If you are a traveler who loves the wild beauty, untouched landscape, and the restorative silence that nature provides, then Albania is for you. While a relatively small country, Albania encompasses a beautiful range of ecosystems from the towering mountain peaks to the dense pine forests, river valleys, lagoons, and endless beautiful beaches, all preserved in the expanding national park areas.

Here is a curated list of some of Albania’s most wonderful national parks, well suited to those who love nature, photography, walking, or just time away from their computers.

Theth National Park is located in the Albanian Alps (Bjeshkët e Nemuna), at its center lies a true alpine paradise. Theth is one mountain paradise surrounded by dramatic peaks, glacial rivers, centuries-old villages, and perfect for solitude lovers looking to escape into wild nature. The highlight of the trip is the famous “Blue Eye of Theth“, a turquoise pool fed by icy mountain spring water reached by a 3 hour hike. Grunas Waterfall, ancient stone towers and the charming village itself make this park one of the most beautiful areas of Albania.

Best time to visit: Late May to early October
What to do: Hiking, nature photography, homestays, and cultural tourism

        2. Llogara National Park – Where mountains meet the sea

Driving in along the magnificent Llogara Pass and taking in the view of the eagles flying the cliffs that overlook the gulf to the south surely won’t disappoint as you arrive at one of Albania’s prettiest parks. Llogara National Park is a mountain oasis only a few km from the Ionian coast. Famous for its cool and shady pine forests, wind-shaped trees, and lookouts across the Albanian Riviera, Llogara National Park is a wonderful stop if you are traversing from the south coast and mixing beach time and freshness of the mountains. If you’re lucky, you may find some wild boar, foxes or the golden eagle in its natural habitat.

Best time to visit: April to October
What to do: Scenic drives, paragliding, picnicking, bird watching.

  • Divjakë-Karavasta National Park – The Birding experience in Albania

If you love wetlands and biodiversity, this is your Utopian opportunity. Divjakë-Karavasta National Park lies along Albania’s Adriatic coast and boasts one of the largest lagoons in the Mediterranean, as well as hundreds of bird species, including the beautiful, but rare Dalmatian Pelican.  There are boardwalks through the reeds and wooden towers that allow you peaceful viewing. You may arrange a small boat tour, and there are trails for cycling through the forests. The park is completely flat and it’s an easy experience for families to take any route they want.

Best time to visit: March to June (for spring bird migration)
Activities: Birdwatching, boat rides, biking, ecotourism.

  • Prespa National Park – The land of two lakes

Prespa National Park, which straddles three boundaries: Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, is lesser-known but very rewarding. It has two ancient lakes, small fishing villages along the shore, and an incredible number of endemic species. The landscape is peaceful and perfect for slow travel. Be sure to visit Maligrad island with its 14th century church carved into the rock, which is only accessible by boat. There are also herds grazing, monasteries sitting upon hills, and hiking trails with few people.

Best time to visit: May to October
Activities: Kayaking, birding, village stays, hiking

  • Valbona Valley National Park – Raw, majestic, and unforgettable

Valbona is considered by many to be the crown jewel of Albania’s natural environment. It’s situated across the valley from Theth, in the Albanian Alps, connected by the famous Theth–Valbona hike. The park is characterized by expansive valleys, turquoise rivers, alpine fields of flowers, and steep, jagged mountain walls. This is a hiker’s paradise, whether you take on the more challenging pass hike, or any of the shorter trails throughout the valley. Regardless, the wild beauty of this part of the world will live with you forever, it is beyond spectacular.

Best time to visit: June until September
Things to do: Trekking, camping, photography, and visiting remote villages

Plan your nature escape with Albania Inbound

Albania’s national parks are not just places, they’re an experience that detoxifies your mind, re-locates you in nature and reconnects you with yourself! Whether you’re an experienced trekker, a birder with binoculars or simply a gentle person seeking peaceful landscapes, you’ll find the trail with your name on it.