Lakes of Albania
Ancient Ohrid, vast Shkodër, mystical Prespa and the fjord-like Koman reservoir — Albania's lakes range from Balkan giants to hidden alpine mirrors.
Explore lakes of albania
A turquoise reservoir 40 minutes from Tirana with a signature viewpoint hike — the capital's most popular photo spot.
A cluster of 85 small karst lakes among olive groves in the Dumrë hills — Albania's Lake District.
A jogging-and-picnic lake at Tirana's eastern edge with a lakeside promenade.
A silent glacial lake in the mountains north of Puka — a picnic favourite for locals.
A small crater-like lake in olive country, ringed by cafés — a laid-back stop halfway between Tirana and Berat.
The northern half of the Drin reservoir system — few boats, big cliffs, and the arrival point of the Koman ferry.
A fjord-like reservoir on the Drin river — the daily ferry from Koman to Fierza is one of Europe's great scenic boat rides.
Visit Lake Ohrid (Pogradec) for tranquil beaches, Drilon National Park, and fresh Koran fish. Explore Lin village and scenic hikes. Plan your perfect trip today
The Balkans' largest lake, shared with Montenegro — bird-rich wetlands, floating monasteries and Rozafa Castle above.
The smaller of the two Prespa lakes — a birdwatcher's paradise straddling Albania and Greece.
A quiet reservoir on the lower Drin — kayaking, floating restaurants and an eerie half-submerged church.
Frequently asked
Q.What is the largest lake in Albania?
Lake Shkodër, shared with Montenegro, is the largest lake in the Balkans, covering roughly 370 km². Lake Ohrid is the deepest and one of Europe's oldest.
Q.Can you swim in Albania's lakes?
Yes — Ohrid, Prespa and Shkodër all have swimmable beaches. Water is cleanest in early summer; some southern lakes get seaweed later in the season.
Q.How do you get to Lake Koman?
Most travellers take the famous Koman ferry from the dam near Vau i Dejës — one of Europe's most spectacular boat rides, connecting Shkodër with Valbona in the Alps.
Q.Which lake is best for a day trip from Tirana?
Bovilla Lake — an emerald reservoir 45 minutes from Tirana — offers dramatic cliffs and short hikes and is the easiest lake day trip from the capital.
Q.When is the best time to visit Albania's lakes?
May to September for swimming and boat trips. October is stunning for photography, and Shkodër's wetlands are best for birdwatching in spring and autumn.
Top lakes of albania to visit
Popular across Albania
Ksamil, Dhërmi, Jale and the full Albanian Riviera.
Theth, Valbona, Llogara and the Albanian Alps.
Butrint, Llogara, Divjaka, Prespa and Dajti.
Grunas, Sotira, Peshtura and the Osum canyon falls.
Rozafa, Berat, Gjirokastër, Krujë and Petrelë.
Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, Shkodër and Vlorë.
Sazan, Ksamil islets and the Karaburun peninsula.
Theth, Qeparo, Voskopojë and Zagoria stone villages.
UNESCO cities, Ottoman quarters and ancient ruins.
Off-the-map spots most travellers never reach.
The Riviera drive, SH20 to Theth and Alps loops.