Shkodra

Rozafa banner.jpg|1280px

Shkodra is the fourth largest city in Albania. It has experienced a face lift as streets and buildings were renovated, a promenade opened and a new swing bridge built over the Buna River.

Shkodra Halal Travel Guide

Visitor information

Shkoder Tourist Info Center | Rruga Teuta 42.06700, 19.51345 Southeast of Sheshi Demokracia - Provide city maps and can help with any of your inquiries, including bus time schedules.
North of Albania Travel - Rruga Kolë Idromeno 145 in the pedestrian zone ☎ +355 67 39 22 119 | Opening Hours: 07:00-21:00- Tourist information, tour operator, hostel, transport services, bike and vehicle rental.

History of Shkodra

Albanian Alps from Rozafa - View of the city and Albanian Alps from Rozafa Fortress

Queen Teuta's Illyrian kingdom was based here in the 3rd century BCE. The Ottomans seiged it in 1473 and 1479, and lost 14,000 and 30,000 men in these raids, respectively. Shkodra changed hands with Montenegro numerous times during World War I. Shkodra was badly damaged in a 1979 earthquake.

Travel to Shkodra

As in the whole of Albania there is no bus station per se. Instead there are a few gathering points for buses/furgons scattered around the city.

Travel on a Bus in Shkodra

Buses departing to Tirana and Durrës - 42.06792, 19.51153 - Majority of buses depart from the main city square with a fountain (called Sheshi Demokracia). This includes buses/furgons to Tirana that leave every round hour; the journey lasts for 2 hours (116 kilometers) and costs 400 lek (2022). There are also direct buses to Durrës (avoiding Tirana) for 700 lek.
Furgons to Velipojë - 42.05743, 19.50178 - 2 blocks south-west along Rruga studenti, about a 10-min walk from Sheshi Demokracia there is a small furgon station from where they depart to the nearby coastal village of Velipojë.
Furgons to Kelmend and Thethi - 42.07855, 19.51479 - To catch a furgon to Albanian Alps, head 2 kilometers north of Sheshi Demokracia. There is a gathering point for transport going to Kelmend and Thethi.
Furgons to Koman - 42.06196, 19.52029 - This also includes some other locations in an eastbound direction, including Vau i Dejës dam.

To Montenegro

From Ulcinj (Montenegro), buses cost €5 (plus €1 if you have baggage) and leave at 06:00, 07:00, 12:30 and 16:30. If they are not available, you can take a taxi to the border at Muriqan (€10) and after crossing the border, take another taxi to Ulcinj (€8). However and the return ticket from Shkodra to Ulcinj costs €5 and buses leave at 09:00 and 16:00 from the downtown fountain.

From Podgorica, take public buses to Tuzi and then hire a taxi either to the border or to Shkodra.

Minibuses to/from Hani i Hotit (the Montenegro border on the way to Podgorica) run from around 300 lek. Taxis for this journey cost €15.

To Kosovo

Buses from Gjakova go at 06:00 directly to Shkodra via the highway from Prizren.

How to get around in Shkodra

Finding your way round Shkodra is complicated by the fact that all of the roads have been renamed, and some of the old names have even been re-used in different places! All roads have got new road signs. Since all the maps and guides (including this one) give the old names, finding your way round is a bit like being in a parallel universe.

There are some public buses running inside city. There is also infrequent bus to the nearby village of Shiroke.

By bike

Shkodra is the bike capital of Albania, because it's flat. This is a legacy from the Hoxha era.

