Albania is one of Europe’s most underrated travel gems. From snow-covered peaks in the north to marine sanctuaries along the Ionian Sea, its national parks protect a rich diversity of ecosystems, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities. Whether you’re interested in hiking across mountain passes, birdwatching in remote lagoons, or discovering ancient ruins surrounded by nature, Albania’s parks provide immersive and unforgettable experiences. This guide introduces you to the top national parks across the country with detailed practical information, tips, and highlights tailored to curious, eco-conscious travelers.
1. Theth National Park: Alpine adventure and cultural escape
Location: Shkodra Region, Northern Albania
Best for: Hiking, waterfalls, traditional guesthouses
Theth National Park spans 26.3 km² and lies within the Albanian Alps, often described as the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the Balkans. Surrounded by peaks over 2,500 meters high, the valley village of Theth is a hub for cultural immersion and outdoor activities. Travelers flock here for the Grunas Waterfall, the Church of Theth, the Lock-in Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit), and the natural wonder Syri i Kalter (Blue Eye of Theth).
Accommodation: Dozens of family-run guesthouses offer hearty local food (think baked cornbread, fresh cheese, and wild mountain tea). Some offer private bathrooms, others shared.
Transport Tip: Access is only possible via a partially paved road from Shkodra (3-4 hrs). A 4×4 vehicle or shared summer minivan is recommended.
Season: May to October. Snow can block access in winter.
📖 Read more in our Theth Travel Guide
2. Valbona Valley National Park: Rugged northern wilderness
Location: Tropoja Region
Best for: Hiking, mountain landscapes, traditional villages
Covering over 80 km², Valbona Valley is the perfect place to unplug. Surrounded by towering limestone peaks, the valley features glacier-fed rivers, centuries-old forests, and stone houses. The popular 7-hour trek between Valbona and Theth is a rite of passage for nature lovers.
Accommodation: Guesthouses in Valbone village and Çerem. Some now accept cards, but cash is still king.
Activities: Trekking, horseback riding, foraging, and local music evenings.
Transport Tip: Reach it via ferry (Komani Lake) and van transfer from Fierze.
📖 Plan your trip: Weekend Escape to Valbona
3. Butrint National Park: History amidst nature
Location: Saranda Region, Southern Albania
Best for: Archaeological exploration, coastal nature walks
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, Butrint combines a stunning archaeological complex with a protected wetland ecosystem. The site includes Roman villas, a Greek theatre, and Venetian fortifications. The surrounding lagoon is home to flamingos, otters, and over 1,200 plant species.
Tickets: Available on-site. English-speaking guides cost ~1000 ALL.
Accessibility: Paved road from Saranda (~30 min). Free parking available.
Tip: Combine your visit with Ksamil beaches or Lekursi Castle sunset.
4. Llogara National Park: Coastal Peaks and Forest Air
Location: Between Vlora and Himara
Best for: Scenic drives, paragliding, cool mountain hikes
At 1,000+ meters elevation and just minutes from the sea, Llogara offers surreal views and alpine air. Its pine-covered slopes and meadows are home to golden eagles, lynx, and deer. Popular trails include the Caesar’s Pass and panoramic lookout to Palasë beach.
Activities: Hiking, forest picnics, wildlife watching, and paragliding (launch zone at Llogara Pass).
Accommodation: Lodges and forest cabins line the park road. Food: Roadside restaurants serve lamb spit roast, mountain honey, and byrek.
5. Dajti Mountain National Park: Tirana’s green roof
Location: Just outside Tirana
Best for: Cable car views, forest picnics, family activities
The 293.84 km² Dajti Park is a popular day trip for both locals and travelers. The Dajti Ekspres cable car connects Tirana with the mountain plateau (1,050 m) in 15 minutes. Once at the top, enjoy panoramic views, hiking loops, and picnic zones.
Attractions: Adventure Park, observation tower, ATV trails, restaurants with city views. Accommodation: Dajti Tower Hotel and lodges.
Tip: Weekdays are best to avoid queues for the cable car.
