Divjaka-Karavasta National Park, located on the Adriatic coast of Albania, covers 5,000 hectares and contains many natural wonders including lagoons, sand dunes and a river delta. Although the park has been listed as a Ramsar site since 1994, it is currently suffering from a lack of proper management and illegal hunting is threatening the unique wildlife found there.
Despite this, Divjaka-Karavasta National Park remains a must-see destination in Albania with many points of interest and some spectacular hiking trails. The natural importance of the park is constantly in full view, as many of the flora and fauna contained in the park are at risk of extinction.
Divjaka-Karavasta National Park
Karavasta Lagoon and Other Points of Interest
There are many significant points of interest dotted throughout the park which are waiting to be discovered, the most popular of which is the Karavasta Lagoon. This lagoon is the largest along the Albanian coast with a surface area of 4,330 hectares and is famous for its colony of threatened Dalmatian Pelicans.
To the northwest of the Karavasta Lagoon lies an important nesting spot for these birds which has been appropriately named ‘Pelican Island’. Boat trips can be arranged to bring you close to the island to provide the perfect position for a spot of bird watching. The lagoon waters offer a rich diversity of fish, including an abundance of mullet and eel which are predominant on the menus of local restaurants.
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Divjaka Beach
Surrounding the lagoon are forests of soft and wild pine trees, including The Big/Old Pine which is listed as a Nature Monument. Along the Adriatic coast is Divjaka Beach, it is 15 kilometres of white sand bordered by pine forest and is the main tourist attraction within Divjaka-Karavasta National Park. To the north of the beach lies Kulari Island which contains a wealth of wildlife and rare plants.
Flora and Fauna
Divjaka-Karavasta National Park’s combination of wetland and forest provide ideal conditions for many rare and unique species. The islands on the Karavasta Lagoon offer essential protection for 5% of the world population of Dalmatian Pelicans. The pelicans had nested in other areas of the park in the past, however, due to disturbances they are now fully contained on the islands.
The island also offers sanctuary to other birds who have been disturbed by human activity in the other areas of the park such as the Collared Pratincole and the Little Tern. The importance of the Karavasta Lagoon is emphasised when considering 210 species of birds, 12 kinds of mammals and 16 kind of reptiles make it their home.
It is not just animals who thrive in this ecosystem as the surrounding forests contain some of the most interesting flora in Albania. Plants such as wild poplar hardwood, cedar, winter pasture, wild bushes and many different grass types are in abundance throughout Divjaka-Karavasta National Park.
Hiking Trails
Although the park provides an ideal place for an aimless stroll, pre-planning a hiking trail can ensure you encompass all the sites desired. There are many different routes which range from short two hour hikes to longer nine hour hikes.
flickr/kaltersiashqiptare
A hiking trail through Divjaka-Karavasta National Park
Short two hour hikes starting at the Southern forest and finishing at Pelicans Island brings you through the pine forests to an excellent view point for Pelicans Island. A longer nine hour hike beginning at the Northern Forest, going through Kular, the mouth of the Shkumbini River, Kulari Island and ending at Godulla e Pishës Lagoon offer a variety of terrains and stunning views along the way.
The Park Centre provides many suggestions and information on hiking trails and can be found on Divjaka Beach, along with a host of shops and restaurants.
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