Viroi Lake

Viroi Lake (Liqeni i Viroit) is a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the surroundings of Gjirokastër. It is situated three kilometres from the city, next to the road to Tepelenë. Like the Blue Eye spring on the other side of Mali e Gjerë Mountain, it has a powerful karstic spring that makes the crystal-clear water bubble to the surface at its western end. The café, which is situated on a small island that is connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge, offers the most stunning views of the lake.

The lake receives a significant volume of water from the source throughout the year, which has allowed the lake’s colourful subsurface vegetation and fauna to flourish. Only on some rare occasions, the lake has even almost dried up.

The cave system of Viroi Lake is said to have a depth of several hundred meters and is not fully explored. According to legends, the lake is even connected to other lakes and caves, including the Blue Eye. Its clear water makes it one of the best places in Albania for cave diving.

There are several cafés near the lake where you can get something to eat or drink and take in the stunning scenery. The lake has become a popular retreat for Gjirokastrians, especially after a pedestrian promenade with a bike path was built along the road leading from the town.

Those who don’t want to walk can be dropped off from any bus or minibus heading towards Tepelenë – the main road runs along the lake’s dam.