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The fifteen nationwide parks in Albania are improbable locations for mountaineering, boating, fishing, wildlife watching, nature images, and extra. For those who plan to spend a day, 2 hours, or weeks within the parks – this information has all the things you want.
Moreover thrilling cities in Albania like Tirana, Dürres, and Saranda, there are additionally many pure locations on this comparatively undiscovered nation within the western Balkans.
As is the case in most different nations worldwide, the nationwide parks in Albania demand and deserve the highlight.
Some of these Albania nationwide parks are identified nicely past the nation’s borders, attracting adventurers from close to and much. Good examples are Llogara, Theth, and Butrint, the latter of which can be a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, wealthy in historical past and cultural significance. There are, nonetheless, a dozen extra nationwide parks to discover in Albania.
Albania is an outdoorsy vacation spot the place mountaineering, biking, wildlife watching, panorama images, and mountain climbing are extraordinarily well-liked actions. Getting outdoor is without doubt one of the must-do issues to do in Albania. Its sheer pure magnificence—and selection—will undoubtedly shock you and make you rave about it to your family and friends again residence.
Though it’s a comparatively small nation, Albania is nestled on the shores of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Albania is crossed by a number of totally different mountain ranges, such because the Albanian Alps, the Pindus Mountains, and the Skanderbeg Mountains. Moreover, you’ll additionally discover extraordinary lakes, wild rivers, expansive wetlands, and forested valleys.
For those who’re questioning what to do in Albania after exploring Tirana and the Albanian Riviera, a go to to 1 (or extra) of Albania’s nationwide parks is totally a good suggestion.
Beneath, you’ll discover a complete overview of all 15 Albania nationwide parks. You’ll discover that they’re cut up up between the ten prime parks and 5 less-known options. Learn on and choose a pair to make your Albania vacation a bit extra adventurous.
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10 Lovely Nationwide Parks In Albania
1. Shebenik-Jabblanicë Nationwide Park
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A range in elevation—from 300 to 2,200 meters above sea degree—in addition to in vegetation varieties, paired with a really distant location, makes Shebenik-Jabblanicë Nationwide Park an outstanding park for wildlife watching.
In japanese Albania’s distant mountains, close to the border with Macedonia, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover many giant mammals that wrestle elsewhere. These embody brown bears, Balkan lynx, grey wolves, and European otters. This park is a hiker’s paradise, that includes quite a few mountaineering trails of assorted difficulties. It’s significantly scenic within the fall when colourful foliage dominates the slopes and fringes of glacial lakes.
How To Get To Shebenik-Jabblanicë Nationwide Park
Although it’s actually distant and rugged, the park lies solely about 90 kilometers east of Tirana. Due to the sluggish mountain roads towards the top, the drive does take about 2.5 hours, although.
For critical exploration, higher locations to base your self are the small villages that encompass the park. You’ll discover a number of of them on the SH3 freeway, which parallels the Shkumbin River.
Lodging Close to Shebenik-Jabblanicë Nationwide Park Albania
- Resort & Espresso Bardhoshi – this 3-star lodge providing lodging close to the park gives room service, free parking, and free WiFi.
2. Mount Dajti Nationwide Park
In central Albania lies considered one of Europe’s most accessible nationwide parks. Dajti Nationwide Park, generally additionally referred to as Dajti Mountain Nationwide Park, lies simply east of Tirana, Albania’s capital. In actual fact, it’s so near the town that you could get there by cable automobile, the Dajti Ekspress. This scenic journey takes about quarter-hour and covers 1 kilometer, the longest cable automobile journey within the Balkans.
Whereas the terminus of the cable automobile is a vacationer complicated full of eating places, some (un)attention-grabbing actions, and even a few inns, the actual treasure lies past. After having fun with the view of Tirana under, hit one of many trails that lead into the forest and hills.
How To Get To Dajti Nationwide Park
Essentially the most enjoyable strategy to get to Dajti is clearly the cable automobile. From the well-known Clock Tower at Skanderbeg Sq., there’s a bus to Teleferiku, after which it’s one other 5-minute stroll uphill. You too can take a taxi to the Dajti Ekspres drop-off level.
Alternatively, should you’d moderately preserve your toes firmly on the bottom, you’ll be able to drive or cycle up Dajti Mountain, too.
