Tucked deep in the Albanian Alps, Lake Komani is one of those rare places that still feels like a secret— but it definitely isn’t! It’s rapidly gaining fame as the so-called “Thailand of Albania.” With dramatic cliffs, emerald waters, and remote guesthouses only reachable by boat, it’s a destination that captures people’s curiosity.
But is it really worth the journey in 2025? In this post, I’ll walk you through what it’s like to visit Komani Lake today—what’s magical, what’s overhyped, and what you absolutely need to know before you go.
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Why Visit Komani Lake?
Komani Lake is known as one of Albania’s most breathtaking natural attractions, often compared to Scandinavian fjords, though it is actually a man-made reservoir that spans 34km.
Lake Koman has been praised by travel guides for many years, which means it is far from a “hidden gem”, though this doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting Lake Komani.In terms of transport within northern Albania, it is a significant gateway, opening up the Albanian Alps and the renowned Valbona-Theth hiking trip.
Why The Nickname “Thailand Of Albania”?
When avid world travelers started venturing deeper into the Albanian wilderness, many couldn’t help comparing it to the tropics of Asia. Now in our modern age, we have tourists who have seen many far-apart continents and nations.
This used to not be the case. Of course, there were individual outsiders coming to northern Albania for the last 500 years – I’m talking about religious persons, researchers, and adventure seekers. You can read more about these accounts in Robert Elsie’s The Tribes of Albania – History, Society and Culture. A very interesting book worth your time – I’m working my way through it now.
Currently, we are at a unique point in history due to globalization. For decades, Albania was shielded from this sense of rapid homogeneous evolution towards technology, which has created a distinct culture compared with its European neighbors.
This extends to these remote parts of the Albanian Alps, which have been known by locals for centuries, yet new to foreigners. These fresh eyes differ from the previous adventure seekers who came a few hundred years ago, since they didn’t have the same opportunities that modern travelers have today.
To be precise, it is not Komani Lake that necessarily resembles Thailand since it is a deep, man-made reservoir. Thus, the color of the water tends to be darker. The place that has sparked so much interest is a tributary flowing into the giant Lake Koman, which is named Shala River (Lumi i Shales in Albanian).
It is a canyon with high walls, lush vegetation, and crystal clear water that remains icy all year round. Its color is a mix of turquoise and baby blue, giving a striking contrast to the tropical green mountain sides. Check out my full Lumi i Shales video here!
How To Get To Komani Lake By Bus
From Shkoder: Approximately 2 hours by minibus, departing around 6:30 AM from Hotel Rozafa. You can check the bus tickets here. From Tirana: Around 3.5 hours by minibus, with departures near Zogu i Zi roundabout at 4:50 AM.
Driving To Komani Lake
While driving yourself is possible, be cautious of narrow and winding roads. There are also an insane number of potholes, so driving slowly is crucial – it might not be the best to take a low-riding rental car.
Hopefully, they will renovate or completely replace it soon. Check the Tirana Airport car rental options. I always recommend renting there because you can get better, full coverage insurance. It’s also advisable to reserve ferry tickets in advance if bringing a vehicle.
Komani Lake Ferry – What To Expect
- Duration: The ferry journey from Koman to Fierze takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Operators: Berisha Ferry, Alpin, and Rozafa Ferry are the main service providers.
- Ticket Prices: Range from €8 to €10 for passengers; additional fees apply for vehicles and bicycles.
- Booking: Tickets can be reserved online via the operators’ websites or paid in cash upon boarding.
On The Komani Lake Ferry Ride
- Scenic Views: Towering mountains, narrow gorges, and turquoise waters throughout the journey.
- Onboard Amenities: Some ferries offer multiple decks, while some are smaller. There is indoor seating and open-air areas; some have small cafes. There are also cafes before you get on the ferry, so buy an espresso if you’d like to use the toilet.
Best Komani Lake Tours / Things To Do
- Go kayaking on Komani Lake
- Join a cooking class on Komani Lake
- Shala River: Known as the “pearl of Koman,” this river boasts crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs, accessible via boat tours. Check out the specific Shala River day trips here.
- Valbona-Theth Hike: A popular trekking route that starts or ends at Komani Lake, offering stunning alpine scenery.
Where To stay At Lake Komani?
All three, Riverside Komani Lake, 5 Stinet and Bujtina Adora, are further along Lake Komani. They have beautiful surroundings and are very popular. If you are on a budget, check out some of the guest houses in the actual village of Koman before the ferry terminal.
There’s also an amazing property in the village called Koman Paradise by Romina that would be perfect for a romantic getaway.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Komani Lake?
- Season: Late spring to early autumn (April to October) offers the best weather and ferry availability. Ferry season runs from April–early November.
- Weekdays: This is one of the most popular places in all of Albania, so no matter what day you go it will be busy. During the high season, going on a weekday might help with this slightly.
Practical Tips For “Thailand Of Albania”
Planning a trip to Komani Lake isn’t difficult, but it’s worth knowing a few practical tips to make the most of your adventure. From what to pack and how early to arrive, to ferry reservations and safety guidelines, this section covers the essentials.
What should I pack for Komani Lake?
- Clothing – Bring layers, as mornings can be chilly, and the ferry can be windy. I’d also recommend nice hiking sandals like Chacos, because you will need a versatile shoe for all the outdoor activities.
- Snacks and plenty of water!
- Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, change of clothes for after the water activities
How early should I arrive at the Lake Koman ferry terminal?
- Passengers: at least 15 minutes early; vehicles: 30 minutes early
- For reservations, book ferry tickets in advance, especially if traveling with a vehicle, to ensure availability.
