Last Updated on February 19, 2025 by Oliver

If you’re looking for Albania’s best-kept secret, I’ve got you covered! Up in Northern Albania, right on the beautiful Lake Komani, you’ll find Lumi i Shales—a spot you absolutely need to check out if you’re into nature or adventure.

This hidden gem has everything: absolutely stunning crystal-clear turquoise waters, jaw-dropping mountain views, and little traditional Albanian villages that feel like stepping back in time.

Here’s everything you need to know before planning your trip to this off-the-beaten-path destination.

What is Lumi I Shales Albania

If you’re anything like us, you have no idea what Lumi i Shales is or where it’s located. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We had never even heard of this place until we started planning our Theth to Valbona Hike in Northern Albania.

The more research we did, we kept seeing these unbelievable social media pictures of a river with the most beautiful turquoise water we’ve ever seen. We knew we had to find out more.

This pristine river, also known as the Shala River, runs through the heart of Northern Albania and connects to Lake Komani. The area surrounding it is known as the Albanian Alps and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Europe, with jagged mountains and beautiful vegetation.

How to get to Lumi I Shales Lake Komani

One of the reasons this place is still so under the radar is because of its location. Albania doesn’t have the best transportation infrastructure, and getting to Lumi i Shales can be quite an adventure in itself.

But once you know where it is, getting there is half the fun! There are a few ways to get to Lumi i Shales and Lake Komani, depending on if you want to do a day trip or stay the night.

The Komani Lake Ferry Terminal is a key starting point for travelers taking boats to Lumi i Shales.

Option 1: Book a Day Trip

If you’re short on time but want to experience the beauty of Lumi i Shalës, booking a day trip is the easiest way to get there. There are plenty of tour operators from Shkoder to Lumi I Shales that offer guided excursions.

These trips typically include transportation, a boat ride on Lake Komani and around 4-5 hours in Lumi i Shalës to explore and swim in the crystal clear waters.

Tours often depart early in the morning and return by evening, making it a perfect option for those wanting to explore without the commitment of an overnight stay.

The downside of this option is it makes for a very long day with quite a bit of travel.

💡Book your day trip from Tirana or Shkoder to Komani Lake and Lumi I Shales here!

Option 2: Private Transfer with Your Hotel

For a more personalized and stress-free experience, think about booking a private transfer through your hotel. Many places to stay in Shkoder and nearby areas offer this service, where a driver picks you up at your hotel and takes you straight to the ferry port for Lumi i Shalës—and even brings you back.

This is a great option if you want flexibility with your schedule and prefer a more comfortable, straightforward trip. It’s also perfect if you plan to stay overnight and don’t want to worry about leaving your car at the ferry port.

Option 3: Drive Yourself

If you’ve got a rental car, driving to Lumi i Shalës is a great option. The Lumi I Shales directions drive you from Shkoder and take you through winding mountain roads with gorgeous views of the Albanian countryside. The roads do get pretty narrow and steep, so be ready for a bit of a challenge.

Once you reach the ferry port, it’s best to park before heading through the tunnel to the dock—it gets tight, and turning around can be tricky. From the parking area, it’s just a 5-minute walk through the tunnel to the boat.

Make sure you’ve already bought your tickets—they can sell out fast during high season, and you’ll want to lock in your spot on the ferry!

💡Koman Ferry Google Maps Location!

Option 4: Include it in Your Theth to Valbona Hike (What we did!)

For adventurous travelers, combining a visit to Lumi i Shalës with the famous Theth to Valbona hike is the absolute best way to experience the Albanian Alps. This is the route we took and it was the absolute best part of our Albania itinerary!

The trek takes you through beautiful landscapes, and while it’s a challenging multi-day hike it’s one of the best ways to expereince the North of Albania.

If you’re doing this trip, you’ll start in Shkoder and take transport to Theth. We booked ours through our hostel, super easy! (You can also go with public transport but we don’t recommend.)

From there, you’ll hike from Theth to Valbona and stay overnight in Valbona. We suggest staying just one night before booking your bus to the Fierze ferry port, where you’ll catch a boat to Lumi I Shales.

