Dumre is a small, not frequently visited region south of Elbasan. It consists of a picturesque hilly landscape dotted with 85 karst lakes. The most beautiful of them is the water lily-studded Seferan Lake. The area is ideal for peaceful relaxation and spending time with children.
The lakes were formed by flooding of karst sinkholes. Some are kilometres long and tens of metres deep. The surrounding agricultural landscape is full of vineyards and orchards, even saffron is now being grown here.
The centre of the area is the town of Belsh which is also a good starting point for hiking and cycling tours in the area. It is situated on the lake of Belsh, on the shores of which a pleasant promenade has recently been created. There are buses and minibuses from Elbasan, Lushnjë, Kuçova or Berat.
Another place to explore the region is the village of Seferan, which has been included in the “100 Villages” project of the Albanian government that promotes tourism in the countryside. There is a campsite, a restaurant and several private accommodations. One local guesthouse rents outdoor equipment (kayaks, bikes, fishing gear, etc.).
Also worth a visit is the agritourism camp Paja on the eastern edge of the lake. You can not only enjoy great food from local produce but also visit a raki distillery or olive oil press. Paddle boats are available for hire and you can also go fishing on the lake. Families will appreciate the children’s playground.
At first glance, Dumrea is a prosperous region (by Albanian standards). The number of dilapidated or abandoned buildings is low compared to surrounding areas, the roads are repaired, and the local capital Belsh strives to give a modern and well-maintained impression.
If the weather prevents you from visiting the nearby mountains, you prefer not to lie on the beach, or you simply want to avoid the crowds in cities or by the sea, Dumrea is a great option. The area is perfect for bike trips, which even kids can do given the low elevation (you can rent bikes at Belsh or Seferan).
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Experiences
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