Shala River
The Shala River was our first stop in Albania and one we highly recommend. After picking up a rental car, we drove to Koman Lake, with a stop at Mrizi i Zanave for lunch. If your itinerary allows, it's well worth a visit for its excellent farm-to-table cuisine and beautiful grounds.
From Koman, you'll take a 40-minute ferry through the Albanian Alps to reach the Shala River. We stayed for two nights at what is arguably the most beautifully located hotel on the river, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the area beyond the busy day-trip hours. If you're visiting Albania, the Shala River is a destination that deserves more than just a few hours.
HOTEL: TE KONAKU
We stayed for 2 nights at this beautiful riverside hotel, and it was truly one of the most special places we've visited.
Nestled into the mountainside above the crystal-clear Shala River, the setting is breathtaking. The rooms are comfortable and offer stunning views of the river and surrounding peaks, making it the perfect place to unwind and disconnect. The traditional Albanian dinners were fantastic, and breakfast was equally delicious.
The hotel is accessible by a scenic 40-minute ferry ride from Koman, which feels like part of the adventure itself. It's also ideally located near the famous Shala River spot—we rented a kayak directly from the hotel and reached it in just 20 minutes. Along the river, you'll find several places serving food and drinks, though many operate on a cash-only basis.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here for 2 nights is being able to enjoy the river after the day-trippers have left. Most visitors arrive around 11 AM and leave by 3 PM, so staying at least two nights allows you to experience the peaceful, crowd-free side of this incredible destination.