After leaving Lumi I Shales, you’ll take another boat to Koman Ferry Port and then hop on a bus back to Shkoder. This whole trip takes about 4 days, and it’s such an unforgettable adventure.

The hike and ferry combo is an amazing way to take in some of Albania’s most stunning scenery. Be sure to bring proper hiking gear and plenty of water for the trek.

We left our big bags in Shkoder and just brought day packs, which made everything so much easier!

This option is definitely not for everyone, but if you’re up for a bit of adventure and want to experience the true beauty of the Albanian Alps, this is the way to do it!

💡We booked our ferry tickets and transportation here.

Best Time to Visit Lumi I Shales

The best time to visit Lumi I Shales is during the summer months from June to August. This is when the weather is warm and pleasant for hiking and the ferry rides are more frequent.

However, if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, May and September are also great months to visit. Just be aware that some facilities may start to close down as it nears the end of peak tourist season.

We visited at the beginning of August, and while the Albania Riviera was absolutely flooded with families and travellers, the northern part of the country was still relatively quiet and peaceful. You might just want to book accommodation in advance!

Lumi I Shales Albania Things to Do

The Shala River Albania is the perfect summer getaway for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It’s one of those places where you can relax in a hammock with a good book, take a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters, and spend your afternoon exploring the surrounding rugged landscapes.

Some of the top things to do in Lumi I Shales include:

Hike to Epic River View Points

Lumi I Shales is a paradise for hikers with its stunning mountain views, crystal clear river, and hiking trails. The most popular hiking trail is the Balkoni Hike, it takes about 4 hours and will give you insane views of the river canyon and surrounding mountains.

I dont recommend this if you aren’t a relatively experienced hiker, as the trail can be quite challenging and steep at times. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s definitely worth it.

Explore by Kayak or Paddle Board

The mornings on the Shala River are calm and peaceful, making it the perfect time to go kayaking. You can find kayak rentals from local vendors or join a guided tour with your lodge or day tour.

The water is crystal clear, so you can even see fish swimming below you as you paddle along.

Swim in the Crystal-Clear Waters

One of the must-do activities in Lumi I Shales is swimming in the mesmerizing blue waters of the river. The water is so clear and refreshing, making it a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.

But be prepared, even in August, the water was COLD!

Relax on the Riverbanks

There are plenty of awesome spots along the river to toss down a towel, chill out, and soak in the stunning views. Whether you’re after a quiet shady spot or a sunny area to relax, there’s something for everyone.

Some nearby guesthouses and restaurants even have lounge chairs and umbrellas, so you can kick back in comfort while taking it all in. It’s the perfect way to spend a laid-back afternoon!

Best Lumi I Shales Tours

If you decide to visit Lumi I Shales with a tour here are several amazing options you can take to make the most of your experience.

Here are our top-rated choices:

From Tirana: 3-Day Komani Lake, Valbona and Thethi Tour

If you’re solo traveling Albania or are short on time, this 3 day tour from Tirana is absolutely perfect to hit all the major spots in the North.

From Hiking the Albanian Alps, visiting Komani Lake, Valbona, and Theth—you’ll see it all. You’ll explore stunning valleys, check out local waterfalls, ferry across Komani Lake and Lumi I Shales, and hike through Thethi National Park.

*You can also take this shala river tour from Shkoder

►Book your 3 Day tour to the North here!

From Koman: Boat ticket for Komani Lake & River of Shala

If you’re driving yourself, this is a great tour to take from the ferry port. You don’t have to worry about getting on the wrong boat, or not knowing when to stop.

This tour will pick you up right at the ferry tunnel and take you along the stunning shores of Komani Lake and through the scenic Lumi I Shales. You’ll have 3.5 hours to explore and you’ll be with a much smaller group than the big ferries going up and down the lake.

►Book your English speaking guide and ferry ticket here

Where to Eat in Lumi I Shales

If you’re planning a tour or day trip to Lumi I Shales, here are some tips to make the most of your visit:

Pack lunch! Since you’ll have limited time at Lumi I Shales, you won’t want to spend it waiting on food. A picnic is a great option—enjoy the views while eating during the boat ride. Bringing your own food is essential as dining options are limited and the quality might not meet your expectations.

