CNN: Lake Shkodra, most extraordinary in southern Europe

This destination lies on both sides of the border between Montenegro and Albania, and is the largest lake in Southeast Europe, an uncharted space and national park, media in Albania write.

He is not likely on the list of most visited places for global tourists, but those who suffer are rewarded with a unique environment and a very special travel experience.

The lake is untouched by development or commercialization at least for now. However, there is concern that the Shkodra Lake Port Project, a new ecological resort in the lake, can threaten the ecosystem and rare species, including many who are wandering.

Meanwhile, others answer that the project will be environmentally sensitive and will contribute to the creation of so required jobs, infrastructure and economic growth.

As the debate continues, there are several reasons why international port and league, covering over 200 square miles, make them such an imposing destination.

When you visit Shkodra, you need to lower a march, as there are few better destinations for slow travel fans.

The local lifestyle seems to reflect an inability to hurry, while the best way to visit most of the lake is through the boat voyage, originally from the sleepy Montenegrin city of Virpazar.

A handful of fishing boats have shelters made of bamboo reeds and all have individual names, so you can find yourself on a boat called Milica or Golden Frog.

With the voice of silence and the amazing beauty of nature around you, all you need to do is sit down and walk slowly without purpose.

The lake is home to an obvious diversity of wildlife. Fifty species of fish live in these waters, 18 of which are not found elsewhere on Earth, confirming the status of an international league. There's eels and rags, buy and the most popular is the cock.

There are more than 50 species of fresh water snails, where at least one third are wandering, making it one of Europe's most important areas.

If you're very lucky, then you can pick up an instant view of a dangerous screw while the water snake slides near you.

Wonderful blue coils, along with red, orange and green dragonflys, are permanent guides.

Bird Life

A group of 270 species make Shkodra Lake one of Europe's largest bird reserves and a popular destination for ornithologists.

This is because they can distinguish some of Europe's latest Dalmatian pelics, cormorants that dry their wings and habitats of rare yellow herons.

About 90% of them are migratory birds, meaning tufts, ducks and white herons, are other regular visitors.

Sometimes on the boat you feel like you're on a bird hunting expedition, with incredible diversity at every step.

Flora

All wild animals need vegetation, and among its variety are more than 25 species considered rare and endangered, including a variety of water forests, terns, and numerous protected orchids.

The beetle is often visible on the lake's shore, while some of the most photoluminical flowers must be the white and yellow lilies that emerge from the league.

They may not be so beautiful, but there are hundreds of species of algae, many of which are still rare or unique. Forests also cover most of the surrounding landscape, including the white willow and oak.

History

Despite the calm and the largely intact nature of the lake, he has witnessed a often troubled story.

Around the lake are the remains of 18 monasteries, forts, monuments, and churches.

Dwelled by ancient Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans, Shkodra was once part of the Byzantine Empire and was conquered by the Ottoman Empire for five centuries, as shown by the ruins, including the Bessac fortress in Virpazar.

Following the collapse of the empire in the 20th century, Montenegro later became an independent principality before Virpazar made history as the site of Montenegro's first partisan uprising at the time of World War II.

Montenegro's Alkatrazi

The rule of the Ottoman Empire also produced one of the most notorious legends of the lake. The Germozur Castle was built on 1843 on a stone island before it was transformed into the Montenegrin version of Alcatraz under King Nicholas I.

Neither prisoners nor prison guards, who were able to swim, were said to have their escape theoretically impossible.

But two prisoners apparently managed to escape, using a door as an asshole.

For the unfortunate guards watching them, the penalty was to suffer the same sentence as the escaped prisoners.

Food

While the lake is a protected shelter of wild animals, legal fishing is possible in some areas, meaning that fish cannot be fresher than when it comes to your table.

The same is true of other products, including fine domestic cheeses, such plants as rosemary and corrals, as well as piles of scattered fruits and pomegranates, figs, cherry trees, and nuts.

A small number of eating options are distinct along the lake. In one of them, overlooking the ruins of ancient houses and reed beds, food is simple but tasty.

An elderly couple monitor things, in plastic garden chairs, and picnic tables that offer the perfect setting for the holiday.

It can start with bacon, fine local salad tomatoes, before the crapy is fried and served with homemade bread.

Dolly with a hot liquor”” called brandy to provide a gentle boat ride during which you may even be sleepy.

Manuals

A number of historical monasteries are scattered around the lake, in their silence, peace, and natural beauty.

Vranina Monastery, known as St Nikola, is a Serbian Orthodox monastery and also one of the oldest in the area, dating back to the X century. 3 / 1 He's up on a hill on an island of the same name with an incredible view.

Although attacked and almost destroyed during its history, the church was renovated some 20 years ago, as efforts continue to restore other ruins in the country.

Today, only one monk lives there who cares for the church and also works as a beekeeper by producing honey, apparently with medical benefits.