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The fifteen nationwide parks in Albania are unbelievable locations for mountaineering, boating, fishing, wildlife watching, nature images, and extra. For a lot of who plan to spend a day, 2 hours, or weeks contained in the parks – this knowledge has all the stuff you want.
Moreover thrilling cities in Albania like Tirana, Dürres, and Saranda, there are furthermore many pure locations on this comparatively undiscovered nation contained in the western Balkans.
As is the case in most completely completely different nations worldwide, the nationwide parks in Albania demand and deserve the highlight.
Some of these Albania nationwide parks are acknowledged correctly earlier the nation’s borders, attracting adventurers from close to and much. Good examples are Llogara, Theth, and Butrint, the latter of which is normally a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, wealthy in historic earlier and cultural significance. There are, nonetheless, a dozen additional nationwide parks to uncover in Albania.
Albania is an outdoorsy journey spot the place mountaineering, biking, wildlife watching, panorama images, and mountaineering are terribly well-liked actions. Getting outdoor is probably considered one of many must-do factors to do in Albania. Its sheer pure magnificence—and selection—will undoubtedly shock you and make you rave about it to your family members and associates as soon as extra residence.
Though it’s a comparatively small nation, Albania is nestled on the shores of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Albania is crossed by quite a few utterly completely completely different mountain ranges, such on account of the Albanian Alps, the Pindus Mountains, and the Skanderbeg Mountains. Moreover, you’ll furthermore uncover extraordinary lakes, wild rivers, expansive wetlands, and forested valleys.
For a lot of who’re questioning what to do in Albania after exploring Tirana and the Albanian Riviera, a go to to 1 (or additional) of Albania’s nationwide parks is totally a terrific suggestion.
Beneath, you’ll uncover a whole overview of all 15 Albania nationwide parks. You’ll uncover that they’re decrease up up between the ten prime parks and 5 less-known selections. Research on and choose a pair to make your Albania journey a bit additional adventurous.
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10 Fairly Nationwide Parks In Albania
1. Shebenik-Jabblanicë Nationwide Park
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A ramification in elevation—from 300 to 2,200 meters above sea diploma—together with in vegetation varieties, paired with a extraordinarily distant location, makes Shebenik-Jabblanicë Nationwide Park a wonderful park for wildlife watching.
In japanese Albania’s distant mountains, close to the border with Macedonia, you’ll be able to nonetheless uncover many large mammals that wrestle elsewhere. These embody brown bears, Balkan lynx, grey wolves, and European otters. This park is a hiker’s paradise, that options pretty a few mountaineering trails of various difficulties. It’s significantly scenic inside the autumn when vibrant foliage dominates the slopes and fringes of glacial lakes.
How To Get To Shebenik-Jabblanicë Nationwide Park
Although it’s really distant and rugged, the park lies solely about 90 kilometers east of Tirana. Due to the sluggish mountain roads within the course of the best, the drive does take about 2.5 hours, although.
For important exploration, bigger locations to base your self are the small villages that embody the park. You’ll uncover quite a few 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 offers room service, free parking, and free WiFi.
2. Mount Dajti Nationwide Park
In central Albania lies considered one among Europe’s most accessible nationwide parks. Dajti Nationwide Park, usually furthermore often known as Dajti Mountain Nationwide Park, lies merely east of Tirana, Albania’s capital. In exact actuality, it’s so near town that you might probably get there by cable automotive, the Dajti Ekspress. This scenic journey takes about quarter-hour and covers 1 kilometer, the longest cable automotive journey contained in the Balkans.
Whereas the terminus of the cable automotive is a vacationer tough full of consuming areas, some (un)attention-grabbing actions, and even a few inns, the exact treasure lies earlier. After having fulfilling with the view of Tirana beneath, hit one among many trails that lead into the forest and hills.
