Boga Alpine Resort

Hiking in the big thing around here. You can stay a night in the campsite and hike up to Theth National Park (2.5 hours’ walk) or hire a 4X4 and head north (50 minutes’ drive) to get there. Scenic jaunts take in the Albanian Alps and Shala Valley, with lots of pristine lakes for wild swimming. If you’re with kids, try the easy-rated Grunas Waterfall and Canyon Trail, meandering along the river and through the forest to waterfalls.  In the Çardaku foothills, you can walk through forest and look out for rare birds. For more hardy types, the Radohima massif (both 50 minutes’ drive) makes for a challenging day on the mountain. Not so keen on the walking? Drive down to Shkodra Lake (50 minutes) to swim and sunbathe in clear water on sunny days; look out for pelicans, cranes and eagles; or take a bike ride around the water’s edge to see ruined monasteries and cute fishing villages.