Skadar Lake

Skadar Lake National Park covers an area of 40,000ha with 391km² of this the lake itself, making it the largest lake in the Balkans. It lies across two countries, with roughly two thirds belonging to Montenegro, the remaining third to Albania. It is one of the last freshwater marshes in the Mediterranean, and one of the biggest bird reserves in Europe; many of the bird species found here are seldom seen elsewhere, such as the rare curly or Dalmatian Pelican. It has had IBA (Internationally Important Bird Area) status since 1989. It is also home to over 40 different kinds of fish, including some saltwater species which arrive by way of the Bojana river. Skadar Lake is not only fed by several rivers but also by 50 natural springs known as oko (eyes), the deepest of which is reputed to be 90 meters, well below sea level. The lake lies at the base of the rugged Dinaric Alps, only a few kilometres from the Adriatic coast.

Virpazar serves as the main harbour for the lake and from here you can take a boat trip out onto the water. The lake has a jagged shoreline with several fishing villages and many bays. Just off the shore on the western side of the lake lie strings of islets which in addition to their to colonies of birds also have ancient monasteries and other historical monuments such as churches and burial vaults. The best place to stop for a picnic, or a swim in the cool, clear water of the lake is Muricka beach.