6. Divjake-Karavasta National Park: Birdwatcher’s paradise
Location: Fier Region, Western Albania
Best for: Lagoon boat rides, pelican observation, biking
This park protects Albania’s largest lagoon (Karavasta) and hosts rare species like the Dalmatian pelican. Its 22,000+ hectares of wetlands, pine forest, and sandbars are perfect for nature photography and tranquil exploration.
What to do: Visit the wooden observation tower, rent bikes, take guided boat tours, or picnic by the lagoon. Visitor Centre: Offers educational exhibits, binocular rentals, and maps. Tip: Avoid mid-summer heat; late spring and early fall are best.
📖 Explore more: Birdwatching in Divjake-Karavasta
7. Mount Tomorr National Park: Sacred and sublime
Location: Berat & Skrapar Regions
Best for: Pilgrimage hikes, panoramic views, wild herbs
At 2,416 meters, Mount Tomorr is not only a natural marvel but a spiritual site. Every August, Bektashi pilgrims hike to its summit for sacred rituals. Trails pass alpine meadows, flower fields, and stone shrines.
Highlights: Çorovode Canyon, Osum River rafting, and herbal tea tours.
Tip: Hire local guides for off-trail exploration.
8. Prespa National Park: Lakes and Cross-Border Nature
Location: Korçë Region
Best for: Eco-tourism, island visits, photography
Shared with Greece and North Macedonia, Prespa National Park is a UNESCO biosphere reserve centered on two lakes—Prespa e Madhe and Prespa e Vogël. The area supports hundreds of migratory birds and endemic fish species.
Must-visit: Maligrad Island (boat access) with its cliffside church.
Where to stay: Pustec, Liqenas, or Prespa Eco Camp.
Tip: Great for birders with telephoto lenses and binoculars.
9. Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park: Remote and Wild
Location: Librazhd District
Best for: Multi-day hikes, wildlife tracking, UNESCO forest reserves
One of Albania’s largest and least-visited parks (340+ km²), Shebenik-Jabllanice features glacial lakes, ancient beech forests, and rich fauna like wolves and lynx. The Rrajca Reserve is UNESCO-protected.
Access: Best reached from Librazhd. Signage is minimal—use GPS.
Accommodation: Camping or local lodges in Fushë Studë.
10. Lure-Deje Mountain National Park: Lakes and Silence
Location: Dibra Region
Best for: Hiking, camping, solitude
This remote park features 12 glacial lakes, forest trails, and alpine plateaus. Once damaged by illegal logging, it’s now being revived under a national rehabilitation program.
Lakes to see: Liqeni i Madh, Liqeni i Luleve, and Liqeni i Pishave.
Tip: Access via Peshkopi or Fushë-Lure. 4×4 recommended.
11. Fir of Drenova National Park: Fir forest calm
Location: Korçe Region
Best for: Forest bathing, wildlife spotting, relaxing walks
Covering 1,380 hectares at 1,200–1,800m elevation, this fir-dominated park is ideal for short hikes, herbal walks, and forest retreats. Wildlife includes red fox, owls, and wild boar.
Tip: Stay in nearby Dardhe and explore by foot or bike.
12. Fir of Hotova-Dangelli National Park: South albania’s green jewel
Location: Përmet Region
Best for: Forest hiking, springs, canyon views
One of Albania’s largest forest parks, this area is known for its medicinal plants and nearby Benje Thermal Springs. Ideal for wellness retreats and low-impact nature travel.
Don’t miss: Lengarica Canyon walk and forest wildflower trails.
13. Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park: Albania’s blue treasure
Location: Vlora Bay, Southern Albania
Best for: Snorkeling, diving, island visits
Covering the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, this is Albania’s only marine national park. It protects underwater caves, coral, and sea life like dolphins and groupers.
Best tours: Full-day boat trips from Vlora.
Must-see: Haxhi Ali Cave (via swim or kayak).
14. Qafshtama National Park: Pines and royal springs
Location: Kruje Region
Best for: Spring tasting, pine woods, family picnics
Famous for its mineral-rich water bottled as “Qafshtama,” this park has shaded trails, forest groves, and an atmosphere of peace. Once a royal retreat, it still has historic villas.
Tip: Ideal for light hiking and nature photography.
