What to pack for Northern Albania

For a boat day

Sun hat, sunglasses with a strap, high-factor sun cream, a light long-sleeved layer, swimwear, a quick-dry towel, water shoes for the shingle, and two litres of water. The reflection off the lake burns people who thought they were fine.

For kayaking

Everything above, plus clothes you do not mind soaking and a waterproof phone pouch. Skip the flip-flops — you need footwear that stays on in water.

For multi-day walking

Broken-in boots with ankle support, a 25–30 litre daypack, two litres of water capacity, waterproof jacket, warm mid-layer, sun protection, blister kit, headtorch, and trekking poles if your knees have opinions about long descents.

Money and documents

Cash in euros and lek. Card acceptance is good in Shkodër and Tirana and patchy everywhere else. Passport for the Montenegro crossing. A printed copy of your booking confirmation, because signal fails.

What to leave at home

A large suitcase — guesthouse stairs are steep and luggage transfers prefer soft bags. A drone, unless you have checked the current rules, which change. Expensive jewellery, for no reason other than it is one less thing to worry about.

Buy locally

Sun cream, water, snacks and cheap dry bags are all available in Shkodër at a fraction of airport prices. Do a shop the evening before you head to Koman.

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