Special edition newsletter
Tourism and Hospitality - Say "yes" to new adventures!
Haven't sailed on Skadar Lake yet? Sit in a wooden boat this summer and experience the magic
(Photo: Ilija Radoman)
The day is long enough to fit in a variety of activities offered by boating and visiting all the attractions that this lake has to offer. And not just in one day, because this lake will make you spend at least two or three days here and experience something incredible.
Crnojevića River, Karuč, the village of Poseljani (with a waterfall), the island of Grmožur (the so-called Montenegrin Alcatraz), beautiful monasteries on islands and in villages around the lake, picturesque Virpazar, where all tourist tours start, Pavlova strana viewpoint, Macalov hill, hiking in the hills and mountain biking - this is only part of what you can experience during your visit to Lake Skadar. And you will remain forever enchanted.
This is what Ilija Radoman, the founder and owner of Noah`s Ark Skadar Lake, assures us, who has been organizing tourist tours around Skadar Lake for several years. His wooden boats, built to be in natural harmony with the lake and the surroundings, have transported hundreds and hundreds of tourists from all over the world. He says they all have one thing in common - they are fascinated that something like this exists in Europe.
(Photo: Ilija Radoman)
He says that the sailing season usually starts in the middle of March and lasts until the end of October. Tourists also ride in November, given that the weather conditions in recent years favor both tourists and people who do this business on Lake Skadar.
By the way, all tours start from Virpazar, a beautiful place on the road between Bar and Podgorica.
- Virpazar is a truly magical place, with a history that can be proud of. Its history is much richer than just the tourist story. In the past, Virpazar was an important trading center, and in stormy historical times it was also a strategic stronghold. If we go back a few centuries, this is the meeting place of merchants, soldiers and travelers - says our interlocutor.
Thanks to its location at the confluence of the Crmnica River and Lake Skadar, Virpazar became an important stop for the trade in wine, fish and grain as early as the Middle Ages.
In the 19th century, during the reign of Prince (later King) Nikola I Petrović, Virpazar gained importance as a military fortress. The Besac fortress was built, which had the task of controlling the approach to the lake and defending Montenegro against the Ottomans. Even today, from the top of the fortress there is a spectacular view of Lake Skadar and its surroundings. In addition to the Besac fortress, there are also the Lesendro fortress (along the Podgorica-Bar main road), Grmožur, Žabljak Crnojevića, Tophala, Obod...
Virpazar from the air (Photo: Unsplash/Lubomirkin)
- When the season is in full swing, which is June, July and August, Virpazar is flooded with tourists from various parts of the planet - says the interlocutor of eKapija.
He explains that you can easily agree on which tour you want - it can be e.g. just a panoramic view of the lake, then a tour of one of the monasteries, a trip to the village of Poseljani, a multi-hour tour to the town of Karuč with lunch in one of the restaurants, a visit to the island of Grmožur, etc...
- By sailing we discover the best kept secrets of Montenegro, from old monasteries located on isolated islands, to hidden beaches, such as Murići Beach, and vivid flora and fauna. We also organize popular tours at sunrise (Sunrise tour), as well as sunset tours.
(Photo: Ilija Radoman)
Karuc - unreal idyll, peace and tranquility
Karuč is a small fishing village that exudes authenticity. Once the winter residence of the Montenegrin rulers, today it is a place where time seems to have stood still. Silence, abandoned stone houses and the waves of the lake touching the shore make Karuc an ideal place for those who want to feel the spirit of the past and a true connection with nature.
Those who like the films of Montenegrin director Živko Nikolić must have noticed Karuc, as he managed to convey the poetic atmosphere of a village like this in the "Originals" series - authentic and unusual. Those who visit it once come back here again, precisely because of the peace and tranquility they experienced.
And then the Rijeka Crnojevića, don`t miss this gem
Rijeka Crnojevića is one of those places that look like they were ripped out of some old story. It was the capital of the Crnojevic dynasty and the center of the first printing house in the Balkans. Today it is a picturesque village that enchants with its bridges, stone houses and peaceful atmosphere.
The course of the river itself, with its winding bends and lush vegetation, creates a breathtaking landscape, especially when viewed from the Pavlova strana viewpoint - perhaps the most famous panorama in Montenegro. Apart from history, Rijeka Crnojevića attracts nature and gastronomy lovers - here you can try the famous dried ukleja, a traditional delicacy of this region.
The village of Poseljani
Sailing from Virpazar to the deserted village of Poseljani is very interesting for guests who like active tours. After disembarking on land, walk about 800 m to the fantastic waterfalls and abandoned water mills.
