DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Dumre Plateau

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°1
Dumre Plateau (Albania)

Weather…

The Dumre Plateau is a remarkable karst landscape located in central Albania, near the town of Belsh in Elbasan County. Spanning an area of approximately 190 square kilometers, the plateau is home to 84 natural karst lakes, making it one of the most significant lake districts of its kind in the Balkans. These lakes were formed by the collapse of underground limestone caverns, resulting in depressions that filled with water, varying greatly in depth and clarity. The plateau sits at an average elevation of 150 to 200 meters and is characterized by a mild climate and fertile soil. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy, with extensive cultivation of cereals, olives, and tobacco, while lake fishing provides additional livelihood. Belsh serves as the plateau's economic hub and has recently undergone urban revitalization to promote sustainable tourism. Ecologically, the area is a haven for diverse waterfowl and rare fish species, drawing interest from conservationists and scientists alike. The rolling hills and serene lakes offer a photogenic setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C45913172226262115106
Rain mm84746862604128267185100102

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Dumre Plateau is a freely accessible natural area that can be visited at any time. The 84 karst lakes lie in an open hilly landscape that can be explored without entrance fees.
🕒
Typical hours
As it is an open natural area, there are no fixed visiting hours. The best time to visit is typically during daylight hours to safely enjoy the lakes and landscape.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed without restrictions across the entire Dumre Plateau. For particularly beautiful shots of the karst lakes, a wide-angle lens and early morning light are recommended.
⏱️
Time needed
Exploring the main lakes and viewpoints takes about two to three hours. If you plan to reach the more remote waters on foot, allow for half a day.
➕
Combine with
The Dumre Plateau can be easily combined with a visit to the nearby city of Elbasan. The ancient site of Apollonia is also just an hour's drive away and features a nice contrast.
🧭
Getting there
The plateau is best reached by car via the SH7 road from Elbasan. The last kilometers to the lakes are on unpaved roads, requiring a vehicle with some ground clearance.
💡
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as there is little shade on the plateau. Binoculars help spot water birds on the more remote lakes.

Geography

Coordinates
40.95000, 19.90000

Facts

  • Covers an area of roughly 190 square kilometers.
  • Contains exactly 84 natural lakes of karst origin.
  • Average elevation sits between 150 and 200 meters.
  • Located within Elbasan County in central Albania.
  • The town of Belsh acts as the regional hub.
  • Major crops include cereals, olives, and tobacco.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BelshBelsh3 km · NExplore →
CërrikCërrik11 km · NEExplore →
KarbunarëKarbunarë14 km · WExplore →
KuçovëKuçovë16 km · SExplore →
LushnjëLushnjë16 km · WExplore →
Peqin CastlePeqin Castle16 km · NWExplore →
DushkDushk19 km · WExplore →
Elbasan Steel MillElbasan Steel Mill20 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Dumre Plateau (1)

Plazhi në Liqen "LIO"🎡 recreation

A sandy beach on Lake Lio in the karst landscape of Dumre Plateau.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Dumre Plateau?
It is a unique karst plateau in central Albania, known for its more than 80 natural lakes.
Which town is the tourist center of the plateau?
Belsh is the most important small town and serves as a starting point for exploring the lake district.
Which agricultural products come from the Dumre Plateau?
The region is famous for olives, olive oil, honey, and saffron cultivation.
When is the best time to visit the plateau?
Spring and autumn are good for enjoying the green hilly landscape at mild temperatures.
Are there ancient ruins nearby?
Yes, in Gradishta near Belsh, there are remains of an Illyrian settlement.
Dumre Plateau: where is it located?
Dumre Plateau is located in Albania.
Dumre Plateau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Dumre Plateau: why is it worth visiting?
The Dumre Plateau is a remarkable karst landscape located in central Albania, near the town of Belsh in Elbasan County.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Albania →

Nearby cities

Arapaj — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Arapaj
Arapaj is a historical village near Durrës, famous for the remains of one of the largest early Christian basilicas in the Balkans.
Bradashesh — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Bradashesh
Bradashesh is a suburb of Elbasan and an important industrial location.
Elbasan — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Elbasan
Elbasan is located on the Shkumbin River and serves as a major industrial and cultural hub.
Karbunarë — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Karbunarë
Karbunarë is a suburb of Lushnja, serving as an important agricultural and industrial gateway to the Myzeqe plain.
Lushnjë — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Lushnjë
Lushnjë is located in the fertile Myzeqe plain and serves as a key agricultural center.
Krujë — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Krujë
Krujë was the center of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire under Skanderbeg.
Shkret — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Shkret
Shkret is a mountain village in the Kruja region known for its traditional olive oil production and wide views of the central Albanian co…
Pogradec — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Pogradec
Pogradec is situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid in eastern Albania.
Kuçovë — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Kuçovë
Kuçovë is known as Albania's oil city and was formerly named after Stalin.
Kavajë — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Kavajë
Kavajë is a historical city located near the Adriatic coast.
Golem — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Golem
A popular seaside resort south of Durrës, known for its extensive sandy beaches, pine forests, and a wide variety of modern resorts.
Karpen — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Karpen
Karpen is a charming coastal village in Albania, known for its beautiful beaches and tranquil atmosphere by the Adriatic Sea.
Qerret — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Qerret
Qerret is a popular coastal village in Albania with fine sandy beaches and warm waters.
Bulqizë — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Bulqizë
Bulqizë is the heart of Albanian chrome mining and home to one of the world's largest chrome mines.
Librazhd — Dumre Plateau (Albania)
Librazhd
Librazhd is located on the strategic route between Elbasan and Lake Ohrid.