National Parks In Albania You Shouldn’t Miss

Albania’s national parks fly under most travellers’ radars, which is part of the appeal.

Think alpine valleys, wild beaches and ancient ruins. I’ve had eagles circling overhead on trails where I didn’t see another hiker all day.

Below are the parks I rate most for hiking, wildlife and quiet road trips, plus when to go and how to visit responsibly.

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National Parks in Albania

Albania has around a dozen national parks, depending on how you count them.

Each one feels completely different, from alpine peaks and deep forests to quiet lakes and stretches of untouched coastline.

If you love the outdoors, you’ll be in your element here.

Most parks are still remarkably under-visited, so you can hike for hours without meeting a soul, then end the day in a family-run guesthouse with homemade raki and mountain cheese.

The landscapes are rugged and real. Trails aren’t always well-marked, and transport links can be hit-and-miss, but that’s part of the adventure. You don’t need to go far to find somewhere wild.

Whether you’re into long hikes, wildlife watching or just slow travel through remote places, Albania’s parks offer a side of Europe that still feels raw and genuine.

Valbona Valley National Park

Tucked into northern Albania’s Accursed Mountains, Valbona Valley is one of the country’s most spectacular places.

Jagged peaks rise above pine forests and icy rivers cut through the valley floor. It’s classic alpine scenery but still wonderfully quiet.

The best time to hike here is in early summer, when the meadows are full of wildflowers and the air smells of pine.

You’ll find small guesthouses scattered through the valley where you can sit outside with strong coffee and watch the clouds drift across the peaks.

What to do

Hike the Valbona–Theth Trail: This famous route crosses a high mountain pass linking two remote villages. It’s about 17 kilometres and takes 6–8 hours. The views from the top are unbelievable, and you’ll likely meet more donkeys than people on the way.

Spot wildlife: If you’re lucky, you might glimpse golden eagles, chamois or even bears in the higher slopes. I didn’t see any, but I did find wolf tracks in the mud after rain.

Best time to visit: June to September offers the best conditions. Snow can linger on the pass into June, so check locally before setting off.

Theth National Park

Theth feels like stepping back in time. Stone houses sit in a deep green valley surrounded by the Accursed Mountains, and locals still move livestock along the same trails that hikers now use.

Getting there takes effort — the road from Shkodër is rough in places — but that’s part of what keeps it special.

What to do

Hike to Valbona: Theth is one end of the famous Valbona–Theth trail. Most people start here and climb gradually to the pass before descending into Valbona. It’s a long day but easily one of the best hikes in the Balkans.

See the Grunas Waterfall: A short walk from the village leads to this 30-metre cascade — cold, powerful, and great for a quick dip if you can handle it.

Best time to visit: June to September for hiking and open guesthouses. Winter has its charm too, though deep snow can close the road and isolate the valley.

Butrint National Park

Down in Albania’s far south, near the Greek border, Butrint is a place where nature and history mix perfectly.

Set on a quiet peninsula surrounded by lagoons and the Ionian Sea, you can wander through ruins while listening to frogs croaking in the reeds.

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Balkans.

You’ll find layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian history here, all within a compact area that’s easy to explore on foot.

What to do

Explore the ruins: Don’t rush it. The ancient theatre, baptistery mosaics and fortress all tell different parts of the story. Go early or late in the day for softer light and fewer tour groups.

Look for birds: Butrint’s wetlands attract flamingos, herons and pelicans, especially in spring and autumn. Bring binoculars if you can.

Best time to visit: April to June or September to October, when the weather’s warm but not scorching and you can linger among the ruins in peace.

Llogara National Park

Where the mountains meet the sea, Llogara National Park is one of the most scenic spots on Albania’s Riviera.

The road climbs through thick pine forest before opening out at the Llogara Pass, with huge views down to the turquoise Ionian coast.

I still remember the first time I stopped at the viewpoint. The wind almost knocked me over.

It’s a brilliant place to break up a road trip, stretch your legs and take in some fresh mountain air before heading down to the beaches.

What to do

Go hiking or paragliding: There are short forest walks near the pass and longer trails that lead into the Ceraunian Mountains. On a calm day, paragliders launch from the ridge and drift above the coast.

