Holiday apartment in Divjakë – Lagoon, coastal forest and pelicans

Divjakë combines the coast, a lagoon landscape and paths through forests and dunes. At its heart is Divjakë–Karavasta National Park, which is considered the tourist centre of the Municipality of Divjakë. The national park comprises lagoons, coastal pine forests, sandy beaches, wetlands and salt flats.

Nature

The Karavasta Lagoon covers approximately 42 square kilometres and is Albania’s largest lagoon. It is an important habitat for more than 20,000 wintering birds and Albania’s only coastal breeding site for the Dalmatian pelican. The lagoon is also home to more than 200 bird species, including flamingos, cormorants and herons. Pelican Island is the most important nesting site for the Dalmatian pelican. Divjakë–Karavasta National Park is an internationally protected area and has been included on the list of the Ramsar Convention; the Karavasta Lagoon is part of the protected Ramsar wetland network.

Trails and viewpoints

Several trails provide access to the landscape, with different lengths and focuses. The 2.7-kilometre Tajga Trail runs through the sandy dune forest between the lagoon and the sea. The 14-kilometre Skela e Pirgut Trail starts at the visitor centre and leads to an observation tower overlooking the landscape. Shorter is the 3.3-kilometre Pelican Trail, which runs through the forest and along the shore of the lagoon, offering views of the pelicans’ breeding site. The 5.3-kilometre trail to the observation tower at the First Lagoon Canal offers views across the entire lagoon and, with binoculars, of the pelicans’ breeding site. A 22.4-kilometre trail leads through the Gjeneruka forests over the hills in the eastern part of the park; from there, views extend over oak forest and the expansive landscape.

A 36-metre-high observation tower in Divjakë–Karavasta National Park offers a 360-degree view of the forests, the lagoon and the sea. Boat trips through the lagoon are offered in the national park. On the Karavasta Lagoon, these trips lead to hidden channels, small reed-covered islands and places where birds nest. Birdwatching is a possible visitor activity there, and guided tours with nature specialists are also offered. Pelican Island is closed to the public but can be viewed from observation towers and during boat trips nearby.

Coast

The Divjaka coastal pine forest is Albania’s only natural coastal pine forest. Nature trails for hiking and cycling run through it. Divjaka Beach lies within Divjakë–Karavasta National Park and stretches for approximately 15 kilometres. It has fine sand and calm, clear water, making it suitable for family holidays and ecotourism.

Town and cuisine

Divjakë has direct access to the coast and the surrounding natural areas and is located close to the main roads. The town’s local character is linked to agricultural development, fishing and rural life in the Myzeqe area. The cuisine in the wider Divjakë area includes eel, sea bass and prawns caught in the Karavasta Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea.

Other destinations: Visokë, Fier County, Lushnjë, Mbrostar

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Fier County.