Divjaka-Karavasta National Park

Divjaka-Karavasta protects the Karavasta lagoon, the largest in Albania at about forty-two square kilometres, separated from the Adriatic by a sand bar and backed by a large stand of Mediterranean stone pine, along with saltmarsh, dunes and the mouth of the Shkumbin. Its importance is ornithological: the lagoon holds one of the few breeding colonies of Dalmatian pelican in the Mediterranean, on artificial platforms and islets, along with flamingoes, herons, terns and very large numbers of wintering waterbirds, and it is a Ramsar site. Boardwalks and a viewing tower give access, and boat trips run on the lagoon. The pine forest behind has walking and cycling tracks and a beach on the seaward side.

What's there

• Dalmatian pelicans - one of the few Mediterranean breeding colonies.
• The Karavasta lagoon - the largest in Albania behind its sand bar.
• Stone pine forest - the wood between the lagoon and the sea.
• Boardwalks and a viewing tower - the access into the wetland.

When to go

March to May for breeding pelicans and September to November for passage and wintering birds. A day. Dawn is the hour. Summer brings beach visitors to the seaward side and is poor for birds.

What to expect

Pelican viewing is at a distance and needs a telescope; boats that approach the colony disturb it and should be refused. Facilities are basic. The park has suffered from illegal building and litter. Mosquitoes are severe in summer.

Nearby

Divjake town is east; Apollonia lies south.

Key facts