During their second day in Shkoder, the two travelers of Euronews Albania’s newest travel show ‘Udhetaret/Travelers’ exploring Albania from its northernmost to its southernmost tip, they decided to explore some of the most interesting destinations in the outskirts of the historic city, before departing on their travels to the country’s other northern hot spots.

Something very convenient about these destinations is that they can be easily reached by bike as they are only a few kilometers away from Shkodra’s city center.

The famous Cave of Gajtan

The famous Cave of Gajtan, a natural monument that can be easily reached through the help of a local guide or just by following the rural road of about 12 kilometers Shkodër – Gur i Zi – Gajtan, that takes you from the city center all the way to the prehistoric citadel of Gajtan.

History tells us that this prehistoric settlement has existed since the Matriarchy, around 100,000 years B.C., during the Paleolithic Era in the Stone Age.

This journey back in time is truly breathtaking and the most interesting thing about this cave, is the fact that it’s been the home of an ancient Illyrian tribe, who over time, during the New Stone Age, moved out from living in the cave to building a full-on castle and settlement close by in the Ancient City of Gajtan.

The Ancient City of Gajtan

This destination gives us the rare chance to follow the same journey as our ancestors when they moved out from the matriarchal cave into civilization. The City of Gajtan is said to have been a fortified Illyrian settlement of the Iron Age.

The ruins found in the city of Gajtan speak of a great city with three surrounding walls, where ceramics and trade were only some of the characteristics.

Enjoy the breathtaking nature, the charming journey back in time, and the fresh mountain air of this ancient city.

Village of Zogaj

Bordering Montenegro, the village of Zogaj rests on the banks of the Lake of Shkoder and is known for its narrow cobblestoned alleyways painted in a white matte limewash, filled with the characteristic flowers on each side, like the multicolored Hortensia, roses and lavenders but most of all the Village of Zogaj is known for its crafty artisan women and its skilled fishermen.

It seems that for years to an end, this is how the local women and men have decided to separate their chores, preserving the traditions they have been inheriting from generation to generation.

For visitors, this village is only 13 km away from the city center and the activities they can emerge themselves into here are numerous starting from the beach, a serene boat ride, a visit to the many workshops of handcrafted items like clothes and carpets, fishing, bird-watching but also a calm bike-ride for all those wanting to explore the trails of the Taraboshi Mountain nearby, which stretch all the way to Montenegro.

So follow in the footsteps of the ancient Illyrian tribe thousands of years ago, or take a tour around the village of Zogaj to enjoy the lake, the fresh air, the cobblestone, the fishing men and artisan women, either way, Shkodra never ceases to amaze.