Lake Bovilla
Lake Bovilla
4.5
About
The lake of Bovilla lies on the northeastern side of Tirana, between two mountain ranges. This is probably the closest area to practice climbing on the rocks near the capital. In this area some tour operators offer a save itinerary for walking, hiking and climbing on rocks. The itineraries vary in difficulty degrees, from simple ones to more difficult ones.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
38 reviews
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Yvette T
49 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
Well, we took the slightly more ridiculously impassable gravel track to try and cut our journey shorter than the route from Tirana. We returned this way as my hire Yaris was really unhappy with her journeys with us so far..(yes we've also done the bridge of death, Ura e hekurit Sukth) . This route was not great either in a small car but much preferable to the rocky track.
Enough about the 13kms that took us 2.5 hours though, the restaurant was lovely, views were amazing and the short walk up to the viewpoint was well worth doing for a couple of euros. Would recommend but much less stressful in a decent car.
Enough about the 13kms that took us 2.5 hours though, the restaurant was lovely, views were amazing and the short walk up to the viewpoint was well worth doing for a couple of euros. Would recommend but much less stressful in a decent car.
Written 4 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julien De Castro
Lille, France29 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Lake Bovilla is an exceptional place! The road to get there is quite narrow, steep and a bit long, which sometimes makes it difficult, but the effort is really rewarded. Once parked, the climb offers magnificent views all along the way. Admission is only €1 per person, a very reasonable price for such a natural show. Not to be missed for lovers of impressive landscapes!
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Written 25 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah S
8 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Beautiful mountain lake! To get there, you have to drive along a gravel road with potholes, we definitely recommend an SUV. Towards the end, the road becomes asphalt again, but it also gets steeper. So it is possible to drive to the Bovilla reservoir, but we walked from Pinar. You walk along the Bovilla Canyon, which was also beautiful. It took us about 75 minutes. Once you get to the Bovilla reservoir, you have to walk up the switchbacks to the Bovilla restaurant. Then a short mountain path and stairs lead along the rock to the viewing platform. From the reservoir, you should plan on about 45 minutes. The restaurant invites you to take a break afterwards with a beautiful view of the lake. All in all, a beautiful trip with a great view that is definitely worth it.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IshbelHD
Petworth, UK77 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful. You can hike or drive up to the restaurant for a stunning view as well as fantastic food and service. There is also a walk up to an additional viewing platform on the mountain. The restaurant, cabins and viewing platform are modern and tastefully done. It is all family owned in partnership with the local village community. Food was excellent - have the mixed starters (we had these as a side to grilled meats), best food we have had in Albania! Good selection of wines. Incredible ice coffees as well. Service was homely, warm and heartfelt. And they have a chess board to while away the hours whilst taking in the view. We stayed in one of the cabins and it was very comfortable with air con, WiFi, smart tv etc. The road is part dirt track and part paved, we were fine in a hire car (Peugeot 2008 SUV). There are some photos of the road on google maps that people have added as “street photos” pin drops.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel_by_ig
Paris, France196 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Lake Bovilla is a hidden wonder near Tirana, offering breathtaking scenery with its turquoise waters surrounded by green mountains. It is the perfect place for a getaway in the middle of nature, with hiking trails that lead to spectacular views of the lake. A true haven to relax, take great photos and enjoy the wild beauty of Albania
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Written 10 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderlusttraveler
Paris, France97 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Sublime, it’s worth it!!
An easy little hike
A breathtaking view
Path to the top paying 1€/person
Be careful, the path is rocky and slippery, wear good shoes
We did it with our children aged 9,14,17
The restaurant at the foot is very practical for providing yourself with fresh water!!
We were even able to swim!! Wearing specialized waterproof shoes is quite muddy!!
An easy little hike
A breathtaking view
Path to the top paying 1€/person
Be careful, the path is rocky and slippery, wear good shoes
We did it with our children aged 9,14,17
The restaurant at the foot is very practical for providing yourself with fresh water!!
We were even able to swim!! Wearing specialized waterproof shoes is quite muddy!!
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pshurd
Everywhere USA968 contributions
Apr 2023
Visited this lovely lake with our Tours by Locals guide. We drove from Tirana. The road is certainly in bad shape, but we arrived with no problem, just in a regular vehicle, not 4 wheel drive. The views were incredible. After we made it to the stop, we had a coffee at the lovely restaurant at the top. The glass walls make for incredible views. Highly recommend a trip here just for the views. There are walking trails all around & I believe you can rent cabins if you have the time to stay longer.
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RandomJLondon
London, UK284 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Beautiful lake with an awesome backdrop of mountains surrounding it. There is a good hiking trail if one is of medium fitness. An entrance fee of €1 to climb to the top. A family run restaurant with a view of it is available for drinks and food. Road leading up to it is not in good condition, so go with a tour or local.
Written 21 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RhodriC
Dublin, Ireland14 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We drove from Tirana using Google Maps. There is about 4km unpaved, which was a bit bumpy, but the destination is fantastic! Not of the family wanted to climb the mountain so we just spent an hour walking a little way up but I'd love to come back and climb the peak.
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joo31
London, UK1,067 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Well we decided to go very late. We set navigation and had bumpy narrow mountain road. Still scenery great. We recommend to take guide or 4x4 car. We passed few restaurants and camping places . Will go again.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi! what't the name of this restaurant? thanks
Written 20 June 2023
What is the best way to reach this lake and how can one go swimming easily there? Are walking/hiking trails easily marked?
Written 12 February 2019
muhagerr
Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia
is it easy to reach the top and have good view? I mean the route itself.
can I reach it by car or walking? how many minutes do I need?
Written 2 June 2018
How can I get there? How far is it possible to go by car?
Written 5 March 2018
Dear Sir. Write "Tirana to Bovilla reservoir" on Google Search. Then tap "Directions" section and after that "route info" for additional information about fastest trajectory. By car, the trip is approximately 1hr - 1 hr 10 min. Hope I helped you somehow. Have fun, Sir.
Written 18 March 2018
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