How To Get To Dajti Nationwide Park
Mainly most likely probably the most pleasurable method to get to Dajti is clearly the cable automotive. From the well-known Clock Tower at Skanderbeg Sq., there’s a bus to Teleferiku, after which it’s one completely different 5-minute stroll uphill. You may also take a taxi to the Dajti Ekspres drop-off diploma.
Alternatively, should you’d fairly shield your toes firmly on the underside, you’ll be able to drive or cycle up Dajti Mountain, too.
Lodging Close to Dajti Nationwide Park Albania
- Resort Victoria Tirana is positioned on the primary street between the Tirana metropolis middle and the Dajti Ekspress. This well-rated lodge has a hottest restaurant that gives free WiFi and incorporates a 70-seat convention middle. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
- Resort Boutique Vila Verde is a well-liked lodge contained in the Tirana metropolis middle with views of Dajti Mountain, a bar with a terrace, free WiFi and parking, and well-equipped guestrooms. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
3. Divjakë-Karavasta Nationwide Park
A really highly effective lagoon in Albania and one among many largest contained in the Mediterranean, the Karavasta Lagoon in western Albania is a crucial wetland designated beneath the Ramsar Conference and the primary attribute of Divjakë-Karavasta Nationwide Park.
Its salt marshes, floodplains, estuaries, sand dunes, and coastal meadows host many wildlife. It’s an 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 Seashore merely south of Dürres. From Dürres, it’s a fairly simple drive on the SH85 and SH57 highways. It might very effectively be finest should you acquired there in spherical an hour.
Lodging Close to Divjakë-Karavasta Nationwide Park Albania
- Guesthouse Anila – a terribly rated lodge in Divjakë, this guesthouse affords each free parking and WiFi and a yard with a terrace. It’s a stone’s throw from the nationwide park and its mountaineering and kayaking choices. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
4. Fir Of Hotovë-Dangelli Nationwide Park
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The park is positioned in Gjirokastër County contained in the nation’s southeastern nook. Fir Of Hotovë-Dangelli Nationwide Park is a really highly effective nationwide park in Albania. The park takes its title from the hotova fir, a typical tree species defending most of its flooring space. It’s among the many underrated pure locations contained in the nation, providing one issue to do for everybody in each season.
Though the fir dominates these forests, you’ll furthermore uncover completely completely different bushes like maples, oaks, and black juniper correct proper right here. Whereas comparatively accessible, it nonetheless encompasses some terribly wild landscapes inhabited by wildlife very like 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 metropolis is Përmet, which lies alongside the SH75 freeway, which connects to completely completely different highways. The closest major 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 – positioned contained in the metropolis of Përmet, this 3-star lodge incorporates a bar, free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms with a non-public rest room, and mountain views. It’s possible you’ll begin your day with a continental breakfast. Try the lodge & costs correct proper 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 contained in the Albania nationwide parks system. A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, it’s residence to among the many essential archaeological internet sites in Albania—contained in the Balkans even, for that matter.
The scenario incorporates ruins, constructions, and artifacts from the Iron Age to the Coronary heart Ages. Varied buildings survive correct proper right here, albeit normally in ruins, together with a Roman amphitheater, an historic baptistery, an enormous basilica, town partitions, and two separate castles. Moreover, the conventional metropolis of Butrint lies in an setting 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 methodology of channels, rivers, lagoons, and lakes makes this a vital space for birds. In exact actuality, the wetland is an internationally protected space beneath the Ramsar Conference, an exact paradise for birds and birders alike.
One completely different a part of Butrint Nationwide Park is the rocky Ksamil Islands, which is likely to be solely reachable by boat. You almost certainly have a ship at your disposal, a go to there is also terribly advisable. You can even spot dolphins!
How To Get To Butrint Nationwide Park
Butrint Nationwide Park is certainly accessible from the coastal metropolis of Saranda. It’s a 30-minute drive if in case you’ve got received your specific individual automotive. Alternatively, it is usually doable to get a taxi from Saranda to Butrint. For a lot of who do this, you’re urged to rearrange your return journey with the same driver, as discovering a taxi on the park might very effectively be a problem.