What to see in Shkodra

Shkodra castle - Rozafa Fortress

Kalaja/Rozafa Fortress - 2 kilometers southwest of Shkodra, near the southern end of Lake Shkodra - 200 lek, 150 lek to enter the Museum Rozafa Castle Shkodra castle Founded by the Illyrians, this fortress was rebuilt by the Venitians and the Islamic Ottomans. Rozafa is a woman buried in the ramparts, who supports the structure. The renovated museum inside the castle explains its history and that the area of the former city is now consumed by the rivers beside the castle. The museum costs 200 lek extra and there is a private guide you can ask about almost anything. There are amazing views from the highest point.
Shkodra Historical Museum - Rr. Oso Kuka, no. 12 42.0693, 19.5093 ☎ +355 22 243213 | Opening Hours: 09:00-14:00 150 lek A The museum is situated at a traditional Shkodran house featuring valuable artifacts on every sphere of social life in the area.
Marubi National Museum of Photography | Rr. Kolë Idromeno, no. 34 42.0685, 19.5156 midway through main pedestrian street ☎ +355 22 400 500 Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 09:00-14:00, 16:00-19:00 700 lek Albanian's only photo museum capturing development of Shkodra and Albania in general. Major part of the collection comes from three generations of Marubis.
Lake Shkodra - 42.0618, 19.4715 - The largest lake in the Balkans. Take a taxi to the village of Shiroke. Alternatively ask around for the public bus which goes to the edge of the city, where it is a pleasant 5-km walk by the lake to Shiroke. There is a less frequent bus directly to Shiroke.
Mes Bridge - Albanian: Ura e Mesit - 42.11448, 19.574976 in the village of Mes, about 5 kilometers northeast of Shkodër - Mes Bridge Ura e Mesit This bridge was built in the 18th century by Kara Mahmud Bushati and the local Ottoman pasha.
Drisht Castle - 42.1235, 19.6112 above the modern village of Drisht, 10 kilometers northeast of Shkodër - Drisht Castle ruined castle and the earliest traces of Frost Castle's fortifications date to the late Neolithic era. The walls and towers date to 1396-1478 during the Venetian era.
Shurdhah Island - Albanian: Ishulli i Shurdhahit | Shurdhah Island Medieval church ruins on Shurdhah Island - It is in the Vau i Dejës Reservoir, which is fed and drained by the river Drin. It is accessible by tourist boat in summer from the Vau i Dejës dam or Rragam. It contains the ruins of the medieval town of Sarda. You can visit the ruins of the 11th-century medieval castle, which includes two rings of defensive walls and towers (some submerged in the lake) and the remains of a Byzantine church and other early medieval walls. The setting on the steep rocks rising from the lake is especially impressive.
Five Heroes monument - This was "one of Albania's best examples of socialist-realist sculpture". Unfortunately, it was removed from there and replaced by a bland contemporary fountain. The monument was temporarily dumped at the city's garbage dump, only to be finally put back at the Dobrac Roundabout in the northern entrance of Shkodra. The site is still a useful reference point for finding your way around. Interestingly and the fountain is surrounded by seating, in the centre of a busy roundabout called Sheshi Demokracia (Democracy Plaza) with no pedestrian crossings! Only in Albania!
Museum of Memory - Bulevardi Skenderbeu 42.06479, 19.51691 - Museum dedicated to the crimes of the communist regime in Albania featuring photographs, videos, and first hand accounts of political prisoners from Shkodra.

Religious buildings

Lead Mosque - 42.046519, 19.499422 - Lead Mosque, Shkodër 2013-10-03 Lead Mosque, Shkodër 0214
Ebu Beker Mosque - 42.067717, 19.514042 - Ebu Beker Mosque Shkodër. Calle y mezquita
Shkodër Orthodox Gothic Church - 42.068681, 19.514956 - Shkodër Orthodox Gothic Church Skadar Orthodox church
Shkodër Gothic Church - 42.065414, 19.519983 - St. Stephen's Gothic Church, Shkodër Shkoder 098
Fretënve Church - 42.0676, 19.5154

Best things to do in Shkodra

Kolë Idromeno St. - 42.0686, 19.5158 In the Center of Shkodra - Take a walk on the main pedestrian street of the city full of cafes and local residents promenading in the evening hours.
Molo Promenade | Shetitorja Molos 42.0521, 19.4946 Near Buna River Old Bridge along the river bank - Romantic renovated promenade along the riverside.
The Lake Koman ferry is a breathtaking trip across Lake Koman from Koman to Fierze, where you can move on to Bajram Curri or further to Kosovo. Take a furgon in the morning 06:30 from the second roundabout down Marin Barleti about 500 m away from the downtown. If you are at the center-most place (the one in front of the hotel Rozafa) before 06:00, you can shout "Koman" and people will guide you through the correct furgon or call the furgon driver by phone that he picks you up.
Canoeing in Bojana (Buna) River - 42.0478, 19.4893
Festivals - Take part in annual festivals such as the Carnival, Children's Festival, AniFest Rozafa Animated Film Festival, Lake Day, and the Shkodra Jazz Fest.
Traditional Plays Festival - Lojra Popullore | Take part in the annual festival showcasing the best of the North Albanian Folklore at the end of March annually at Rozafa Castle.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Shkodra

"Skënderbeu" Kognak
Locally made souvenirs such as rugs located in Zogaj village or at the Artisan's Bazaar (Pazari i Artizanatit) at Shkodra's entrance.

