Albania National Parks

The largest national park in Albania is Theth National Park, located in the northern part of the country. Theth National Park covers an area of approximately 26,465 hectares (about 264 square kilometers). It is known for its stunning alpine landscapes, rugged mountains, glacial valleys, and picturesque villages.

The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare plant species and wildlife such as brown bears, wolves, and chamois. Theth National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, trekking, camping, and nature photography.

Its pristine natural beauty and cultural heritage make it a significant conservation area and a highlight of Albania’s national park system.

The smallest national park in Albania is Divjaka-Karavasta National Park, located in the central-western part of the country. Divjaka-Karavasta National Park covers an area of approximately 22,230 hectares (about 222.3 square kilometers). It is known for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, lagoons, forests, and sand dunes.

The park is home to a variety of bird species, including the endangered Dalmatian pelican, as well as other wildlife such as wild boars, foxes, and deer. Divjaka-Karavasta National Park is recognized for its importance as a wetland habitat and is designated as a Ramsar site, highlighting its significance for international conservation efforts.

Despite its relatively small size compared to other national parks, it plays a crucial role in protecting biodiversity and providing habitat for various species in Albania.

2008, Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park is located in the northeastern part of Albania, encompassing the Shebenik mountain range and parts of the Jabllanica mountain range. It covers an area of approximately 33,927 hectares (about 339.27 square kilometers) and is characterized by its rugged terrain, dense forests, alpine meadows, and rich biodiversity.

The park is home to various wildlife species, including brown bears, wolves, lynxes, wild boars, and numerous bird species. Shebenik-Jabllanica National Park is known for its pristine natural beauty, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and eco-tourism.

It serves as an important area for conservation and environmental protection in Albania, preserving unique ecosystems and contributing to the country’s efforts in biodiversity conservation.

The most popular national park in Albania is Llogara National Park, located in the southwestern part of the country. This park is known for its stunning landscapes, combining coastal views of the Ionian Sea with the towering Llogara Pass.

The park offers hiking trails through dense pine forests and breathtaking mountain vistas, attracting both locals and international visitors. Llogara is also a gateway to the famous Albanian Riviera, making it one of the most visited parks in the country.

Albania has a significant portion of its land designated as national parks, with approximately 8% of the country’s land area protected through national parks and other conservation areas.

This amounts to around 3,300 square miles (8,550 square kilometers). Albania’s national parks serve as vital sanctuaries for wildlife and natural ecosystems, from the coastal areas to the mountainous interiors.

Apart from national parks, Albania has numerous other protected areas, including nature reserves, protected landscapes, and biosphere reserves. One such area is the Divjakë-Karavasta Lagoon, which is a significant wetland known for its rich biodiversity and as a haven for bird species like the Dalmatian pelican.

Albania also protects unique marine environments through coastal and marine conservation zones, ensuring the preservation of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Albania offers a wealth of natural attractions outside of its national parks. The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a remarkable spring with crystal-clear waters and a mesmerizing deep blue color, drawing visitors year-round.

The Albanian Riviera, with its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, is another key attraction, while the Butrint Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends nature with ancient history in a lush, lakeside setting.

Albania is home to several unique species, particularly within its mountainous regions. The Balkan lynx, critically endangered and only found in parts of Albania and neighboring countries, is one of the country’s most iconic and rare species.

Albania also hosts the Pindus chamois, a type of mountain goat-antelope found in the Balkans, and several endemic plant species that thrive in the country’s diverse ecosystems.

Albania’s main international airport is Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (IATA code: TIA), located just outside the capital city, Tirana. It serves as the primary gateway for international travelers coming to Albania.

The following international airlines fly into Albania:

• Aegean Airlines
• Alitalia
• Austrian Airlines
• British Airways
• Lufthansa
• Pegasus Airlines
• Ryanair
• Turkish Airlines
• Wizz Air

The national parks of Albania are managed by the National Agency of Protected Areas (AKZM), a government entity responsible for overseeing the protection and management of natural reserves and national parks. More information can be found on their website: http://akzm.gov.al.