Belsh is a small town in central Albania surrounded by a cluster of 84 small karst lakes, the Belsh Lakes, scattered across a gentle plateau between the Shkumbin and Devoll rivers. The lakes are the remnants of ancient karst activity, each one a different shade of green or blue depending on the mineral content and depth, and they are linked by walking trails through oak forest and farmland. Belsh itself is a quiet regional centre with a lakeside promenade, a few cafes, and a distinctly unhurried pace of life.
The lakes are the reason to come. Liqeni i Belshit, the main lake, has a paved walking path around its perimeter and a small beach area where locals swim in summer. The smaller lakes beyond – Liqeni i Seferajt, Liqeni i Merhojes – are wilder, reached by dirt tracks through fields and olive groves. The area is almost completely unknown to international tourism, which means you will share the lakes with Albanian families, shepherds, and the occasional fisherman.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Karst lake swimming, off-radar central Albania, rural walking trails |
| Accessibility | Paved road from Lushnje (30 min) or Elbasan (40 min); 2WD fine; free parking |
| Ideal Months | June to September for swimming; April to May for greenest landscape |
| Cost Tier | Budget |
| The Secret Factor | Liqeni i Seferajt, one of the smaller lakes 3 kilometres north of town, has a grassy bank that is perfect for a picnic and a swim. The water is fed by underground springs and is noticeably colder and clearer than the main lake. Almost no one goes there except locals |
How to Get There
From Lushnje, drive east on the paved road toward Belsh. The drive takes roughly 30 minutes. Free parking along the main lake promenade. No public transport. A taxi from Lushnje costs 1,500 to 2,000 LEK.
What to See and Do
- Walk the Liqeni i Belshit promenade: a paved 2-kilometre loop around the main lake with cafes and benches.
- Swim in the main lake from the small beach area on the southern shore.
- Explore the smaller lakes by car or on foot. Each has a different character and level of wildness.
- Eat at a lakeside cafe serving grilled fish and cold drinks. 400 to 700 LEK per meal.
The Insider Checklist
- Cash only. ATMs available in Belsh town centre.
- The smaller lakes have no facilities. Bring water and shade.
- Weekends in summer bring local families. Weekdays are nearly empty.
