7 Awesome things to do in Shiroka (Shirokë near Shkoder)
Shiroka is a small, picturesque lakeside village 7km outside of Shkoder. It's well known for its beautiful and scenic views of Lake Shkodra, its peaceful atmosphere, water sports, fish restaurants with traditional dishes and its front-row seat to one of Albania’s richest bird habitats.
Despite its charm and natural beauty, Shiroka is often overlooked by tourists, making it a peaceful and authentic place to explore. Shiroka is very easy to reach from Shkodra by car, bus, taxi, or even by bike.
DAYTRIP OR A LONGER STAY
Whether you’re here for just one day or an extended getaway to slow down and relax, Shiroka offers the best of both worlds: beautiful nature, calm lake views, and plenty to explore. Here are seven fun things you can do while visiting this charming lakeside village.
1. Kayak or paddleboard across Lake Shkodra into the Buna River all the way to the border with Montenegro
Just a few meters beyond the village of Shiroka you will find the Drini Times Watersports Center. They have put together a self-guided or 'do it at your own pace' stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking tour, which departs from Lake Shkodra, passes under the Buna bridges, and navigates the length of the Buna River until you reach the Montenegro border.
The full tour is 14 km, which works out to between 7 to 8 hours, which may vary depending on how many stops you make. Shorter trips are also possible. You can choose to stop at several 'resting points' along the way.
A waterproof bag will be provided to safely store your belongings.
Drini Times offers a map showcasing the journey path and designated pause locations situated close to or within their allied cafes or restaurants. At these spots (marked in red on the map), you can halt for respite, anchor your boards or kayak, have a picnic and rest, or decide to end your trip.
When you finish your trip, Drini Times will come to your choice of endpoint to take you back to their base in Shiroka. If you would like to continue your trip from your chosen endpoint, for instance by bike, they will happily transport your bike to your chosen endpoint when they come to collect their equipment.
Along the way, expect ever-changing breathtaking views, floating water lilies, a beautiful view of the Rosafa Castle, and thousands of birds. You’ll even be paddling through the strictly protected Ramsar site, an Important Bird Area (IBA), rich in unique wildlife.
2. Swim in the clear water of Lake Shkodra
A wonderful spot to swim in Lake Shkodra is again at the Drini Times Watersports Center, just past the center of Shiroka.
There is a pebbled beach and a resting space in the shade under the building of the watersports center. Access is free. In the summer, the water of the lake is warm but still refreshing. Watershoes are nice to have!
Drini Times offers toilets, a changing room, drinks, and refreshments for those who want. You can also rent a standup paddleboard (SUP) or a kayak by the hour. They happily watch your belongings while you are gone or provide you with a waterproof bag to take them with you.
The staff is just so lovely, kind, and helpful!
3. Visit Stralaus Freudenberg and the sunken military ship area
Just before entering the village center of Shiroka, you will see an old 'unfinished' building on a promontory in the lake. The building was supposed to become a hotel but was never finished.
It's a wonderful place to make creative and Instagrammable pictures and to watch the sunset over the lake.
Next to the building, in the lake, you can see an old sunken military ship.
The area is private, but visitors are allowed access through the little café and bike rental at the base of the site. The entrance is 100 LEK.
At this little café, you can also enjoy an ice cream, a fresh drink, or even a wonderful dinner with a calming view of the lake! I spend hours here! The host Robby is a wonderful man and speaks multiple languages, including Albanian, Dutch, French, and Italian.
4. Enjoy a fresh meal or a drink along the lake shore
Shiroka has a lovely lakefront promenade with several restaurants. The views from their terraces are serene and stunning! The vibe is chill and relaxed, although most restaurants play music in the background. The restaurants serve traditional fish meals, authentic Albanian food and other treats.
Past the center of the village and even beyond the Drini Times Watersport Center, you will find 'Sunset Restaurant'. They have the most exceptional and breathtaking view of the lake at their panoramic window restaurant. You will also enjoy birds flying to and from their nests under the roof, near the large window. Do mind that it is still allowed to smoke inside restaurants in Albania.
5. Waterbike on the lake at sunset
In the center of Shiroka, you can rent a pedal boat for a half-hour ride on the lake. You'll sit on a real high bike like a regular bike, not the pedal boats that look like a boat. A great activity to do at sunset! In 2025, it cost €5 for half an hour.
6. Take a boat trip on Shkoder Lake
In the center of Shiroka, you'll find several boat trip providers on Lake Shkodra. However, a crossing to Montenegro is not possible.
The boat tours are a wonderful way to enjoy the lake and its wildlife. A guide will share fascinating insights about the lake's history, wildlife, and its importance to the region.
(Foto credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lake_of_Shiroka_,_Shkod%C3%ABr_Albania.jpg)
7. Enjoy SUP Yoga
In the summer of 2025 there is/was Paddleboard Yoga in Shiroka. You can find more info through this Instagram account.
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HEY, I’M YVI…
...and I lost my heart in Albania in 2023. Albania feels like a second skin because it represents so many aspects that I love about life, nature, and humanity.
During my visits to Albania, I have witnessed the kindness, generosity, and helpfulness of the Albanian people many times and in many ways. With this blog, I hope to inspire others to visit this wonderful country and support local businesses, in particularly.
I hold a strong hope that with upcoming tourism, Albania will be able to keep its cultural and authentic feel, and that mainly the local population can benefit from the economic benefits of tourism. I strongly believe that we can all contribute to this with the choices we make while visiting this wonderful country.
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