Albania may be a small country, but it offers an astonishing range of natural wonders packed into its diverse landscape. From alpine peaks and lush valleys to pristine lakes and ancient coastal lagoons, Albania’s 12 national parks represent the best of what nature has to offer in the Balkans. Each park is a unique sanctuary of biodiversity and beauty, waiting to be explored.
Here’s a full guide to Albania’s national parks — their locations, key features, and why they should be on your travel list.
1. Valbonë Valley National Park
📍 Location: Northern Albania, Tropoja District
🌿 Highlights: Dramatic alpine peaks, wild rivers, traditional villages
Known as the “Albanian Alps,” Valbonë Valley offers jaw-dropping landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and spectacular hiking routes, especially the iconic trail between Valbonë and Theth. It’s a haven for nature lovers, trekkers, and mountain culture enthusiasts.
✅ Why Visit: For alpine hiking, wild mountain scenery, and rural hospitality.
2. Theth National Park
📍 Location: Shkodër County, Northern Albania
🌿 Highlights: Grunas Waterfall, Blue Eye spring, historic lock-in tower
Theth is one of the most picturesque mountain parks in Albania. Remote and traditional, it features ancient customs, stone towers, and rugged trails surrounded by towering peaks.
✅ Why Visit: For remote village life, dramatic waterfalls, and challenging hikes.
3. Llogara National Park
📍 Location: Southwestern Albania, near the Llogara Pass
🌿 Highlights: Panoramic views, dense pine forests, paragliding
Perched above the Albanian Riviera, Llogara combines mountain coolness with views of the Ionian Sea. It’s a favorite for road trippers along the SH8 coastal highway and paragliders launching from the pass.
✅ Why Visit: For dramatic coast-meets-mountain scenery and adventure sports.
4. Butrint National Park
📍 Location: Southern Albania, near Saranda
🌿 Highlights: Ancient city ruins, Vivari Channel, birdlife
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint seamlessly blends history and nature. Explore well-preserved ruins from Greek, Roman, and Ottoman eras surrounded by wetlands rich in flora and fauna.
✅ Why Visit: For ancient ruins in a peaceful, nature-rich setting.
5. Divjakë-Karavasta National Park
📍 Location: Fier County, Western Albania
🌿 Highlights: Karavasta Lagoon, pelican colonies, wetlands
Home to the Dalmatian pelican, this coastal park protects Albania’s largest lagoon and diverse wetland ecosystems. It’s ideal for eco-tourism, cycling, and birdwatching.
✅ Why Visit: For birdwatching, peaceful nature trails, and coastal biodiversity.
6. Prespa National Park
📍 Location: Southeastern Albania, bordering North Macedonia and Greece
🌿 Highlights: Lake Prespa, island churches, rare birds
Part of a transboundary conservation area, Prespa features high-altitude lakes, endemic species, and ancient churches on lake islets. It’s a peaceful and culturally rich destination.
✅ Why Visit: For tranquil lakeside experiences and cross-border nature exploration.
7. Dajti Mountain National Park
📍 Location: Just east of Tirana
🌿 Highlights: Cable car to the summit, forests, panoramic city views
Easily accessible from the capital via the Dajti Ekspres cable car, this park offers an escape into nature with scenic trails, picnic areas, and views over Tirana.
✅ Why Visit: For a quick nature break from Tirana, with fun family activities.
8. Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park
📍 Location: Eastern Albania, near Librazhd
🌿 Highlights: Ancient forests, glacial lakes, endangered species
This vast, untouched park is home to rare fauna, including the Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus), and is rich in old-growth beech forests and mountain lakes. It’s a dream for wilderness seekers and ecologists.
✅ Why Visit: For off-grid exploration and untouched biodiversity.
9. Mali i Tomorrit (Mount Tomorr) National Park
📍 Location: Central Albania, near Berat
🌿 Highlights: Sacred mountain, pilgrimage site, forested slopes
Mount Tomorr is both a natural and spiritual site. It’s sacred to both Bektashi Muslims and local folklore, and its wild landscapes make it ideal for hiking and mystic adventure.
✅ Why Visit: For hiking a sacred peak and connecting with Albanian traditions.
10. Zall-Gjoçaj National Park
📍 Location: North-Central Albania, near Burrel
🌿 Highlights: Virgin forests, rivers, and remote terrain
A lesser-known park nestled next to Lura, Zall-Gjoçaj is a pristine natural gem with rivers, waterfalls, and thick forested mountains. It’s especially attractive to those seeking solitude.