You may also hop on the bus. There’s a direct bus route between town and Butrint. A bus journey takes about 45 minutes.
For a lot of 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 vital to know that you just simply merely’ll cross right into a particular time zone. Albania is GMT+1, whereas Greece is GMT+2.
Lodging Close to Butrint Nationwide Park Albania
- Resort Livia is housed in a shocking Albanian-style home. That is the closest lodge to the primary archaeological net web page in Butrint. It has a restaurant, free WiFi entry, air-conditioned rooms, and a lush yard with panoramic views. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
- Villa Supreme – positioned merely steps from the seashore in Ksamil, Villa Supreme is a wonderful base to search out Butrint Nationwide Park and its Ksamil Islands. Taxi boats wait merely down the street to take you to the islands and their seafood consuming areas, whereas rooms embrace a flat-screen TV, a fridge, air-conditioning, and complimentary WiFi. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
6. Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park
The one marine nationwide park in Albania, Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, protects an space of nearly 2 kilometers into the ocean. You’ll uncover this beautiful shoreline park close to Vlore contained in the southwest of the nation. It encompasses each the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, which is Albania’s largest island.
This distinctive park’s vital selections are underwater ruins of quite a lot of ships relationship from Greek and Roman occasions and World Battle II. There’s furthermore ample marine life correct proper right here, together with corrals, three sea turtle species, and dolphins. Snorkeling and scuba diving are clearly well-liked factors to do correct proper right here. On the peninsula, chances are you’ll come all by means of chamois, roe deer, otters, and wild boar.
How To Get To Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park
The middle of the Karaburun Peninsula lies solely 37.5 kilometers south of town of Vlore, merely reached by automotive by the SH8 and SH95 highways. The small metropolis of Orikum lies merely north of the park’s border, right on the coast.
Lodging Close to Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park Albania
- Resort Alba-Gert, with its beachfront location in Orikum, is a wonderful base for journeys into the unbelievable nationwide park. The lodge boasts a restaurant, a shared lounge space, a yard with a terrace, and free WiFi. Personal boat excursions to the Karaburun Peninsula might very effectively be organized. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
7. Llogara Nationwide Park
A park boasting a formidable number of setting, from the sun-soaked Ionian Seashore to the peaks of the Ceraunian Mountains, Llogara Nationwide Park is an unimaginable mountaineering journey spot in Albania. Whereas exploring the park’s trails, you’ll see vertical cliffs, pristine forests, and pleasant alpine meadows which is likely to be part of the park’s large hectares. It’s a genuinely sensational getaway from the busy Albanian Riviera beneath.
Named after the Llogara Go, which splits the mountains correct proper right into a western and japanese differ, the park affords gorgeous coastal views. From the switch itself, you’ll be able to look down onto the white seashores of the Ionian coast and the city of Dhermi. The switch has a car parking zone and some consuming areas,
One completely different thrilling attribute of Llogara Nationwide Park is Caesar’s Go, a mountain switch utilized by Julius Caesar himself to pursue his enemy Pompeii.
How To Get To Llogara Nationwide Park
Positioned between the vital factor coastal cities of Vlora and Sarandë, Llogara Nationwide Park is reached by the SH8 coastal freeway. Llogara Go lies on this street, making it fantastically accessible from Dhermi, a seashore metropolis barely beneath the mountains.
The advisable method to uncover this house and drive considered one among Albania’s most scenic roads is self-drive. Lease a automotive in a giant metropolis and uncover the park at your specific individual tempo.
