Lake Skadar

Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans, shared with Albania, and its Montenegrin side is a national park of reed beds, water-lily fields, submerged forest and old monasteries on islands. It is one of Europe's most important bird reserves, holding one of the continent's last colonies of Dalmatian pelicans along with herons, cormorants and hundreds of other species. Boats leave from Virpazar and the smaller village of Rijeka Crnojevica, whose famous horseshoe river bend, seen from the road above, has become the image of Montenegro's interior. Around the shores are vineyards, fortresses and a slow, agricultural pace.

What you actually see

• Rijeka Crnojevica bend - the horseshoe river viewpoint above the village.
• Boat trips from Virpazar - lily fields, reed channels and island monasteries.
• Dalmatian pelicans - one of Europe's last breeding colonies.
• Lakeside villages and vineyards - the wine country around the northern shore.

When to go

May and June bring the water lilies into bloom and the birdlife at its most active. Summer is hot and the lake shrinks a little; autumn brings wine harvest and quieter boats. Winter sees high water and most operators closed.

Honest expectations

Boat operators cluster at Virpazar and quality varies - smaller boats reach the quiet channels the large ones cannot. Swimming is possible but the shoreline is reedy and muddy in most places. Bird viewing is best early and needs binoculars; midday trips see far less. The famous viewpoint is on a narrow road with limited parking that fills fast in summer.

Nearby

Podgorica, the Adriatic coast at Bar and the Crmnica wine villages.