Komani Lake, Albania: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting
Wondering how to visit Komani Lake? It is easily accessible from Shkoder or Tirana. We’ve been there twice, and we think it’s worth a visit for everyone. During the boat trip, you can admire the picturesque landscape as the fjord-like waterway winding through dramatic mountains takes you to the stunning Shala River or Fierze.
If you want to hike in the Albanian Alps, the journey will lead you through Komani Lake, which is the perfect starting point for the famous Valbona-Theth hike.
This ultimate guide to Komani Lake includes the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect during your visit, and some inspirational photos.
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- Komani Lake, Albania: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting
- Komani Lake History
- Komani Lake Map
- How to Get to Komani Lake from Shkoder, Tirana
- How to See Komani Lake & Best Tours
- Where can I buy a ferry ticket to Komani Lake?
- Komani Lake Schedule & Price
- Can I Stay at Komani Lake?
- Where to Stay near the Lake
- Best Time to Visit Koman Lake, Albania
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Komani Lake History
Komani Lake is an artificial water reservoir in Northern Albania. The hydroelectric power plant was built in the 1980s to generate electricity. Nowadays, it not only supplies the country with electricity, but it has also become one of the best tourist attractions in Northern Albania.
There are two ports on the lake, Fierze and Koman, where small boats and ferries operate.
Komani Lake Map
How to Get to Komani Lake from Shkoder, Tirana
The Koman ferry terminal is approximately 3-3.5 hours from Tirana and 2 hours from Shkoder. Although you can get to the ferry port by car, we do not recommend driving there due to the road conditions.
You can get to Koman from Shkoder by minibus, which costs around 800 LEK (8 EUR) per person. The minibus leaves once a day from Hotel Rozafa at 6:45 AM.
Alternatively, book a Komani Lake & Shala River Day Trip from Shkoder or Tirana.
Koman Ferry Terminal Parking
Don’t drive through the tunnel! There is limited parking space at the end of the tunnel, and as it is difficult to turn around, it is easy to get stuck. Avoid unnecessary stress and park in front of the tunnel for free. You will then have to walk for about 10 minutes through the tunnel to reach the ferry terminal.
If you want to park safely, leave your car in the Blini car park for 5 euros a day, and they will even take you to the ferry.
How to See Komani Lake & Best Tours
We visited Koman Lake in Albania twice, once when we took a day trip to Lumi i Shales and then when we traveled from Shkoder to Valbona, and we can honestly say that the view was never boring.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel, a hat, and sunglasses.
1. Koman to Fierze & Valbona
The ferries depart from Koman every day at 9 AM, and travel time to Fierze is approximately 2.5-3 hours. Once you arrive in Fierze, it is only a 1-hour drive to Valbona. The shuttle driver will drop you off directly at your hotel. You can enjoy fantastic views on the way.
- Ferry from Koman to Fierze – 1000 LEK (10 EUR) per person
- Minibus from Fierze to Valbona (any accommodation) – 800 LEK (8 EUR) per person
You can easily book your minibus/ferry tickets through Berisha or Gjirafa Travel.
Read our → Ultimate Albania Itinerary
2. Komani Lake to Lumi i Shales (Shala River) Tour
The Shala River is also known as the “Thailand of Albania” for its crystal clear turquoise waters and stunning green mountain scenery. Take an unforgettable boat trip in Albania and enjoy the unique scenery.
The Shalara River tour costs 25 EUR per person. The tour is free for children under 6 years old.
Boats depart from Koman every day at 9:30 AM. After arriving, you can spend about 3-3.5 hours at the river. During your visit, you can sunbathe, swim, rent a kayak, or go ziplining if you want a more adventurous activity.
The boats usually return at 2 PM and arrive at Koman at 3:30 PM.
Read the full post → Shala River
3. Tirana to Komani Lake, Valbona & Theth
Take an unforgettable 3-day trip from Tirana to the heart of the Albanian Alps. Discover Albania’s most beautiful mountain villages and enjoy unparalleled views while hiking between Valbona and Theth.
In addition, during the tour, you can enjoy the scenic ferry ride on the lake, see the Grunas Waterfall, and visit the Blue Eye of Theth.
Book this excellent tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Theth
Where can I buy a ferry ticket to Komani Lake?
Some operators, such as Berisha, Rozafa, and Alpin, offer ferry services for people and vehicles between Koman and Fierze. As tickets can sell out quickly and car spaces are limited, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance.
We recommend buying your ferry ticket through Berisha.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
Komani Lake Schedule & Price
Timetable: The ferries depart once daily from Koman at 9 AM and arrive in Fierze at around 11:30 AM. From Fizerze, the ferries depart at 1 PM and arrive in Koman at around 3:30 PM. The travel time is approximately 2.5-3 hours.
Ticket price: Ferry tickets cost 1000 LEK (10 EUR) per person. The ticket price for cars is 7 EUR/m², for motorbikes it is 21 EUR.
Can I Stay at Komani Lake?
Yes, you can stay at Lake Koman and enjoy the beautiful nature and tranquillity that surrounds it.
If you stay at 5 Stinet, you can enjoy incredible views of the lake and mountains from one of the wooden houses. You can easily take a day trip to the Shala River or even go kayaking on Komani Lake. The hotel is well connected to the Berisha ferry, so transfers are very easy to arrange.
The other hotel we recommend is Riverside Lake, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming in the lake, kayaking, or just relaxing. It is beautifully located on the riverbank, just 5 minutes from the Shala River, which you can reach for free from the hotel.
Where to Stay near the Lake
If you are only planning a day trip, we recommend staying in Shkoder, from where you can easily visit the lake. However, if you continue on to Valbona and stay there, as we did, you don’t have to take a day trip because you will see the lake on the way anyway.
Best hotels in Shkoder
- Mid-Range: The Red Bricks Hotel or Hotel Tradita
- Budget: Hotel Epoka or Hotel Kurtabeg
Best Time to Visit Koman Lake, Albania
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Albania is from May to October. The hottest months are July and August. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 40°C.
The summer months are the peak season in Albania, meaning hotel prices are higher and attractions are more crowded. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
We visited the lake in early June. Although the weather was fantastic, it rained in the morning, and the sky was cloudy. However, we were lucky because we were able to enjoy the sunshine and magical views during the ferry ride.
Good to know
The boat tours are usually available from mid-April to early November.
We hope you found our guide to Koman Lake useful and will inspire you to visit Albania. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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