Wandering in Albania

One of the most notable protected places in the Balkans is Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the most important archeological finds in Albania and the whole Balkan region.

With enduring structures like the Roman theater, the old baptistery, a majestic basilica, imposing city walls, and two castles.

The park includes the enigmatic Butrint Lake.

The Vivari Canal, which links the lake to the expansive Ionian Sea

Numerous bird species find refuge here.

Divjake-Karavasta National Park, situated on the western coast of Albania, is a fascinating natural gem, particularly for birdwatchers.

The park spans the enormous Karavasta Lagoon, the biggest in Albania and the largest in the Mediterranean.

It is a crucial wetland of global importance and a haven for bird species such as pelicans and egrets.

Dajti Mountain National Park is located east of Tirana, the vibrant capital. The mountains that surround the city have acquired the moniker “Balcony of Tirana” because of their expansive vistas and stunning scenery like the canyon and sheer cliffs surrounding Lake Bovilla.

The Dajiti Express, a 15-minute cable car, will take you right to the summit for awesome views all around.

From the Skorana Gorge to the isolated towns located along the dirt roads farther north, there are several trails, streams, and caverns to explore.

Nonetheless, one of Albania’s biggest national parks is the Fir of Hotove-Dangelli National Park. The Hotova Fir, an imposing and ancient conifer, adds beauty to the landscape and gave the park its name. Many other trees can be found here, such as beautiful maples, oaks, and the elusive black juniper.

Numerous wildlife species, including wild boars, badgers, red foxes, and gray wolves, live in the woodlands.

The settlement of Petran provides easy access to hot baths in the Langarica Canyon, a popular spot for bathing and rafting.

The Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park is located on the picturesque coast of Albania. It is dedicated to preserving one of the most captivating and ecologically diverse regions between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. This is Albania’s sole marine national park encompassing both the rugged Karaburun Peninsula and the country’s largest island, Sazan Island.

Three species of sea turtle make their homes here, including the loggerhead turtle. Playful dolphins can be see among the waves.

Land animals include chamois and roe deer and occasionally some wild boar.

Shebenik-Jablanice National Park is located in the center of the Eastern Albanian highlands, close to the North Macedonian border. It rises to summits from the valley north of Lake Ohrid.

Magnificent animals can be seen in the park, such as the playful European otter, gray wolves, the elusive Balkan lynx, and brown bears.

Consider lodging in one of the quaint villages surrounding the park. The SH3 road runs parallel to the winding Shkumbin River.

One of Albania’s most well-known and stunning national parks, Theth National Park includes verdant valleys, rugged mountain summits, thick forests, and intriguing rock formations.

The Valley of Theth included highlights like

The Grunas Waterfall

The Blue Eye of Theth

It is also home to wild animals and has the largest population of lynx in the nation. There are also wild goats on the cliffs and golden eagles soaring overhead. In the forests and mountains you can find gray wolves and brown bears.

Valbona Valley National Park is located in the far north of Albania. Both nature lovers and adventurers are drawn to this intriguing location in the Albanian Alps. The charming valley is enhanced by waterfalls and glacial springs and crossed by the Valbona River.

The river is an essential part of the Primeval Beech Forests, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The park serves as a home for many different animal species within the varied ecosystems of the Accursed Mountains. You can find such animals as brown bears, lynxes, chamois, gray wolves, wild goats, and a variety of bird species.