Lodging Close to Dajti Nationwide Park Albania
- Resort Victoria Tirana is situated on the primary street between the Tirana metropolis middle and the Dajti Ekspress. This well-rated lodge has a preferred restaurant that gives free WiFi and incorporates a 70-seat convention middle. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
- Resort Boutique Vila Verde is a well-liked lodge within the Tirana metropolis middle with views of Dajti Mountain, a bar with a terrace, free WiFi and parking, and well-equipped guestrooms. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
3. Divjakë-Karavasta Nationwide Park
The most important lagoon in Albania and one of many largest within the Mediterranean, the Karavasta Lagoon in western Albania is an important wetland designated underneath the Ramsar Conference and the primary characteristic of Divjakë-Karavasta Nationwide Park.
Its salt marshes, floodplains, estuaries, sand dunes, and coastal meadows host many wildlife. It’s a vital refuge for waterbirds like pelicans and egrets, undoubtedly a sight to behold.
How To Get To Divjakë-Karavasta Nationwide Park
From Tirana, it’s a 100-kilometer or 1.5-hour drive to Divjakë-Karavasta Nationwide Park, which lies on the Adriatic Beach simply south of Dürres. From Dürres, it’s a fairly simple drive on the SH85 and SH57 highways. It could be greatest should you received there in round an hour.
Lodging Close to Divjakë-Karavasta Nationwide Park Albania
- Guesthouse Anila – a extremely rated lodge in Divjakë, this guesthouse affords each free parking and WiFi and a backyard with a terrace. It’s a stone’s throw from the nationwide park and its mountaineering and kayaking alternatives. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
4. Fir Of Hotovë-Dangelli Nationwide Park
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The park is situated in Gjirokastër County within the nation’s southeastern nook. Fir Of Hotovë-Dangelli Nationwide Park is the most important nationwide park in Albania. The park takes its title from the hotova fir, a typical tree species protecting most of its floor space. It’s some of the underrated pure locations within the nation, providing one thing to do for everybody in each season.
Though the fir dominates these forests, you’ll additionally discover different bushes like maples, oaks, and black juniper right here. Whereas comparatively accessible, it nonetheless encompasses some extremely wild landscapes inhabited by wildlife similar to wild boars, badgers, purple foxes, gray wolves, and even brown bears.
Widespread actions embody mountaineering, backpacking, and whitewater rafting in Langarica Canyon.
How To Get To Fir Of Hotovë-Dangelli Nationwide Park
The closest city is Përmet, which lies alongside the SH75 freeway, which connects to different highways. The closest main cities are on the coast—Vlore and Saranda—each a few 2.5-hour drive away.
Lodging Close to Fir Of Hotovë-Dangelli Nationwide Park Albania
- Resort Permeti – situated within the city of Përmet, this 3-star lodge incorporates a bar, free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms with a non-public lavatory, and mountain views. You can begin your day with a continental breakfast. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
5. Butrint Nationwide Park
Located lower than 20 kilometers south of Saranda in southern Albania, Butrint Nationwide Park is arguably the star of the present within the Albania nationwide parks system. A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, it’s residence to some of the vital archaeological websites in Albania—within the Balkans even, for that matter.
The location incorporates ruins, constructions, and artifacts from the Iron Age to the Center Ages. A number of buildings survive right here, albeit normally in ruins, together with a Roman amphitheater, an historic baptistery, a big basilica, the town partitions, and two separate castles. Moreover, the traditional metropolis of Butrint lies in an surroundings of woodlands, waterways, and lakes of monumental ecological significance.
Butrint Nationwide Park encompasses Lake Butrint and the Vivari Channel that connects the lake with the Ionian Sea. This technique of channels, rivers, lagoons, and lakes makes this an essential space for birds. In actual fact, the wetland is an internationally protected space underneath the Ramsar Conference, an actual paradise for birds and birders alike.
One other a part of Butrint Nationwide Park is the rocky Ksamil Islands, that are solely reachable by boat. You probably have a ship at your disposal, a visit there may be extremely advisable. You may even spot dolphins!
