Shala river & Komani lake -Day trip from Tirana/Durres/ Shkodra
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Named "the Thailand of Albania", Shala River is definitely one of the most beautiful destinations of Albania. Reachable only by boat and surrounded by mountains, this river is a perfect getaway for those who want to get rid of the mobile connection. The source of this river is in the Albanian Alps.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Kindly note that this tour is not suitable for children under 2 years old
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Komani Lake and Shala River Day Trip is ideal for people seeking a fresh peaceful day with scenic views of Komani Lake and Shala River. You will get a chance to do the Boat Trip in Komani Lake and then swim and relax in the fresh crystal clear waters of the Shala River with views of dreamlike nature. The tour starts in Tirana, Lezha and Shkodra city and involves a 3-hour and 20-minute car ride(from Tirana) with a short stop on the way to the Komani Lake, which was formed in the 1970s by damming the Drini valley.
Shala River
Visitors will then board a boat and embark on a ride through a series of deep gorges and interconnected lakes, passing between high mountains and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the natural surroundings. The ride will continue for approximately 1 hour until reaching the Shala River, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. FREE TIME/LUNCH: You’ll have around 3 hours of free time at Shala River to enjoy the stunning nature, relax, have lunch, or take a refreshing swim in the clear waters. An optional hike is available, led by the tour guide upon arrival. It takes about 45 minutes (both ways) and is well worth it—the view from the top balcony is truly breathtaking.
What‘s Included
Meeting point pick up from Shkodra city center and Lezha City
English-speaking guide throughout the entire tour
Pick up and drop off from the hotel located in Tirana
Air-conditioned transportation
Boat ticket at Komani lake
Digital tour booklet in your selected language
Foods and drinks
Sunbeds
Kayaks
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Departure from Shkodra
Duration: 10 hours
Departure from Shkodra
Van/Bus
Pickup included
Shala river from Tirana - Private tour
Lunch at shala river
Pickup included
Departure from Lezha
Duration: 10 hours: Trip duration may vary due to traffic. We recommend not planning anything in Lezha before 19:00 to avoid any risk of delays
Starting from Lezha: We offer pick-up from the meeting point at the roundabout at the entrance of Lezha city, after which the tour will begin.
Van/Bus: Depending on the group size, we use different types of vehicles for the trip. All vehicles are air-conditioned
Pickup included
Departure from Tirana
Duration: 14 hours: Trip duration may vary due to traffic. We recommend not planning anything in Tirana before 20:30 to avoid any risk of delay
Departure:Tirana/Durres/Golem: We offer pick-up from your hotel or accommodation if it’s located within Tirana city, Durres city or Golem area.
Van / Bus : Depending on the group size, we use different types of vehicles for the trip. All vehicles are air-conditioned.
Pickup included
Reviews
319 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day out.
martynw639,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great day out. Very well organised with minimum wait times for us coming from Shkoder. Valter was an excellent guide with good info and excellent English. The scenery is beautiful. Early season trip meant we missed the crowds. It is a long day, with a bumpy road that was being resurfaced on our trip but well worth it.
Spend the day with Bledi at Lake Komani
Alex F,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Another phenomenal experience with Bledi exploring the Shala River and Lake Komani. Simply stunning scenery, fantastic recommendations for lunch by a genuinely kind hearted, personable, welcoming and knowledgeable young man. His enthusiasm and personality made the long day fly by. Wholeheartedly recommend.
I am very pleased, beautiful places
Igor B,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great trip…very nice guide…highly recommend…great views…
Albanian Thailand
K1376ZNlydiad,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day was amazing! The landscape reminds us of Thailand. During your visit to Albania, you must visit Lake komani and the Shala River at all costs.
Great tour and guide
Navigator07451419222,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Recommend to visit with good weather conditions. Guide was very genuine and well organized.
Breathtaking Komani Lake Experience with Bledjan
ErikaAJ,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an absolutely incredible tour to Komani Lake with Bledjan! From the very beginning, communication was seamless and stress-free. Bledjan is not only charismatic and easy to talk to, but also incredibly knowledgeable—he shared so much fascinating history about Albania that really enriched the whole experience. The views of the Albanian Alps and Komani Lake were simply breathtaking—truly some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. Everything was well-organized, relaxed, and enjoyable from start to finish. I can’t recommend this experience enough—if you’re considering it, don’t hesitate. Definitely something I’d do again in the future!
It was worth the hype
O3388ZZmichaele,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bledi was awesome we really enjoyed ourselves, will love another tour with him. Nature is indeed beautiful
Tour guide Bledy was bledy Good.Super guide
731shekharr,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful place , worth going . Highly recommended. Bledy our tour guide was absolutely amazing.He didn't let us feel bored a single second and keep entertaining and updating us about the history of everything what we see. He is absolutely like a family so humble and so good. 5 star straight away
Spectacular Day Trip
R9260PVbeatricel,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We joined the Shala River & Komani Lake day trip departing from Tirana/Shkodra and it was one of the most memorable excursions we’ve done in Albania. The day starts early with a scenic drive through northern Albania’s dramatic landscapes — expect a few hours on the road, but the views and guide commentary make it feel worthwhile. Once at Shala River, you get several hours to explore, relax, swim, or enjoy lunch at riverside restaurants. The turquoise water is refreshing (bring swim shoes — the riverbed can be rocky), and there’s a relaxed, almost untouched feel to the area that’s easy to appreciate. It’s long but beautifully organized, with outstanding scenery and plenty of chances to unwind by some of Albania’s most pristine waters. Would book again.
Great I recommend it.
L1393PKluciaa,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide, a very entertaining day. Very happy to have attended with my friends. I will return to Albania soon and repeat another tour.
From €50.00
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Operated by Smart Tour Albania