Lodging Close to Llogara Nationwide Park Albania
- Llogara Vacationer Village – positioned inside Llogara Nationwide Park, is sweet for exploring this glorious pure setting. It is good to make use of the free WiFi contained in the foyer, swim contained in the indoor pool, loosen up in saunas or Turkish baths, and chill on the on-site restaurant and bar. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
- Resort Hamiti Llogara is an reasonably priced Llogara lodge contained in the nationwide park with balconies, personal bogs, a bar, and an in-house restaurant. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
8. Lurë Nationwide Park
Comprising {{the japanese}} slope of Lura Mountain contained in the Albanian northeast, the extended and slender Lurë Nationwide Park boasts a wide array in elevation. This ends in quite a few utterly completely completely different ecosystems and wealthy biodiversity.
Its premier landscapes are twelve glacial lakes and dense forests, the latter consisting of European beech, silver fir, and fairly just a few pines. All lakes are named after their most attribute attribute. Good examples are the Massive Lake, Lake of Pines, Black Lake, and Lake of Flowers, which is likely to be coated with primarily most likely probably the most fairly of flowers -the white water lilies in summer season season.
How To Get To Lurë Nationwide Park
Its location contained in the distant northeast of Albania makes this among the many robust nationwide parks in Albania to get to. It’s away from any major metropolis, requiring quite a few hours of driving, usually on small roads.
The closest large metropolis is Shkoder, a 4.5-hour drive away. Getting there from Tirana metropolis entails a equally extended drive. The closest village with inns and completely completely different suppliers is Fushë Lurë, merely north of the park.
Lodging Close to Lurë Nationwide Park Albania
- LURA Resort – a wonderful base to search out Lurë Nationwide Park; this lodge incorporates a shared lounge, bar, and restaurant, whereas all rooms have a balcony, some with mountain views. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
9. Theth Nationwide Park
One in all many essential well-known and nice nationwide parks in Albania, Theth Nationwide Park, lies contained in the coronary coronary coronary heart of the Albanian Alps, a veritable exterior lover’s paradise. It lies in northern Albania, encompassing loads of the unbelievable Shala Valley, and likewise selections waterfalls, dense woodlands, jagged mountain peaks, rivers, and attention-grabbing rock formations. The park borders Valbona Valley Nationwide Park (see beneath) to the east.
Just some villages dot the luxurious Shala Valley, offering totally fantastic bases to search out this pure wonderland. Actions are completely completely different and thrilling, starting from mountain biking and mountaineering to mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
Theth Nationwide Park is taken under consideration one among Albania’s premier locations to see iconic animals contained in the wild. Cease by the park, which is residence to golden eagles, wild goats, and a really highly effective lynx inhabitants in Albania, for an unforgettable expertise. Moreover, large mammals like brown bears and grey wolves furthermore inhabit these mountains and forests, though they’re not usually seen.
How To Get To Theth Nationwide Park
There is just one vital street into Theth Nationwide Park, the SH21, a aspect street of the SH1 from Shkoder. So, that primarily means you’ll ought to 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 need to know that the final word part of the SH21 from Qafe e Terthores to Theth is exceptionally winding and bumpy and runs alongside a deep ravine. Guarantee you will have an reliable rental automotive for this journey, and shield your eyes on the street.
Exact adventurers might hike into Theth Nationwide Park from Valbona Valley Nationwide Park. The opening 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 probably most likely probably the most epic Albania mountaineering trails you’ll uncover.
Lodging Close to Theth Nationwide Park Albania
- Velezrit Guri – one among many many inns close to Theth Nationwide Park, Velezrit Guri has quite a lot of providers to make your go to cosy, together with a sauna, an on-site American restaurant, a small bar, and even ski storage suppliers.
- Guesthouse Bujtina Kometa, a elementary nonetheless reasonably priced choice, is positioned 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. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
10. Valbonë Valley Nationwide Park – Valbona Valley Nationwide Park
Located contained in 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 completely different sensational journey spot for Albanian Alps mountaineering journeys.
With its dramatic, barren summits and forested vales, glacial springs, and waterfalls, it’s a heavenly and express 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 internet sites all by means of Europe. Along with floral differ, Valbonë Valley could also be residence to loads of wildlife and affords ample particulars regarding the native ecosystem. This incorporates brown bears, lynx, chamois, gray wolves, wild goats, and fairly just a few rooster species.
