Full Guide to Lake Bovilla, Albania: The Best Lake in Albania

Nestled within the picturesque Gramoz Mountains of Albania, Bovilla Lake Albania is known for it’s turquoise shimmering lake ringed by green peaks of the surrounding mountains and for providing most of the drinking water for Albania’s capital, Tirana. Undoubtedly one of the best lakes in Albania, Lake Bovilla is a destination that is steals your heart with its promise of peace and jaw dropping views. 

This guide aims to help you plan a trip to Lake Bovilla, covering its location, highlights, activities, and a host of practical tips for an unforgettable visit.

Your Guide to Lake Bovilla, Albania

What is Lake Bovilla?

Lake Bovilla is a 4.6 square kilometre reservoir (it is often referred to as Bovilla reservoir). It’s not only celebrated for its captivating beauty, but also for its vital societal role in Albania. Construction on the lake began in 1988. However, it wasn’t until 10 years later, in 1998, that the reservoir was filled and began serving as the primary water supply for Tirana and its surrounding areas and making it an essential asset for the region.

Where is Lake Bovilla?

Bovilla Lake is located 20 kilometres northeast of Tirana, the capital of Albania, within the Mount Dajt National Park. Since it’s such a jaw-dropping natural beauty, it’s hard to believe it’s so close to a bustling city. However, this close proximity not only makes a day trip to Lake Bovilla incredibly easy but also a refreshing escape from city life.

How to Get to Lake Bovilla from Tirana

There are a couple of ways to get to Lake Bovilla from Tirana: rent a car in Albania or go on a pre-organised tour. Either way, if you’re spending a couple of days in Tirana, you have to come to Lake Bovilla.

We recommend both of these options, and here’s why:

Renting a Car:

Hiring a car in Albania to visit Lake Bovilla is a good choice if you want to have the freedom to explore on your own schedule and at your own pace.

From Tirana, a short 45-minute drive via SH47 is the most direct route to Lake Bovilla.

If you are a confident driver, driving in Albania is relatively easy. But, other people’s driving can be quite unpredictable so keep this in mind when you’re considering whether to rent a car in Albania.

Also, as you get near to Lake Bovilla, the roads are unpaved and not in great condition. Some reviews say you need a 4×4 to drive to the top (where the restaurant and viewing platform are), but we managed perfectly fine in our 2-wheel rental car.

🚗 We used Discover Cars to book our car rental in Albania as it allowed us to compare the cost and (importantly) reviews of the rental companies. Find a cheap car rental in Albania here.

Go on a Tour:

Opting for a guided day tour to Lake Bovilla offers several advantages.

Firstly, you’ll be taken up the Gamti Mountain to the iconic viewpoint. The hike isn’t too long or challenging and the views are incredible. Guides often have a deep understanding of the region’s history and can offer insights and stories that you might not discover on your own, allowing for a more authentic and immersive experience when visiting such a beautiful place.

Having a guide also ensures you remain safe and stay on the right path when climbing and exploring since Bovilla Lake is located in a remote and rugged area of Albania. You also don’t need to worry about navigating the tricky roads.

🎒 Most organised tours include transportation and other logistics. Here are the best-reviewed day trips to Lake Bovilla from Tirana:

Climbing to the Top of Bovilla Lake

If you’re looking to climb to the top of Bovilla Lake and feast your eyes on the sweeping views, you need to first hike or drive to Bovilla Restorant near the top.

Then, embark on the easy trek up the metal staircase clinging to the cliffside, leading you straight to this breathtaking viewpoint! There is a nominal entrance fee of 100 LEK/1€.

🎒 This 5 star tour has the fee for the stairs included.

Once at the summit, there is a viewing platform and lots of space to soak up the beautiful panoramic views that stretch across the Albanian countryside. 

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5 Things to Do at Lake Bovilla

Whether you’re an adventure traveller or hiker, or just looking to witness breathtaking views, Bovilla Lake Albania has something for everyone. Here are 5 things to do when you visit.

1. Swim in the Lake

One option is to plunge into its cool waters for a refreshing swim. The car park at the bottom of Lake Bovilla makes it the perfect spot to spend a few hours or a full day by the water. Lake Bovilla is also a great spot if you are doing van life in Albania, as we saw a few campers enjoying this peaceful setting. 

🎒 This 5 star tour not only includes a swim in the lake, but also a guide, transportation, hike and the stairs fee, and the guides will show you where to safely swim.

