If you’re considering a trip to Albania and want to see some of its stunning natural landscapes, the Komani Lake Day Tour might catch your eye. Billed as an all-day adventure, it promises boat rides, traditional Albanian food, and opportunities for kayaking or hiking along the serene fjords. While it sounds like a perfect escape into nature, the reality is a bit more mixed, and knowing what to expect can help you decide if it’s right for you.
What we like about this tour is its spectacular scenery — especially the boat cruise that takes you past Peace Island, a highlight that many travelers rave about. Plus, the local lunch at the guesthouse is a nice touch, giving you a taste of authentic Albanian cuisine. On the flip side, some reviews point out that the organization can be a bit confusing, and the experience might fall short if you’re expecting guided hikes or seamless logistics.
This tour is probably best suited for those who value scenic views and a relaxed day in nature, even if the organization isn’t perfect. If you’re looking for a well-structured, guide-led adventure, or you’re traveling with young children who need more supervision, it might be worth considering other options. But if you’re okay with a slightly loose schedule and some unpredictability, this could be a memorable trip.
Key Points
- Stunning views of Komani Lake and Peace Island are the main draw.
- The boat ride offers a picture-perfect perspective of the Albanian fjords.
- Traditional Albanian lunch at the guesthouse adds local flavor.
- Some reviews mention disorganization and lack of guidance, so manage expectations.
- The tour includes kayaking or trekking options, but these are not guided.
- Duration is around 11 hours, so it’s a full day out.
What You Can Expect from the Tour
This trip kicks off at the hotel Rozafa in Shkoder, where you’ll meet your group and start the roughly 1.5-hour bus ride to Koman. Once there, the real adventure begins with a scenic boat cruise of about 40-45 minutes across the lake. This is the part you’ll love—cruising past Peace Island, with its dramatic landscape and tranquil waters offering some of the most striking views in the region. It’s a peaceful, slow-paced journey focused on soaking in the natural beauty.
After the boat ride, you’ll make a few stops along the way, each one at characteristic spots that allow you to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. Here, the experience may vary: some travelers report no guided hikes or structured activities, just the chance to explore or kayak independently. As one reviewer said, “we could kayak on our own,” but there was no guide to direct us, and the lake was reportedly full of waste, which is an important consideration if you’re planning to swim or kayak.
The highlight for many is the Guesthouse in Berishe, located right in front of Peace Island. Here, you’ll stop for a traditional Albanian lunch. The meal typically offers a variety of local dishes, with options like chicken, fish, or veggie pasta, along with drinks. One traveler mentioned, “The lunch was very nice,” emphasizing the meal’s quality as a bright spot amid some logistical shortcomings.
Post-lunch, you’ll have some free time—exactly how much varies, but it was reported as about four hours by some travelers. During this period, there’s no guided hike, and activities like kayaking or trekking depend on your own initiative. You might find yourself with limited options if you prefer a guided experience or if you’re traveling with kids who need supervision.
Finally, you’ll return on a small ferry, the Berisha, around 2:45 PM. The boat will make a special landing to pick up the group, and you’ll arrive back at the starting point in Koman by about 3:30 PM, completing an 11-hour day.
Planning more time in Komani Lake? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Practical Side: Transportation, Duration, and Cost
The tour includes transportation from and back to Hotel Rozafa, along with the boat cruise, lunch, and optional kayaking or trekking. The full day lasts roughly 11 hours, which is quite a long time—something to keep in mind if you prefer shorter outings or have limited stamina.
Pricing is generally around 150 (local currency or USD, depending on booking). Based on reviews, some travelers feel that the value isn’t quite there, especially considering the organization issues and additional costs like the 10 per person fee for the Shala River boat. The boat ride itself is scenic, but delays, lack of guidance, and limited activities can make the price seem high relative to the experience.
The timing is flexible but check availability for the starting times—these are not fixed and may vary by season or day of the week.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
What travelers love most is the breathtaking scenery. Several reviews mention the “unparalleled beauty” of the lake, Peace Island, and the surrounding Albanian fjords. The boat cruise often gets high praise for its views and tranquility.
However, the organizational hiccups are a common theme. One reviewer noted, “the trip was disorganized,” with unclear boat schedules and no guidance upon arrival. Another added that the activities like the hike or kayaking were poorly managed or unguided, and the lake is reportedly full of waste, which could impact your swimming or paddling experience.
The lunch tends to be a bright spot, with many calling it “very nice,” but some found the setting less authentic than expected, noting they ate under an arbor rather than a true local home.
Comfort-wise, the boat can be crowded, with some travelers standing in the heat because seats are limited. The return bus ride can also be hot and uncomfortable if the air conditioning isn’t working, which was a notable complaint.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts who want to see the beauty of Albanian fjords without the need for guided hikes or structured activities. If you enjoy boat rides and scenic views, you’ll probably find this trip worthwhile.
However, if you’re looking for a well-organized, guided adventure, or you’re traveling with children who need more supervision, this tour may not meet your expectations. The lack of guidance during kayaking and hiking, combined with some logistical challenges, means it’s more of a self-led exploration in a beautiful setting.
More Great Tours NearbyFinal Thoughts
The Komani Lake Day Tour offers a wonderful opportunity to see one of Albania’s most dramatic landscapes. The boat cruise alone makes it worth considering if you’re after picture-perfect scenery. The traditional lunch adds a local flavor, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.
That said, the experience can be a bit inconsistent, with some travelers feeling unprepared due to organizational issues. It’s a good choice if you’re flexible, enjoy self-guided activities, and are mainly after stunning views and a relaxed day out in nature. If you’re hoping for a tightly organized, guided experience, or traveling with kids, you might want to explore other options or be prepared for some surprises.
Overall, if you’re okay with a bit of unpredictability, this tour can be a memorable way to connect with Albania’s natural treasures—just keep your expectations balanced and your camera ready.
From Shkodër: Komani Lake Day Tour
“the lunch was very nice. unfortunately the trip was disorganized. when we arrived at the ferry terminal tgere were different boats for different tr…”
FAQ
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transport to and from Hotel Rozafa is part of the package, along with boat rides and activities.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 11 hours, making it a full-day adventure.
What activities are offered at the lake?
You can choose to kayak or trek, but these are not guided; you’re on your own for these activities.
Is the lunch traditional Albanian food?
Yes, the lunch includes local dishes like chicken, fish, and veggie pasta, served at a guesthouse near the lake.
Are there guided hikes or guided activities?
No, the hike and kayaking are optional and do not come with guides, which some travelers found disappointing.
What are the main highlights?
The boat cruise past Peace Island and the scenic views of Albanian fjords are the highlights most travelers mention.
Is the lake clean and suitable for swimming or kayaking?
Some reviews mention waste in the lake, so if swimming or kayaking is important to you, be aware this might affect your experience.
If you’re after a day of stunning scenery and don’t mind some logistical quirks, the Komani Lake tour can be a worthwhile addition to your Albanian trip. Just go in with open expectations and a sense of adventure.
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