We ate at our lodge by riverside Komani Lake, and it was fantastic! Think warm baked bread, local cheese, and meats, all with a stunning lake view.

If you’re staying a night or two the area around Lumi I Shales has plenty of bars, restaurants, and accommodation, giving you lots of options.

Important: Bring cash, as some places may not accept card payments.

Where to Stay at Lumi I Shales

We really recommend spending at least one night in Lumi I Shales to fully appreciate its beauty and tranquility.

Here are some of our favorite Lumi I Shales Accommodations

Riverside Komani Lake// Our Favorite Hotel on Komani Lake

This riverside spot had it all—cozy vibes, amazing views of the river, a lovely garden terrace, and seriously good food. It made the perfect home base for our Lumi I Shales adventures. If you’re into chill settings and warm local hospitality, Riverside Komani Lake is the place to be!

►Click here for more information & bookings

Blini Park Guesthouse// Best Beach Access

Right on the waterfront, this is an excellent stay for those who want to participate in all the water activities. With kayaks and canoes available to guests, you can easily explore the stunning Komani Lake right from your doorstep. Plus, they offer packed lunches if you want to spend your day out and about.

►Click here for more information & bookings

Guesthouse Zgiboza// Best Guesthouse in Lumi I Shales

If you want that warm fuzzy feeling of staying with family, then Guesthouse Zgiboza is the perfect option for you. Located in Lumi I Shales, this guesthouse offers cozy rooms with traditional Albanian decor and a balcony overlooking the beautiful surroundings. The super-friendly owner goes out of their way to make you feel at home, serving up tasty homemade breakfasts every morning and even helping organize your transportation.

►Click here for more information & bookings

Additional Lumi i Shales Albania Hotels

Bee Eco and Livadhi Guesthouse are two other popular stays here, but we don’t have any personal experience. But feel free to check them out yourself! 

FAQ’s for Visiting Lumi i Shales Albania

📍 Where is Lumi i Shalës, Albania?

Lumi i Shalës is a total hidden gem in northern Albania, tucked away along Komani Lake. You can only get there by boat, which makes it even more off the beaten path!

✈️ What’s the Closest Airport to Lumi i Shalës?

The nearest airport is Tirana International Airport (TIA). From there, it’s about a 3-4 hour drive to Komani Lake, where you’ll hop on a boat to reach Lumi i Shalës.

🏊 Can You Swim in Shala River, Albania?

Yes! The water is insanely clear and perfect for swimming. But heads up—it’s cold even in summer! Super refreshing after a hot day, though.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is Lumi i Shalës Good for Families?

For sure! The calm water, epic views, and chill vibe make it great for families. Just keep an eye on the little ones since the river can get deep in spots.

⏳ Can I Do a Day Trip to Lumi i Shalës?

Yep! There are lots of day trips from Shkoder or Tirana, and one of the best options is to visit Shala River. You’ll take a boat, swim, explore, and be back by evening—though staying overnight is totally worth it.

🌊 Is the Shala River Worth Visiting?

100%! It’s called the “Thailand of Albania” for a reason—insanely blue water, dramatic mountain views, and a super peaceful vibe. If you love nature, you’ll be obsessed!

Final Thoughts on Lumi I Shales Albania

Lumi I Shales was one of the best parts of our 3-week trip to Albania. It’s a little off the beaten path, but totally worth the effort to get there. The area is starting to get a little more popular with day tours and visitors, so try to visit sooner rather than later for a more authentic experience—but regardless, the gorgeous blue waters and huge Albanian Alps making it the “Thailand of Europe” will leave you speechless.

Plus, the kindness and hospitality of the local families who run small guesthouses in the area are unmatched. Lumi I Shales may be a hidden gem now, but it won’t stay that way for long! So don’t wait too long to visit this incredible destination in Albania. Whether you’re up for some adventure or just want to kick back and relax, Lumi I Shales has something for everyone!

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