# Velipoja

Velipoja is a large beach town in northern Albania. It is a highly popular destination during the peak summer season for tourists from Northern Albania, particularly Shkodra, and tourists from Kosovo.

## Understand

Velipoja Beach is marked by a long and wide fine beach with natural protected areas to the north and south. It is a continuation of Ulqin (Ulcinj) Beach, divided only by the Buna (Bojana) River which marks the border between Albania and Montenegro at this location. Velipoja Beach is divided by the other nearby resort of Shëngjin, Albania, by mountains, and is not directly accessible by land.
A long pedestrian pathway has been constructed.

## Get in

Velipoja is 30 km from the northern Albania urban center of Shkodra and can be reached by vans (furgons) which cost 200 lek and leave irregularly from downtown Shkoder. There is no fixed time, check around 10:00 or 13:30 what is the situation, potentially you will have to wait another hour before it leaves.

## Get around

The area is small and navigable on foot.

## See

* 41.85119.37771 Velipoja Nature Reserve (Rezervati Natyror Velipojë) (make a right turn when the national road into Velipoja makes a left just before reaching Velipoja or by heading west on the beach). no access fee. (updated Jul 2021)
* 41.874419.44692 Viluni Marsh (Lake) (Këneta e Vilunit) (head east on the beach until you reach the break into the beach). no access fee. (updated Jul 2021)

## Do

Velipoja, located in Albania, offers several activities for visitors. You can enjoy its beautiful beaches, go for a swim or relax by the sea. Additionally, you can explore nearby attractions such as the Buna River, go hiking in the surrounding mountains, or visit historical sites like the Skanderbeg Castle in nearby Shkoder. And of course, don't miss out on trying the delicious local cuisine! Sunbathing is of course the most popular activity in Velipoja. A pair of sunbathing seats costs 400-500 lek. Further out to west there are beaches which are freely accessible without cost and with few people around.
Organized activities are rather limited. Boat rides to Shengjin are offered.

## Eat

In high season snacks are offered at the beach. Various other restaurants are offered, with seafood being plentiful.
* 41.86316919.4159051 Red Bull Restaurant, Plazhi Velipoje. (updated Jul 2021)
* 41.86292119.4201642 IL Faro, Rruga Shtepia e Peshkatareve. (updated Jul 2021)
* 41.862419.42553 La Maroja. 07:00-21:00. (updated May 2024)
* 41.8623319.426974 Fishta Hotel. (updated May 2024)

## Drink

Numerous bars and cafes are available along the beach. Prices are standard and WiFi is provided.
* 41.86406419.4225561 Bar 407, Rruga nr,4 in front of Kompleksi Gjoleka Gjoleka Kompleksi, Velipoje 4020 Albania, ☏ +355 69 515 1684. 12:00-00:00. (updated Jul 2021)
* Bar Drion, Rruga Nr.5, ☏ +355 68 461 8674. (updated Jul 2021)

## Sleep

Various accommodation options are offered, from single family homes to decent quality hotels.
41.8624719.430051 Hotel Fishta 1 (in the center of Velipoja). In a central location and with a private beach although the area is crowded and noisy. (updated Jul 2021)
41.8644119.414912 Hotel Princi i Vogel (make a left on Rruga nr. 4 and continue to the end of the forest). Charming little hotel with 12 studio apartments located in the middle of a pine forest. (updated Jul 2021)
* 41.865619.4213 Hotel Lakaj, Velipoje Plazh. (updated Aug 2021)
* 41.8630719.426034 Corner Hotel. (updated May 2024)
* 41.8622419.427435 Hotel Fishta 2. (updated May 2024)

## Go next

* Shkodra-Velipoja is 22 kilometers(about 14 miles) northwest of Shkodër.You can easily travel between the two by car ,taxi,or public transportation.
* Shëngjin-Velipoja is about 15 kilometres (9 miles) south of Shëngjin.
* Puka- Velipoja is roughly 70 kilometers(about 43 miles) southeast of Pukë.
* Ulcinj-Velipoja is 45 kilometers (about 28 miles) northwest of Ulcinj.