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Virpazar Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Virpazar Family-friendly activities

Virpazar: Lake Skadar Wilderness Boat Trip

1. Virpazar: Lake Skadar Wilderness Boat Trip

Start your sightseeing cruise in Virpazar, the lovely fishing village built on the shore of Lake Skadar. Depart from its pier through a small river canal fringed with reeds and willow trees. Admire the views of the mountain ranges far away in Albania and Vranjina - the nearest island, rising defiantly from the fresh waters of one of the largest lakes in southern Europe. Go left under the nearby bridge and discover Lesendro - the Key of Lake Skadar. Built in the 18th century this beauty still hides the eternal sorrow of Njegoš. Approach this beautiful fortification as you glide through meadows of water chestnuts and observe remarkable birds dry their wings on top of its walls. Watch Cormorants, Gulls, Herons, Coots and Kingfishers, among many others, enjoy the sun touching their feathers. Have your breath taken away by the view hidden behind the three islets - thousands of white and yellow water lilies and their large, floating, dark green leaves. If you are lucky enough, get the chance to see some nests and baby birds. Witness sights on the return journey that will not disappoint either. Take your time and enjoy the perfect wilderness while taking a refreshing swim. Seize your chance and have a dip in the fresh, deep-blue waters of Lake Skadar, wrapped by scenic views. After immersing in fresh waters, return to Virpazar.

Virpazar: Kayak Rental for National Park Skadar Lake

2. Virpazar: Kayak Rental for National Park Skadar Lake

You start at the centre of Virpazar - a small fishing village located on the shore of Lake Skadar. First, you will paddle through a small channel connecting the village and the open lake. Next, you aim for the bridge that is on your left side. After passing under the bridge, on your right, you will see a fortress called Lesendro. Unfortunately, this fortress has not withstood the test of time and, nowadays, you can see only her ruins. If you enjoy watching the birds, you should paddle around the fortress, which will lead you inside the beginning of river Morača - a bird sanctuary. After that, paddle to the three islands - standing in the middle of the lake. You will aim for the first one and make a circle around it from the right to the left side. You will have the opportunity to go through the most beautiful part of the lake - a small channel that is surrounded by water lilies and reeds covering the waters of Lake Skadar. Take your time and marvel at the wildlife surrounding you. When on the other side of the island - looking at the shore, you will see a few small beaches. If you want to take a break and swim to refresh yourself, any of these beaches is the perfect spot. After your break, you will just need to go back under the bridge, aiming for the entrance to the channel leading you back to Virpazar.

Virpazar: Lake Skadar Private Wildlife Cruise & Wine Tasting

3. Virpazar: Lake Skadar Private Wildlife Cruise & Wine Tasting

Leave the old fishing village of Virpazar through a narrow little canal enclosed with willows and reeds. Head left, under the bridge, and discover the remains of the centuries-old fortress Lesendro. Observe cormorants, herons, gulls, coots, and kingfishers - among many others. Challenge your luck and look for the pelicans - these rare birds are at the official Lake Skadar National park logo. Pass near the Morača River - an International Birding Area and head for the three nearby islands. Gaze in awe as you glide through the hidden, narrow channels concealed with reeds and covered in lotus flowers and their big, floating, dark-green leaves. Guess what - this is the perfect place for you to spot some nests and baby birds! As you leave the wilderness behind, immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of Lake Skadar - just before you return to Virpazar.

Lake Skadar: Private Cruise around the Montenegrin Alcatraz

4. Lake Skadar: Private Cruise around the Montenegrin Alcatraz

Start your journey in Virpazar - a tiny townlet situated in the heart of Lake Skadar, and set off on your scenic 1-hour sightseeing cruise. Navigate along a small river channel with a fence made of willows and reeds. Exit the river and find yourself on the open lake while the boat proceeds to Grmožur. Meanwhile, soak up the incredible views of Mount Vranjina and the impressive ranges in Albania, rising from the biggest lake in Southern Europe. Twenty-five minutes away from Virpazar, the ruined fortress Grmožur ascends from the waters of Lake Skadar. This abandoned fortification is known as Montenegrin Alcatraz and used to be a jail in the time of King Nikola. Among the locals, Grmožur was called the Island of Snakes. Nowadays, the island is a permanent habitat for certain bird species and a temporary retreat during the migration from Central and Northern Europe to Africa. That is why it has another, much more beautiful name - the Island of Birds. Admire the impressive fortification - Grmožur, from approximately 20 meters distance as you circle it.  During the journey, marvel at the breathtaking panoramas, and keep your eyes peeled for many species of native birds, including cormorants, herons, seagulls, and, if you are lucky, maybe some pelicans. Observe them as they dry their wings on the top of the walls of Grmožur.  On your way back, the boat will stop in the middle of the open water for you to take a refreshing swim. Ensure you bring your swimsuit and towel and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear blue waters. Finally, return to the starting point where the tour concludes.

Virpazar: Skadar Lake Nature Kayak Tour with Written Guide

5. Virpazar: Skadar Lake Nature Kayak Tour with Written Guide

Your tour starts with preparation for kayaking. Upon arrival your host will give you all necessary information and tips where to go, what to avoid and what not to miss, as well as full equipment. You start paddling from charming village Virpazar, through a small channel surrounded by reeds and water lilies that leads you to the open lake. When you reach open lake, you should go under the main bridge on left side. After passing the bridge, on your right side you will see a peninsula and fortress - Lesendro. From the sky it has shape of the key and that's why Lesendro is known as "key of Skadar Lake". If you enjoy bird watching, you should paddle around the fortress which will lead you inside the beginning of river Morača which is considered as an bird reserve. If you are lucky, you will be catch a glimpse of a pelian - the lake's symbol. Take a break for fresh fish soup at the local restaurants which are located on the 2 local beaches or just before the main bridge. You proceed your experience to three islands (Small and Big Cakovica and Kamenik) that are in the middle of the lake just after bird reserve. You will aim for the first one and make a circle around it, from right to left side of it. It is the most beautiful and peaceful place where you will be surrounded by water lilies and reeds. After all these islands we suggest go back to Virpazar. If you would like to cool down, jump into the water for a refreshing swim, before heading back to your starting point. If you are tired on the way back, you can always wave to the boats that are passing you and they will take you back to Virpazar.

Other Sightseeing Options in Virpazar

Want to discover all there is to do in Virpazar? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Virpazar

The trip on the lake was lovely and the guide funny and chatty. He slowed down in places where there was something to sea. It was late summer so we didn’t swim. We all enjoyed the wine. Pity there were very few birds on the lake perhaps because of the time of year or time of day?

Really welcoming and helpful people, beautiful place, especially the first part. The main lake was quite choppy and hard work for us so we didn't make it to the islands but could see from a distance! Worth the money!

Very relaxed. The lake is beautiful. The organizers made sure to give me a map and pointed out recommended routes and stopping points as well as an emergency number to call if I need help.

Experience that lasts forever. The staff were amazing and the tour ended with a dip in skadar lake. It was a lot of fun and above all enriching.

A peaceful moment in the middle of superb landscapes, with a smiling and friendly captain. Beautiful memories!