If you want to go fishing on the shore of a beautiful lake surrounded by wild nature, admire amazing landscapes and visit ancient fortresses, go on a trip to Lake Skadar (Montenegro) – the largest in the Balkans, on the banks of which the oldest buildings are preserved – fortresses, small villages, churches and monasteries. The reservoir is fed by 6 rivers, and only one flows out-the Bojana, which flows into the Adriatic Sea.
Throughout the year, the water in the lake is renewed twice. Here you will find a holiday that everyone likes – slow boating, fishing, excursions to local attractions.
General information
The lake is the largest natural freshwater reservoir in the Balkans with an area of 475 sq. km. The average depth is 5 meters, at the deepest point – 8 meters. In summer, the water warms up to a comfortable bathing temperature of + 27 degrees. Skadar Lake is a national park, the only one on the territory of Montenegro, where the water ecosystem prevails.
Most of the reservoir belongs to Montenegro, a third is located in Albania. The lake is named after the town of Skadar, which is located in the south-eastern part.
In the west and southwest, the park is protected by the Dinaric Highlands. In the north and east, the banks are more gentle and mostly covered with swamps.
Unique fauna and flora
It is home to a large number of birds, many wintering on the lake’s shores, and some stopping to rest between flights. Scientists have recorded more than 280 species of birds, including the black ibis and Dalmatian pelican. These birds live only on the lake in Montenegro. It is not surprising that the reservoir is recognized as a zone of international importance for the protection and breeding of birds.
Why does the lake attract fishing enthusiasts? The fact is that almost 50 species of fish live in the waters. The rich world of fauna includes 50 species of mammals, amphibians and various insects. In summer, the shore of the reservoir is completely covered with a dense, green carpet of bushes and grasses.
It is important! Entrance to the park-reserve costs 4 euros. Swimming and admiring the beauty of the lake is completely free of charge.
How to get there
There are many ways to reach Lake Skadar.
- By train. Depart from Podgorica, Bar, Sutomore. The average ticket price is 3 EUR. You need to go to the Virpazar station, but you will have to walk some distance, since the station is located outside the city.
- Taxi. This is the most comfortable travel option. The estimated cost is 15-30 EUR, depending on which city of Montenegro you are traveling from.
- Public transport – bus. There are no direct flights from Budva and Kotor, so you will have to transfer to Petrovac — the nearest beach resort in Montenegro. There are direct bus services from Podgorica and Bar to Virpazar. The ticket price varies depending on the length of the journey and the season of the year.
There are also comfortable sightseeing buses from many major cities in Montenegro. On average, the price of a ticket together with the services of a guide is from 35 to 60 EUR.
- If you get to Lake Skadar in Montenegro by yourself, by car, take the Podgorica-Petrovac highway. In many cities of the country, you can rent a transport, the cost of the service will cost 30 EUR. Keep in mind that most of the way passes in the mountains and you will have to overcome a heavy serpentine, steeply rising up.
- In Montenegro, such a service as a private guide-driver is common. Finding such a person is not difficult. You can arrange an individual tour online – there are many private ads and tour companies that provide such a service on the Internet. The average cost of a trip with a professional guide is from 50 to 100 euros.
Fishing
Fishing on Lake Skadar is a fun and relaxing activity. For experienced and novice fishermen, this is a real paradise. Where else can you catch eel, mullet, bleak, perch and carp? Only Skadar Lake is home to such an incredible number of fish that some of them will be unique even for a professional fisherman. All the necessary equipment can be rented, and this also applies to the bait for the future catch.
It is important! Fishing on the lake shore requires a special permit-a license. Otherwise, a person is issued an impressive fine or may be arrested, since illegal fishing in Montenegro is a serious crime.
If you want to go for a ride on the lake, ask for help from local residents. For a reasonable fee, they will be happy to take you for a boat ride and provide you with quite comfortable holiday apartments. If you have a license, go fishing on the islands, where the catch is richer and the nature is more picturesque. Local boat owners take tourists to the fishing spot and take them back. The average cost of such a service is 20 euros. Tourists can also rent a boat and go for a ride on their own.