How To Get To Butrint Nationwide Park
Butrint Nationwide Park is definitely accessible from the coastal metropolis of Saranda. It’s a 30-minute drive if in case you have your individual automobile. Alternatively, it’s also possible to get a taxi from Saranda to Butrint. For those who try this, you’re suggested to rearrange your return journey with the identical driver, as discovering a taxi on the park could be a problem.
You too can hop on the bus. There’s a direct bus route between the town and Butrint. A bus journey takes about 45 minutes.
For those who occur to be vacationing in Corfu, Greece, you’ll be able to hop on the ferry to Saranda and get a bus or taxi to Butrint Nationwide Park. When touring between Greece and Albania, it’s essential to know that you just’ll cross into a distinct time zone. Albania is GMT+1, whereas Greece is GMT+2.
Lodging Close to Butrint Nationwide Park Albania
- Resort Livia is housed in a gorgeous Albanian-style home. That is the closest lodge to the primary archaeological web site in Butrint. It has a restaurant, free WiFi entry, air-conditioned rooms, and a lush backyard with panoramic views. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
- Villa Supreme – situated simply steps from the seashore in Ksamil, Villa Supreme is a superb base to discover Butrint Nationwide Park and its Ksamil Islands. Taxi boats wait simply down the street to take you to the islands and their seafood eating places, whereas rooms include a flat-screen TV, a fridge, air-conditioning, and complimentary WiFi. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
6. Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park
The one marine nationwide park in Albania, Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, protects an space of virtually 2 kilometers into the ocean. You’ll discover this lovely shoreline park close to Vlore within the southwest of the nation. It encompasses each the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, which is Albania’s largest island.
This distinctive park’s essential options are underwater ruins of a wide range of ships relationship from Greek and Roman occasions and World Battle II. There’s additionally ample marine life right here, together with corrals, three sea turtle species, and dolphins. Snorkeling and scuba diving are clearly well-liked issues to do right here. On the peninsula, chances are you’ll come throughout chamois, roe deer, otters, and wild boar.
How To Get To Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park
The guts of the Karaburun Peninsula lies solely 37.5 kilometers south of the town of Vlore, simply reached by automobile through the SH8 and SH95 highways. The small city of Orikum lies simply north of the park’s border, proper on the coast.
Lodging Close to Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park Albania
- Resort Alba-Gert, with its beachfront location in Orikum, is a superb base for journeys into the improbable nationwide park. The lodge boasts a restaurant, a shared lounge space, a backyard with a terrace, and free WiFi. Personal boat excursions to the Karaburun Peninsula could be organized. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
7. Llogara Nationwide Park
A park boasting an impressive number of surroundings, from the sun-soaked Ionian Beach to the peaks of the Ceraunian Mountains, Llogara Nationwide Park is an unimaginable mountaineering vacation spot in Albania. Whereas exploring the park’s trails, you’ll see vertical cliffs, pristine forests, and beautiful alpine meadows that are part of the park’s vast hectares. It’s a genuinely sensational getaway from the busy Albanian Riviera under.
Named after the Llogara Go, which splits the mountains right into a western and japanese vary, the park affords beautiful coastal views. From the move itself, you’ll be able to look down onto the white seashores of the Ionian coast and the city of Dhermi. The move has a car parking zone and some eating places,
One other thrilling characteristic of Llogara Nationwide Park is Caesar’s Go, a mountain move utilized by Julius Caesar himself to pursue his enemy Pompeii.
How To Get To Llogara Nationwide Park
Positioned between the key coastal cities of Vlora and Sarandë, Llogara Nationwide Park is reached through the SH8 coastal freeway. Llogara Go lies on this street, making it beautifully accessible from Dhermi, a seashore city slightly below the mountains.
The advisable strategy to discover this area and drive considered one of Albania’s most scenic roads is self-drive. Hire a automobile in a significant city and uncover the park at your individual tempo.
Lodging Close to Llogara Nationwide Park Albania
- Llogara Vacationer Village – located inside Llogara Nationwide Park, is good for exploring this wonderful pure surroundings. You need to use the free WiFi within the foyer, swim within the indoor pool, loosen up in saunas or Turkish baths, and chill on the on-site restaurant and bar. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
- Resort Hamiti Llogara is an reasonably priced Llogara lodge within the nationwide park with balconies, non-public bogs, a bar, and an in-house restaurant. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
8. Lurë Nationwide Park
Comprising the japanese slope of Lura Mountain within the Albanian northeast, the lengthy and slender Lurë Nationwide Park boasts a big selection in elevation. This ends in a number of totally different ecosystems and wealthy biodiversity.
