Komani Lake and Lumi Shales: A Hidden Paradise in Albania
- Margaux Delang
- 6 okt 2024
- 3 minuten om te lezen
Lumi Shales and Komani Lake are two of Albania's hidden treasures, showcasing the country's breathtaking natural beauty. Lumi Shales, a picturesque river, offers stunning views and a serene environment perfect for hiking and exploration. Just a short journey away lies Komani Lake, renowned for its emerald waters surrounded by dramatic mountains. Together, they create a stunning landscape that invites adventure and relaxation, making them must-visit destinations for anyone seeking to experience the captivating charm of Albania's wilderness.
How to get there?
The ferry to Koman departs from Fierze, so we took an early morning taxi to ensure we arrived on time. The ferry leaves promptly at 1 PM, and tickets cost €10 per person, which you must purchase online through the Berisha Ferry Koman website. Once aboard, you'll spend about 2.5 hours on the ferry before reaching Koman.
The boat ride itself is truly stunning, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making the journey a memorable experience.
Upon arrival in Koman, we needed to find the boat that connects to our accommodation, Riverside Komani. Unfortunately, this boat ride isn't the most efficient, as it takes you back an hour in the direction you just came from. Sadly, there’s no alternative way to reach our accommodation, making this the only option.
What to do?
Lumi Shales is a picturesque spot along the river, known for its charming eateries nestled right by the water's edge. When we visited around 6 PM, the atmosphere was surprisingly quiet, which was unexpected given the popular reputation of the location.
During our day trip to Lumi Shales, we had the option to take a boat taxi from our hotel at either 11 AM or 2 PM. The contrast between our evening arrival and our daytime visit was striking. While we had the place almost to ourselves the night before, we were greeted by a steady stream of boats dropping off tourists every five minutes during the day. It's said that in the summer months, Lumi Shales can see as many as 3,000 visitors daily.
While the activities here are relatively limited, focusing mainly on kayaking, sunbathing, and enjoying food or drinks at the riverside restaurants, Lumi Shales is perfect for a half-day of relaxation and unwinding in nature. If you're up for a little exploration, you can stroll further down the river, where you'll find scenic trails ideal for hiking and soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Lumi Shales is a delightful destination worth visiting.
Where to stay?
Riverside Komani offers a beautiful location with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a picturesque spot for your stay. However, the experience had its ups and downs. While the accommodation could be described as a basic hostel, it’s important to note that we paid €340 for two nights, and the facilities did not quite match the price.
The shared bathroom, serving three rooms, was quite small, and we encountered a few issues with the toilet not flushing properly. The shower head was located next to the toilet, which meant that using it could create a bit of a mess. Additionally, the walls seemed quite thin, allowing us to hear conversations from neighboring rooms, which made it a little challenging to find peace and quiet.
Breakfast consisted of a plate of doughnuts and a small jar of honey with jam for two days, which was a simple offering. Despite these realities, the staff did go out of their way to decorate our room for our birthdays, which added a personal touch to our stay. On a positive note, the dinner served at Riverside Komani was quite delicious, providing a nice end to our day of exploration.
Where to eat?
In the evening, we dined at Shtojzovalle, a charming little restaurant that boasts a stunning view of the river. This cozy eatery exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. We enjoyed freshly prepared fish and chicken, both cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The highlight of our meal was the homemade cocktails, expertly crafted and refreshing.
The food was simple yet very delicious, showcasing the quality of the ingredients used. What made the experience even more delightful was the owner, who was exceptionally friendly and attentive. His passion for cooking was evident in every dish, and he made us feel right at home.
Overall, dining at Shtojzovalle was a wonderful experience that combined great food, breathtaking views, and genuine hospitality. If you find yourself in the area, this restaurant is a must-visit for a truly memorable meal.