Bovilla Lake

Bovilla is the reservoir that supplies Tirana with most of its drinking water, held behind a dam in a narrow gorge in the limestone hills north of the city, and the water is a strong turquoise from the mineral content. What has made it a destination is the viewpoint: a rock ledge on the ridge above the western shore, reached by a steep scramble of twenty minutes or so from the end of the road, giving a view straight down onto the lake in its gorge with the surrounding peaks behind. It has become one of the most photographed spots in Albania. Swimming is not permitted because it is a drinking water source. The approach road from Tirana is rough in its final stretch.

What you actually see

• Turquoise water in a gorge - the reservoir between limestone walls.
• The rock ledge viewpoint - a scramble up to the view over the lake.
• Limestone peaks around - the hills enclosing the reservoir.
• The dam - the structure holding Tirana's water supply.

When to go

April to October; the road is difficult in winter. Half a day from Tirana. Weekends are busy at the viewpoint and the ledge is small. Morning light is better on the water.

Honest expectations

Swimming is prohibited as this is drinking water, though people do it. The scramble to the ledge is steep with drops and no protection, and there have been accidents. The road is rough and ordinary cars struggle. There are no facilities.

Nearby

Tirana is south; Mount Dajti lies south-east.