Skadar Lake is the largest lake in Montenegro and the Balkan Peninsula. The rich flora and fauna and untouched nature are what this lake is recognized and protected by the state. This is the largest cryptodepression in Europe, which means that parts of its bottom are below the sea level. The lake has been declared a national park in 1983, and since 1995 it is located on the Ramsar list - the world's wetland list of international importance as a bird habitat. It is home to 264 bird species and 48 species of fish, of which 15 are endemic. There are over 80 sacral objects on the lake, where the oldest date dates back to the 14th century, and are settled and permanently open to visitors. Only the lake has more beaches where tourists can swim and rest in the hinterland of thick chestnut forests.