Halal Restaurants in Shkodra

Carp fish in Shiroke village

Restaurants

Lots of dining options are available on the main pedestrian street - Rruga Kolë Idromeno. There are also some nice restaurants and pizzerias on the promenade near Buna River Old Bridge (Rruga e Molos street).

Restaurant - Rruga e Molos 42.0535, 19.4974 - 300 - 700 lek This is ampscale restaurant by Albanian standards, serving delicious food including fish. It has a nice atmosphere and is in a small garden.
Green tavern - Rruga Kolë Idromeno 42.06884, 19.51627 - 200-350 lek This restaurant has a little bit of a club atmosphere, but is nonetheless very ambient. Pizzas, Pasta. and salads are provided.

Cafes

Shkodra is famous for its numerous patisseries where you can eat delicious sweets, and it's feasible to come to Shkodra for this alone.

Cafe Oraldi - Pasticeri Oraldi | ☎ +355 68 274 6492 - 80 - 150 lek Superb cakes. Definitely one of the best in Albania. Extremely popular with local residents.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Shkodra

Shkodra - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Shkodra, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Shkodra. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Shkodra and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Shkodra. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Shkodra. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inShkodra: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Shkodra.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Shkodra: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Shkodra, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Shkodra.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Shkodra, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Shkodra, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Shkodra and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Shkodra, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Shkodra, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Shkodra without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Shkodra is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Shkodra.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Shkodra is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Shkodra, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Shkodra Media: info@ehalal.io

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Muslim Friendly hotels in Shkodra

Hotel Rozafa - Hotel Turizmi - 42.0674, 19.5128 Right in the downtown, Rruga Marin Barleti close to Sheshi Demokracia - 2000 lek for a double room (2023) Old communist-style hotel; clean; gentle and English-speaking personal; nice view over the city if you book in an upper floor; 91 rooms; no air conditioning.
Florian's Guest House | Shkodra: shtoj i ri, reparti ushtarak. kodrajt By car, turn down from E762 road towards Shtoj i Ri. Pass a few local shops, look and for sign on the right hand side of the road. ☎ +355682335921 - €15, breakfast included This is a 12-bed B&B/guest house run by Florian and his family, located amongst orchards and vineyards. It is outside, but within walking distance from the centre of Shkoder. Breakfast is included, and lunch and dinner are offered for €4, serving Albanian cuisine made from organic food farmed in the own garden. The family can help to arrange tours of Shkoder and to get into the Albanian Alps or to other cities in the nation.
Camping Lake Shkodra Resort| Modern campsite 8 kilometers from Shkodra with restaurant, Wifi and access to the lake, organises tours to Thethi.
Belvedere Apartment - Bulevardi Bujar Bishanaku 16 42.06990, 19.50932 From the main square "Sheshi Demokracia" follow a North-West direction onto "Bulevardi Bujar Bishanaku" for 250 meters. Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00 €40 - This is a holiday and short-stay apartment near main square "Sheshi Demokracia". The apartment is fully furnished and features a fully-equipped kitchen. The 80-m² living space includes: one bedroom, one living room with open kitchen, a bathroom, hall and a balcony. The balcony offers you a great panoramic view over the city, castle and mountains.
Hotel Kaduku | at Sheshi Demokracia, immediately next to the Rozafa Hotel ☎ +355 22 242216 - €50 for double, with breakfast - Highly recommended - friendly staff, large clean room with A/C, right in the downtown.
Hotel Tradita - Tradita G&T | Rr. Risto Siliqi, no. 25 42.0626, 19.5153 ☎ +355 22 240 537 - €50 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00As close as it gets to being invited to the dining hall and the kitchen and courtyard of the local Ottoman Pasha.
Hotel Colosseo | Single: €50; Double: €60; Suite: €70 14 rooms.
Grand Hotel Europa | ☎ +355 22 241 211 - From €123 Prestigious luxury hotel. 50 rooms.
Hotel Argenti | ☎ +355 22 439 09 - This is a modern hotel in the Velipoja area with comfortable rooms furnished with A/C, TV, bathroom and showers. The restaurant provides traditional Albanian and European cuisine.

Travel Next from Shkodra

Albanian Alps
Lezhe and the surrounding area including Shengjin
Ulcinj, Montenegro
Gjakova | take the Koman/Drin canyon ferry to Bajram Curri and then the van (furgon) to Gjakova. It is a breathtaking journey through massive gorges on Lake Koman. The ferry operates only during the high water season. Gjakova has the largest Ottoman-era bazzar in the Balkans.