The Shala river: Albania's Maldives and how to reach them
A turquoise river in the mountains with no road to it. What the boat costs, what the day looks like, when to go and how to combine it with Komani Lake.
The Shala river is nicknamed the Albanian Maldives and for once the nickname fits. The water is turquoise, the bed is white pebbles and sheer mountain walls rise around it. The strange part is that you cannot drive there at all. The only way in is by water.
Where it is
Shala is a tributary flowing into Komani Lake in the mountains of northern Albania. The nearest town is Shkodër, about 90 kilometres away, and most people use it as a base for the whole area. The river itself is reachable only by boat from Komani Lake, there is no road, and that is exactly why it stays so quiet.
How to get there
The simplest way is to buy a full day boat trip. A typical day looks like this:
| 09:00 | check in at Koman |
| 09:30 | departure |
| 10:45 | arrival at the Shala river |
| until 14:00 | swimming, lunch, walking |
| 14:00 | return journey |
| 15:30 | back in Koman |
You reach Koman from Shkodër in the morning, about 50 to 60 km and roughly two hours of driving. We describe it in detail in our Komani Lake guide.
Boat contacts we use
A boat to Shala is easiest to arrange directly over WhatsApp. These are the operator contacts we have saved and pass on to our guests:
| Operator | |
|---|---|
| Komani Lake Holidays (Zef Berisha) | +355 68 201 4459 |
| Komani Ferry 2 | +355 68 503 0541 |
| Komani Lake Ferry Wild Tour | +355 69 211 7117 |
| My Albania Explorer Lake Komani | +355 69 889 7808 |
Tell them the date, the number of people and that you want to go to Shala. Outside high season the sailings are reduced, so do not drive to the pier in Koman without a confirmed booking. Contacts for the big ferries across the lake are in our Komani Lake guide.
What it costs
- From 25 EUR per person for a six hour trip covering the lake crossing and a stop at Shala.
- 25 to 50 EUR for a full day package, usually depending on whether transport from Shkodër or Tirana is included.
- Cheaper options start around 20 EUR but tend to exclude transport.
Boats run roughly from April to October. In high season places fill up, so book ahead.
When to go
- July and August have the warmest water but also the most boats and people.
- June and September are a pleasant compromise, the water is still or already fine and it is calmer.
- April, May and October are beautiful for photographs but the water is cold. It is a trip for the scenery rather than for swimming.
The water is brisk even in summer, it comes down from the mountains. Anyone planning a proper swim will appreciate a wetsuit or at least a moment of courage.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel, changing facilities are improvised at best.
- Water shoes, the bed is pebbly and sharp.
- Cash, cards are not accepted at the river.
- Sunscreen, there is no shade on the boat or on the bank.
- Water and a snack, even though small restaurants operate by the river.
Is it worth it?
If you are going to Komani Lake and have a spare day, definitely. If you are choosing between Shala and the Valbona to Theth crossing, they are entirely different experiences: Shala is a relaxed day by the water, the crossing is a full day of effort in the mountains. Our one week itinerary fits both.
A base in Shkodër
From Shkodër you can reach Shala and be back in your own place by evening. Our apartment is about two hours from Koman and we give guests specific contacts for trusted drivers. Have a look at availability.