Combine mountains and beach: From here, it’s a quick drive down to Dhermi or Himara for a swim. Few places in Europe make it so easy to hike in the morning and be on the sand by afternoon.

Best time to visit: May to September for clear skies and warm weather. Even in summer, pack a sweater — the wind at the pass can be fierce.

Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park

This is Albania’s only marine national park, and it’s a real adventure to reach.

The Karaburun Peninsula juts out into the Ionian Sea, facing the small island of Sazan, and most of it can only be accessed by boat from Vlorë or Orikum.

It’s one of those trips where half the fun is just getting there.

Out on the water, the cliffs are streaked with white and orange rock, and the sea glows in every shade of blue. It’s an incredible spot for anyone who loves the ocean.

What to do

Snorkel or dive: The water’s crystal-clear, with underwater caves, shipwrecks and marine life that’s slowly returning thanks to conservation efforts. Visibility can reach over 30 metres on calm days.

Take a boat tour: Local captains run day trips that stop at secluded coves like Grama Bay and Haxhi Ali Cave. Bring snacks, plenty of water and reef-safe sunscreen. There’s nowhere to buy anything once you’re out there.

Best time to visit: June to September for calm seas and warm water. The colour of the sea in late afternoon light is reason enough to go.

Dajti National Park

Just outside Tirana, Dajti National Park makes an easy escape from the city heat.

You can be in cool mountain air within half an hour, looking down over the sprawl of Tirana from 1,000 metres up.

The Dajti Ekspres cable car glides high above forests and farmland, giving some of the best views near the capital.

At the top, you’ll find hiking trails, cafés, and picnic spots dotted across the plateau.

What to do

Ride the cable car: The trip takes about 15 minutes and saves you a long, steep drive. It’s especially good around sunset, when Tirana glows in the distance.

Hike or picnic: There are short, gentle trails suitable for families, and longer routes that reach nearby peaks. Bring food and make a day of it — locals often come up at weekends for barbecues.

Best time to visit: Spring to autumn. Each season has its own feel, though summer’s the most popular. The cable car usually closes on Tuesdays for maintenance, so check ahead.

Vjosa Wild River National Park

The Vjosa is one of Europe’s last great free-flowing rivers. No dams, no diversions, just 270 kilometres of wild water winding through southern Albania.

Standing on its banks near Përmet, it’s hard to believe rivers like this still exist in Europe.

The water runs milky blue between gravel islands and forested slopes. Villages along the valley feel quiet and authentic, with small guesthouses and family-run farms that make perfect bases for exploring.

What to do

Go rafting: The Vjosa is ideal for beginners and thrill-seekers alike, with rapids that are fun without being too technical. Spring and early summer are best for good flow levels.

Join an eco-tour: Local guides run trips focused on conservation, wildlife and traditional life along the river. It’s a great way to support efforts to keep the Vjosa wild.

Best time to visit: April to July for rafting, or September for warm weather and peaceful hiking along the riverbanks.

Prespa National Park

Tucked into Albania’s far east, Prespa National Park shares its two vast lakes with Greece and North Macedonia.

It’s one of the most peaceful places I’ve visited in the Balkans. Quiet villages, mirror-still water, and mountains that turn pink at sunset.

The lakes are ancient, believed to be some of the oldest in Europe, and they’re full of life.

Bird watchers come for the Dalmatian pelican and pygmy cormorant. But even if you’re not into birding, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the scale and stillness here.

What to do

Birdwatching: Bring binoculars if you have them. Early mornings are best for spotting pelicans and herons gliding low over the water.

Visit Maligrad Island: You can take a small boat out to this rocky island on Great Prespa Lake to see its 14th-century cave church. The views back to shore are spectacular.

Best time to visit: May to September for warm weather and good wildlife activity. Spring is particularly beautiful when everything’s green and alive.

Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park

On Albania’s eastern border with North Macedonia, Shebenik–Jabllanicë is about as wild as it gets.

Few travellers make it out here, which is exactly why it’s worth the effort. The landscape feels untouched.

Thick forests, glacial lakes and long, empty trails where you can walk all day and hear nothing but birds and wind.

It’s one of those parks that rewards curiosity and patience more than planning. Trails aren’t always well marked, so go prepared and ideally hire a local guide in Librazhd or Rrajcë.

