Narta Lagoon

The lagoon is separated from the Adriatic Sea by a narrow strip of alluvial dunes stretching 8 km. The water is saline – salinity ranges from 28‰ in winter to 75‰ in summer – making this a natural salt source since ancient times. The northern section (about 1,500 hectares) was converted into the Skrofotina salt pans in the 1950s, which remain operational. The shallow basins with dikes and islets unintentionally created ideal nesting conditions for waterbirds.

The star attraction is the birdlife. The lagoon hosts around 3,000 greater flamingos, Dalmatian and great white pelicans, herons, cormorants, and waders – over 200 bird species in total, with up to 34,800 wintering individuals recorded. Flamingos are most often seen on the salt pans: pink clusters against white salt fields visible even without binoculars. Two birdwatching towers are positioned along the road separating the lagoon from the salt works.

Beyond birds, the landscape includes Mediterranean pine forests, sand dunes near the Vjosa River mouth, and Zvërnec Island with its Byzantine monastery connected to shore by a wooden bridge. The entire area has an untouched character: minimal construction, silence, the scent of pine and salt water.

Area – 42 km², Albania's second-largest coastal lagoon

Flamingos – resident colony of 3,000 greater flamingos (2020 data)

Biodiversity – over 200 bird species, 102 fish species, up to 34,800 wintering birds

Protected status – part of the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape, internationally recognized Important Bird Area

Salt pans – operational salt works covering 1,500 hectares, exploited since Roman times

Zvërnec Island – the lagoon contains an island with a 13th–14th century Byzantine monastery

Narta Lagoon formed through centuries of alluvial accumulation from the Vjosa River, which originates in the Pindus Mountains near the Albanian-Greek border. The lagoon's saline waters have been used for salt extraction since Roman times. In the 1950s, the northern section was converted into the Skrofotina industrial salt pans covering 1,500 hectares – shallow basins with dikes and islets that unintentionally created ideal nesting habitat for waterbirds.

In 2023, the Vjosa River was declared Europe's first Wild River National Park, and the lagoon became part of the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape (total area 12,727 hectares). However, the ecosystem faces threats: construction of Akërni Airport within the lagoon zone drew protests from environmental organizations including BirdLife International. The airport site was removed from the protected landscape boundaries in 2023.

From central Vlora (15 km, 20–30 min by car):

– By rental car – best option, allows stops at observation points along the road

– Taxi – 1,000–1,500 ALL (≈ €10–15 / $11–16) to the lagoon area

– Bus to Narta village – around 100 ALL, then 1–2 km walk to viewpoints

– Bicycle from Vlora – about 10 km, 40–60 minutes. Flat road but hot in summer

From Tirana (150 km, 2.5–3 hours):

By car on the SH4 highway to Vlora, then northwest.

Season: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) – peak migration, maximum bird diversity. Flamingos are present year-round but most active in spring and autumn.

Time of day: Early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) – birds are most active, soft light for photography. Late afternoon is also good.

Duration: 2–3 hours for an independent visit. Half a day with an organized tour.

Avoid: Midday hours – birds less active, hot. In winter, some unpaved roads may be difficult after rain.