Although Albania’s most well-known tourist destinations are its lively capital of Tirana and the stunning Adriatic and Ionian Coast, the many beautiful lakes in Albania also have fantastic vacation potential. There are more than 240 natural and an incredible 800 artificial lakes in Albania, numbers that are staggeringly high considering the country’s relatively small size.
The three most important lakes of the Balkans Peninsula are also located in Albania, Ohrid, Prespa and Shkodra lakes.
Ohrid Lake
Ohrid Lake in the southeastern part of Albania and is the deepest (300m) lake in the entire Balkan Peninsula. The historical value and the diverse flora and fauna have placed Lake Ohrid in UNESCO’s Cultural and Natural Heritage sites. There are a variety of aquatic species in the lake, the most famous of which is the Koran, known for being a particularly delicious fish.
The city of Pogradec, well known for its climate, was built on the southwestern coast of Lake Ohrid. Alongside the shore there are several tourist centers such as Lini, Pojska, Pogradec, Drilon and Tushemisht, where many hotels and guesthouses offer comfortable accommodations for a wonderful and relaxing vacation.
Prespa Lake
Prespa Lake consists of two branches, Great and Small Prespa. It is the highest tectonic lake in the Balkans with an altitude of 853 m. Prespa Lake with a surface of 285 km2, of which 38.8 km2 belongs to Albania, is known for the small island of Maligrad. In this lake there are very important breeding populations of Dalmatian and white pelicans. Lakes Ohrid and Prespa are between two and four million years old and unique species of fish have evolved in them, among them the delicious koran and belushka.
Maligradi Island: The island of Maligrad belongs to the Great Prespa Lake that Albania shares with North Macedonia and Greece. Its diverse fauna attracts numerous visitors, as does the Eastern Orthodox cave church of Saint Mary, built in the 14th century.
Shkodra Lake
Shkodra Lake is located in northwestern Albania, connecting Albania and Montenegro. It is the largest lake in the entire Balkan Peninsula. Thousands of cormorants winter on this lake each year. It is relatively shallow and is fed by many different rivers as well as by springs, making it quite varied in its aquatic life, with various species of carp and trout in its waters.
Franc Josef Island
Franz Joseph is the perfect place for those looking for an oasis of peace and reflection. Located in the delta of the Buna River, this small island is rich in waterfowl and other bird species. Its lush greenery provides ample opportunities for rest surrounded by nature.
The Sandy Island of Kune
Located in the delta of the Drini River, the Sandy Island of Kune is a mere 125 ha but features an abundant and varied plant life, from small Mediterranean shrubs to ash and willow forests. Prized by hunters since antiquity for the diversity of the prey it offers, today the island’s wildlife boasts some 70 bird species, 23 mammal species, 22 reptile species, and 6 species of amphibians. The nearby and secluded beach of Tale is also worth a visit.
Shurdhahu Island
One of the few islands of northern Albania, Shurdhahu is located inside Vau i Dejës Lake. The small island is home to the medieval ruins of the town of Sarda, and a surprising number of churches given its area. In the fifteenth century, it was the original settlement of the Dukagjini family, of Kanun fame.
Other lakes
Those who are willing to explore more of Albania will be able to see the artificial lakes formed by the Drin’s cascade (Vau i Dejës Lake, Komani Lake and Fierza lake), the artificial lakes of Shkopeti and Ulza, the small glacial lakes of Lura, Balgjait, Dobërdol, Sylbice and Rajca. Don’t miss also many other natural and artificial lakes on offer across the country, like Bovilla, Butrint, Belsh and many more.
