Bovilla Lake

About

Within Dajti Mountain National Park, Lake Bovilla is a stunning reservoir that was created by damming the Tërkuzë River. This impressive body of water is located just 8.5 miles (14 km) northeast of Tirana and serves as the capital’s primary drinking water source. The lake’s dam was built during a complex period of Albanian history, with construction starting in 1988 and completed in 1996 with Italian support. The reservoir spans 1.8 square miles (4.6 km2) and sits between two mountain peaks - Maja e Gomtitit and Mali i Bjeshit. The result is a spectacular landscape of steep canyon walls and crystal-clear waters. While swimming is prohibited, you can explore the surrounding area through hiking, as well as rock climbing on the canyon's impressive cliff faces. The reservoir's ecosystem supports various fish species and provides critical water resources for Tirana's population, making it both an ecological and infrastructural marvel of modern Albania.