Grab your binoculars and indulge in bird watching in the coastal wetlands of Karavasta. As part of the Divjake-Karavasta National Park, this lagoon stands as the westernmost breeding site for the Dalmatian Pelican. For additional birdwatching adventures, explore Kune-Vain, Patok, Tale, Narta Lagoon, the nature reserve alongside the Drini River (home to eagles, spoonbills, and herons), and the Lake of Shkodra.Prepare for a captivating experience as you observe a diverse array of bird species in these stunning natural habitats.
The highest peak, Mount Korabi, situated on the border with Macedonia, rises to an elevation of 2,751 meters above sea level. The cliffs of Llogara, the Nemercka mountain in the south, and an extensive range of mountains throughout the country provide excellent opportunities for alpinism or climbing. Other areas conducive to mountain climbing include the Albanian Alps, with notable points such as Vermosh, Theth, Razem, Boge, Valbona, and more. Additionally, the Tomorri mountain, extending into the districts of Berat and Skrapar at Osum canyons, as well as the Gjipe canyon on the Albanian Riviera, also offer thrilling climbing experiences. Albania is dotted with numerous vast caves awaiting to be explored by intrepid adventurers. Despite being a professional or amateur spelunkers, there’s a wealth of underground chambers to conquer. Near Shkodra alone, there are at least 35 significant caves out of a total of 68 designated as National Natural Monuments. One easily accessible cave is the Pellumbas Cave near Tirana, the second largest in Albania. A sign-posted trail leads to this cave nestled in the beautiful Skorana Canyon on the Erzen River. Another cave of interest for tourists is the Pirrogoshi cave, the largest in Albania, located in Skrapar. Additional notable caves include Kabashi cave (Gramsh), Cave Neziri (Mat), the cave of Lek Pete in Kurvelesh, the cave of Treni in Devoll, and more.
For cycling enthusiasts, Albania is rapidly emerging as an excellent destination to immerse yourself in natural beauty and enjoy unique panoramic views. There are various types of tours available, such as the Tour of the Albanian Riviera, UNESCO Sites, Albanian Alps, or leisurely rides around Tirana and other major cities while exploring the surrounding nature. Albania is also proud to be part of the Balkans Trail Transdinarica project. For mountain bike enthusiasts, it’s important to note that equipment must be brought along, as it is still not available for rent. Several organized tours are offered in the Albanian Alps, covering destinations like Theth, Boge, Vermosh, and others. Another popular bicycle tour takes you along the shores of Lake Shkodër or explores the surroundings of Tirana. Albania provides a diverse range of cycling experiences, catering to various preferences and interests.
Professional diving, evolving over the last decade in Albania, has emerged as a new leisure activity in the country’s sports tourism. Thanks to recent developments, Albania’s rich coastline offers unique opportunities for divers to explore diverse fauna found in the Mediterranean across two different seas, as well as discover various sunken ships that live under these waters. For enthusiasts interested in diving into the Adriatic Sea, divers can rely on ‘underwater sports centers’ that are located north of Vlora. On the other hand, for divers interested to explore the Ionian stretch of the Albanian coast, there are other similar centers stretching from Vlora to Saranda. In the Adriatic, divers can practice the sport in Vlora Bay and the Cape of Rodon. On the Ionian Coast, divers can alternate between the area north of Saranda, Dhermi, and Jal. In recent years, Albanian-American expeditions have played a crucial role in discovering old and sunken ships in the area, some reaching depths of 33 meters and lengths of 150 meters. Vlora Bay is home to several such treasures, including sunken ships of considerable antiquity. However, the most famous and popular sunken ship discovered in Albanian waters is the Italian hospital ship “PO,” which sank in March 1941 after being shot down by a British airplane called “Swordfish.” A ship dating back to the 3rd or 4th century B.C.E was discovered north of Saranda Bay and is considered one of the best-preserved relics in the Mediterranean. Some large amphoras were also found in the vicinity. Beyond these historical objects, divers can observe the beautiful underwater scenery created by green and black algae, corals, and other marine life.
Artisanal fishery encompasses various forms of fishing activities that utilize fixed and selective gear, including hooks, fixed nets, trammel nets, and gill nets. The fishing fleet, consisting of 581 vessels, is concentrated in the four fishing ports of Saranda, Vlora, Durres, Shengjin, as well as in the Valbona River valley, Thethi stream (home to the marble trout), the upper valley of Vjosa, and more. Fishing primarily occurs in five lakes, four of which are expansive cross-border lakes: Shkodra, Ohrid, and the major and minor Prespa lakes. Among these, Shkodra Lake is the largest, and its fishery is managed by the local fishery management organization. The region is rich in diverse fishing opportunities, offering a unique experience for both local and visiting international fishermen.
