Bovilla Lake

The lake was formed by a dam on the Tërkuza River, and its long arms twist between bare ridges, pine-dotted hills and small fields. The colour of the water changes with the light and the season, from deep blue to bright turquoise, which makes it one of the most photographed landscapes near Tirana.

The classic way to enjoy it is the hike up Gamti Mountain, where a short but rewarding trail leads to a viewpoint high above the lake. Along the way you pass rural villages, olive groves and wide views over the Dajti range. From the top the whole reservoir opens up below you, with the mountains of central Albania stretching away on the horizon.

Bovilla is visited on our Private Bovilla Lake and Kruja City Day Tour from Tirana, which pairs the lake and its viewpoint with the historic hill town of Krujë, its castle and its old bazaar. It is an easy way to combine nature and history in a single day from the capital.

Swimming is not allowed, as the lake supplies Tirana’s water, but it is one of the easiest and most scenic nature escapes from the city. The last part of the road is narrow and rough, and the trail is rocky in places, so good walking shoes are essential. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when the air is clear and the walk is cool.

Gallery photos: Liridon (CC BY-SA 4.0), Liridon (CC BY-SA 4.0), Granit Temaj (CC BY-SA 4.0), Albinfo (CC BY 3.0), Julian Nyča (CC BY-SA 3.0), Arsida.d (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons