Nature & Adventure in Albania

Birdwatching
Pack the binoculars and bird watch in the coastal wetlands of Karavasta. Part of the Divjake-Karavasta National Park, the lagoon is the westernmost breeding site of the Dalmatian Pelican. For further birdwatching, visit Kune-Vain, Patok , Tale , Narta lagoon , the nature reserve beside the Drini River, home to spotted eagles, spoonbills and herons and also the Lake of Shkodra.

 

Camping & Astrotourism
Albania is one of the best countries for real adventures into the nature . The country offer a lot of camping sites from South to the North and from East to the West . They are furnished with all the necessities in very economic prices, with very hospitable staff , and also with food services for the tourist that prefer visit Albania through their own camper vans or rent just a tent. That is not a difficult thing to tent into the nature , national parks or beaches , in some places can be forbidden so we suggest anyway to contact with the info points of the National Agency of Protected Areas or Municipialities that you visit. At Shebenik Jabllanica National Park (Fushe Studen locality nearby Librazhd town) is offered for the very first time the Astro-Tourism tours when you can also tent and discover a remarkable connection with the cosmos.

 

Cycling and Mountain Biking
For all cycling lovers, Albania is becoming a very good destination to experience natural beauties and unique panoramic views . That exist many type of tours like the Tour of the Albanian Riviera , Unesco Sites , Albanian Alps or just touring around Tirana or other big cities and exloring the nature around. Albania is included in the project of Balkans trail Transdinarica .Also for the Mountain bike lovers The equipment for these sports should be taken with you, as they cannot be rented. Some of the tours are organized in the Albanian Alps, such as Theth, Bogë, Vermosh etc. Another bicycle tour is one which crosses the shores of Lake Shkodër or Tirana sorroundings.

 

Diving
Professional diving opportunities have been developed only during the last decade. The rich underwater discoveries in Albanian seas provide a unique opportunity for divers to explore sea life and sunken ships. Underwater sports centers are located in North of Vlora (Adriatic Sea). Towards the south, from Vlora to Saranda, there are numerous sports centers, where you can practice this growing sport. During the last years, joint Albanian-American expeditions have discovered old drowned ships in the area. The most suitable places to practice this sport are Karaburun Peninsula, Sazan Island, the area north of Saranda, Vlora. Underwater Diving Bay, Dhërmi, Jali, Lagji Cape, Cape Rodon etc. In particular, it is Vlora Bay that ‘hides’ many sunken ships of considerable antiquity. However, the most famous and popular is the Italian hospital ship “PO”, which sank in March 1941 and was shot by a British airplane “Swordfish”. Sunken objects reach a depth of 33 m and a length of 150 m. Another important discovery is in the north of Saranda bay, where a sunken ship was discovered dating back to century III or IV B.C. Large amphoras are also found there. It is thought that this relic discovered is among the best preserved of the Mediterranean. Besides sunken objects, it is also interesting to observe green and black algaes, corals, etc.

 

Sport or Fly Fishing
Fishing takes place on the coast, lakes and rivers. Fishing is a source of income for many inhabitants on the coast. Some of the ideal mountain areas ideal for fishing are: Valbona River valley, Thethi stream, where you can find the marble trout, and the upper valley of Vjosa, etc. Sport fishing with hooks can be done at the mouths of the rivers Vjosë, Seman, Mat, Drin, etc. Another enjoyable activity is also lagoon fishing, especially in the lagoon of Karavasta, Narta, Kune-Vain, etc.

 

Hiking and Trekking
Rugged snow-clad alpine peaks, lush green valleys, sparking lakes, wetlands full of wildlife, traditional villages and a varied coast embracing two seas – the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea – Albania has all the ingredients necessary to develop hiking and trekking tourism. Even though hiking maps and the signposting of tracks has become more common and supra-regional and transnational mountain trails are slowly emerging, for inexperienced hikers it is advised to participate in an organized tour or to benefit from the services of local or experienced mountain guides. There exist also many ancient routes perfect for walking tours or trekking ones like the ancient Via Egnatia that connect Durres with Istanbul or the Ceasar path into the Llogara National Park.

 

Horse Riding
Horse riding is practiced mainly in districts that have high quality horse-breeding centers, such as in Shkodër, Durrës, Tiranë, Elbasan (Cërrik), Korçë, Divjakë, Berat, Vlorë, Fusha e Pelave at Lura, Shishtavec in Kukës, Zagoria area, Vjosa, Drinos valley nearby Gjirokastër etc. The geographic range of this sport is very interesting, as the nature in each of the above spots is combined with certain natural, historical and traditional elements. For horse riding enthusiasts in the capital, there are centers that offer horse riding, such as Mullet, Pezë etc.

 

Paragliding
This aeronautica sport goes back to 1990. Albania’s landscape offers many opportunities for these kinds of sports, which is associated with the suitable topographic conditions and nature of Albania. The best spot for practicing this sport is Llogora Vlora, where the wind direction is favorable. This is also the place where international meetings are held with the participation of foreign paratroopers especially those from Italy, France and others. Besides Llogara mountain , other suitable locations for this sport are Morava in Korce , Dajti in Tirana and Taraboshi in Shkodra.

 

Rafting & Kayaking
Water sports like rafting or kayaking are held in attractive valleys which have numerous rivers and streams. They are particularly popular in the upper valleys of Osum (for rafting). The rafting route includes the wonderful canyons of Osumi. 17 km length of river canyon makes this event an unforgettable moment Another route is the one of Vjosa river. Other regions where such sports are practiced include Devoll valley in the south, Valbona and Shala Valleys in Albanian Alps, Komani lake, Tujanit scale, in the Tirana River, near the capital, at the mouth of Mat river and also the Albanian Riviera (for canoeing), etc.

 

Rally & Racing
“Albania is the Disneyland of the off-road vehicles!” Hundreds of extreme sports enthusiasts coming to Albania to discover the country, share their love of cars , motocycles and engines with other participants from around the world, and test their personal limits. If you have a car or engine that qualifies for the categories applicable for registration to the Rally, get ready to experience Albania from its rugged north to the spectacular south. This may be the best way to explore the country’s wild nature and stunning beauty. Albania and ist wild nature with many paths and roads perfect for the offroad experiences is maybe of the best spots in Europe to participate in this activities.

 

Set & Sail
The main ports of entry are Durres, Vlore, Saranda, Shengjin and Himara are all commercial ports with a few facilities for visiting yachts . There is a new marina at Orikum, near Vlore with some facilities, and a marina planned for Durres area and Vlora area . That exist also many small ports for small boats like in Durres (Karpen) , Rradhima (Vlore), Port Palermo, Jali , Bunec, Ksamil (Albanian Riviera). Albania aim to become a real destination for of marinas with private yachts , sailing boats tourism. Anyway we suggest to visit all the coastline of Albania which is a real gorgeous experience. In Albania also operate many lines of cruisiers that does a tour of Albania touristic attractions. We suggest also the Ferry of Koman lake to emerge yourself in a majestic view of the High Mountains into the lake. Cameras at the ready; take the ferry up the jade waters of Lake Koman. Hemmed in on both sides with rugged and verdant towering cliffs, this peaceful cruise is an enchanting introduction to northern Albania. Wildlife enthusiasts will want to look out for pygmy cormorants, herons and golden eagles.