Climbing is probably considered one of many hottest factors to do correct proper right here. Fully completely different actions on current embody nature images, mountain biking, fishing, boating, and mountaineering. For households who love the pores and skin, it’s the suitable place to ship kids for the afternoon.
How To Get To Valbonë Valley Nationwide Park
The village of Valbonë is the touristic point of interest on this gorgeous park. On account of it lies deep contained in the Accursed Mountains, nonetheless, getting correct proper right here takes some effort. Your first choice is to drive your self, which can probably be an extended and winding journey on quite a few SH roads. The underside line is to not rush it. Take your time and remember that getting there is also half the pleasurable, considerably amid such gorgeous setting.
Probability quantity two is touring by mini-bus, arguably Albania’s hottest technique of transportation. Outlining an itinerary or schedule on-line is almost unattainable, although, as there may be not a official system for this. Your finest wager is the ask-around.
Lastly, as talked about above, it is usually doable 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 contained in the coronary coronary coronary heart of the nationwide park that options free WiFi, a shared lounge, a yard and terrace, and a non-public rest room. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
- Guesthouse Kukaj – providing entry to various exterior adventures, this guesthouse is well-liked for its free WiFi and parking and full English/Irish breakfast contained in the morning. Rooms have shared bogs. Try the lodge & costs correct proper right here ↳
5 Fully completely different Nationwide Parks In Albania: So much less-Acknowledged Alternate selections To Uncover
11. Fir Of Drenovë Nationwide Park
Thought of considered one of many smallest nationwide parks in Albania, Fir Of Drenovë Nationwide Park, consists of forests. Silver firs dominate these woodlands, on account of this truth the park’s title. Fully completely different selections embody the Lenies Lakes, pretty a few pure springs, and rock formations, such on account of 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 enormous array of water selections. Its wetlands, reed beds, meadows, salt marshes, and lakes make it an enormous space for birds. It’s included in worldwide preservation functions an identical to the European Inexperienced Belt, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and Ramsar Convection.
13. Shtamë Go Nationwide Park
Named after a stunning mountain switch, the street between Kruja and Burrel, Shtamë Go Nationwide Park is primarily an undeveloped mountain panorama. Though there are some historic selections, 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 diploma, Mount Tomorr has a deep historic earlier and is the centerpiece and namesake of Tomorr Nationwide Park. It’s residence to each an house Bektashi temple and winter sports activities actions actions suppliers. It lies solely 25 kilometers east of town of Berat, one among many vital 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. Nonetheless, it nonetheless properties alpine meadows, mountains, pristine forests, ravines, and lakes. Wildlife like lynx, wild boar, and wolves abound correct proper right here.
Most attention-grabbing Time To Go to Albania’s Nationwide Parks
For nationwide park adventures in Albania, summer season season is normally among the many best time. Whereas it could possibly be fairly scorching by the day, that is undoubtedly the time of 12 months with primarily most likely probably the most sunshine and least precipitation. Visiting a nationwide park in summer season season, considerably should you’d need to hit among the many many nice Albania mountaineering trails or be energetic in a single completely different technique, is finest accomplished contained in the morning or late afternoon for 2 causes.
One, you’ll beat the day-trippers that arrive within the course of noon, which can very effectively be a busy time in some parks. Two, it’s solely reasonably so much cooler then and way more good bodily (and doubtless mentally as correctly).
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 as soon as extra, brings with it nice foliage contained in the forest-covered valleys.
Phew, we did it; there are such a lot of unimaginable nationwide parks in Albania – which was your favourite? Inform us contained in the strategies beneath.
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AdventureSeeker88
Albania’s national parks appear to offer a stunning array of landscapes and activities. The inclusion of practical travel tips is particularly valuable for those unfamiliar with the region or looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.