Divjakë: Hotels between Lagoon, Beach and Birdlife

Divjakë combines a protected lagoon landscape with coastal forest, sandy beaches and exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Divjakë–Karavasta National Park is considered the tourist center of the Municipality of Divjakë. It includes lagoons, coastal pine forests, sandy beaches, wetlands and salt flats. As an internationally protected area, it has been included on the list of the Ramsar Convention; the Karavasta Lagoon is also part of the protected Ramsar site network.

Nature and Birdlife

The Karavasta Lagoon covers approximately 42 square kilometers and is Albania’s largest lagoon. It is an important habitat for more than 20,000 wintering birds and Albania’s only coastal breeding site of the Dalmatian pelican. Overall, the lagoon is home to more than 200 bird species, including flamingos, cormorants and herons. Pelican Island is the most important nesting site of the Dalmatian pelican. The island is closed to the public, but it can be viewed from observation towers and during boat trips nearby.

Boat trips through the lagoon are offered in Divjakë–Karavasta National Park. On the Karavasta Lagoon, these trips lead to hidden channels, small reed-covered islands and places where birds nest. Birdwatching is a possible visitor activity in the national park; guided tours with nature experts are also offered. A 36-meter-high observation tower in the national park offers a 360-degree view of the forests, lagoon and sea.

Paths through Forest and Lagoon

Several trails explore the diverse landscapes around Divjakë. The 2.7-kilometer-long Tajga Trail runs through the sandy dune forest between the lagoon and the sea. The 14-kilometer-long Skela e Pirgut Trail starts at the visitor center and leads to an observation tower overlooking the landscape. The 3.3-kilometer-long Pelican Trail runs through the forest and along the shore of the lagoon; the pelicans’ breeding site can be seen from it.

The 5.3-kilometer-long trail to the observation tower at the First Lagoon Channel offers views of the entire lagoon. From there, the pelicans’ breeding site can also be observed with binoculars. A 22.4-kilometer-long trail runs through the Gjeneruka forests over the hills in the eastern part of the park. Along this route, views open up over oak forest and the expansive landscape. The coastal pine forest of Divjaka also contains nature trails for hiking and cycling.

Coast and Beach

The coastal pine forest of Divjaka is Albania’s only natural coastal pine forest. Divjakë Beach lies within Divjakë–Karavasta National Park and stretches for approximately 15 kilometers. It has fine sand as well as calm, clear water and is suitable for family holidays and ecotourism.

The Town and Regional Cuisine

Divjakë has direct access to the coast and the surrounding natural areas and is located near the main road networks. The town’s local character is connected with agricultural development, fishing and rural life in the Myzeqe area. The cuisine in the wider Divjakë area includes eel, sea bass and shrimp caught in the Karavasta Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea.

For more destinations within the same overarching region, see Fier County, Mbrostar, Lushnjë and Visokë.

To the overarching travel overview: Fier County.