Shijak (definite Albanian form: Shijaku) is a town and a municipality in Durrës County, west-central Albania, with a total population of 28,000 (2011).
The small city of Shijak is 11 km from Durrës, and 31 km from Tirana. Settled in a fertile flat plain with surrounding rolling hills, Shijak could be an excellent choice to pass some time in the nature and enjoy the Erzen River which runs through Shijak, and the spring of Gjyshi, spring of Dushku, and Erzen Lake who are all in the nearby vicinity of the city.
Shijak its well known for its Bosnian community settlements and restaurants where you can enjoy a mix of the Albanian cuisine with the Bosnian and Mediterranean ones.
By plane
The closest airport to reach Shijak is the Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza located in the capital, Tirana. There is no bus directly from the airport to Shijak, but you can take a cab. The airport is nearly 24 km from the centre of Shijak.
By bus
Your first option is to travel by bus. If you are coming through Tirana, you have multiple private and public buses running between the two places. You can catch the bus to Shijak- at Regional Bus Terminal - North and South Albania (8QVG+MQV, Kashar) from 07:00 until 18:00.
By car
You can also rent a car to drive yourself (if your license is valid in Albania) or hire a taxi.
If you are driving for things to do in Shijak, you can take route SH2.
By boat
Shijak does not have a port, but the nearby town of Durrës does. Durrës Port is nearly 14 km from the center of Shijak.
Shijak is a small city, and the best way to get to see it is by walking.
By bike
The city is quite suitable for biking too.
Shijak is surrounded by beautiful surrounding rolling hills with trails lush with greenery alongside the Erzen River where you can walk or bike.
You can enjoy fresh food in the countryside or the restaurants nearby.
In the countryside and the city, you can buy fresh food from the nearby villages.
Due to its mix population and influence of different cultures , you can enjoy some really good food in Shijak.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division