- Poseljani used to be an important village, because it had about 15 functioning water mills. Over time, the need for mills disappeared, and the village almost completely disappeared. Only ivy-covered stone walls remain. The oldest bridge in the village is supposedly 300 years old. Only one family lives in the village today. Guests from all over the world enjoy swimming under the waterfall, that`s why we heartily recommend this adventure - explains Radoman for eKapija.
Grmožur (Photo: Ilija Radoman)
Grmožur Island
As many as 50 small islands are located on Lake Skadar, and the most famous is Grmožur, which has been called the Montenegrin Alcatraz, because during the reign of King Nikola it served as a prison.
- It was built in 1843 and its present-day remains give us a glimpse of the difficult life of the former prisoners. Today, it is an ornithological reserve that attracts nature and adventure lovers, and tourists are interested in visiting it as well - says Radoman.
Pavlova strana viewpoint
It`s no wonder that Pavlov`s side is one of the most photographed landscapes in Montenegro – but no photograph can fully convey the feeling when you see with your own eyes that perfect play of water, land and sky. Whether you arrive at dawn, when the mist gently covers the valley, or at dusk, when the sun casts golden reflections on the water, this is a place that leaves you breathless and remains etched in your memory as one of the most impressive images you will take from Montenegro.
The viewpoint is located on the road between Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevića.
View from Macal`s Hill (Photo: Teodora Brnjoš)
Respite with rosehip juice - Macalov hill
Located in the idyllic village of Čukovići, on an elevation above Lake Skadar, Macalov Brijeg is one of those places that captivates at first glance - and never lets go. While you are sitting in a cafe located right next to the old road, you have a glass of homemade rosehip juice in your hand, and in front of you is a scene that is difficult to put into words.
The view "bursts" at the Lake dotted with green islets, while somewhere in the distance, light smoke can be seen from the fishermen`s houses on the shore. The air smells of wormwood and the breeze brings a sense of serenity that cannot be found in a busy world.
(Photo: Ilija Radoman)
What else might you not have known about Skadar Lake?
Lake Skadar covers an area of about 370 to 540 square kilometers, depending on the water level, which changes throughout the year. At an average water level, its area is 475 m2. Its greater part belongs to Montenegro (two thirds), and one third belongs to Albania. The average depth is about six meters.
The total shoreline of Lake Skadar stretches for 168 kilometers, of which 110.5 km belongs to Montenegro, while the remaining 57.5 km is in Albania. The Montenegrin part of the lake is protected by the status of a National Park, while the Albanian segment has been given the status of a nature park, which means that both areas are under a special conservation regime.
This lake is the biggest crypto-depression in Europe. It is a phenomenon when the bottom of a lake is below the sea level, while its surface is above. Although the surface of the lake is located at about 6 meters above sea level, certain parts of the bottom, especially near the underwater springs ("eyes"), descend up to 60 meters below sea level.
More than 280 bird-species have their home on this very lake, including the rare curly pelican, the symbol of Skadar Lake. This bird, with its impressive wingspan that can reach up to 5 meters, is one of the most endangered species in Europe. Apart from the rich birdlife, which attracts ornithologists from various countries to this lake, more than 50 species of fish live in the lake, among which the most famous is the Skadar carp (carp), a favorite among local fishermen and gourmets.
(Photo: Ilija Radoman)
What are tourists most interested in before visiting Lake Skadar?
How do you get to Lake Skadar?
If you want to sail on Lake Skadar, all tourist tours depart from Virpazar. Virpazar is a place on the road between Podgorica and Bar. From Podgorica to Virpazar it will take you 20 minutes to drive, the same time from Bar.
When is the best time to sail on Lake Skadar?
As soon as the first beautiful spring days start, you can go on this adventure, and so on until late autumn. Even when temperatures are over 20C, it would be a good idea to bring a light jacket to keep you comfortable while riding. Of course, you can organize the trip when the temperatures are lower, but it is important to agree on all the details of the trip with the guide and the tour organizer. The guides monitor the weather closely to ensure a safe ride for all tourists.
What sights to visit around Lake Skadar?
Visit monasteries such as Kom, Vranjica, Starčeva Gorica, Moračnik, Beška, Prečista Krajinska. There are also the fortresses of Besac and Lesendro.
What to try in the restaurants around Lake Skadar?
Carp, a must. If you haven`t tried marinated carp in one of the restaurants, it`s as if you`ve never been here. Don`t miss Crmnica wine and dry ukleva either.
Is it possible to swim in Lake Skadar?
Yes. During the summer, tourists like to refresh themselves by swimming in the lake while sailing, and the cleanest water is in the middle of the lake itself. Apart from that, there are also two organized beaches - Murići and Pješačac, and there are also a few wild bathing spots. A special attraction is bathing at the waterfall in the village of Poseljani.
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