Tirana to Bovilla Lake & Gamti Mountain: Hiking Day Trip

Summary

Lake Bovilla’s calm waters and Gamti’s wild trails in a day

You’ll leave Tirana behind for a guided hike around Lake Bovilla and up Gamti Mountain—expect crisp air, wild views, and time by the river for swimming or just resting your feet. Includes pickup and all fees so you can focus on what matters: feeling Albania under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I booked this day trip from Tirana to Lake Bovilla mostly out of curiosity — I’d seen a few photos online, but they never really show you how the air actually smells up there (sort of pine and dust, if you’re wondering). Our guide, Erion, picked us up right on time. He was chatty but not in that forced way; he pointed out tiny villages as we wound through the hills. The drive itself felt like an intro to Albania I hadn’t expected — sheep everywhere, old men waving from roadside benches, that kind of thing.

When we got to Lake Bovilla, it was so quiet that even our footsteps sounded loud. The water had this weird blue-green color — not what I pictured at all. Erion explained something about the dam and why swimming’s not allowed in the lake (I think I zoned out for a second because a stray dog started following us). The hike up Gamti Mountain started easy but got rocky fast. We stopped more than once just to catch our breath and laugh about how unprepared we felt — someone tried to count the switchbacks but gave up halfway.

The view from the top… well, it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. You see all of Lake Bovilla laid out below, mountains wrapping around it like arms. There was this breeze that made my shirt stick to my back one minute and then cool me off the next. We sat there longer than planned — nobody wanted to be first down. On the way back, Erion led us down to the riverbank where you can actually swim if you want (the water is freezing though). Some folks just dangled their feet while others went all in; I chickened out after a toe-dip.

Lunch wasn’t included but there was a little restaurant nearby — simple food, nothing fancy, but after hiking everything tasted better. On the drive back to Tirana I kept replaying that moment at the summit in my head. It’s funny what sticks with you from a place — sometimes just quiet or a smell or how your legs feel tired in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike to Lake Bovilla and Gamti Mountain

• Pickup from accommodation in Tirana
• Drive through Albanian countryside
• Arrive at Lake Bovilla and admire views
• Guided hike around Lake Bovilla
• Hike up Gamti Mountain with breaks
• Enjoy panoramic views at summit
• Descend to river shore
• Relax or swim in river
• Free time for meal or snack
• Return to Tirana accommodation

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Tirana to Lake Bovilla take?

The tour lasts one day with morning pickup from Tirana and return in the afternoon or early evening.

Is swimming allowed in Lake Bovilla?

No, swimming is not permitted in Lake Bovilla itself due to local regulations.

Can you swim anywhere during this tour?

You can swim or paddle in the river near the base of Gamti Mountain after descending from the hike.

Is lunch included on this hiking tour?

No, lunch is not included but there are restaurants near Lake Bovilla where you can buy food or eat your own snacks.

Are hotel pickups included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Tirana are included.

How difficult is the hike up Gamti Mountain?

The hike is moderate; it gets rocky at times but includes breaks for rest and photos along the way.

Are there guides on this tour?

Yes, a local guide leads the group throughout the day trip from Tirana to Bovilla Lake and Gamti Mountain.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Tirana, all entry fees and taxes covered by your guide, plus transport in an air-conditioned vehicle—so you just bring yourself (and maybe some snacks) for hiking around Lake Bovilla and up Gamti Mountain before relaxing by the river.