Its premier landscapes are twelve glacial lakes and dense forests, the latter consisting of European beech, silver fir, and numerous pines. All lakes are named after their most attribute characteristic. Good examples are the Massive Lake, Lake of Pines, Black Lake, and Lake of Flowers, that are coated with essentially the most lovely of flowers -the white water lilies in summer season.
How To Get To Lurë Nationwide Park
Its location within the distant northeast of Albania makes this some of the difficult nationwide parks in Albania to get to. It’s removed from any main metropolis, requiring a number of hours of driving, usually on small roads.
The closest giant metropolis is Shkoder, a 4.5-hour drive away. Getting there from Tirana metropolis entails a equally lengthy drive. The closest village with inns and different services is Fushë Lurë, simply north of the park.
Lodging Close to Lurë Nationwide Park Albania
- LURA Resort – a superb base to discover Lurë Nationwide Park; this lodge incorporates a shared lounge, bar, and restaurant, whereas all rooms have a balcony, some with mountain views. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
9. Theth Nationwide Park
One of the vital well-known and delightful nationwide parks in Albania, Theth Nationwide Park, lies within the coronary heart of the Albanian Alps, a veritable outside lover’s paradise. It lies in northern Albania, encompassing a lot of the fantastic Shala Valley, and likewise options waterfalls, dense woodlands, jagged mountain peaks, rivers, and engaging rock formations. The park borders Valbona Valley Nationwide Park (see under) to the east.
A few villages dot the luxurious Shala Valley, offering completely excellent bases to discover this pure wonderland. Actions are different and thrilling, starting from mountain biking and mountain climbing to mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
Theth Nationwide Park is considered one of Albania’s premier locations to see iconic animals within the wild. Cease by the park, which is residence to golden eagles, wild goats, and the most important lynx inhabitants in Albania, for an unforgettable expertise. Moreover, giant mammals like brown bears and grey wolves additionally inhabit these mountains and forests, though they’re not often seen.
How To Get To Theth Nationwide Park
There is just one essential street into Theth Nationwide Park, the SH21, a aspect street of the SH1 from Shkoder. So, that mainly means you’ll must get to Shkoder first. Utilizing public transportation, you’ll be able to take a bus to Shkoder from Tirana after which a mini-bus into the park from there.
It’s attainable to drive your self, too, however you must know that the final part of the SH21 from Qafe e Terthores to Theth is exceptionally winding and bumpy and runs alongside a deep ravine. Guarantee you’ve an honest rental automobile for this journey, and preserve your eyes on the street.
Actual adventurers may hike into Theth Nationwide Park from Valbona Valley Nationwide Park. The gap from Valbona to Theth is barely 13 kilometers. The rugged terrain, nonetheless, makes it a hike of 6 to eight hours. This hike between two nationwide parks is without doubt one of the most epic Albania mountaineering trails you’ll discover.
Lodging Close to Theth Nationwide Park Albania
- Velezrit Guri – one of many many inns close to Theth Nationwide Park, Velezrit Guri has loads of facilities to make your go to snug, together with a sauna, an on-site American restaurant, a small bar, and even ski storage services.
- Guesthouse Bujtina Kometa, a fundamental but reasonably priced choice, is located just some hectares away from the central a part of the park. place to remain close to Theth Nationwide Park, serving a continental breakfast and providing free WiFi and parking. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
10. Valbonë Valley Nationwide Park – Valbona Valley Nationwide Park
Located within the far north of Albania, bordering Montenegro to the north and Theth Nationwide Park to the west, Valbonë (or Valbona) Valley Nationwide Park is one other sensational vacation spot for Albanian Alps mountaineering journeys.
With its dramatic, barren summits and forested vales, glacial springs, and waterfalls, it’s a heavenly and particular place for each people and animals. The park’s Gashi River is a part of the multi-unit UNESCO Primeval Beech Forests World Heritage Web site, which encompasses websites throughout Europe. Along with floral range, Valbonë Valley can be residence to a lot of wildlife and affords ample details about the native ecosystem. This contains brown bears, lynx, chamois, gray wolves, wild goats, and numerous chicken species.
