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In the immediate vicinity of the Montenegrin coast lies Lake Skadar – the largest lake in the Balkans and one of the last large wetlands in Europe. Its wild beauty, diverse flora and fauna and rich historical heritage make it an unmissable destination when visiting Montenegro for all lovers of nature, photography, birds and authentic local experiences.
Lake Skadar is a rare wetland habitat in this part of the Balkan Peninsula and has been listed on the Ramsar List as an area of international importance since 1996. It is famous for the Dalmatian pelican – a rare and protected species that has one of the last nesting sites in Europe here. It also partly belongs to Albania, and was named after the Albanian city of Shkodra, located on its shores. The Montenegrin part of the lake (two-thirds of the total area) was declared a national park in 1983, in order to preserve the exceptionally rich nature of this region.
The shores of this Montenegrin pearl are dotted with old fishing villages, vineyards, medieval monasteries and islands with old fortresses. Visits to settlements such as Virpazar, Rijeka Crnojevića and Karuč provide an authentic insight into the peaceful, traditional life of Montenegro. Numerous churches and monasteries, such as the Kom and Beška monasteries, are located on the islands and peninsulas of the lake, which are most often reached by boat.
The first stop on an adventure around the lake would be charming Virpazar – a place that you will immediately feel is the heart of Skadar Lake. This picturesque town is considered the main entrance to the national park and a source of authentic experience of the region. A walk through its streets reveals not only a quiet atmosphere and hospitable locals, but also stories carved in historical landmarks such as the bronze monument to the July 1941 uprising and the remains of the Besac fortress, which bear witness to the resistance and fight of Montenegro against the fascist occupation during World War II.
However, what makes Virpazar irresistible is its role as a hub of lakeside activity – here you can rent a kayak and sail through the tranquil backwaters covered with water lilies, take a boat ride or traditional boats gliding past pelicans, or enjoy the view of the untouched nature from the Besac Fortress, one of the most beautiful viewpoints on Lake Skadar.
Once you leave Virpazar and board the boat, the real adventure begins – heading towards Karuč or Rijeka Crnojevića, and the first stops bring breathtaking views. You sail through narrow, green canals, while vistas of vineyards, water lilies and birds open up in front of you. The next stop on this journey is the Lesendro Fortress, built in the early 19th century by order of Petar II Petrović Njegoš to protect Montenegrin territory from Ottoman incursions and fishing. Today, its ruined walls still guard the peace of the lake, telling a story of courage and strategic importance of this region. After that, the boat takes you to Karuč – a small fishing village buried in the hillsides, where the water drops up to 33 meters, and the tradition of eel hunting comes to life before the eyes of the beholder. An alternative is a drive to Rijeka Crnojevića, also known as the “Montenegrin Venice” with an old bridge from the 19th century, picturesque stone houses and a rich history that began with the construction of a bridge and a printing house in the 15th century. This is the famous Crnojevića printing house, the first printing house in present-day Montenegro, from which “Oktoih” was published in 1494 – and today only the foundations and a silent memorial to one of the most important cultural achievements of that era have been preserved.
On the other side of Lake Skadar, opposite the direction towards Karuč and Rijeka Crnojevića, is the Beška Monastery – a quiet island that carries centuries of spirituality and history. On this small piece of land, in the middle of untouched nature, rise two churches: St. George and the Virgin Mary, built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries by the Balšić dynasty. Although it has been neglected and quiet for centuries, the monastery has been restored and is now inhabited by nuns, preserving the sanctity of the place and its cultural and historical value.
And to end the exciting journey upon returning to Virpazar, local taverns offer dishes of carp, indigenous river fish and the symbol of Lake Skadar, with a glass of Montenegrin wine “vranac”, either from the famous Plantaže or from local producers from the area, served on terraces overlooking the lake.
Lake Skadar is the perfect choice for a day trip during your stay at Carine hotels. From our hotels on the Montenegrin coast, Virpazar can be reached in a comfortable drive of about an hour and a half. The road leads through the diverse landscapes of the interior of Montenegro, connecting the coast with the untouched nature of the lake region. Close enough to spend a day exploring, yet far enough away to feel the complete contrast to the coast – Skadar Lake offers silence, authenticity and natural beauty that you will not forget.
We can fully organize your trip through our travel agency - Carina DMC - which offers a variety of arrangements and excursions throughout Montenegro, including a visit to Lake Skadar, with the possibility of private tours, guides and additional activities tailored to your wishes.
