Where to Stay in Shkodër

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Are you looking for the best places to stay during your trip to Shkodër? The city of Shkodër offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from cosy boutique hotels to charming hostels and affordable guest houses and apartments.

I visit Shkodra on a regular basis and have seen some real gems coming up that I will share with you in this blog post. I will point out the best areas and zones in the city and highlight the top spots to stay in Shkodër!

The city has a lively atmosphere, a cute compact city centre, and an epic biking culture. Shkoder is the main access point for the Albanian Alps. All trips to Valbona and Theth begin in Shkoder making it both an important transportation hub and a lively place for backpackers to visit.

Where is Shkodër located in Albania?

In the north of Albania, between the Drin, Buna and Kir rivers and Lake Skadar, lies one of the oldest cities in Albania – Shkoder. The city lies at the base of the Albanian Alps, offering stunning mountain scenery, at a distance of 20 km from the Adriatic coast and 120 km from the capital, Tirana. The travel time by bus or car is approximately two hours, depending on traffic.

The city is an influential cultural and economic centre in Albania. Shkodra is also the centre of Albanian Catholicism and a perfect example of how all the different religions can live together in one country.

Why Shkodër is Worth Visiting

Shkodër might not be as filled with tourist sites as the other Albanian cities, but does not lack charm, especially if you enjoy the laid-back backpacker and hiking crowd vibe. It’s often used as a starting point for visits to the Albanian Alps around Theth village and Komani Lake.

The biking culture is huge in Shkoder, so something you can easily add to your Shkoder itinerary is a bike trip. There are rental shops all over the city. I rented mine from Eko Club which was my favourite place to eat in Shkodra.

An old stone bridge from the Ottoman era – the Mesi Bridge over the Kir River – is to be found on the outskirts, just 5 km away from the city centre. At some point there were three bridges, but only one remained to this day. Its length is 108 m. Visitors say that Shkodra is truly the soul of Albania with its narrow streets and old houses combined with stone walls and modern buildings. I can say, it is a place worth seeing to feel the real Albania!

How many days to spend in Shkodër?

I recommend you to spend 2-3 days in Shkoder. On day 1, you can visit the city’s historical sights and attractions and check out the great restaurants. On day 2, rent a bike to explore Rozafa Castle and the villages of Shiroka and Zogaj on Lake Shkodra. Use day 3 for an excursion to Theth or Komani Lake.

The best time to visit Shkoder is the dry travel season, which lasts from May to October. July and August are the peak months, when the crowds are larger and the days are hotter.

Things to know about the hotels in Shkodër 

• 🍳 In most hotels in Shkoder, breakfast is included in the room rate, so a hotel with a nice patio or garden is always a plus.
• ⏳ Shkoder is a popular destination on the way to the Albanian Alps. Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are travelling to Albania in the high season from June to August.
• 💳 You can book many hotels or guesthouses online, but you will probably have to pay cash when you arrive, especially for budget accommodation. If you’re staying in a luxury hotel in Shkoder, credit cards are usually accepted.

Where to Stay in Shkodër 

Shkodër offers a wide range of accommodations and boasts many delightful hotels and guest houses. The city is quite compact, and many places are to be found in walking distance from the old town centre around Rruga Kole Idromeno.

For first-timers in Shkodra, the City Center is best for easy access to sights and activities, restaurants, cafés and public transportation, keeping you in the heart of the action. For those looking for peace without sacrificing convenience, the quieter, more upscale hotels in Zdrale, north of the city centre, definitely offer the most relaxed and peaceful stay. Nature lovers with a bit more time can also check out the smaller lodgings in Shiroka village, located directly on lake Skadar.

Let me introduce you to my top picks for the best places to stay:

Çoçja Boutique Hotel

Çoçja Boutique Hotel will give you an unforgettable stay. This charming hotel in Shkoder with excellent ratings, located in a beautifully restored building from the Ottoman period and offers a perfect blend of Italian charm and modern comfort. The rooms are tastefully decorated with a mix of traditional Albanian elements and modern design. Here you can enjoy a luxurious, comfortable and stylish stay in Shkoder. The highlight is the beautiful courtyard where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast. ☑ Check prices & availability.

Petit Hotel Elita

Petit Hotel Elita is another hotel that made it onto my list because of its location. The rooms are modern and very comfortable by Albanian standards – the perfect reward after a trek in the Albanian Alps. The breakfast is also very tasty and offers a variety of traditional Albanian dishes as well as international specialities. The location, breakfast, and comfort speak for a stay here. ☑ Check prices and availability.

Hotel Loredano

Hotel Loredano is a newer addition to the landscape, located super centrally, right on the main pedestrian street of the city. This hotel features stylish Italian inspired rooms, a small inner courtyard, an impressive breakfast, and its own restaurant and bar. My recommendation for those seeking the shortest ways to all city conveniences ☑ Check prices and availability.

Hotel Blini

Hotel Blini is an excellent family-run mid-range category accommodation located at the southern end of the city, a little closer to Lake Shkoder. The hotel offers exceptional service and comfortable accommodation. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-designed, creating a relaxing atmosphere during your stay. The hotel’s restaurant is well known for its delicious traditional Albanian cuisine. Other amenities include a private car park and a tasty breakfast. ☑ Check availability and prices.

InTown Guesthouse

InTown Guesthouse is found in a very central but quiet location, right next to Rruga Lole Idromeno. The owners are very dedicated hosts. There are parking spaces in front of the door. Spacious rooms, a beautiful garden and a lovingly restored historic house. Very good value for money. ☑ Check availability and prices.

The top hostel in Shkodër:

The Wanderers Hostel is extremely popular in Shkodër. The place truly captures the city’s backpacker spirit. It offers a variety of social activities and free dinners and a quaint little courtyard. Staff around Silver and Fatma are always ready to help with travel tips and organizing activities, hikes, or transfers.

My tips for activities in Shkoder

• The biggest attraction and best things to do in Shkoder is Rozafa Castle, which rises on a rocky hill and towers majestically over the city. Visiting the Castle is a must, if only for the view of the city and its surroundings, all the way to the Albanian Alps. Open daily from 9 am to 8:30 pm, admission fee.
• Photographers and hobby shutterbugs should visit the Marubi – National Museum of Photography at Rruga Kole Idromeno 32, open from 9 am to 7 pm, admission fee.
• Take a walk through the old town quarter of Gjuhadol to soak in the vibe.
• Explore Shkodra like the locals do, by bike. Drivers here are very considerate of cyclists.
• Immerse yourself in the culinary scene and try the traditional Albanian food.

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