Discover Divjakë: Lagoon, Coastal Forest and Beach

Divjakë brings together the coast and natural areas in a landscape shaped by lagoons, forests, beaches, wetlands and salt flats. Divjakë–Karavasta National Park is considered the tourist hub of the municipality of Divjakë. During your stay, you can choose from several different experiences: birdwatching, trails through forests and dune landscapes, and time at the beach.

Lagoon and Birdlife

At around 42 square kilometres, Karavasta Lagoon is Albania’s largest lagoon and is part of the protected Ramsar site network. The national park is protected internationally and included on the Ramsar Convention list. The lagoon is a habitat for more than 20,000 wintering birds and Albania’s only coastal breeding site for the Dalmatian pelican. It is also home to more than 200 bird species, including flamingos, cormorants and herons.

Pelican Island is the main nesting site for the Dalmatian pelican. The island is closed to the public; it can be viewed from observation towers and on nearby boat trips. Birdwatching is one possible activity in the national park. Guided tours with nature experts are also offered there.

Boat trips through Karavasta Lagoon lead to hidden channels, small reed-covered islands and places where birds nest. A 36-metre-high observation tower offers panoramic views of the forests, lagoon and sea. These experiences offer different perspectives, from views across the landscape to observing birds and their nesting areas.

Trails and Viewpoints

The trails described vary considerably in length and scenery. The 2.7-kilometre Tajga Trail runs through the sandy dune forest between the lagoon and the sea. The 3.3-kilometre Pelican Trail passes through the forest and along the shore of the lagoon, offering views of the pelicans’ breeding site. The 5.3-kilometre trail to the observation tower at the First Lagoon Channel offers views across the entire lagoon and, with binoculars, of the breeding site.

For longer distances, there are other destinations on the trail network: the 14-kilometre Skela e Pirgut Trail begins at the visitor centre and leads to an observation tower with views across the landscape. The 22.4-kilometre trail through the Gjeneruka forests crosses the hills in the eastern part of the park and offers views of the oak forest and the surrounding landscape. The distances provide a clear basis for planning; the trails pass through different areas and lead to different viewpoints.

Coastal Forest and Beach

The coastal pine forest of Divjaka is Albania’s only natural coastal pine forest. Its nature trails are suitable for walking and cycling. Divjaka Beach is within the national park and stretches for around 15 kilometres. Fine sand and calm, clear water characterise it; it is suitable for family holidays and ecotourism. The coast offers a distinct experience alongside the lagoon and forest landscapes.

Town Character and Travel Planning

The local character of the town of Divjakë is linked to agricultural development, fishing and rural life in the Myzeqe area. The cuisine across the wider Divjakë area is also shaped by its waters: eel, sea bass and shrimp are caught in Karavasta Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. This regional context complements the nature experiences with a glimpse of local life and cuisine, without associating them with any one restaurant or hotel.

Divjakë has direct access to the coast and surrounding natural areas and is close to the main road routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Divjakë, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your trip, such as birdwatching, a particular trail or the beach. The experiences and landscapes described offer specific points to consider, while your choice of hotel depends on your own requirements.

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