From its spiky peaks in the north to the idyllic beaches in the south, Albania is a treasure trove for people who are keen on exploring diverse areas by foot. The landscapes, dotted with lush natural parks and historical villages, have remained intact in centuries, withstanding time. Leading to the development of a comprehensive infrastructure, hiking and trekking have gained popularity in Albanian territories. Hiking maps and the signposting of tracks are becoming more common, and supra-regional and transnational mountain trails are emerging exponentially. Despite this growth, it’s important to note that hiking in Albania is still a developing aspect of tourism. For those new to hiking, we recommend reaching out to an experienced mountain guide or participating in one of the organized tours available throughout the country. The historic Via Egnatia, connecting the harbor city of Durres with Istanbul, or the Caesar path leading into Llogara National Park, are ancient routes that are perfect for walking tours or trekking in Albania.
Horse riding is primarily practiced in districts with high-quality horse-breeding centers, including Shkoder, Durres, Tirana, Elbasan (Cerrik), Korca, Divjake, Berat, Vlore, Lura, Shishtavec in Kukes, the Zagoria area, Vjosa, the Drinos valley near Gjirokaster, and more. The geographical diversity of this sport is particularly intriguing, as each of these locations combines nature with specific historical and traditional elements. For horse riding enthusiasts in the capital, there are centers like Mullet and Peze, offering horse riding experiences. Whether you are in urban or rural areas, Albania provides a unique blend of nature, history, and tradition for horse riding enthusiasts to explore.
Paragliding, as an aeronautical sport, has its roots in the 1990s. Albania’s topographic conditions and nature provide numerous opportunities for practicing paragliding and related sports. The most popular and prime spot for paragliding is the slopes of Llogara in southern Albania, thanks to the favorable direction of the wind. Llogara, is not only favored by local enthusiasts but is also a popular destination for international practitioners and serves as a meeting point for paratroopers. In addition to Llogara Mountains, paragliders can also enjoy their sport in Morava, near Korçë, Mount Dajti in Tirana, and Tarabosh Mount in Shkodra. These diverse locations offer various landscapes and experiences for paragliding enthusiasts in Albania.
Albania is characterized by numerous valleys that host magnificent rivers and streams, offering ideal conditions for water sports such as rafting or kayaking. The upper valleys of Osum are particularly well-suited for rafting, with a route taking you along the stunning 17 km-long canyons of Osum. Alternatively, adventurers can explore the Vjosa River and Devoll Valley in the south, the Valbona and Shala Valleys in the Albanian Alps, and Komani Lake in the North. Other notable locations for water sports include the Tujanit Scale in the Tirana River near the capital, the mouth of Mat’s River, and the Albanian Riviera, which is la crème de la crème for canoeing.
Hundreds of extreme sports enthusiasts have discovered Albania through racing and rally events like Rally Albania. In these racing events, participants from around the world come together in Albania to share their passion and push their limits while exploring the country’s rugged north and paradisiacal south. If you own a car or vehicle that qualifies for one of these races, don’t hesitate to explore all of Albania in a way few have had the opportunity to experience. Through rallies and racing, you’ll have the chance to venture into the unexplored corners of Albania and witness its natural beauty. Due to the diversity of its landscapes, some even refer to Albania as “the Disneyland of off-road vehicles!”
Albania has several ports of entry, with Durres, Vlorë, Saranda, Shengjin and Himarë being the main ones. These commercial ports also have a few facilities for visiting yachts. A new marina in Orikum, near Vlorë, offers some facilities for yachts, while more marinas are planned for the two biggest harbors of Durres and Vlorë. Small boats can anchor at various minor ports, including in Durrës (Karpen), Radhimë (Vlorë), Port Palermo, Jal, Bunec, and Ksamil, in the Albanian Riviera. If you have a boat available, we suggest that you visit the entirety of the Albanian coastline for a full and diverse experience of what Albania has to offer. For those who wish to explore Albania by boat, pick among various cruisers that offer tours of Albania’s water attractions. We also recommend to take the ferry to “Koman Lake” to immerse yourself among the vertiginous views offered by the High Mountains of northern Albania. The jaded waters of the lake are surrounded by rugged and verdant towering cliffs, and this peaceful cruise is the perfect opportunity for a few hours of tranquility, or for exploring Albania’s rich wildlife. Birders should look out for pygmy cormorants, herons, and golden eagles.
