Visiting the Islands of Lake Shkodër: Grmožur and Starčevo

Updated 2026-11-02 · 4 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.

How to visit Grmožur and the lake islands

Travel to the lakeside village of Virpazar in Montenegro.
Negotiate a private or group boat tour with local operators at the pier.
Specify a route that includes views of Grmožur fortress and Starčevo monastery.
Bring binoculars and sun protection, and check what shade and facilities your boat provides.

What is the history of Grmožur Island?

Grmožur is home to a 19th-century fortification used by the Ottomans and later converted into a prison under Nicholas I, then Prince of Montenegro.

The fortress was built in 1843 and served as a strategic military outpost before becoming a prison for criminals and, later, political dissidents. Known as the 'Island of Snakes' and the 'Montenegrin Alcatraz', it also features in legends about non-swimming inmates. Today, the structure is in ruins but remains a significant cultural monument. It is also an important nesting site for birds, particularly terns and gulls, with occasional pelican nesting recorded.

What can you see on Starčevo Island?

Starčevo is known for its 14th-century monastery, part of the lake's historic island monasteries.

Starčevo's monastery was built between 1376 and 1378 and became an important manuscript-copying centre. The wider lake supports around 280 bird species. Some boat itineraries offer only a waterside view of Starčevo's monastery; confirm any landing with your operator. For lily fields, ask about a route through the lake's vegetated channels.

How do you get to the Lake Shkodër islands?

Access to the islands is exclusively by boat, typically departing from Virpazar or Vranjina.

There are no public ferries to these islands. You can hire a local boatman or join a guided excursion; kayaking is another option for Grmožur. Short lake tours often last two to four hours; routes including Starčevo and other monastery islands can take around five to six hours. Prices are generally charged per boat or per person. It is advisable to agree on the price and duration before departure.

When is the best time to visit?

May to September is a good period for boat trips; water lilies are generally at their fullest in late spring and early summer, depending on conditions.

Spring and autumn are good for migration, while autumn and winter are also excellent for watching the lake's waterbirds. During the peak of summer (July and August), it can become very hot on the open water, so early morning or late afternoon trips are recommended.

Season	Activity Highlight	Water Levels
Spring	Bird nesting/Migration	High
Summer	Lily pads/Swimming	Medium
Autumn	Mild weather	Low

Are there any facilities on the islands?

Do not count on visitor facilities at Grmožur. Starčevo has a monastery rather than tourist infrastructure; confirm facilities with your boat operator.

The islands are protected natural and historical sites. Visitors must bring their own water and snacks, and are required to take all rubbish back to the mainland to preserve the ecosystem.

Sources

Shkodër town guide →