Bovilla reservoir

Bovilla Reservoir is a 4.6-square-kilometre artificial lake in the Skanderbeg mountains, about 15 kilometres northeast of Tirana and southeast of Kruja. It supplies most of the capital's drinking water and is held back by a dam at the mouth of a narrow gorge. With turquoise water set against steep limestone walls, Bovilla has become one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Tirana. From the car park a short but steep path climbs to a rocky promontory with sweeping views of the lake. Because of the drinking-water use, swimming and boating are not allowed; smaller hiking routes and a few cafes ring the reservoir.