What to do

Trekking: There are challenging routes that climb into the high ridges with views across both countries. Expect to see more wildlife than people. Deer, wild boar and maybe even bears if you’re lucky.

Explore remote villages: The small mountain communities here still live a mostly traditional way of life. Staying overnight in a family home is a great way to experience it.

Best time to visit: June to September for stable weather and open tracks. Spring can be beautiful too, though some paths are muddy or blocked by snow early in the season.

Divjakë-Karavasta National Park

Spread across Albania’s central coast, Divjakë–Karavasta is the country’s largest wetland and a paradise for birdlife.

The Karavasta Lagoon stretches for miles, its shallow waters dotted with sandbars and reed beds that shimmer in the afternoon light.

It’s one of the easiest parks to visit from Tirana or Durrës, yet it still feels remote once you’re out among the lagoons.

What to do

Birdwatching: The star attraction is the Dalmatian pelican, which nests here in spring. You’ll also see herons, flamingos and countless smaller species if you visit around dawn or dusk.

Take a boat tour: Local guides run small motorboats through the lagoon’s channels. It’s a slow, peaceful way to explore and learn about the area’s fragile ecosystem.

Best time to visit: March to May or September to November for active birdlife and cooler weather. Summer can be very hot, and many birds move elsewhere by then.

Tomorr National Park

Rising high above central Albania, Mount Tomorr dominates the skyline for miles.

Locals see it as sacred, and every August thousands of Bektashi pilgrims gather on its slopes to honour Abaz Ali, a revered saint in their faith.

Even outside the festival, Tomorr is a striking place to explore. The winding road up from Berat climbs through forests before opening onto vast rocky slopes where eagles soar overhead.

From the summit, you can see all the way to the Adriatic on a clear day.

What to do

Hike to the top: The ascent is steep but rewarding, with far-reaching views across central Albania. You’ll need a 4×4 to reach the higher trailheads.

Experience the festival: Visit in late August to witness the Bektashi celebration — a rare glimpse into Albania’s spiritual side. The atmosphere is powerful and deeply moving.

Best time to visit: June to September for hiking, or 20–25 August for the festival itself.

Lurë National Park

Hidden away in northern Albania, Lurë–Dejë Mountain National Park is wild, remote and full of quiet beauty.

Getting there isn’t straightforward. The access roads are rough and public transport is limited. It feels like a true wilderness.

The park’s main draw is its glacial lakes, scattered among pine forests and flower-filled meadows. On calm days, the water reflects the surrounding peaks like glass.

What to do

Hike to the lakes: There are several to discover, each a little different in colour and setting. The paths aren’t well marked, so download offline maps or go with a local guide.

Soak up the solitude: This is one of the best places in Albania to switch off completely. Bring supplies, take your time, and enjoy the sense of space that’s so hard to find elsewhere in Europe.

Best time to visit: June to September, when the trails are open and the weather’s most reliable.

Practical Tips for Visiting Albania’s National Parks

Entrance fees

Most parks are free to enter, though sites with ancient ruins like Butrint charge a small fee (around 1,000 lek). It’s worth carrying cash, as card machines are rare outside major towns.

Best time to visit

April to October is ideal for hiking and exploring. Snow can linger on the higher trails into June, so check conditions locally if you’re heading into the Alps.

For winter adventures, Dajti and the Korçë region offer skiing and snowshoeing from December to February.

Getting around

You’ll need your own wheels for most parks. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore remote valleys and make spontaneous stops. The best moments often come unplanned.

For popular routes like Theth and Valbona, local minibuses (furgons) run from Shkodër and Tirana, though schedules can be loose.

What to pack

Good boots, layered clothing, insect repellent and sunscreen are essentials.

Bring a reusable water bottle and offline maps. In the mountains, temperatures can drop quickly after dark, even in summer.

FAQs About Albania’s National Parks

Final Thoughts 

Albania’s national parks still feel like a secret. You can hike through alpine valleys, wander among ancient ruins and swim in turquoise coves — often without another traveller in sight.

That won’t last forever. Roads are improving, new guesthouses are opening, and word is spreading fast.

But for now, these landscapes remain some of the wildest and most rewarding in Europe.

If you love real adventure, come soon. Pack light, travel slow, and treat these places with care. They’re special because they’ve stayed untouched.

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