Cities and destinations · 📍 Lezhë
Lezhë and Shëngjin by rental car: Skanderbeg and the sea
The town of the League of Lezhë and the nearest beach in the north: history in the morning, the sea in the afternoon.
Lezhë is one of the country's most historic towns: the League of Lezhë met here in 1444 and Skanderbeg was buried here. Just a few minutes away is Shëngjin, the main beach of the north, with sand, a small port and pine trees. Lezhë and Shëngjin by rental car make a good stop between Tirana and Shkodër, or a quiet base for exploring the north.
The road and parking in Lezhë and Shëngjin
The road from Tirana runs through Fushë-Krujë and Milot; it is wide, but with many junctions, exits from roadside businesses and pedestrian crossings. Lezhë has a small centre and fairly easy parking. In Shëngjin, during July and August, the seafront road jams in the evening: park early, in paid car parks or at your hotel.
What to see in Lezhë
Skanderbeg Memorial
Point of interest
The ruins of Saint Nicholas church, where the national hero was buried in 1468, with a memorial protecting the grave and the coats of arms of noble families.
Lezhë Castle
Castle
A fortress on the hill above the town and the Drin river, with Illyrian, Roman and Venetian walls. The road up is narrow: drive as far as allowed and continue on foot.
Shëngjin and the nature around it
Shëngjin beach
Beach
A long sandy beach with shallow water, good for children, with many sunbeds in summer.
Rana e Hedhun
Nature
A sand hill at the northern end of the bay, with views over the sea and the pine forest. The climb is easy and lovely at sunset.
Kune-Vain lagoon
Park
A protected area of lagoons, woods and birds near the mouth of the Drin. A quiet place for walks and birdwatching.
- Shkodër and the lake: 40 minutes. See Shkodër by car.
- Kukës and the north-east via the Rruga e Kombit. Read the north-east guide.
- Krujë: about 50 minutes. See Krujë and the Tirana area.
Practical tips
- On summer weekends many families from Tirana and Kosovo come to Shëngjin: set off early in the morning.
- Lezhë is the last stop with many fuel stations before the Rruga e Kombit and the Alps.
- The views from the castle are best in the evening, when the sun sets over the Drin and the sea.
- For travel times use the distances table.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Shëngjin from Lezhë?
About 7 km, roughly 15 minutes by car.
Where is Skanderbeg's grave?
In the Skanderbeg Memorial, in the centre of Lezhë, in the ruins of Saint Nicholas church.
Is parking hard in Shëngjin?
In July and August yes, especially in the evening. Use paid car parks or your hotel's parking.
How long does it take from Tirana to Lezhë?
About 1 hour 5 minutes without traffic.
