Lake Skadar: serene waters, lush landscapes and remarkable biodiversity

As we recently visited Virpazar and stayed in Hotel Pelikan, we had an incredible opportunity to go for a boat ride around Lake Skadar. We mentioned that the whole story won’t fit in one post for sure, so it is time to dive deeper.

ABOUT LAKE SKADAR

Lake Skadar ( alb. Shkodër ) is an ecologically diverse lake located on the border between Montenegro and Albania. It is the largest lake in the region, spanning an area of 370 square kilometers. It is known for its exceptional natural beauty, serene waters, lush landscapes, remarkable biodiversity, and historical significance, making it a popular destination for tourists. Of course, Adria fun team had to check it out as well.

* Did you know that two-thirds of the lake’s surface area lies within Montenegro’s borders, while the remaining third is in Albania?

Lake Skadar, Photo: Adria.fun

The Montenegrin side of Lake Skadar is protected under Lake Skadar National Park and it covers approximately 400 square kilometers. Besides its flora and fauna, the area is rich in historical and cultural heritage, such as ancient ruins, medieval monasteries, and traditional fishing villages scattered throughout the area.

The lake is accessible from various points in Montenegro, but Virpazar is one of the main entry points. The town of Virpazar is considered the gateway to the lake and offers many services and hidden treasures.

Lake Skadar, Photo: Adria.fun

Legends and Facts

There is also a legend about the lake, which states that the lake was created from the tears of a fairy, as God did not want to turn her eyes from blue to black but punished her with blindness. From despair, the fairy cried so much that her tears made a lake. 

On the other hand, there is a fact that the lake used to be a pond until one year in the 19th century, after a big storm, the Drim River changed its course over the Albanian mountains and formed a lake. Nevertheless, it created a pure jewel that is today appreciated by locals and tourists. 

Water Lilly, Lake Skadar, Photo: Adria.fun

Boat Tours and Activities

Many agencies are waiting on you the moment you enter Virpazar offering boat rides and trips, so you don’t have to book anything prior or worry you will not find one. Adria fun team took a tour at sunset, which lasted for an hour and a half, however, we believe that no matter the time your pick, it would be equally beautiful.

Each agency has a different tour, but at most of them, you can choose between group or private ones that could last for 2, 3, or 4 hours. Besides the ride, the tours include swimming at one of many Skadar’s beaches too. The lake also offers a range of other activities such as birdwatching, kayaking, and fishing.

To be honest, taking a boat ride around Lake Skadar is the only way you could fully experience its magic. Witnessing the picturesque mountains and hills surrounding the lake, millions of water lilies, a vast variety of birds, of which the Dalmatian pelican is the most significant, and fish, is very hard to show in pictures or write about, as no words would be enough to describe such feeling.

Overall, we believe that if you visit Montenegro, Lake Skadar, and Virpazar should be on your list of must-visit places.