and then get back at the ferry terminal at around 4 p.m. You can book a private taxi from Tirana to the Komani Ferry Terminal for €120.
• Book a Kalemi Tour - If you want to choose a far easier and more practical way to get to Komani Lake from Tirana, book a Kalemi Tour, and let us take care of the rest! Simply inform the guide of your pick-up address, and the minibus will be waiting at your door. From there, you’ll get to the Komani Ferry Terminal and hop on your reserved boat to kick off your adventure in one of Albania’s most mesmerizing destinations.

If a boat ride through the untamed nature and crystal waters of the North sounds intriguing, don’t hesitate to book this day trip now at Kalemi.com!

Shala River and Komani Lake Discovery Highlights

Let us tell you a bit more about the discovery highlights of this Shala River and Komani Lake tour:

#1. Shala River

The first place you’re going to be visiting is Shala River, the perfect getaway from the noise and chaos of the city. It flows directly into Koman Reservoir Lake, combining the steep mountain landscapes with the serene waters.

Shala River is the ideal place to discover true Albanian nature, instantly bringing you a sense of well-being and tranquility. There are also a few guesthouses and restaurants nearby, as well as kayaks that you can rent to explore the area up close.

#2. Komani Lake

Created as an artificial lake in 1979, Komani Lake has become one of the most popular Albanian tourist attractions in the north, with tall mountains and untouched nature surrounding it. It looks pretty natural for an artificial lake, with its clear water and serene atmosphere.

Through Komani Lake, you can also reach the stunning Valbona Valley by a boat or ferry.

Restaurants to Dine at While at Shala River and Komani Lake

• Eagles Land - Located right by the Shala River, Eagles Land Restaurant is the ideal choice for lunch during your tour. It’s a large wooden cabin surrounded by the captivating beauty of the river and the mystical forest. The restaurant mainly serves traditional Albanian food and drinks, and the environment is very unique and authentic, reminding you of how the locals used to live back in the day. Even the waiters have traditional local outfits on to add more to the experience. Eagles Land is also a guesthouse, in case you want to come back to spend the night!
• Zgiboza Guesthouse - Not far from Eagles Land, Zgiboza is another great choice for grabbing a bite. It’s a guesthouse that also operates as a restaurant, with a wooden platform over the river, providing the most amazing views of the turquoise water and lush surrounding greenery. The guesthouse has a private beach area with a few sunbeds and umbrellas. The food is great, as is the staff, who are always punctual and kind to their customers.

Can You Swim in the Shala River/Komani Lake?

Considering the incomparable beauty of these places, it’s almost impossible to resist diving in! Yes, you can swim in Shala River and Komani Lake, but keep in mind that the water is pretty cold!

In certain areas, you can find umbrellas and sunbeds, which you can rent for about €10. While you’re there, you can also rent a kayak to explore other areas.

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