Albania is a country in Europe with a land area of 28,748 square kilometers (seven million acres) and occupied by at least 2.9 million people. This quaint nation provides diversity in terms of its natural resources that feature snow-capped mountains, forested mountains, gorges, and the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas.
Albanian culture is unique. People shake their heads to say yes and nod their heads to say no. They love their scarecrows and teddy bears. These, for them, are talismans that bring in good fortune. They also love their evening walks and talks. The country also loves music and their folk music has survived in modern times. Most fans may not be aware that most of the pop stars they idolize have Albanian blood: Ava Max, Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa, and Rita Ora. Eliza Dushku also sings, although, she is more popular as an actress.
Another famous Albanian is Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, Mother Teresa was born from an Albanian family in Skopje, North Macedonia. But it was in Calcutta where she got the “call” to be a missionary. She later adopted Indian citizenship. She was the only Albanian to ever receive a Nobel Prize.
Albania is a biodiversity hotspot, which is a recognized region with a high level of biodiversity that could be threatened by human activities. Tourists should check out Albania’s biodiversity through these unexplored national parks:
1. Dajti National Park
This provides a different aspect of Albania with its rugged terrain and extremely fragmented topography. The park still hosts a thriving but unique plant population, which earned the park the designation of Important Plant Area as bestowed by Plantlife, a European wild plant conservation organization. The centerpiece of the park is the Dajti massif, which has an elevation of 1,613 meters. The other massifs are Brari, Priska, and Tijani.
Among the park’s beautiful spots are Lake Bovilla and Pellumbas Cave. Tourists may cross paths with the following while visiting the park: Eurasian wolves, European hares, European wildcats, red foxes, and wild boars.
2. Fir of Drenove National Park
The park is small at just 10.3 square kilometers (2,594 acres) and is located in Korce. The park has some rugged terrains interspersed with forests from the regions, with Dinaric Alpine mixed forests and Illyrian deciduous forests. The silver fir takes prominence in the park. This species is native to the European mountains. Some Christmas tree plantations also have this species as a holiday tree option.
Among the most magnificent attractions in the park are the unique rock formations. Among the most popular formations is the Cave of Tren, Cut of Stone, Stone of Capi, and Zhombrit’s Pyramid. There are also various water bodies to balance the land and rock forms. Among the more famous waters are the Carstic Cavity and Lenies Lakes.
The entire park has been declared as a natural landmark by the Albanian Government.
3. Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park
This is Albania’s lone marine park and it is gorgeous. It is located in Vlore County. It has everything tourists would ever want in a nature park: beautiful beaches, exciting caves, imposing mountains, interesting depressions, stunning islands, and some rocky terrains in the form of cliffs and canyons. These various natural forms also provide different kinds of habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna.
There are so many different water bodies within the park showcasing the most incredible shades of blue. They are also the habitat for various species of fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals. Among the common marine residents are common bottlenose dolphin, green sea turtle, leatherback sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtle, Mediterranean monk seal, short-beaked common dolphins, and sperm whale. Both the Mediterranean monk seal and sperm whales are considered endangered species.
The terrestrial part of the park, which is vast, is home to the following: badger, chamois, golden jackal, hazel dormouse, pine vole, red squirrel, roe deer, wild boar, and wildcat. The caves are also home to at least eight species of bats including the rare Mediterranean long-eared bat. Around 144 species of birds also thrive in the park in both the terrestrial and marine regions.
Among the most beautiful spots in Bay of Brisani, Bay of Grama, Cave of Haxhi Ali, and the Island of Sazan.
4. Prespa National Park
This large park hosts various natural forms: high mountains—some snow-capped ones while some are forested, small islands, meadows, dense forests, freshwater wetlands, and salt marshes. There are so many significant spots in this park, like the wetland that is in the list of important areas under the Ramsar Convention. The entire park is also considered an Important Bird Area with over 270 species of birds documented in the entire area. There are abundant birds in both the forests and bodies of water.
There are also caves within the park that provides a historical glimpse of the culture of the early Albanians. The caves contain a proof of settlement. Among the caves with cultural significance are the Treni and Zavir.
Wildlife in the park is vibrant with brown bears as among the most important residents. They thrive in the forest but also come out for food in some of the park’s lakes and streams. Other popular animal residents are Balkan lynxes, Dalmatian and white pelicans, and gray wolves.
5. Shtamë Pass National Park
Located at the edge of Tirana’s mountain chain, the park is named after the Qafë-Shtamë pass. The mountainous passage is blanketed with lush forest mostly made of pine trees. Among the mountains covered by the pass are Maja e Liquenit and Maja I Rjepat e Qetkolës. The former is the highest peak within the pass at 1,724 meters. It is a great place to hike with the trees providing shade. There are also beautiful yellow Forsythia Europea lining up some parts of the pass.
The park is also home to lakes and streams that provide refreshing water sources; the most significant of which is the Kroi I Nenes Mbretëreshë. Among the animals living in the park are brown bears, foxes, wolves, and various species of birds.