“Belsh Day Tour: 84 Lakes & Sacred Site of Goddess Aphrodite

Key Points

• Duration and Price: An 8-hour private tour offering a full day of exploration, with flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Start Point: Begins at Sami Frasheri Square in Belsh, with convenient coordinates provided.
• Highlights: Visit 84 lakes, including Lake Dega, Merhoja, and Seferani, along with cultural landmarks like busts of Skanderbeg and Sami Frashëri.
• Unique Sacred Site: The Temple of Goddess Aphrodite near Lake Seferani, connecting history and myth in a peaceful lakeside setting.
• Culinary Experience: Enjoy homemade cheese, bread, and organic dishes at a traditional guesthouse, plus saffron rakia tasting.
• Diverse Activities: Options include walking, biking, boat tours, and exploring the Dumrea Eco Park with opportunities for cycling and quad biking.
• Cultural Insights: Visit local art galleries and an ancient Illyrian site, along with a crafts market featuring handmade artificial flower bouquets.
• Scenic Route: The tour involves traveling through olive groves, hills, and lakeside villages, with picturesque views everywhere.

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Exploring the Natural Beauty of Belsh’s 84 Lakes

The tour immerses travelers in the serenity of Belsh’s famed 84 lakes, with highlights like Lake Dega, which offers a stunning view from a high vantage point where the lake appears in the shape of Albania. The tour’s focus on lakes provides numerous opportunities to enjoy peaceful walks along their shores and take striking photos. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Merhoja, with a depth of 61 meters and beach access, stand out as a particularly inviting stop.

The lakeside stops are designed to maximize visual appreciation and leisure. Each lake offers a different experience, from scenic photo opportunities to relaxing breaks, making this tour both visually impressive and tranquil.

Belsh Landmarks and Cultural Monuments

The tour begins with a walk through Belsh’s key landmarks, featuring the bust of Skanderbeg, a monument honoring Albania’s national hero, and the bust of Sami Frashëri, a prominent figure of the Albanian Renaissance. Nearby, the Nymph of the Lakes monument connects the natural landscape with cultural symbolism, setting a meaningful tone for the day.

These landmarks are easily accessible with a guided tour, which enhances understanding of their significance. The short walk provides context for the area’s cultural pride and historical roots, enriching the overall experience.

Sacred Site of Goddess Aphrodite by Lake Seferani

One of the most distinctive stops is at Lake Seferani, where the Temple of the Goddess Aphrodite and an adjacent amphitheater create a striking scene. The tour explains the deep symbolic connection between the serene waters of Seferani and the divine figure of Aphrodite, known for her association with beauty and love.

This sacred site is set in a natural lakeside environment, emphasizing the harmony between myth and landscape. Visitors have the chance to explore the temple’s surroundings and learn about its significance in local lore and history.

Traditional Albanian Cuisine and Saffron Rakia Tasting

During the tour, a one-hour lunch at a traditional guesthouse offers authentic, organic Albanian dishes such as homemade byrek and lakror. The meal showcases local flavors and culinary traditions. A highlight is the chance to taste saffron rakia, a specialty drink infused with saffron, which adds a unique touch to the gastronomic experience.

This meal provides a welcome break in the day, with a cozy atmosphere that emphasizes local hospitality. The food and drink offerings are authentic and thoughtfully prepared, giving a taste of regional culture.

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Art Gallery and Local Crafts Market

After lunch, the group visits a local art gallery where paintings and portraits by artists from around the world are displayed. The gallery is built in a surprising location, adding to the unique feel of this stop.

Following the gallery, a crafts market offers the chance to see handmade artificial flower bouquets created by a young artisan, who is the only one in Albania making such pieces. This stop highlights local craftsmanship and provides an opportunity to purchase souvenirs directly from the artists.

Dumrea Eco Park: Nature and Adventure

The Dumrea Eco Park is a central feature of the tour, covering 26 hectares of natural beauty. The complex combines lakes, hills, olive groves, and attractions, making it ideal for leisurely exploration. Visitors can walk the grounds, cycle around, or enjoy an optional quad bike ride.

The park also hosts a high-quality olive oil factory, where a 30-minute visit reveals the olive oil extraction process. Guests can observe the machinery and purchase olive oil by the liter, supporting local producers.

Just outside the park, the Gradite Hill site, an ancient Illyrian settlement, offers an archaeological glimpse into the region’s distant past. This combination of natural scenery and historical significance makes Dumrea Eco Park a well-rounded stop.

Historical and Archaeological Highlights

The tour includes a visit to the Belsh Fountain (Çezma e Belshit), a historic landmark surrounded by local legends. This site offers insight into the area’s long-standing traditions. The Mali (Shkëmbi) Gradishtës, an ancient Illyrian site, is passed by on the way back, providing a brief view of regional history.

These stops deepen the understanding of Belsh’s long-standing cultural identity, blending natural beauty with historical intrigue.

Visiting the Oldest Water Source and Artisanal Crafts

The final stops include a photo opportunity at the “Çezma e Vjetër” (Old Fountain), a historic water source that connects the modern town with its past. The tour concludes with a visit to a small shop where a young artisan crafts artificial flower bouquets—a unique art form in Albania.

This last stop offers a chance to purchase handmade items directly from the creator, adding a personal touch to the day and supporting local artisans.

Tour Logistics and Practical Details

The tour departs from Sami Frasheri Square in Belsh, with coordinates 40.98133087158203, 19.891202926635742. It is a private group experience, with guides available in English and Italian. The entire activity lasts 8 hours, and includes multiple stops, sightseeing, walking, biking, and optional activities like boat rides and quad biking.

Guests are advised to bring sunglasses, hats, comfortable shoes, and a reusable water bottle. The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year, people with altitude sickness, or those over 95 years old.

Final Thoughts on the Belsh Day Tour

This 8-hour adventure offers a comprehensive look at the natural and cultural riches of the Belsh region. The focus on 84 lakes, stunning views such as Lake Dega, and the sacred site of Aphrodite make it stand out among Albanian excursions. The combination of scenic lakes, cultural landmarks, local cuisine, and artisanal crafts creates a varied experience that highlights the area’s diversity.

While the day is packed with activities, the inclusion of relaxing lakeside walks, traditional meals, and opportunities for outdoor adventure ensures something for all interests. The private group format means a personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

This tour suits travelers seeking nature, culture, and authentic local experiences in a manageable, well-organized package. It provides a good balance of sightseeing, leisure, and learning, with enough activity to keep the day engaging but not overwhelming. The scenic lakes and historical sites remain the standout features, promising a memorable day in Albania.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Belsh Day Tour?
The tour lasts 8 hours, covering multiple lakes, landmarks, and cultural sites.

What is the starting point of the tour?
It begins at Sami Frasheri Square in Belsh, with precise coordinates provided.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour includes a one-hour lunch at a traditional guesthouse, with homemade Albanian dishes and saffron rakia tasting.

Are activities like biking and boat rides included?
There are options for scenic bike rides and boat tours during the day, with some activities being optional.

What should I bring for this tour?
Guests are advised to bring sunglasses, hats, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle.

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?
It’s not suitable for babies under 1 year or people over 95 years old; those with altitude sickness should also consider this.

This detailed, well-rounded tour provides a vivid picture of the Belsh region’s lakes, culture, and history, making it ideal for curious travelers eager to explore Albania’s natural and archaeological treasures.

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