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Bovilla Lake Quad Adventure

Would rather see the lake from above, on foot? See the Gamti viewpoint hike →

5.063 Google reviewsHalf day from Tirana

Everyone who drives to Bovilla complains about the last stretch of road: gravel, potholes, switchbacks and a lot of dust. On a quad it is the best part of the day. This trip rides it from the edge of Tirana all the way to the reservoir.

Itinerary

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

  1. 08:30

    Pickup in Tirana

    Collected from your hotel and out to the base on the northeast edge of the city.

  2. 09:00

    Kit and practice

    Helmet, goggles, a lesson on the flat, and a short loop to make sure everyone is comfortable.

  3. 09:30

    Through the hill villages

    Tracks between terraces and orchards, climbing steadily towards the ridge.

  4. 10:45

    Bovilla lakeshore

    Down to the reservoir under the canyon walls. Time for photographs from the water's edge.

  5. 11:30

    Farm stop

    Honey, cheese, bread and mountain tea at a family farm on the shore road.

  6. 12:15

    Ride back

    A different route down. Back at base around 13:15 and at your hotel by about 13:45.

Experience & Highlights

  • Three hours of riding from Tirana to Bovilla and back
  • Farm tracks and village lanes through the Tirana hills
  • The lakeshore under the canyon walls
  • Farm stop for honey, cheese and mountain tea
  • No licence needed, lesson before you ride

Full Description

The route climbs out of the city through the villages of the Tirana hills, where the tracks wind between farm terraces and small orchards, then over the ridge to the lake. At the shore the water sits under the limestone walls of the canyon, the same turquoise you see from the Gamti viewpoint, but from the bottom rather than the top.

We stop at a family farm on the shore road for honey, cheese and mountain tea before the ride back. Three hours in the saddle altogether, which is enough to get good at it.

What's included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana
  • Your own quad for three hours (or a pillion seat)
  • Helmet, goggles and safety briefing
  • English-speaking riding guide
  • Farm tasting and bottled water

Not included

  • Second rider on your quad (€25)
  • Full lunch at the farm (about €10)

Good to know

  • Drivers must be 18 or over. Passengers from age 10 can ride pillion.
  • Swimming in Bovilla is prohibited. It is Tirana's drinking water.
  • Closed shoes, long trousers and clothes you do not mind ruining with dust.
  • Runs year-round in dry weather. Heavy rain cancels with a full refund.

Good questions, honest answers

Does the quad tour go to the Gamti viewpoint?

No. The quads ride to the lakeshore, below the canyon walls, and the viewpoint is a stepped footpath that bikes cannot use. If you want both, the Gamti hike is a separate half day and pairs well with this on consecutive mornings.

How long is the ride to Bovilla?

About an hour and a quarter each way on the quads, through the hill villages. Total riding time is around three hours with stops, which is enough to get comfortable on the machine.

Is the Bovilla quad tour difficult?

Not technically. The tracks are rough and bumpy but not steep enough to be frightening, and the guide sets the pace to the slowest rider. What it is, is dusty. Wear clothes you will throw in the wash.

Plan the rest of your trip

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