The Albanian countryside is absolutely stunning, making it no surprise that the country is home to many incredible national parks. I spent over two months as a digital nomad in Albania and was captivated by its natural beauty, extending far beyond its gorgeous coastline. Visiting Albania’s national parks is one of the best ways to experience the unspoiled scenery and diverse landscapes, including mountains, lush forests, bright blue springs, and picturesque lakes and rivers.
One of the most accessible parks is Dajti National Park, just outside the capital city of Tirana. You can take the Djati Ekspres cable car up the mountain from the north of Tirana to a tourist complex filled with restaurants, bars, and activities. The Ballkoni restaurant offers amazing views over Tirana, or you can explore the Dajti Mountains on various trails leading to stunning vistas from Mount Dajti’s summit.
Valbona Valley National Park, located in the Albanian Alps in the north, spans over 800 hectares and is the country’s largest protected area. It’s a hiker’s paradise with over 200 kilometers of trails, including the renowned Valbona-Thethi hiking trail through the Accursed Mountains. The park features rugged terrain, striking mountain ranges, and the Valbona River with its numerous waterfalls.
The Blue Eye National Park, near Sarandë, is a must-visit, especially for its famous Blue Eye natural spring. The spring’s incredibly blue water is at least 50 meters deep, and the park is filled with beautiful woodland and diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy a gentle walk to the spring and even take a dip in the cold water.
Vjosa River, the first wild river national park in Europe, is located in Permet near Gjirokastër. This park offers breathtaking landscapes, historic bridges, hidden ruins, and the striking Lengarica Canyon. For adventurous visitors, rafting the Vjosa River is a thrilling experience, complete with rapids and swimming spots.
Llogara National Park, situated on the Albanian Riviera, boasts majestic views over the Ionian Sea. It features numerous hiking trails with spectacular ocean views and alpine meadows. The park also includes the famous Llogara Pass and the historic Caesar’s Pass.
Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Albania’s most historic parks. It houses the ancient city of Butrint, which contains remnants from its time as a Greek Polis and later as a significant Roman city. The park also features lakes, forests, and wetlands with over 1,200 species of flora and fauna.
Hotova National Park, the largest in Albania, is named after the native Hotova Fir tree. Situated in Gjirokastër county, it offers excellent walking trails through dense forests home to diverse wildlife such as red foxes and brown bears. Horseback riding tours are a peaceful way to explore this beautiful park.
Theth National Park, located in the Albanian Alps, includes the Shala Valley and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is known for its waterfalls, rock formations, dense forests, and impressive rivers, as well as its wildlife, including wild goats and golden eagles.
Sazan Marine National Park, accessible from Vlore, protects the sea and coastline and features Sazan Island, the largest island in Albania. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the clear blue waters, exploring shipwrecks, and observing marine life like dolphins and sea turtles.
Driloni National Park, on the edge of Lake Ohrid, is a scenic spot for a relaxing stroll and is more of a social park than a hiker’s destination. It offers lovely views and has many cafes and restaurants.
To visit these national parks, renting a car or using local buses from major cities is advisable, though the train service in Albania is limited. Some excellent day tours from Tirana, Sarandë, and Permet provide convenient ways to explore the parks.
With a few simple itineraries, you can make the most of your visit. For a three-day trip, start in Tirana and visit Djati National Park. For a week, combine a visit to Tirana with a stay in Sarandë or Ksamil to explore Butrint and Blue Eye National Parks. A ten-day trip allows time to visit Theth and Valbona National Parks and then move to Gjirokastër for more exploration.
In total, Albania has 14 national parks covering over 813 square miles, showcasing the country’s stunning wildlife, landscapes, and natural beauty. Whether you love hiking, ancient history, or exploring marine life, Albania’s national parks offer something for everyone.
