Albania’s protected natural areas

Divjakë-karavasta National Park in western Albania has a wildly diverse landscape of wetlands, coastal marshes and pine forests. It’s best known for being home to Karavasta Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Albania and a vital breeding ground for around

2% of the global population of Dalmatian pelicans. There are some 263 bird species within the park in total, with other wildlife including sea turtles, the golden jackal and common otter.

Karaburun-sazan National Marine Park encompasses a landscape of cliffs, caves and small beaches, and includes both the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island in southern Albania. The marine park is home to flora and fauna such as loggerhead sea turtles, Mediterranean monk seals and seagrass meadows. More than 40 avian species have also been recorded here.

Thethi National Park is a 26.5 sq km site located within the Albanian Alps, near the border with Montenegro. Its diverse landscapes consist of steep mountains and beech forests, providing a habitat to brown bears, wolves and the elusive lynx. At its heart is the Shalë River, which flows into the waters of Komani Lake. It’s a glorious place for hiking.

Vjosa Wild River National Park was declared the first wild river park in Europe in 2023. The 272km free-flowing river is home to more than 1,000 species of animals and plants – some of which are critically threatened, such as the Balkan lynx. It flows from the Pindus Mountains in Greece to Albania’s Adriatic coast and is a popular spot for hiking and rafting.