Travel guide
Bovilla Lake: How to Visit from Tirana
A turquoise mountain lake one hour from Tirana, with one of the best viewpoints in Albania. Here is everything you need to know before you go, from the road to the hike.
16 km from Tirana
In the mountains northeast of the city, between Mount Dajti and Krujë.
About 1 hour
Drive each way. The second half of the road is rough gravel.
15-minute walk
From the car park to the viewpoint, half of it on steep stairs.
No swimming
The lake is Tirana's drinking water, so it is for views only.
What is Bovilla Lake?
Bovilla Lake (Liqeni i Bovillës) is a reservoir in the mountains about 16 km northeast of Tirana. It holds most of the capital's drinking water, and it is surrounded by steep limestone peaks. From above, its bright blue and green water winds between the mountains. That view is why so many visitors come here.
Bovilla Canyon
Just before the lake, the road crosses Bovilla Canyon on a small bridge. The river runs bright green between high rock walls. It is a short stop, but one of the most photographed spots on the way.
How to get there
There is no bus or public transport to Bovilla. The drive from Tirana takes about one hour. The first part of the road is paved, but the rest is gravel: narrow, dusty, full of potholes, and shared with lorries from a nearby quarry. Normal city cars often scrape the ground, and rental car insurance usually does not cover this kind of road.
The easiest way is with a 4x4 and a local driver. On our Bovilla Lake tour we pick you up at your hotel in Tirana or Durrës (or meet you at our base in Bathore), drive you there and back, and stop at the best places on the way.
Visiting the viewpoint
The famous view of the lake is from the slope of Mount Gamti.
The hike
About 15 minutes from the car park, and around half of it is steep stairs. It is short, but take comfortable shoes with a good grip and some water. At the top you look straight down on the lake.
When to go
Spring to autumn, on a dry day. The colours are strongest around midday. In winter or after heavy rain the road can be muddy, snowy or closed, so we check the conditions before every trip.
What to bring
- Shoes with a good grip
- Water, a hat and sunscreen in summer
- A light jacket for the wind
- Clothes that can get a little dusty
Our Bovilla Lake tours
All tours are private, in our own 4x4, with an English-speaking driver who is also your guide. Fuel, tolls and parking are included.
Bovilla Lake Viewpoint 4x4
About 4 hours. Bovilla Canyon and the short walk to the viewpoint.
From 8,000 lek per car
Bovilla, Qafështama & Krujë
About 7 hours. Off-road through the mountains to Qafështama National Park, then Krujë castle and bazaar.
From 30,000 lek per car
Bovilla, Dajti Express & Bunk'Art
About 7 hours. Bovilla, the Dajti cable car and the Bunk'Art museum.
20,000 lek per car
Bovilla Lake: common questions
Where is Bovilla Lake?
Bovilla Lake is in the mountains about 16 km northeast of Tirana, between Mount Dajti and Krujë. It is a man-made reservoir surrounded by steep limestone peaks.
How do I get to Bovilla Lake from Tirana?
There is no public transport to the lake. You need a car with good ground clearance, a 4x4 is best, or a tour with a driver. The drive takes about 1 hour each way.
Is the road to Bovilla Lake bad?
The first part is paved, then the road becomes gravel: narrow, dusty and full of potholes, with lorries from a nearby quarry. Low cars often scrape the ground. After heavy rain it can be muddy or closed.
How long is the hike to the Bovilla viewpoint?
About 15 minutes from the car park, on the slope of Mount Gamti. Around half of it is steep stairs, so wear comfortable shoes with a good grip.
Can you swim in Bovilla Lake?
No. The lake supplies most of Tirana's drinking water, so swimming is not allowed.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring to autumn, on a dry day. The colours of the lake are strongest around midday. In winter the road can be muddy or snowy.
Ready to see Bovilla Lake?
Pick a date on the tour page and send a booking request. We confirm by email, usually within a few hours.
Book the Bovilla Lake tour