instruction: What do you know about Shkodra?

response: Shkoder is a small city in the North of Albania. It’s usually a thoroughfare for hikers heading to other parts of the country but there are plenty of things to do in Shkoder that make it a worthy stopping point.


instruction: Things to do in Shkoder

response: Rozafa Castle the biggest tourist attraction in Shkoder and I think it might be one of my favourites. It dates back to the 14th century and legend has it that it was built by three brothers. In order for the castle to stand one of the brother needed to sacrifice his wife to be buried within the walls. The youngest brother's wife (Rozafa) agreed but asked for her right side to be left exposed so she could care for her infant son. An image of her feeding her baby is carved into the wall of the castle.


instruction: Things to do in Shkoder

response: There are several museums in Shkoder which we decided against visiting due to the beautiful weather and our attachment to the pool at the campground! But if you’re the museuming type there are a couple of interesting sounding museums in Shkoder.


instruction: Things to do in Shkoder

response: This huge lake crosses the border to Montenegro and in fact only one third of it is in Albania. While we were there it was very dry and not so nice for swimming but earlier in the season it’s usually a great place to hang out. On the Montenergrin side we hired kayaks which was a fun day trip. There is also a campground by the lake outside Shkoder which hire kayaks and stand-up paddle boards at very reasonable prices.


instruction: Where to eat in Shkoder

response:
We ate at a couple of nice restaurants but if you wander the pedestrian streets you’re bound to find something to your taste and budget. The Italian influence on Albania means there is great pizza everywhere as well as lots of yummy traditional Albanian food. Sofra on the main street was affordable and delicious.

 The restaurant at Camping Legjenda is popular with locals and has the most gorgeous garden setting. With the owner being Italian there is a range of delicious pizza options as well as Albanian food. Great service and very well priced.

  For dessert we came across my idea of heaven. Il Piacere is a small café with a mouth-watering assortment of homemade desserts in large sizes! We loved the Albanian specialty Tre leche but also loved the soufflé and chocolate pudding (yes, we went more than once!)


instruction: Is Shkoder worth visiting?

response:
Yes it is!

  Nearby Lake Shkoder, the largest lake in the Balkans, is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for boating, fishing and birdwatching.  Shkoder offers a perfect blend of history, nature and culture that is worth a stop on your Albania itinerary if time allows.