2. Hike around Lake Bovilla

Hiking around Lake Bovilla in Albania offers a unique adventure through diverse landscapes, including hills, forests, and rocky terrain, alongside the stunning lake itself. The beautiful panoramic views and encounters with horses, donkeys and mountain goats make it a rewarding experience.

3. Have a Picnic at the Top of the Lake

Picnicking on the top of Gamit Mountain overlooking the lake is another amazing way to enjoy this beautiful place in Albania. To get to the top, follow our instructions above.

This is considered one of the best viewpoints in Albania, so enjoying a drink and some snacks at the top is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories.

4. Stay at or near Lake Bovilla

For a unique experience, consider a stay in one of the two rustic wooden cabins nestled above the lake’s edge next to Bovilla Restorant. 

Comfortable hotels, homely guesthouses, and adventurous campsites are also available around the area to be in close proximity to the lake, or you can stay in Tirana and visit Lake Bovilla on a day trip.

🏡 Find: The Best Places to Stay in and around Tirana

5. Watch the Sunrise at Lake Bovilla

A must-do at Bovilla Lake Albania is catching the sunrise. 

The earlier you are, the better as you witness the mist and clouds deep in the valley as dawn approaches. 

Then, when the first rays of the sun peek over the horizon, they cast a golden glow over the landscape, creating a sight straight out of a postcard. 

It’s a moment of serene beauty when the only sounds you hear are the songs of birds welcoming the new day.

Places to Eat at Lake Bovilla

Due to its remoteness, restaurants and bars around Lake Bovilla are scarce. However, Bovilla Restorant, the only restaurant perched atop the lake, serves a variety of dishes that complement the incredibly scenic views, and is actually one of the best places to try local cuisine in Albania!

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FAQs about Albania’s Lake Bovilla

1. Best Place to Stay at Lake Bovilla?

Accommodations around Bovilla Lake Albania are few and far between. There are only two accommodation options on the lake itself: the two wooden cabins by Bovilla Restorant. 

The cabins offer a unique experience with mesmerising views over the lake and a cosy, nature-immersed place to stay at Lake Bovilla.

You’ll also find hotels, guesthouses, and campsites around the area, to be near the lake, or you can stay in Tirana and visit Lake Bovilla on a day trip.

🏡 Find: The Best Places to Stay in and around Tirana

2. Best Time to Visit Lake Bovilla in Albania

The best time to visit Lake Bovilla in Albania:

• Spring (April to June) – Mild temperatures, vibrant scenery, and fewer tourists.
• Summer (July to September) – Warm, longer days, but busiest in terms of tourism.
• Autumn (October to November) – Cooler, picturesque autumn colours, and reduced crowds.
• Winter (December to March) – Cold with potential snow, possibly affecting accessibility.

For a combination of good weather and fewer tourists, consider visiting in spring or autumn.

3. What Are the Roads Like to Lake Bovilla?

One of the common questions about Lake Bovilla is how the road conditions are, which vary widely along the journey.

If you’re driving from Tirana to Lake Bovilla, this is a summary of the road conditions:

• City Roads: The roads in Tirana are generally well maintained with clear traffic signs. As you begin your trip to Lake Bovilla, you navigate city traffic on modern roads.
• Highway/Freeway: After leaving the city, you transition onto a highway, which is also generally in good condition. There is usually regular traffic, and the roads have appropriate signage.
• Mountain Roads: As you approach Lake Bovilla, you encounter winding mountain roads. These roads can be quite narrow and curvy with steep inclines and declines but are absolutely fine to drive without a 4×4.
• Rural and Off-Road Conditions: The final stretch to the lake involves driving on rural roads. These roads are unpaved or poorly maintained, but you can navigate them without a 4-wheel drive. Road conditions can change during the rainy season when there is potential for mud and flooding, so it is best to keep up to date with weather reports and visit on a dry day.

🚗 We used Discover Cars to book our car rental in Albania. We could compare the cost and (importantly) reviews of the car rental companies. Find a cheap car rental in Albania here.

4. What are the Best Lakes in Albania?

While Lake Bovilla has a special charm, here are some other beautiful lakes in Albania:

• Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Lake Prespa, shared by Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, is a testament to cross-border natural harmony. 
• For sheer size, the Balkans’ largest lake, Shkodra Lake, is unparalleled.

For more useful information about other lakes to visit in Albania, check out Albania’s official tourism website.