Europe’s Most Underrated Region: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring the Albanian Alps

Shkodër

@oliviafranzman

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The largest city in Northern Albania is Shkoder, a charming place with a quaint old town filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Shkoder also borders Lake Shkoder, the largest lake in the Balkans, which stretches across both Albania and Montenegro. This massive lake is perfect for cycling or walking around, enjoying a leisurely lunch by the water, or simply soaking in the views. While Shkoder is a delightful town in itself, it’s also the ideal base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders. I’ll share two amazing day trips that cater to different fitness levels and budgets, so you can find the adventure that suits you best.

Where to Stay in Shkoder

To start, I recommend booking accommodation in the city center. I stayed at Shkodra Hostel and Day Tours, which I found to be an excellent choice. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable about the region and made organizing day trips seamless. The hostel’s central location is perfect for exploring Shkoder, and its friendly, social atmosphere makes it easy to connect with other travelers. Plus, they offer some of the best and most affordable day trips to the Albanian Alps. If you’re not a hostel fan, don’t worry—there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses nearby, and you can still join the day tours offered through the hostel.

Day Trip 1: The Albanian Alps Tour

Theth

@oliviafranzman

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