Divjakë-Karavasta National Park

Divjakë-Karavasta Overview

Divjakë-Karavasta National Park is located in western Albania, along the Adriatic coast, in the Fier County. Established as a protected area in 2007, the park spans an area of approximately 80 square miles (209 square kilometers). It is known for its rich biodiversity, wetlands, and proximity to the Karavasta Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Albania and one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean.

The landscape of Divjaka National Park is a mix of coastal ecosystems, wetlands, and forests. The park’s centerpiece is the Karavasta Lagoon, which covers a large portion of the area and is separated from the Adriatic Sea by a series of sand dunes. The park also features rivers, small lakes, and expansive salt marshes, creating an ideal habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal life. In addition to its wetlands, Divjaka has extensive pine forests, which provide a lush green backdrop to the lagoon and coastal areas.

The vegetation in Divjaka National Park is diverse, with wetlands supporting aquatic plants and reeds, while the forests are dominated by pine, oak, and poplar trees. The lagoon and marshlands are rich in salt-tolerant species, and the dunes are home to a variety of grasses and shrubs. The park’s unique mix of coastal and forested habitats creates a varied ecosystem that supports a wide range of species.

The wildlife in Divjaka National Park is particularly notable for its birdlife. The park is a key nesting site for the endangered Dalmatian pelican, one of the largest birds in Europe. Other bird species, including flamingos, herons, and cormorants, make the park a paradise for birdwatchers. The lagoon’s waters are also home to fish and amphibians, while the forests shelter species like foxes, wild boars, and rabbits, making Divjaka a vital biodiversity hotspot in Albania.

Park Map

Divjakë-Karavasta National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Popular Species

Divjaka National Park is home to a rich variety of species that thrive in its unique coastal, forest, and wetland ecosystems.

Golden jackals are common in the park’s wetlands and forests, scavenging and hunting for small mammals, birds, and insects, and often heard howling at night.

Wild boars roam the park’s forests and marshes, foraging for roots, tubers, and small animals, using their strong snouts to dig through the underbrush.

Red foxes are highly adaptable predators, frequently seen in the park’s open areas and forests, hunting small mammals, birds, and scavenging food.

Otters are playful, semi-aquatic mammals that thrive in the park’s rivers and lagoons, hunting fish and small aquatic animals with their sleek, agile bodies.

European hares are fast and agile herbivores often found grazing in the park’s open meadows and grasslands, using their speed to evade predators.

Pine martens are small, agile carnivores that live in the park’s forests, feeding on small mammals, birds, and fruits while navigating through the treetops.

Foxes are opportunistic hunters in the park, preying on small mammals, birds, and scavenging, making them common sightings in various habitats.

Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals that forage for insects, worms, and small invertebrates, often seen in the park’s forest floors and grasslands.

Roe deer are shy, graceful herbivores often found in the park’s wooded areas and meadows, grazing on leaves, shoots, and grasses.

Wildcats are solitary and elusive predators in the park, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles in the forested regions.

Bird Species

Divjaka National Park is a renowned birdwatching destination, offering a variety of species that thrive in its wetlands, lagoons, and coastal areas.

Dalmatian pelicans are the park’s most iconic bird species, known for their large size and endangered status, often seen gliding over the Karavasta Lagoon in search of fish.

Flamingos are elegant wading birds that gather in the park’s shallow lagoons, using their specialized bills to filter-feed on algae and small invertebrates.

Great white egrets are tall, graceful wading birds often seen in the park’s wetlands, using their long legs to wade through water while hunting for fish and amphibians.

Cormorants are expert divers that thrive in the park’s lagoons and rivers, diving into the water to catch fish and often seen drying their wings on the shoreline.

Pied avocets are striking black-and-white wading birds that forage in the park’s shallow waters, using their upturned bills to sweep through mud and catch invertebrates.

Grey herons are large wading birds commonly seen along the park’s lagoons and wetlands, using their long necks and beaks to hunt fish and amphibians.

Spoonbills are unique wading birds that use their spoon-shaped bills to sift through water in search of small fish and invertebrates, often seen in the park’s marshes.

Kingfishers are brightly colored birds found along the park’s rivers and lagoons, known for their swift dives to catch fish and their distinctive calls.

Black-winged stilts are tall wading birds with long, slender legs, often seen foraging in the park’s shallow waters for insects and small aquatic creatures.

Purple herons are majestic wading birds with reddish-purple plumage, commonly found in the park’s reed beds and wetlands, hunting fish, frogs, and insects.

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Engaging Divjakë-Karavasta

Birdwatching

Divjakë-Karavasta National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, especially known for its significant population of the endangered Dalmatian pelican. Visitors can explore the expansive wetlands, lagoons, and salt marshes, spotting a variety of migratory and resident birds.

With over 200 bird species recorded, including herons, flamingos, and ospreys, birdwatching tours offer an immersive experience in the park’s unique ecosystem. Early mornings are the best time to observe the birds in their natural habitats, providing excellent opportunities for photography and nature enthusiasts.

Boat Tours

Exploring the park’s vast wetlands and lagoons by boat provides a peaceful and scenic experience. Visitors can take guided boat tours through the Karavasta Lagoon, gliding through narrow channels bordered by reeds and aquatic plants.

These boat trips allow for close encounters with local wildlife, including birds, fish, and other aquatic species. The serene environment, combined with stunning views of the surrounding wetlands, creates an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.

Cycling

Divjakë-Karavasta National Park offers several cycling routes that wind through its scenic landscapes. Visitors can rent bicycles locally and enjoy rides along trails that pass through pine forests, wetlands, and agricultural fields.

Cycling provides a fun and eco-friendly way to cover more ground while taking in the natural beauty of the park. The gentle terrain makes cycling accessible for all levels, allowing visitors to stop at key viewpoints and enjoy picnics along the way.

Hiking

The park’s dense pine forests offer cool, shaded paths perfect for leisurely walking tours. Visitors can follow trails that lead through the forest and along the coastline, offering views of the lagoon and the Adriatic Sea.

These walking tours provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the park’s flora and fauna while experiencing its diverse ecosystems. Along the way, visitors may encounter various wildlife species, including foxes, deer, and turtles.

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Sources

Divjak-Karavasta National Park Guide Map, chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://akzm.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Harta-e-Guides-se-Parkut-Kombetar-Divjake-Karavasta_Eng.pdf, retrieved August 2024.
Info Albania, Divjak-Karabasta National Park, https://www.intoalbania.com/attraction/divjaka-karavasta-national-park/, retrieved August 2024.
Pine, Divjak-Karavasta National Park, https://pine.al/activity/parqet-kombetare/parku-kombetar-divjake-karavasta?lang=en, retrieved August 2024.
UNDP, Protecting Divjake-Karavast National Park, https://www.undp.org/albania/stories/protecting-divjake-karavasta-national-park-and-its-unique-ecosystem, retrieved August 2024.
Wikipedia, Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divjak%C3%AB-Karavasta_National_Park, retrieved August 2024.

Divjakë-Karavasta Overview

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