You can also book a guided tour, which includes a shuttle service, boat, fishing rods and bait. The price for half a day of such fishing will cost about 200 euros (for 4-6 people). You should look for similar services at the resort where you came to rest, on the spot.
Which resort in Montenegro to choose for a holiday
Attractions
If you looked at a photo of Lake Skadar before your trip, you probably know that there are many interesting places here – architectural monuments.
There is a rich history associated with Lake Skadar, which is confirmed by numerous archaeological finds. Be sure to visit monasteries and fortresses, because they were built during the Middle Ages. The local flavor can be fully experienced by visiting fishing villages, mills, bridges.
Most of the attractions are located on the islands, there are more than 50 of them. Monasteries are considered the most interesting:
- Starchevo, built in the XIV century;
- Vranina;
- Beshka.
These temples are active, they are open to all comers.
Fortresses
The most interesting buildings to visit are Lesendro, Grmozhur and Besac. These fortresses were built in the late Middle Ages.
Lesendro Fortress was built in the 18th century and is located near Vranina. In the century before last, the fortress provided reliable protection from the Turkish fleet. The construction was so large and reliable that trade and fishing did not stop even during the war.
In the mid-19th century, the islands of Lesandro and Vranina became part of the Ottoman Empire. During the reign of Osman Pasha, a fortress was built on Vranin. Only 30 years later, the islands and the town of Zabljak Crnojevic returned to Montenegro.
Zhablyak Crnoevicha
This is a fortress city located on the coast, built around the X century. Until 1478, it had the status of the capital of Montenegro. There is an incredible atmosphere here, despite the fact that the fortress has lost its former power and grandeur. To get to the city by car, you need to turn in Golubovtsy in the direction of Vukovtsev.
Virpazar and Miele
Another coastal city where sightseeing tours usually start is Virpazar. In the past, this small village played an important role in the economy and history of the country. There was a port and a railway station.
If you want to fully appreciate the amazing beauty of nature and the originality of the park, you can not do without a water tour, during which you will discover unforgettable landscapes. Virpazar offers guided boat trips, kayaks and even luxury yachts. You can go for a ride on the lake with a group of tourists or independently.
Following from Virpazar, visit Miele – a small settlement with an ancient acropolis supposedly built by the ancient Illyrians. There are tombs located here, each of which is covered with a huge stone.
Rijeka Village
In the past, this small village, where mostly fishermen live, was considered one of the main centers of trade on the Balkan Peninsula. On the territory of the village you can visit a pharmacy and a gun shop, which were the first to open in Montenegro. The business card of a small town is the old Danilov bridge. If you travel on Lake Skadar in the off-season, you get the feeling that Rijeka is an extinct city, since according to the census there are just over 50 people living here, most of the houses are dilapidated. However, such a landscape is incredibly colorful.
You can eat in a cafe or restaurant, most of them are located on the first line near the river bank. Here you can walk along the embankment and visit the house of St. Peter of Cetinje, the ruler of Montenegro.
Other settlements on the lake
Coming to Rijeka from the capital Podgorica, you can visit Pavlova strana – an amazing place with a view of the entire lake.
If you want to take a dip in hot weather, take the road from Virpazar towards Ulcinj or Bar. The villages of Murici and Godinje have beautiful sandy beaches with cafes and restaurants.
It will take a full day to explore Lake Skadar. Keep the amount in the range of 30-35 euros. If you are more interested in individual excursion programs, the budget should be larger – up to 100 euros.
Photos of Lake Skadar in Montenegro do not convey all the sensations that one of the most beautiful corners of the Balkan Peninsula can give, you need to see it live. Visit Skadar Lake (Montenegro) – a good place to relax, spend time fishing or just enjoy nature.