✅ Why Visit: For serene, off-the-beaten-track adventures.
11. Lurë-Mali i Dejës National Park
📍 Location: North-Central Albania, Dibër region
🌿 Highlights: Glacial lakes, alpine meadows, diverse plant life
This revitalized park is famous for its “Lakes of Lura”, a chain of 12 glacial lakes surrounded by pine and beech forests. Once neglected, it’s now a focus of national restoration efforts.
✅ Why Visit: For alpine beauty and peaceful natural surroundings.
12. Bredhi i Hotovës-Dangëlli National Park
📍 Location: Southern Albania, near Përmet
🌿 Highlights: Fir forests, rivers, thermal springs nearby
This is Albania’s largest national park, home to extensive Balkan fir forests. The nearby Benjë thermal springs and Langarica Canyon make it a great eco-tourism destination.
✅ Why Visit: For lush forests, scenic river valleys, and nearby hot springs.
🌍 Why Albania’s National Parks Are Worth Visiting
- 🧭 Authenticity: Most parks remain wild, uncrowded, and true to their natural state.
- 🐾 Biodiversity: From lynxes to pelicans, the country shelters rare and endangered species.
- 💸 Affordability: Albania offers top-tier nature experiences at a fraction of European prices.
- 🚗 Accessibility: With new roads and infrastructure, reaching these parks is easier than ever.
- 🌱 Sustainability Focus: Growing eco-tourism initiatives are helping preserve these wild spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🏕 Is wild camping allowed in Albanian national parks?
Wild camping is generally tolerated in remote areas of Albanian national parks, especially in the mountains. However, it’s always best to:
- Camp respectfully and discreetly
- Avoid protected zones or private land
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
In more regulated parks like Butrint, camping is not permitted.
🧭 Are the trails well marked?
Trail marking varies:
- Well-marked: Valbonë-Theth trail, Dajti, Llogara
- Partially marked: Lurë, Prespa, Tomorr
- Remote and unmarked: Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Zall-Gjoçaj
For less-visited parks, GPS apps (like Komoot, Maps.me, or Wikiloc) and hiring a local guide is recommended.
🐻 Is it safe to hike alone?
Yes, generally, Albania’s parks are safe. But:
- Inform someone of your route
- Bring enough water and sun protection
- Be cautious of rough terrain and sudden weather shifts
- Bears, wolves, and lynx exist, but sightings are extremely rare
📶 Will I have mobile coverage?
- Good coverage: Dajti, Llogara, near towns and populated areas
- Limited to no coverage: Theth, Valbonë, Shebenik-Jabllanicë, Zall-Gjoçaj
Download offline maps before your trip.
🔥 Are campfires allowed?
Open fires are not allowed in most national parks due to wildfire risk, especially in summer. Use gas camping stoves if cooking outdoors.
🐾 Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are generally allowed in national parks, but:
- Keep them leashed, especially in wildlife habitats
- Avoid sensitive bird nesting areas (e.g., Karavasta Lagoon)
Getting There: Hard-to-Reach National Parks
🏞 Theth National Park
Getting There:
- The road to Theth has improved significantly in recent years, with a fully paved route from Shkodër via Boga Pass.
- Travel time: ~2.5–3.5 hours from Shkodër
- 4×4 not required in dry season, but drive carefully—narrow mountain roads with sharp bends.
Tip:
Book a shared shuttle from Shkodër if you don’t want to drive. Local tour companies run daily trips.
🌲 Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park
Getting There:
- Closest base town: Librazhd
- From Librazhd, you’ll need to drive toward the villages of Qarrishtë or Fushe Studën to access trailheads.
- Road conditions: unpaved and rough — a 4×4 vehicle is essential.
Tip:
Consider hiring a local guide from Librazhd or Elbasan. This park is remote and trail signage is minimal.
🏔 Zall-Gjoçaj National Park
Getting There:
- Nearest town: Burrel (north-central Albania)
- Access is possible via rough gravel roads leading toward Selbë or Uraka villages.
- A high-clearance 4×4 is highly recommended.
Tip:
This park is undeveloped — bring all necessary supplies and download offline maps beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hiking the Albanian Alps, soaking in thermal springs, or exploring ancient ruins by a lagoon, Albania’s national parks offer something for every traveler. They’re not only natural jewels but also windows into the country’s cultural soul and ecological importance.
Albania is still one of Europe’s best-kept natural secrets — and its national parks are the key to unlocking it.