Can I bring a car or bike on the Komani Lake ferry?
- Yes—cars, bikes, and motorcycles can be transported, but a reservation is required, and space is limited
- How much does it cost? – pricing can change, but usually 7 € for cars, 10 € for bikes, and 20–25 € for motorcycles
Is Lake Komani safe?
Albania is generally safe for tourists; however, always take standard travel precautions. If you want to know more, you can read about living and safety in northern Albania.
- Don’t jump from the ferry
- Supervise children
- Use life jackets
- Keep 112 number handy in case of an emergency
- Bring your trash back or use bins onboard—litter is an issue in the area
Dark Side Of Lake Komani
Like so many travel destinations we see on social media, Lake Komani is no different. It is not perfect by any means. For starters, many businesses that operate are not legal, and at one point, the government sent police to shut down everything happening at the Lake Koman ferry terminal.
This halted all traffic transport – remember, people take cars, motorcycles, and vans on the ferry to save many hours of driving. Of course, this meant tourists who paid for day trips or multi-day excursions to Koman or Shala River were stranded, with no recourse.
This ban on Lake Koman didn’t last long, though. I’m sure lots of cash was exchanged behind the scenes, and full operations opened up again. And to everyone’s relief, since many people rely on tourism to support their families throughout the off-season as well.
Lake Komani Pollution Reality
As someone who has been living in Albania for years (and has traveled to many underdeveloped countries), I don’t find trash pollution to be shocking. I guess we can chalk this up to desensitization. PS, this also works the opposite way too. Now I have become way more sensitized to crime.
Since we have super-low crime and harassment rates in Albania, this is what I am used to. This is the safest place I have traveled to/lived! When I hear about a local kidnapping or murder, I am so shocked because it is rare. Compared to how I grew up (America), this is so different. Kidnapping, school shootings, terrorism? Oh that’s nothing!
Anytime I have been on the Komani Lake ferry or the Shala River boat, I have always heard foreign tourists showing visible disgust and dismay for the floating trash. In my mind, I saw it, and I did think it was sad, but I definitely didn’t have the same outrage that they showed.
So all of this to say, it depends on your background. If you’re from a Western country, you may be shocked by the trash in Albania. I say this so you can set your expectations accordingly.
PSsst you shouldn't drink the tap water in *most* places in Albania. I suggest purchasing a filter water bottle to limit single use plastic.
FAQs For Lake Komani
Still have questions before your trip? Komani Lake is stunning but also remote.. Below are answers to some of the most common questions travelers ask, from transportation and swimming spots to where you can stay overnight.
How to get to Komani Lake from Shkoder?
Take the SH25 road heading east from Shkodër through Vau i Dejës and follow the route along the Drin River toward Koman. The total distance is about 55 km, but due to winding mountain terrain and rough conditions, expect the drive to take around 1½–2 hours by car or minibus. Shared minibuses depart from Sheshi Demokracia around 6:30 AM to align with the 9 AM ferry schedule.
How to get to Komani Lake from Tirana?
From Tirana, follow the SH1 motorway (or A3 to join SH1) north to Shkodër (~100 km), then head east on SH25 to Koman. The total drive is approximately 134 km. Although Google Maps may suggest around 3 hours, the realistic travel time is closer to 4 hours because of the slower mountain segment after Shkodër.
Shared minibuses leave from Gazheli Petrol Station near Zogu i Zi at around 5 AM, aiming to reach the Koman terminal by 8:30–9 AM.
PSsst Public transport is chaotic. It doesn't work well if you have a short amount of time in Albania so I'd highly recommend renting a car. Compare the best deals on Tirana car rentals.
Can you go swimming in Lake Komani?
Yes, you can go swimming in Lake Komani but in specific areas. The important thing to remember that Komani Lake is a lot more than a tourist destination. It has a hydroelectric power station and an important mode of transport for goods and locals alike.
The best option is to ask you accommodation or cafe nearby if they know of a suitable swimming spon on Lake Komani. If you are near the village of Koman, you can go to Yama Beach. Also, beware that is a trash pollution problem and it might not be enjoyable or safe – though this is dependant on the weather, water levels, and recent clean up activity.
Can you go camping at Komani Lake?
Yes, you can go camping at Lake Komani. There are some guest houses that will accept small payments for you to camp there, which gives access to fresh water and electricity. Check out “Camping Komani” and “Serenity Camping”.
Are there any hostels at Lake Komani?
No, unfortunately there aren’t any hostels near Lake Komani. If you’re on a budget, the best bet is to go camping at Komani Lake or to stay at a guest house. There are some higher end guesthouses that offer nice amenities too. Some to check out are Riverside Komani Lake, 5 Stinet and Bujtina Adora.
Where to stay at Komani Lake?
There’s some different options for where to stay at Komani Lake. You can do camping or guest houses. Guest houses at Komani Lake often include meals, which is why the price will be a bit extra sometimes – make sure to check the description beforehand.
It is a remote place so it is better to be prepared with snacks at the very least! Some guest houses that I’d recommend checking out are Riverside Komani Lake, 5 Stinet and Bujtina Adora.
Special thanks for 5 Stinet for providing wonderful Lake Komani photos!
My Trip Recommendations
- Rent a car in Tirana – It’s the best way to see Albania, especially if you’re short on time
- Compare hotels and apartment prices all in one place on Trivago – the most convenient way to get a good deal
- Prefer hostels? Find the best ones on Hostelworld – especially with the new Linkups
- Find discounted flight deals with Skyscanner if you’re flying to Albania
- Get a quote for affordable & flexible insurance travel insurance coverage
- Budget option – free accommodation through volunteering with Worldpackers – get $10 off