Climbing is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do right here. Different actions on provide embody nature images, mountain biking, fishing, boating, and mountaineering. For households who love the outside, it’s the proper place to deliver children for the afternoon.
How To Get To Valbonë Valley Nationwide Park
The village of Valbonë is the touristic point of interest on this beautiful park. As a result of it lies deep within the Accursed Mountains, nonetheless, getting right here takes some effort. Your first choice is to drive your self, which will probably be an extended and winding journey on a number of SH roads. The bottom line is to not rush it. Take your time and do not forget that getting there may be half the enjoyable, particularly amid such beautiful surroundings.
Possibility quantity two is touring by mini-bus, arguably Albania’s hottest technique of transportation. Outlining an itinerary or schedule on-line is just about unattainable, although, as there isn’t a official system for this. Your greatest wager is the ask-around.
Lastly, as talked about above, it’s also possible to hike between Theth and Valbonë Valley Nationwide Parks. That extraordinary 13-kilometer mountain trek takes between 6 and eight hours.
Lodging Close to Valbona Valley Nationwide Park Albania
- Resort Margjeka is a 3-star lodge within the coronary heart of the nationwide park that includes free WiFi, a shared lounge, a backyard and terrace, and a non-public lavatory. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
- Guesthouse Kukaj – providing entry to a great deal of outside adventures, this guesthouse is well-liked for its free WiFi and parking and full English/Irish breakfast within the morning. Rooms have shared bogs. Take a look at the lodge & costs right here ↳
5 Different Nationwide Parks In Albania: Much less-Identified Alternate options To Discover
11. Fir Of Drenovë Nationwide Park
One of many smallest nationwide parks in Albania, Fir Of Drenovë Nationwide Park, consists of forests. Silver firs dominate these woodlands, therefore the park’s title. Different options embody the Lenies Lakes, quite a few pure springs, and rock formations, such because the Cave of Tren and the Stone of Capi.
12. Prespa Nationwide Park
Positioned on the border with Greece and Macedonia, Prespa Nationwide Park incorporates an unlimited array of water options. Its wetlands, reed beds, meadows, salt marshes, and lakes make it a big space for birds. It’s included in worldwide preservation applications just like the European Inexperienced Belt, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and Ramsar Convection.
13. Shtamë Go Nationwide Park
Named after a stunning mountain move, the street between Kruja and Burrel, Shtamë Go Nationwide Park is primarily an undeveloped mountain panorama. Though there are some historic options, the primary sights on this park are mountaineering and scenic driving.
14. Tomorr Nationwide Park
A major mountain in southern Albania, towering 2,416 meters above sea degree, Mount Tomorr has a deep historical past and is the centerpiece and namesake of Tomorr Nationwide Park. It’s residence to each an area Bektashi temple and winter sports activities services. It lies solely 25 kilometers east of the town of Berat, one of many essential Albania vacationer sights.
15. Zall-Gjoçaj Nationwide Park
Sharing a border with Lurë Nationwide Park, Zall-Gjoçaj Nationwide Park is a tiny nationwide park of fewer than 2 km2. But, it nonetheless homes alpine meadows, mountains, pristine forests, ravines, and lakes. Wildlife like lynx, wild boar, and wolves abound right here.
Finest Time To Go to Albania’s Nationwide Parks
For nationwide park adventures in Albania, summer season is normally one of the best time. Whereas it may be fairly sizzling through the day, that is undoubtedly the time of 12 months with essentially the most sunshine and least precipitation. Visiting a nationwide park in summer season, particularly should you’d wish to hit among the wonderful Albania mountaineering trails or be energetic in one other approach, is greatest finished within the morning or late afternoon for 2 causes.
One, you’ll beat the day-trippers that arrive towards noon, which could be a hectic time in some parks. Two, it’s only a lot cooler then and way more nice bodily (and possibly mentally as nicely).
Nonetheless, some mountain parks like Theth and Valbonë Valley are at their prime in each spring and fall. Spring comes with snowmelt and roaring waterfalls, wild rivers, and wildflowers. Fall, then again, brings with it wonderful foliage within the forest-covered valleys.
Phew, we did it; there are such a lot of unimaginable nationwide parks in Albania – which was your favourite? Tell us within the feedback under.
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