last edited Aug 17, 2020
Geography and Environment of Albania
Country Physiography
Natural Zones
Albania is a "nature destination". Within just a few dozen kilometres, you can move from the coastline to lakes and mountain ranges inland. In beautiful settings, these offer great opportunities for outdoor sports enthusiasts of all kinds, from hiking to rafting and mountain biking.
The country has around ten national parks and various natural areas of tourist interest. Among those worth visiting:
- Albanian Alps: This mountain range in the north of the country offers stunning landscapes of canyons, valleys, lakes, and rivers. It’s also great for hiking.
- Lake Shkodër: Straddling Albania and Montenegro, where it’s called Lake Skadar National Park, this large lake is home to many bird species.
- Llogara National Park: This mountainous park overlooks the Albanian Riviera and is popular with hikers. From the Llogara Pass summit, you get a superb panoramic view of the surroundings.
- Lura National Park: This park in the northeast offers beautiful landscapes with several lakes and a rich wildlife (bears, wolves, lynx). Hiking is possible here.
- Dajti Mountain National Park: Very close to Tirana, it’s a favourite spot for locals. You can hike through beautiful mountain scenery.
- Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park: A mountainous, somewhat desert-like area in central Albania where bears, wolves, and lynx live. Hiking is possible here.
- Theth National Park: The smaller of the two parks in the Albanian Alps, with a beautiful waterfall as its main attraction.
- Tomorr National Park: A pretty mountain park near the city of Berat, great for hiking.
- Valbona Valley National Park: One of the two parks in the Albanian Alps, featuring beautiful landscapes.