Shala River

The Shala river comes down from the Albanian Alps and joins the Drin in the arm of Lake Koman, and where it meets the reservoir the water is startlingly clear over white limestone pebble, with small beaches along the banks and steep wooded slopes above. Because there is no road, it is reached by boat from Koman, a trip of about an hour and a half up the lake and into the side arm, and day trips run through the summer, usually with a few hours at the river for swimming and a meal at one of the seasonal guesthouses that have opened along the bank. The water is very cold, coming straight off the mountains. Beyond the accessible stretch the valley runs up toward Theth with walking routes.

What you actually see

• Very clear water over white pebble - the river where it meets the lake.
• Small beaches along the bank - the shore used for swimming.
• Steep wooded slopes - the valley closing in above the water.
• Boat-only access - no road into the valley at this point.

When to go

June to September, when day trips run. A day including the boat both ways. The water is cold at any time. July and August are busiest and the beaches fill.

Honest expectations

It has become very popular and summer weekends bring large numbers of boats and people to a small stretch of riverbank. Facilities are seasonal guesthouses only. The water is genuinely cold. Trips are long and much of the day is on the boat.

Nearby

Lake Koman is downstream; Theth lies up the valley to the north.